Thyroid levels help

[SparklySneakers]

Hi, I had my thyroid levels checked along with a host of other things last summer and they came back smack bang in the middle of the normal range.
My symptoms are: fatigue, muscle aches, irregular periods, headaches, cramps, thinning hair, weight gain.
I'm going back to the GP today as fed up of feeling rubbish.
What thyroid tests are the ones that often show abnormalities even though the TFTs are within range?
Thanks.

Also sweaty with dry skin. I'm 42, 3 kids, breastfeeding (only at bedtime).
Could be peri-menopause I guess but been like this years to a greater or lesser extent

What did they test last time? Just TSH and T4?

ideally they should test T3 and thyroid antibodies aswell (think these are TPO and TGAB?) but I'm not sure the NHS routinely test T3.

Thanks. I think it was just basic thyroid levels. I'll ask today and see if she'll print out the results for me. Everything was in the middle of normal, that's all I know.

If the GP wont run the tests, you can get them done on your own with Medichecks. Then you can show them the results and if they are not normal, the GP can repeat them (if they dont trust them) or treat you on that basis.

Also you should get your vit d, b12, iron, ferritin and magnesium levels checked

The trust here won't test vitD as everyone would be deficient so they just advise supplements. The GP did check with the lab but they said no. I have 20,000 iu capsules. Haven't made much difference though.

Op did you get a copy of your results? It will help to know what you're dealing with. They want to see a tsh of 10+ before diagnosis in which case 'in the middle' could mean 5, which would be quite high if you were taking levo. Sorry if that sounds like gibberish, what I mean is that you need to know what tests were done, your results and the lab ranges for each.

If you're only just within range it may be a matter of keeping an eye on it and retesting. Levels fluctuate so if you do have a problem it can take some time to show up on tests.

What thyroid tests are the ones that often show abnormalities even though the TFTs are within range? Antibodies? As pp said they tend not to test t3 and they may only test antibodies if you already have other unusual results. Private tests are available but your gp may not take notice of them.

Have you had a look at Thyroid UK?

You can get private vit d fingerprick tests and self-treat. Your d supplements are very high and tend to be used as a loading dose or maybe as a weekly supplement. Again it would be helpful to be tested as your result would indicate what dose would be appropriate for you.

I've just tried to get hold of the lab myself to find out more (I used to work at the Trust). I have previously been deficient but was tested when working for a GP practice in another area where vitD tests were done on nearly everyone. It's frustrating that they won't do it here as like you say, I need to know what my levels are and have them monitored.

I got through to the lab and apparently it's a consultant decision as to whether or not the lab does them as very expensive tests. Central Manchester Trust obviously doesn't mind the cost as we did hundreds a week at my practice

I don't disagree but it looks like you'll have to self-monitor which is simple enough.

Expensive though!

A few years ago vit d was flavour of the month and maybe testing was incentivised in some way, I don't know. I doubt my gp still does them. I think the self-tests are £30-40 each. It takes time to get d levels up to normal if you're deficient, so you may be able to get by testing twice a year.

Bloods retaken by GP. They don't do t3 or antibodies unless the other thyroid tests are abnormal.

You can get private tests for T3 and antibodies - have a look on Medichecks. They often have discount codes too.