TSH Normal but Cholesterol & CK high with Hypothyroid symptoms

Hormones
1

Hiya guys,

I'm trying to wade through all the of the varying info on thyroid issues. My ability to focus, my fatigue, my headaches, sensitivity to cold, my acne, my constant sense of being rundown, my suddenly greying hairs at 24 years old, and varying symptoms that could go on, led me to this forum.  

In October I had some tests run because I felt awful. I just got a full print out of them today because - I still feel awful despite the doctor in October telling me everything was fine. I looked at the print out today and it shows me that my TSH is at 1.82 mIU/L and my free thyroxine is at 15.6 pmol/l which i know are both deemed normal. 

However what I also was quite confused to discover and what my doctor didn't mention -I'm a very healthy eater and run marathons, work out regularly - was my cholestorel is very high at 5.4. My CK is also up at 277 and my neutrophils down 1.96 and transferrin saturation at 18%. I've read into the links between both raised CK and cholestorel with hypothyroid and there does seem to be some,but I'm unsure.

So. I thought I'd ask you guys. Is it possible this is a thyroid issue still even though they say normal levels? Should I push for further testing in this area or just move on?  

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I'm sorry I know nothing about cholesterol etc. However I do know that a person can have symptoms without it showing on the blood results. My test results last Nov showed me just barely having a hypothyroid problem even though I had pretty strong symptoms. I've had a few tsh and T4 tests since then and my levels now show a hypothyroid problem.

I'd suggest you push for another test to be done. Ask for Tsh, T4, T3, TPO and if possible get your vit D, calcium, ferritine, B12 also checked as with hypothyroid these can be low and you need optimum levels for any meds to work properly.

I'm sure you'll have better replies soon. Sorry I can't help more but I'm new to this and having similar symptoms to you so can only give you my personal unprofessional opinion.

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Thanks Mary, there's just so much info and doctors tend to be so suspicious haha!

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Hi byrnie

I agree with Mary. 

With regard to high cholesterol I have read of that there is a connection between high cholesterol nd hypothyroidism. However one can have a raised cholesterol without being hypothyroid.

Another thing I have read is that one can have a diminished achilles tendon reflex due to hypothyroidism.

However I am sure tha you will get better replies from more experinced people on this forum.

Take care

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From what I've read most dr's go by blood test results and do not hear the patient. It requires searching and pushing on our side. Good luck!

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Very true. It is a difficult condition to diagnose.

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Byrnie, see uf you can get your T3 twsted as well as your T4 and TSH. The body cinverts T4 into T3 and in some people (including me) it doesn't do it as well as it should. What to look for is T4 and T3 at different points in their respective ranges, e.g. T4 in middle if its range and T3 low in its range, or T4 near the top and T3 near the middle. If thus is the case ask your GP if it would be appropriate to prescribe T3 (liothyronine) as well as T4. Another alternative is to switch to Natural Desiccated Thyroid. Unfortunately this isn't an option on the NHS in the UK. You would either have to see an endo privately, or buy it yourself off the internet and take the responsibility for dosing yourself. I've done the latter but with the help if a supportive GP. I'm not medically qualified in any way, I've just worked out what to do for me after having had hypothyroidism for 34 years. I hope my experience adds a bit more to your knowledge.

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By the way, Ferritin needs to be 70+ to be able to process thyroxine properly.

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Thanks Barbara, getting my T3 etc tested on Friday as new doctor agreed cholesterol and ck being raised was odd. So hopefully it may lead to some conclusions! Even to rule out hypo would be good at this point.

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Hi All

I have been battling for over 10 years to get my GPs to investigate my thyroid profile. They still insist on doing TSH on its own which has come up time and time towards the upper limit between 3.67-4.67. I have blood tests at least twice a year and both my ferritin and vitD are always significantly below the lowest levels. Over the years I have been on anti depressants and worked extremely hard to wean myself off them. I have put on over 20kg in this time even though I eat healthily- I do not tolerate fatty foods, do not snack between meals and eat mainly salads and grills. My portions are quite small and I get full quickly. The weight has now caused the arch of my foot to collapse.This followed a bunion op,my weight did not allow the foot to recover well.I am a secondary teacher and now struggle to get through the day. I was hoping to work beyond 60 but now I am doubting if I can even get to the magic 60. I am thinking of going part time which will hit my pension very hard.

yesterday I had my TSH and T4 done together and both are in the Lowe limits 1.27TSH 12free T4. If I take this to my GP he will do nothing because they are within the guidelines set. I have asked for referral to an endocrinologist but was refused. I asked if he could recommend a private one. He said I will only be wasting my money and I should try to eat less and walk more. When I pointed out that the pain in my foot limits me, he said just take paracetamol and walk.

What shall I do now?

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Hi sarnia, with your TSH = 1.27, from a blood test point of view, this perfect - doctors aim to get it between 1-2. TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is high in people with hypothyroidism. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and its function is to ask the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormones. So from the TSH result it looks like you don't have a problem. However there are more steps in the process. The next step is converting T4 to T3, and the following step is your body's tissues being able to absorb the thyroid hormones. To do these next steps properly your Ferritin level needs to be 70+. To find out if you are converting T4 to T3 properly you need a blood test that measures both T4 and T3. These cam be obtained privately. See tpauk for details. In the meantime it would be worth getting Ferritin tested, and your GP might do this (look up the symptoms of anaemia and tell your GP which ones you have, as GPs need justification for running tests). If you can get vitamin B12 and vitamin D tested too, it would be a good idea, as people are often low in these.

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Hi Samia, could you tell me if your in uk,It sounds like your having the same problems as me.My doctors seem to think i can go to the gym,or ride a bike,When i can't even bend my knee's,(i don't think so) lol,only wish i could, MyTSH and T4 came back good,but they won't even do my T3,He wants me to go for ex-rays and i know they won't find anything, it's like cramps from my knees and up the front of my leg also cramp up the sides of my back Thank you in advance Donna.

 

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Thank you all for your supportive comments.Byrnie, I live in London and I am a biochemist by training and teach chemistry. So I do understand how the chemistry works, but my GPs treat me like an idiot. 

Mary, I have been going to the GP for years complaining of severe fatigue and very painful bones. Most of my bloods show below the minimum level of vitaminD and ferritin. I have been on iron and vitaminD tablets for over 10 years and antidepressants on three long episodes of over 5 years. This year   I decided to stop all medications to see if I could lose some weight. I also felt like I was being patched up instead of the root cause being addressed. I have now decided to see an endocrinologist privately. 

I just cannot be bothered to fight the system. I need to give myself the chance to have a pain free life.

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Samia

Is it possible to pm with the details of the private endo?  U are ot alone in this dilemma.

 

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Hi Donna

It sounds as though your dr is bound by the NICE regulations .

 

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Hi Dnna Have u had a scan at all?

 

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Hi Jane

Imperial Centre for Endochrinology - The team is awesome and academics still involved in research. Initial consultation is around £225, then bloods (depends) and follow up is £175. It sounds like a lot, but will be worth it.

 

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Yes I know that. But I would expect common sense or empathy.

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Hi Samia

Thanks for the info. I agree the cost of being pain free is immeasurable.

Is it possible to have the names of the team that is involved in endocrinology research etc please.

Do you know how much antibody tests are at all? I would be interested to know if they are less expensive in London as there is so 

much competition in this area/speciality.

Take care you will get there.

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Hi Samia

I know. Try not to let it get you down.. Keep strong.