Just before xmas the Doc sent me for standard bloods +thyroid +menopause. The most distressing symptom that sent me running to her is air hunger. But I have symptoms of both and not a single female in my family has escaped an under active thyroid as long as I have (am nearly 50)
Doc won't be back until after New Year. The doc subbing her was overrun with flu patients and only had time for a really brief explanation with a treatment plan (if any) to be sorted by my own doc when she gets back.
I live abroad so everything is in my second language, fine most of the time but when it comes to medical stuff I panic that I am missing important details and nauance. So....
with these results what am I looking at ?
menopause
S-FSH 6.3 mUI/ml
S-LH 5.5 mUI/ml
So is that normal-ish, or peri menopausal ? I had my period on the day of the test if that changes anything.
Prolactin
*45.2 ng/ml (top of normal is 23 so this result got flagged)
(Apparently it's some kind of hormone and might relate to both thyroid and menopause but am unclear about to what’s degree and if that means it doesn't need treating by itself, but will resolve if other issues resolve.
Thyroid
S-TSH 4,8 uIU/ml (top of normal range is 4.2 so this result got flagged)
S- Free T4 1.2 ng/dl (normal range 0.93-1.7)
Am I peri menopause ? Do I start HRT now ? Will that help with the osteoporosis risk caused by the high prolactin result ?
Is that thyroid result bad enough to be causing the air hunger ? Does that level require thyroxine ? What does that mean for my bones what with possible peri menopause and high prolactin and thyroxine on top ?
Should I join the gym and lift some not so light weights to counteract the possible bone issue ? I walk a lot but I guess my arms don't exactly carry much of a load most days.
Will stuffing myself with B vitemins, zinc, magnesium and other supplements ward off the need for lifelong medication and save my bones (and maybe even bring back my libido ?)
Are my results not-serious enough that avoiding thyroid annoying foods will make a difference ?
Is there anything I need to know before I go and see my doc so I can make an informed decision about any treatment options she lays out ?And what, if any treatment options might she be laying out ?
Is there anything I should read ?
I have googled .. but am feeling very overwhelmed cos there is so much stuff I don't know.