Thyroid Symptoms

[sallybeans]

I have had a underactive thyroid for many years, take my tablets daily and not had any problems but recently I feel fine one minute then all of a sudden I feel terrible.  I get headache, fuzzy head, feel like I´m going to pass out, feel shaky and just want to lie down and sleep to name a few symptons.  I have never really had any symptoms before, my condition was found out because I was tested as my sister also has the condition. I am starting to worry now,  Could it be that my thyroid is playing up - any advice would be appreciated thank you.

[Lucy0704]

Hi there,

I beileve they do check my T3 function, as I have graves disease and have had it since I was 11. But I will check when I go to thee hospital for my check up.

I live near Salisbury, Wiltshire.

Many Thanks for the comment bk

[gimel]

Since you are in the UK, I assume that the only test they ran was TSH.  Is that correct?  I also assume that you are taking T4 type meds.  

TSH is a pituitary hormone that is inadequate as a diagnostic for thyroid issues.  At best it is an indicator to be considered along with more important indicators such as symptoms, and also levels of the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T3 and free T4.  Of these Free T3 is the most important because it largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.  Scientific studies have shown that Free T3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while Free T4 and TSH did not correlate at all.  

When taking thyroid meds, TSH is even more unreliable as a diagnostic.  Meds should not be adjusted based on only TSH levels.  Have you ever been tested for Free T3?  I'd bet a pint that you have not.  so that is something you should try to get done.  Also, Free T4, if that has not been tested.  

A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T3 and Free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results, especially TSH results.  If you want to read more about clinical treatment, this is a good link.

http://hormonerestoration.com/files/ThyroidPMD.pdf

I know how hard it is to find a good thyroid doctor in the UK, since we have had many UK members here.  But that is what you rally need to do.  If you will tell us where you live in the UK, I do have the names of a couple of good thyroid doctors.  Who knows, we could get lucky and have one in your area.

[Lucy0704]

sorry I meant throat, spelling is awful. lol

[Lucy0704]

Thats ok, I didn't reaslise until my mum had it. I just had mine checked as my troat was feeling very tight and they had to lower my dosage of tablets. x

[sallybeans]

Many thanks Lucy for your reply, I did not know that it could change from under reactive to over reactive.  I have not had a check for over 12 months so I will definately get it done, thyank you.

[Lucy0704]

Hey there,
It may be that you need another test just to see what your thyroid is up to. I have an overactive thyroid and get checked every 2-3 months as its so up and down.
Just get down to the doctor and you may need to increase your tablets.
Your thryoid can switch at any time from under reactive to over reactive.
Best of luck Lucy

[sallybeans]

yeah, sorry about that

[Barb135]

Duplicate Post.