Thyroid problems?

[marap]

I have been weak, tired and lethargic for the last three years. When I am very weak and tired I have noticed that there is a slight swelling where my thyroid is located. Each time I have been to the doctor he said I was stressed and that this was the cause of the tiredness and swelling. However earlier this year I was was really rested no stress at all and I experienced a time of real tiredness and lethargy when I felt that all I wanted to do was sleep but the sleep was never enough.
I also feel weak before my period and weak after it is finished.
Please help me.

[marap]

thanks I will be going to get those tests done by next week.

[stella5349]

Those labs Gimel stated are so important.

You could somply be iodine deficient or Vit D also and rarely is iodine looked at or even reconized.

Vit D testing is being done more however.

[gimel]

With those symptoms, by all means do get tested for thyroid levels.  As a start I would request testing for free T3 and free T4 (note this is FT3 and FT4, not total T3 and total T4).  If your doctor resists, then you should insist on it and not take no for an answer.  remember that you are the customer.  The doctors always test for TSH, so you don't even need to ask for that.  In addition I would request tests for Vitamin D, B12 and iron/ferritin.  This should be a good start on finding out what is going on to cause those symptoms.  

If you get those tests done, then get a copy of the lab report.  The doctor is required to provide a copy upon your request.  Then post results and the reference ranges shown on the lab report and members will be happy to help interpret and advise further.