Post your test copy including the lab ranges, so members can provide educated opinions. Dont have a paper copy? They have to provide one for you.
Test for TSH and only it will conform whether it is thyroid or not. We will need your test result.
Abisana, INDIA
Don't quite know if Abisana is recommending the TSH test by the wording, but TSH is a pituitary hormone, NOT a thyroid hormone.
Get your TGab and TPOab tests for Hashimoto's. My TSH was always in the 'normal' range at at 2.69 and a 2.74. I tested positive for Hashimoto's. TSH is unreliable and will swing from high to low to normal with Hashimoto's. Your symptoms could very well be thyroid.
Also, get the FT3 and FT4 tests to determine your current thyroid hormone levels. Those swing as well in Hashi, so they could show normal on any given day, which is why I recommended the above tests.
If your antibodies come back positive, get a thyroid ultrasound.
Next, most people with thyroid problems will have adrenal fatigue. Even those without thyroid problems will have adrenal fatigue. Adrenal fatigue can cause leg heaviness as well as MANY other symptoms. Get the 24 hour saliva test for that. The blood cortisol test is not reliable.
You may find in your journey to wellness that many docs are using outdated methods to test and treat. You are not alone. We've all been there, otherwise we would not need this forum.
If you test positive for Hashimoto's, then I highly recommend this book: www.thyroidbook.com
It has literally changed my life for the better.
People with Hashi commonly have low vitamins: D, B12 and iron. Get tested. We also have can high cholesterol and our liver, kidney function tests can be sluggish.
My cholesterol has dropped in the good range and my liver,kidney is almost back to normal after giving up gluten, which is recommended in the book. Gluten resembles the molecular structure of the thyroid gland. Antibodies attack gluten which seeps into the gut and then eventually the thyroid.
:) Tamra
BTW - If you are having diarrhea, anxiety, weight loss, heart palps, shaky hands, and quick to temper, then I also recommend the TSI antibody test for Graves in addition to the Hashimoto's antibody tests.
I am big on looking at iodine depletion with the hypothyroidism and the swelling.