Thyroid

[aggytha]

My TSH has been <0.01 (undetectable) both during pregnancy and afterwards. My thyroid issue isn't autoimmune, it's a multinodular goiter which had become toxic so the nodules were producing too much of the hormone. I very nearly had to go on medication during one of my pregnancies but fortunately my T4 levels didn't rise any higher. There are side effects with the medication though so make sure you're making an informed choice.

I can't remember if you mentioned in your previous post whether you'd been tested for antibodies? This will determine if you have an autoimmune condition or a problem within the thyroid itself.

Mine didn't ever resolve properly after pregnancy and I ended up having half of it removed. The remaining half is very large but at the moment is behaving itself hormone wise so I get to keep it for a while.

I’ve (finally!) had my TRAB (antibody) result and have been told it’s come back positive. However I believe my thyroid levels are currently within normal range.

My OB has told me that Endocrinology want to retest my TRAB and thyroid function at 28 weeks, which is fine, but is a false positive possible?! I gather this indicates that it is autoimmune related and not pregnancy induced?

 

[TwooTwooTwitTwitTwoo]

I’ve (finally!) had my TRAB (antibody) result and have been told it’s come back positive. However I believe my thyroid levels are currently within normal range.

My OB has told me that Endocrinology want to retest my TRAB and thyroid function at 28 weeks, which is fine, but is a false positive possible?! I gather this indicates that it is autoimmune related and not pregnancy induced?

I don't think false positives happen really so it does sound like you had an existing autoimmune condition that has simply become symptomatic/presented now probably due to hormone changes etc due to the pregnancy.

I don't know that much about autoimmune thyroid conditions beyond what I read up on a few years ago but I'd imagine you will be closely monitored now. Also, if you feel unwell in the weeks or months following delivery then make sure you go back to the GP, don't just 'put up' with it.

I'm glad you have some answers and a clear plan in place for follow up etc. Hope you're feeling OK about it all and not too stressed out.

 

[aggytha]

I don't think false positives happen really so it does sound like you had an existing autoimmune condition that has simply become symptomatic/presented now probably due to hormone changes etc due to the pregnancy.

I don't know that much about autoimmune thyroid conditions beyond what I read up on a few years ago but I'd imagine you will be closely monitored now. Also, if you feel unwell in the weeks or months following delivery then make sure you go back to the GP, don't just 'put up' with it.

I'm glad you have some answers and a clear plan in place for follow up etc. Hope you're feeling OK about it all and not too stressed out.

thank you so much! I have been told Endocrinology want to see me 6 weeks post birth so sounds like everything is in place!

They seem to be happy that my levels are okay and I don’t currently need medicating which is great, just want to make sure all the right things are done to check on the babies once they are born as I believe thyroid problems can pass over.

 

[TwooTwooTwitTwitTwoo]

thank you so much! I have been told Endocrinology want to see me 6 weeks post birth so sounds like everything is in place!

They seem to be happy that my levels are okay and I don’t currently need medicating which is great, just want to make sure all the right things are done to check on the babies once they are born as I believe thyroid problems can pass over.

Yeah they can. My first was born hypothyroid (his production was suppressed because mine was overactive) and was on Levothroxine until he was 4. He hasn't had any throid problems since though!

 

[Padfoot]

hey everyone I hope you're all doing well and are getting answers! I had this video pop up, which was a bit funny but might be helpful to some! (obviously everyone is different!)

 

[Beth1980]

I tested positive for antibodies before I started on Levothyroxine and as far as I am aware, in the UK, it doesn't make a difference as your correct it is just thyroxine as treatment.

 

[knivesnflowers]

yep hashimotos here but i was told that when i was diagnosed rather than later on and was referred to an endocrinologist. i'm on levothyroxine but it has never absolved my symptoms, just sort of levelled them out. i was given an ultrasound on my thyroid a few months after to check for goiters (have them) but haven't had one since, this was early 2017.

 

[Vidyagaymes]

I also Got the antibody test when I was diagnosed… hashimotos here too… levothyroxine has pretty much removed all my symptoms apart from the cold and heat intolerance…

 

[Sozhun]

Hoping for a bit of advice before I start googling and driving myself insane.
My 13yr old daughter had some blood tests and when I rung for results the GP receptionist said that “there’s an issue with her thyroid and that she’s anaemic” and that we need to book an appointment to see the GP. I can see in the app the results and free T4 was 10.7 and her TSH was 2.8. Her HB and Ferritin are also low - HB 107 and Ferritin 2.

The anemia isn’t really anything new although it’s definitely worse than it was but the thyroid thing is what’s throwing me off. Does anyone have any suggestions what those results could mean as well not be able to get an appointment for a day or 2

 

[George01]

Hoping for a bit of advice before I start googling and driving myself insane.
My 13yr old daughter had some blood tests and when I rung for results the GP receptionist said that “there’s an issue with her thyroid and that she’s anaemic” and that we need to book an appointment to see the GP. I can see in the app the results and free T4 was 10.7 and her TSH was 2.8. Her HB and Ferritin are also low - HB 107 and Ferritin 2.

The anemia isn’t really anything new although it’s definitely worse than it was but the thyroid thing is what’s throwing me off. Does anyone have any suggestions what those results could mean as well not be able to get an appointment for a day or 2

According to my GP app with my.precious results in the normal range for TSH is 0.27- 4.2 so that looks like it's normal and the normal for T4 is between 12 and 22 so slightly underactive thyroid. She might get put on a low dose of levothyroxine to take to try and balance it out.

Compared to some of the results I've had over the years hers are really not too bad so don't stress too much, I'm obviously not an expert can only go on what I've dealt with over the years but the docs will deffo be able to give more clarity on the next steps for her. Thyroid issues for me have always been a bit of a minefield everyone's are slightly different but as long as I am strict with my medication I'm generally fine on it and it doesn't cause any other health issues for me

 

[Sozhun]

Thanks for your reply. I’m annoyed that the receptionist essentially diagnosed her which I’m sure they’re not allowed to do so I’ll definitely be mentioning that when I see the doctor. She has lots of issues which is why we had the bloods so under active thyroid would explain 99.9% of them.

Thanks for settling my mind until we see the doctor

 

[TwooTwooTwitTwitTwoo]

Thanks for your reply. I’m annoyed that the receptionist essentially diagnosed her which I’m sure they’re not allowed to do so I’ll definitely be mentioning that when I see the doctor. She has lots of issues which is why we had the bloods so under active thyroid would explain 99.9% of them.

Thanks for settling my mind until we see the doctor

To be fair, she didn't diagnose her, she just told you there was an issue with her thyroid based on the blood results. That's normal information to give out.

I hope your daughter is treated in a swift and suitable manner and recovers well. Thyroid conditions can be so brutal.

 

[Beth1980]

Normally they will repeat the test at a later date, if it's the first to show something, as some things can influence the test but that would be more for TSH levels. I guess it will also depend of the reference ranges in your area.
I orginally had middle range TSH but low T4 and after a few test showing the same and a positive antibody test I was started on Levothyroxine, hope your daughter gets everything sorted.

 

[knivesnflowers]

Hoping for a bit of advice before I start googling and driving myself insane.
My 13yr old daughter had some blood tests and when I rung for results the GP receptionist said that “there’s an issue with her thyroid and that she’s anaemic” and that we need to book an appointment to see the GP. I can see in the app the results and free T4 was 10.7 and her TSH was 2.8. Her HB and Ferritin are also low - HB 107 and Ferritin 2.

The anemia isn’t really anything new although it’s definitely worse than it was but the thyroid thing is what’s throwing me off. Does anyone have any suggestions what those results could mean as well not be able to get an appointment for a day or 2

The day or two delay shouldn’t make a difference! I was about her age when diagnosed, apparently puberty can trigger something or other to be out of balance hormonally. Just make sure they don’t fob you off with that though and have them investigate fully (maybe ask for an antibody test if not already done - unlikely to be hashimoto’s but that’s what I had and luckily my gp was on the ball). If the anemia is down to periods or anything like that then it might be affected by her thyroid and medication too so just keep an eye out.

have them keep on top of her bloods too, I had tests every three months or so to see if the levo dose needed adjusting, and one every year to keep on top of it. on a positive note she’ll get free prescriptions

 

[ChampagneBox]

This week my mood has been really bad, really irritable and weird anger, and th only thing that’s changed is I’ve come down on my levo dose from alternate days 150/125 to just 125…it’s not a big change though so it might not be that, but did anyone else experience mood problems when changing their dose?

 

[Beth1980]

I can't answer because going by my last annual bloods I am under medicated, but hope you feel better soon. It may just need a while for the new dose to 'settle' but guess it depends on why your dose was lowered.
Also I struggle with all the symptoms in winter, I guess the thyroid has to work extra hard to get the body warm etc.

 

[Beth1980]

Can I ask how do you all differentiate between the TSH being out of range and a Hashimoto flare which when ended may bring the levels down without an increase in levo?
Last year I had to really explain and beg for an increase and this year my annual results were out of range, comment was no further action, I had no energy to question this but now I am rock bottom.
If it is a flare up I can try to 'sit it out' a while longer, or could it be just adjusting to winter, I did have the peri menopause thrown at me last year and it could be contributing but the doc didn't want to follow up on that either.

 

[TwooTwooTwitTwitTwoo]

Can I ask how do you all differentiate between the TSH being out of range and a Hashimoto flare which when ended may bring the levels down without an increase in levo?
Last year I had to really explain and beg for an increase and this year my annual results were out of range, comment was no further action, I had no energy to question this but now I am rock bottom.
If it is a flare up I can try to 'sit it out' a while longer, or could it be just adjusting to winter, I did have the peri menopause thrown at me last year and it could be contributing but the doc didn't want to follow up on that either.

Surely, even if it's 'just' a flare, your GP should be working with you to adjust your meds for optimum wellbeing?

Peri could thrown things out hugely too. Could you ask for a second opinion? Is there a way you could fund a one off private GP appointment?

It just seems crap that you've got to live like this. There must be another way.

Thinking of you.

 

[Beth1980]

Thank you for your reply it means so much. I know last year and this I should have gone back and again stood my ground/ spoke up for myself and your reply has reinforced that. Guess I have to be strong and know my knowledge maybe better than theirs.

 

[ChampagneBox]

Has anyone found even a small change to your levo dose is enough to affect your period? In late nov went from alt days 125/150 back down to just 125 every day because I was feeling ill on the 150, my blood test before going back to 125 was TSH 0.05 (I am suppressed due to thyroid cancer treatment) and had a blood test early jan that shows since Nov it’s gone up to 0.09. Now my period is late and I’m wondering if that’s whats caused it? defo not pregnant.

was also ill on Christmas Day (sick) and then had that horrible cough virus for 2 weeks early jan so maybe it’s that that’s thrown me off