Can anyone who knows about Hashimoto’s help?

[Sparkletastic]

Have been hypothyroid well over 10 years and had a scan ages again that confirmed thyroid was ‘shrivelled like a walnut’ in the words of the medic 😳 Antibodies test was positive so Hashimoto’s diagnosed.

I’ve been on 150mg levothyroxine for some time now and weight stable throughout that time. Recent blood test showed serum tsh was very low at 0.08 (normal range 0.27 to 4.2) but serum free is in normal range. Dr says nothing to discuss as serum tsh ok but I’m a bit worried. I certainly don’t feel hyperthyroid - if anything I’ve had some thyroid crashes recently and felt cold and exhausted with all joints aching.

Any advice please? Should I push GP for an endocrinologist referral? I’ve been on HRT for 3 years if that has any relevance?

Sorry to jump on your thread, but can I ask how you got the diagnosis of Hashimoto’s? When I was put on thyroxine - for subclinical results - there were no scans, just a blood test.

It was because I had a suspected goitre. Turned out to be the death throes of the thyroid gland. Around the same time my GP ordered an antibodies blood test. She was great. So thorough. My current GP….not so much.

i have hashimotos too-so solidarity there. I’m just wondering what you are hoping to change via the endo referral?

if your gp is happy to keep you on the current dosage (you are lucky there as mine would definitely try to reduce me with that result) that’s good or are you hoping endo will increase it?

how are all your other measures? Vit D, b12? Iron? Gp could explore those maybe?

Looking back, I had glandular fever when I was 16, by 18 I had a goitre but didn’t realise it, then sub clinical hypothyroid at 33. Now I’ve got a problem with my hair that might be auto immune, so I’m just wondering if my body is sabotaging itself!

I think with Hashimoto’s thyroid can switch between being under and over active and make you feel awful. I recently reduced thyroxine from 75 to 50 and feel much better. Symptoms I had were fatigue, low mood, emotional, irritable, on edge, fast heartbeat.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to make sure all your levels are good from an holistic pov. I'm hypothyroid, subsequent to graves 30 odd years ago. A TSH as low as yours would worry me due to osteoporosis risks.

A referral to a good endocrinologist with an interest in women's health and fatigue would be a good idea, but you won't get holistic, optimal advice on the NHS. You will have to pay. Your GP might be prepared to run full bloods for you so you can take the results to a private consultation.

Are you worried as your TSH is so low? If that’s the case I wouldn’t be too concerned. From my understanding TSH isn’t a ‘thyroid’ hormone as such as it’s produced by the pituitary gland so isn’t a very clear indicator of thyroid function. Are you on the thyroid UK board of Healthunlocked online? If not I would have a look and post your results there (including reference ranges for your area’s lab) and you’ll get good detailed advice re levels.

Could I just ask you about your comment re osteoporosis? Is this a risk with an over-active thyroid or under?

The risk arises from an overactive thyroid or an over medicated underactive thyroid. The TSH should not go below the lower limit. In feel at my best towards the lower limit.

Thank you for your excellent advice. I was thinking private route might be advisable just for a bit of a thyroid ‘MOT’ but bloods via NHS would help.

Certainly not seeking an increase in thyroxine meds but concerned why, if I’m over-medicated as the test result might indicate, my symptoms are far more hypo than hyper. Some really excellent advice on this thread - very grateful. 🙏