Anyone fancy giving a stab at diagnosis?

[Cantfindanavailablename]

Just for fun and interest really.
Swelling in neck. Depression (worsening but now under control with strong meds), low energy - bone aching exhaustion, pms, weight gain (approx 5 stone across 2 years). Age 37
It's not menopause. Thyroid bloods were normal. In fact...all bloods usually come back normal.
All points to thyroid. My weight is hurting my ankles and I don't feel comfortable in my skin.

A goitre is different to general swelling in the neck, so which do you have?

Have you been tested for diabetes?

My dad had a swollen neck and it was something to do with his arthritis, or was a type of arthritis. I’m not sure on the specifics though.

cushings syndrome? Depends on what the swelling is like. Does weight gain coincide with when you started taking medication for depression?

I'm no expert but it feels like glands or thyroid. Husband is somewhat medical for his job and is convinced it's the thyroid.
Previously tested for diabetes. On my way towards pre diabetic at last test but not yet there.
I'm strongly considering weight loss injections but there's probably little point if it's caused by health issues.
Oh also often cold...or prickly with sweat.

Weight gain not directly associated with anti depressants

Did they test your vitamin D levels?

I believe so but I haven't got the results to hand. I have an appointment on Saturday so may have more bloods taken then I guess

Where are you carrying most of this new weight OP? Is it definitely all fat, or could it be something like lymphoedema?

Stomach, hips, boobs, arms. Really. Maybe butt. I think it is fat

Subclinical hypothyroidism. Just because your bloods said your levels are within normal range, doesn't mean it's normal for you.

To add, just because you're only 37 doesn't mean you aren't in peri-menopause. That, combined with subclinical hypothyroidism will do a real number on you.

What thyroid levels were tested?. I would think your thyroid gland here is not working as it should be and seems underactive. That would account for your symptoms.

Thyroid UK is a useful website.

What was your actual tsh?

These were my results from a couple of months ago

I had exactly your symptoms - the fatigue was so bad I wasn't safe to drive any more, it made me miserable.

Get your Vitamin D tested. I'm now on 40,000 IU/week for 3 months, and the change happened within a week. I have been on it for 6 weeks, and have lost 6lbs, I'm sleeping better, the fatigue is gone, mostly, and the bloating is gone (I looked super pregnant with it!). I'll then be on 400iu daily.

Honestly, get it checked - it might not be, but it could be, and it's a relatively easy fix!

You’re very hypothyroid.

TSH should be around 1 OP. I can’t get out of bed if it goes above 2. The clinical ranges are too wide so many many women are suffering badly because the doctor fobs them off.

You need to ask for repeat with TSH, T3, T4, rT3 and both types of anti thyroid antibodies.

Ah doesn't sound like lymphoma then. Have you ruled out PCOS?

I think it might be worth considering the weight loss treatment too, even whilst you search for the actual cause. Centrally stored fat is very biologically active and could be causing problems of its own. It can create a bit of a vicious cycle (metabolic syndrome)

I definitely think the extra weight is causing problems. Certainly with flexibility. So it must be causing other issues too.

I'm convinced it must be thyroid. I wonder if I would be eligible for private treatment

Doctor has prescribed me thyroxine!!! Yay

Oh that's excellent news! I hope you feel better soon!

I am glad your doc listened to you @Cantfindanavailablename

But ... I am hypothyroid too and I took thyroxine for 10 years but it didn't help much. You need to know if you can convert T4 into T3 otherwise the thyroxine (synthetic T4) is useless.

I started on natural dessicated thyroid 3 months ago and I feel like a new woman. I had all the symptoms of hypothyroidism except my labs were excellent. I read this book and realised that it was about me ...
https://drknews.com/why-do-i-still-have-thyroid-symptoms/

Sounds like u have put on weight as u have been comfort eating which is causing all the other issues, found a healthy lifestyle plan u can stick to.