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Original poster

underactive thyroid - Anyone?

48 replies

Buddy80 · 03/10/2009 20:20

Hi all,

It all makes such sense now (feeling tired, brittle hair, depression, over eating, muscle aches, lack of concentration, etc) I have been tested for thyroid problems last month.

My first blood test results: high TSH level and low/normal T4.

My GP told me that it's a borderline result and recommended another blood test. I have since had this and due the results next week.

BUT, I am dreading being diagnosed as sub-clinical . I have heard if you are, you don't recieve any medication until your T4 levels decrease to a specified level.

I have 2-friends who also have an underactive thyriod and felt so much better once treated with medication.

Help please. I have a toddler and it would be wonderful to get this sorted!

OP posts:
Goober · 03/10/2009 20:23

I have this.

No idea what the levels are but I am on quite a high dosage of thyroxine.

I didn't realise how ill I was until I started to get better.

Original poster
Buddy80 · 03/10/2009 20:30

I know, I have heard people say that they did not realise something was too amiss. It was the fact that it was all different symptoms. For me, the last straw was waking each morning, and my muscles ache, especially my back. One of my friends also had the same symptom.

How long did it take you to feel back to your normal self?

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Dogchewsonlimbsanpumpkins · 03/10/2009 20:33

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Original poster
Buddy80 · 03/10/2009 20:37

From what little I know, some symptoms can vary from person to person. I'm pretty new to all this as I only got my first results last week.

Just wait and see

Anyone out there who was initially diagnosed as sub-clinical?

OP posts:
Catatonic · 03/10/2009 20:48

I was sub-clinical as underactive thyroid runs in the family - so I was being monitored by the consultant for around a year . Once they did decide to prescribe you have to start on a low dose and build up to the correct dose - it took 2 years to reach my current dose of 125mg. I now feel so much better , however all the time I was telling the consultant I felt fine - I just thought I was getting old !! I am a dedicated afternoon napper once the kids are home from school - just 10 mins gives you more get-up-and-go. Its the only way I could function ! Hope this helps. You do need to see a consultant though rather than the GP.

Original poster
Buddy80 · 03/10/2009 20:55

Thanks for your response.

I wonder how I would go about seeing a consultant? As I thought it would be handled just directly by a GP.

I know what you mean about the getting older. I thought I was just run down as I am overweight, had a non-sleeping baby and not taking care of myself. In a funny way, felt pleased with my blood test results, as it wasn't all in my head.

Will wait and see what this next batch of results give (I used to be so good and fast and writing emails, now I struggle!).

Can't wait to lose the weight. Have joined a gym, but find myself muching on chocolate all day just to give me energy (poor excuse, I know ).

My GP thinks that this may just be a post-natal thyriod problem which will correct itself. I think if my thyriod is knackered, its knackered....

OP posts:
Catatonic · 03/10/2009 21:12

Hang in there girl ! It might be a long haul. The GP referred me straight away when he heard I had about the family history and the consultant was very impressed with the GP because of this - it might be a bit unusual. I am not a doctor but the consultant said if he prescribes thyroxine too early the thyroid starts to decide not to bother IYSWIM and doesnt do its job and then you need more drugs. My sister's underactive thyroid corrected itself amazingly, when she changed GP's !! Shes younger than me though. I am still trying to lose the weight. Gym's are not for me. Good luck !

Original poster
Buddy80 · 03/10/2009 21:20

Thank you - been a big help. Lets hope it corrects itself

OP posts:
slowreadingprogress · 03/10/2009 21:42

Hi, I've been trying to get the right dose for years, with 3 different GPs, not one of whom has suggested seeing a consultant!

Anyway my first GP said I was sub clinical - unfortunately I can't remember my TSH reading. After another year or so of doing just what you mention and putting my extreme exhaustion down to non sleeping baby, etc, my mum badgered me to go back and I was then put on thyroxine - I've increased over time from 50mcg to 200mcg daily. Finally I am feeling much more energetic and I don't get ill all the time. and my last TSH was under 1 which is my best ever

basically, keep going back if you feel bad; I think the current advice is that GPs should treat depending on the individual; if you have someone with a TSH of 4 that could be seen as normal but if they're on their knees with exhaustion and ill then they still might treat with thyroxine. It's all so individual

good luck x

Goober · 03/10/2009 22:04

My old self was drained and achey with awfull periods for as long as I could remember. I didn't know any different.
Started to feel "Alive" fairly quickly once medicated. Within the first 2 months I think, but took a few tests/months to control the dosage. Now I am tested annually.

slowreadingprogress · 03/10/2009 22:06

Goober that's a good point

I had been feeling tired and drained, particularly with a low point in the afternoons, for years

probably a sign that the body is not producing exactly the thyroxine it should be - but not so little as to make you go to the dr with it!

Goober · 03/10/2009 22:10

The GP did routine blood tests after I kept complaing about the dreadfully painfull and heavy periods. I bled so much that I couldn't be away from a loo for more than 1/2 hour without messing clothes!
This was 10 years ago now.

slowreadingprogress · 03/10/2009 22:19

Yes, when I have been under-medicated my periods just got heavier and heavier - now they're much more manageable

LeonieBooCreepy · 03/10/2009 22:24

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lyndysue · 03/10/2009 22:30

I have no idea why my thyroid gave out after my 2nd pregnancy and it really bothers me that no-one can tell me why it happened. But I had heavy periods and I was so slow that I struggled to even sign my name. I remember getting pins and needles all down the side of my face which I still get now when I am tired even though my medication is all sorted.

I have a busy life and my dose takes care of things most of the time. But it took a couple of years to sort it out properly.

I just wish I knew why!

LeonieBooCreepy · 03/10/2009 22:40

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TheIggorcist · 03/10/2009 22:41

My GP's view is that before the blood tests, doctors diagnosed thyroid problems based on the symptoms the patient reports - so just because the test says one thing, if you are adamant about the symptoms you are experiencing,they should take this into account. If they insist you DON'T need thyroxine, ask for an alternate explanation/treatment for all your symptoms!
I has a completely rubbish pregnancy due to having a "borderline" result (IMO) and wish I'd known then what I know now...

nancy75 · 03/10/2009 22:46

ask to see an endocrinologist, gps often dont truly understand the blood results, or read too much into them. a specialist will take into account how you feel on the drugs as well as what your tests say.

Original poster
Buddy80 · 04/10/2009 09:40

I have a feeling I am going to be fobbed off. Have been before. Will stick to my guns.

Feel as if I have wasted enough time feeling like this that I don't want to unnecessarily have most of my 30's feeling like rubbish.

Anyone know if I would be due a follow-up blood test if the GP digs thier heels in and says that I am sub-clinical?

TBH, I am tempted if I don't get any help to go private. Time will tell though.

Scary thing is that the GP's reception said my result was fine. I only found out that my result was not normal when I saw the GP about a separate matter (depression), now found out its linked.

Although she did recommend getting out a book on CBT and taking St.Johns Wort, as this may help. Confuses me, as it was also agreed that my depression is most likely caused by the thyriod in the first place.

As you can tell, I am eager to get this sorted

OP posts:
nancy75 · 04/10/2009 11:10

if you are concerned you wont get anywhere with gp i suggest you find out the name of the endocrinologist that covers your nhs area, what hospital they work out of ect, have all the info ready and when you go back to the doctors tell them you are still unwell and this is who you want to be refered to.
do you have private insurance? if you don't the cost of an appointment is usually around £150 but the blood tests can be very expensive (i had one recently that would have been £475 - fortunately i'm covered)
i have a long history of thyroid probs, and my gp was never able to deal with it properly. my scecialist alters my thyroxine by taking into account all blood test results and any symptoms i still have - if you live in london i'll give you his name - he is very good.

PlumBumMum · 04/10/2009 11:21

I have an underactive thyroid, my results came back 'normal' I went back and said noway I'm falling asleep during the day, tired grumpy etc
put me up to alternate days, feel bit better got blood test done came back stick to new to dose

you need to stick to your guns

Original poster
Buddy80 · 04/10/2009 11:30

Absolutley!

You know what will happen, though? Walk in get my blood test reults and get issued medication - no problem. These things can be so straightforward once you're ready to stick to your guns

All I need to do is wait. Its been really interesting reading all your repsonses - thank you.

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LeonieBooCreepy · 04/10/2009 16:55

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alecia43 · 05/10/2009 10:02

I take synthroid myself. Go ahead and have them checked again. Make sure you are eating right and exercising.

raphaelbutler · 05/10/2009 17:14

hi ive been tryin to get treatment fightin with gp my tsh 3.5 (1.17 4 months ago) and t4 11 (18 4 months ago) and i have anti bodies over 700 borderline waitin to get another blood test in 3 months - i know if got it good luck wiv yr tests x