I have an under-active thyroid...what?!

[Citydeer]

I went in for a full health assessment yesterday and the specialist just called me saying I have an under-active thyroid (My Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level is 5.170 mU/L, which is "Above normal")? they couldn't give me any further advice but just said I need to book in with my regular GP.

I am feeling a bit overwhelmed about it all because I don't really know what this all means, or what impact it could have been having on my anxiety (I developed panic disorder and mood issues 6 months ago, on a level far more severe than anything I had experience before). I have been on Sertraline for 2 months now and am wondering if that could have had any affect too on my blood test.

My stupid anxious brain is now telling me I have an auto-immune disease because apparently that can give you thyroid problems.

Does anyone else have thyroid issues?

[siwz991]

Hey there. I was catching the wind last two years and only one thing I found is that my TSH levels vary between 3.5-4.5. I freaked out but after few endocrinologists visits it appeared to be normal. Long story short, that small TSH is not a problem - there are other indicators like ft3 and ft4 or ultra sound that have to be done to confirm hypothyroid. My mum had TSH around 200 and only then was asked to do extra tests xD and she's totally fine. no worries, TSH slightly over is not a problem. stick with GP and do more tests if necessary but again that small TSH lvl can be nothing and I dont longer care about mine.

[scaredpt]

Oh totally no problem, everyone in my family has that, all she has to do is take a pill every morning. If she didn't take the pill, she'd get sick pretty quickly, but it literally has zero impact on her life

[countrygirl]

I am an ex thyroid advisor for a charity. Your tsh is above the normal range so your GP may want to redo the tests to be sure and then they would normally prescribe you a small dose of thyroxine and retest 6-8 weeks later to see what your results are then. GP may examine your neck to check for any thyroid swelling ( don't worry) as well and GP can also order other blood tests to determine reason for underactive thyroid. In most cases it is due to your immune system attacking the thyroid gland and all that is required is that you take the tablets and be monitered every 6 months.

It is extremely common in women and rare in men and can run in the femal side of families. In my family every single female has a thyroid problem all but one is underactive.

So nothing to worry about and you could find you feel much better once you are taking thyroxine as well:yesyes:

[Citydeer]

Aww thanks everyone you've made me feel a lot better xoxo