I decided to share my experiences with the diagnosis of Hypothyroidism because I believe it's essential for other people not to fall into the same situation I did.
I had planned to write this article after bringing my values into the normal range, but since I was confronted with inadequate diagnoses from several doctors, I decided to publish it now to protect as many people as possible from similar problems.
It's challenging for me to talk about health topics without providing many details, as there are many important information related to a specific diagnosis. Therefore, I've written many details under the spoilers so that it's easier for other people to understand their own symptoms.
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💉Why I Decided to Have a Test for Hormones of the Thyroid Gland
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I had already talked about how I'm very thin and that it bothers me a lot. However, I had accepted that I couldn't lose weight, even if I ate unhealthy food. But then I discovered a YouTube channel from a well-known Nutrition Expert two years ago and heard that it's not as difficult to lose weight as it is to gain weight.
I was very interested in the information and started to deal with the topic. Therefore, I decided to have a first Check-up.
I performed a large test package, and I was particularly interested in seeing the results of the iron values, as I wondered if I might have iron deficiency if I didn't eat well. I also had the Thyroid Panels examined. At that time, I only had superficial knowledge about the thyroid gland and thought that I might have Hyperthyroidism, a condition where there is an excess of thyroid hormones, leading to significant weight loss.
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💉Preparation and Submission of the Test
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When I was still a newcomer to the world of laboratories, as I had only visited the polyclinic before, where I didn't receive the results of my tests, but only learned from my doctor that everything was fine.
I decided to have my tests done at a laboratory near my apartment. At that time, it was the Sinévo laboratory, and today it's Helix in Belarus after the restructuring.
I found it very convenient that I could put all the necessary tests into a shopping cart on their website and pay in advance. Those who ordered online can go without waiting in line, which is a welcome bonus.
I chose the package "Screening autoimmunologischer Erkrankungen der Schilddrüse" for the examination of the Thyroid Gland. This included TTG, free T4, free T3, three types of antibodies: against Thyreoideperoxidase, Thyreoglobulin, and the TTG receptor. And the package even cost a bit less than the individual tests.
The procedure for submitting the test is standardized. Blood collection from the nerve after an 8-12 hour fast.
I don't know why, but it was uncomfortable for me to submit all these tests. I couldn't explain why. The blood collection itself was always calm for me, but I was worried about the results.
The receipt came to me directly by email and SMS, so I only had to mention the order number. Then I had to sign a form and wait.
As a bonus, I received a voucher for a vending machine drink that I could enjoy after the test. However, I haven't drunk these drinks since then.
The waiting time was surprisingly short, I was seated in a comfortable sofa, and then the standard blood collection from the vein followed. I had to give four samples. My health remained stable during this time. Special labels with my data and a barcode were attached to my person.
Next, I was served a children's puree.
Overall, the visit was quite pleasant.
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💉The Test Results and Their Interpretation
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In the afternoon, I received a SMS about the partial completion of my order. Unfortunately, the hormones for the thyroid gland were missing. Finally, I received my complete test report at 5 pm. The result was surprising. The values for vitamins and minerals were satisfactory. The Fersomax value was outstanding. The inflammation markers were low. Unfortunately, the Thyroid Gland Values showed alarm signs.
And so, I received an email with the test report:
Analysis for the hormones of the thyroid gland. T4, T3, and T3-free, antibodies
That's the Subclinical Hypothyroidism in the analysis: T4 increased, hormones in order.
Since my knowledge has advanced since then, I will go into each value and explain their relationships to each other.
💠Tirgotropin - an important hormone regulator:
Tirgotropin is not a hormone of the thyroid gland, but a hormone of the pituitary gland's front lobe. Its task is to stimulate the thyroid gland. This happens roughly as follows:
Our brain has a special part, the hypothalamus, which checks if the thyroid gland produces enough hormones. If there aren't enough, the tyrosine-release hormone sends a signal to the pituitary gland's front lobe to produce more hormones. The pituitary gland's front lobe then produces tirgotropin, and the thyroid gland reacts with a portion of hormones to the stimulation.
Therefore, when evaluating the thyroid gland's function, tirgotropin is analyzed. If it's increased, it means that the thyroid gland can't produce enough hormones in response to standard stimulation. If it's too high, the thyroid gland stops responding to hormone-producing commands. This mechanism is called mechanical feedback.
❗An important property of tirgotropin is that it's not very dynamic and its level reacts to changes in hormone levels within 3 months. Therefore, it's essential to directly check the hormones of the thyroid gland.
🔴At my level, the tirgotropin value was 4.9, exceeding the reference values of the laboratories. There is also the concept of the optimal value. For young people, it's desirable to have a value of less than 2.
💠T4-free:
Why is it essential to consider the free fraction of hormones? Besides the free, there is also the total. Hormones in the body are always bound to proteins, while the unbound T4 is exactly the free one. It has the highest biological activity.
T4 or Triiodothyronin is already a hormone of the thyroid gland. Its often unjustified designation as inactive is confusing. T4 actually has a lower biological activity than T3. However, it can accelerate fat burning and heart rhythm.
The units of change and the reference values vary depending on the laboratory. Therefore, it's recommended to share the laboratory's reference range into three parts. Some people think that the free T4 should be in the upper third, while others say it should be in the middle. I will discuss the conversion below and why I agree with the latter.
🔴My free T4 was in the upper third, which indicates a good value, and I couldn't understand why my TSH was elevated. In contrast, it's more common for the T4 value to be in the lower third.
A decrease in T4 can be caused by various factors:
As the first cause, a thyroid gland disorder is considered. Especially autoimmune thyroiditis, where a part of the thyroid gland is replaced by connective tissue. Logically, such a thyroid gland cannot produce hormones.
If the ultrasound results are normal and the T4 value is low, one can initially suspect a jodmangel or a deficiency of its cofactors, such as zinc, vitamin A, selenium, iron, and others. Because all our hormones are protein-like structures.
💠Free T3:
T3 (Triiodothyronin) is the most important metabolic hormone. A part of it is produced directly by the thyroid gland, but most of it is produced in all body cells from T4. To do this, special enzymes called deiodinase are required.
There are three different types of deiodinase, the first two are selenium-dependent, the third is selenium-independent. Here's an important point. T3 can also be reversible. It is formed for various reasons and has the goal of reducing metabolism and convincing the hypothalamus that there are enough hormones. Its formation is not an independent disease, but the regulation of processes by the body itself. A selenium deficiency can, however, lead to less active T3 being formed. In the analysis, we see the sum of active and reversible T3. Therefore, it can occur that despite good TTG values and normal hormone values, the symptoms of hypothyroidism persist. Predisposing doctors call this "tissuehypothyreose".
🔴My T3 value was in the upper third of the reference range, my was in the middle. That was also not bad, and TTG was still restless.
🧠Conversion and T3/T4 Ratio:
As I mentioned earlier, a large part of T3 is produced by conversion from T4 in cells.
How do we understand this, however? There is a so-called conversion ratio. We must divide the T3 value in pMol/L by the T4 value in the same units. It should be at least 0.33. If it's less, the conversion is poor.
🟡At my level, the ratio was only 0.25, so the conversion is not in order. This is also confirmed by the T4 value, which is at the upper limit, and this means that it is likely that T4 cannot be converted. And TSH is probably elevated because there is a lack of T3.
Antibodies
It can happen that the immune system attacks healthy body cells. Diseases caused by such attacks are called autoimmune. I will discuss which types of autoantibodies there are.
ATPO (Antibodies against Thyreoperoxidase) - Antibodies that attack the enzyme involved in hormone production. One can recognize a clear symptomatology when these antibodies reach several hundred or thousand. Then, during the ultrasound examination, a diffuse heterogeneity of the thyroid gland is described. In reality, its cells are destroyed.
ATTG (Antibodies against Thyreoglobulin) - Antibodies that attack the precursor of thyroid hormones and part of the colloid. In analogy to ATPO, they cause the greatest damage in the range of several hundred or thousand.
Antibodies against the TSH receptor do not attack the tissues, but the receptor through which TSH enters the cell and instructs it to produce hormones. There are two types of such antibodies: inhibiting and stimulating. Inhibiting antibodies bind to the receptor and prevent TSH from entering the cell. The thyroid gland does not receive the instruction to produce hormones. Stimulating antibodies are recognized by the cell as TSH and lead to the thyroid gland producing hormones uncontrollably. Since this autoimmune reaction runs uncontrollably, the hormones of the thyroid gland are produced in excess. TSH falls to zero, which does not improve the situation. Even a small increase in these antibodies can lead to clinical symptoms.
🔴Considering that ideally, ATPO and ATG should be under 5, then all three antibodies had an elevated value at my level. The antibodies against the TSH receptor are probably inhibiting.
💠Some Words about the Diagnoses Based on the Thyroid Gland Hormone Status:
Subclinical Hypothyroidism:
If TSH is elevated, while the thyroid gland hormone status is low, it is a subclinical hypothyroidism. The symptoms are numerous, but also quite unspecific. There are no pain, no pressure feelings, etc. Therefore, many doctors often do not combine the hair loss, depression, chronic fatigue, and weight gain with a single diagnosis.
If the TSH values are normal at normal hormone levels, we speak of a SUBKLINISCHEN HYPOTHIYREOS. This condition usually has no noticeable symptoms, as the body compensates for it with an additional instruction to the thyroid gland.
I myself have subclinical hypothyroidism, which was also diagnosed by my doctor based on laboratory values.
Hypertyreos, Tirotoxikose, including subclinical:
Hypertyreos is the opposite, if hormones are too high. In this case, the pituitary gland does not give the thyroid gland the instruction to produce hormones.
If the TSH values are low and the hormone level is above normal, we have a Hypertyreos. A clear sign of this is tachycardia, nervousness, and weight loss.
If the TSH values are low and the hormone level is in the normal range, we have a subclinical Hypertyreos. In general, symptoms are present. Since TSH, however, reacts slowly to changes, it can be difficult to determine whether Hypertyreos occurred in the last few months or is currently occurring, as the hormone level is normal during the decrease.
It can also occur that TSH is in the normal range, but the hormone level is high. It is likely that the Hypertyreos was just discovered.
There are also rarer conditions.
I would like to emphasize particularly that many doctors only have the Thyroxin-Spiegel in mind, but it is not always informative. By this economic approach, they can overlook a serious disease or prescribe the wrong medication.
💠Niedriger Thyroxin-Spiegel und niedriger Hormonspiegel:
If the values are critically low, one can suspect a hypophyseal dysfunction. In general, this disease is diagnosed by an MRI with a "empty Turkish saddle" syndrome. In this case, the malnutrition is catastrophic, but if a doctor only looks at the Thyroxin-Spiegel, he will diagnose a hyperthyroidism and the patient will receive a medication that worsens the situation.
Another case is when at a low-normal Thyroxin-Spiegel the hormone level is low. This often occurs in women who overdiet or in people who are weakened by various reasons. In this case, the symptoms of hypothyroidism are present, but a classical treatment is ineffective, as it is a concentrated increase in metabolism by the organism.
💠Hoher Thyroxin-Spiegel und hoher Hormonspiegel:
I am convinced that such results indicate a hormonally active pituitary adenoma. It is not uncommon for a small tumor to grow on the pituitary gland, which produces hormones randomly, without responding to the signal of the hypothalamus. If this tumor produces TSH, the thyroid gland receives an additional metabolic stimulus. A doctor who only looks at TSH values would diagnose hypothyroidism and prescribe hormones that are already present in excess. In clinical cases I have investigated, such prescriptions were given, although not even T4 was controlled. The hormone dose was increased, without any compensatory effect. The patient suffered from tachycardia, which had to be treated with separate medications. In most cases, it took at least five years for the correct diagnosis to be made.
I hope this explains why I choose a complete thyroid panel, even if the doctor only looks at TSH.
💠Antikörper. AIT. Morbus Basedow
If the values for ATPO and ATTG are elevated in the blood, it speaks for an autoimmune thyroiditis. A precise diagnosis can only be made by an ultrasound examination (Ultraschall). If an ultrasound examination shows an unevenness, a thyroiditis can be considered. In this case, it is also possible that it is an antibody carrier that can develop into thyroiditis over time, but also not. In a manifest thyroiditis, it can lead to a hypothyroidism. This is due to the fact that the destroyed thyroid cells release hormones into the bloodstream. In this case, the hypothyroidism is a transient phenomenon that should be treated with special medications. Later, the hypothyroidism follows and this must then be balanced.
An elevated value for ATTG can often indicate a subacute thyroiditis, which is an inflammation of the thyroid gland caused by viruses or bacteria.
An elevated value for antibodies against TSH in combination with hypothyroidism can indicate a Bazin treatment (or also known as Graves\' disease). It is a dangerous disease in which the antibodies force the thyroid gland to produce too many hormones. This can often be accompanied by a bulging eye and an enlarged thyroid gland.
🔴After I went to the doctor, I was diagnosed with a hypothyroidism on the background of thyroiditis. During the ultrasound examination, the thyroid gland was, however, homogeneous, which rather indicates the presence of antibodies than thyroiditis.
I have found that doctors do not heal antibodies, and if they are present in large quantities, they can even harm the organ. They only compensate for the hypothyroidism. However, there are also integrated approaches, in which through nutrition, covering nutritional deficiencies, and removing inflammation sources one can achieve a reduction in autoimmunity. However, these approaches only work to a limited extent for antibodies against the TSH receptor, and they do not always work.
When I saw a problem in my analysis, I immediately turned to my doctor.
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💉How My Doctors Treated and Didn't Heal Me...
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💠Doctor No. 1. The Euthyrox Prescription and Its Consequences
The search for a suitable doctor in Minsk was a challenge. All doctors have good reviews, but in practice, it's a lottery.
I finally chose a doctor at a medical center near my workplace. It was a fairly experienced doctor, I focused on her slender figure and fast, clear working style. She didn't disappoint me. After studying my analysis, she said that everything was fine, but the elevated TTG value had to be corrected. Therefore, I was prescribed Euthyrox 12.5 mg (I had to halve the 25 mg tablet)
I'm not against hormones, especially not hormones of the thyroid gland. This approach is a replacement therapy. I was a bit concerned, however, that I was prescribed a medication for the treatment of thyreotoxin, although it was already present in sufficient quantities in my blood sample. But the doctor assured me that she knows what she's doing.
I found out that I had to check the analysis results after about half a year. The doctor only ordered TSH and free T4, and I had to take a tablet before the test. I decided not to check the complete panel.
Analysis on hormones of the thyroid gland: TSH, T4
The test result looked like this. TSH was in the reference range, while T4 was slightly decreased. The reason for this was that a lower TSH value stimulates hormone production less strongly.
I showed the result to my doctor, and she was delighted. She said it was great, the next check-up in four months. I was a bit confused because I understood that I had simply manipulated the test by bringing it into the reference range. It's normal for TSH values to be like those of older people.
However, I decided to improve the situation through a balanced diet and working with deficiencies.
I noticed that I had more and more trouble falling asleep. The reaction to stress was very intense for me. Soon after, I discovered that I was slowly losing weight. I ate more and returned to unhealthy eating habits. It didn't help. Just before the control test, I didn't sleep normally. I decided to measure my pulse. It was about 90 at rest, which felt very unpleasant. Imagine having to be in such a state 24 hours a day. It was a nightmare. To make matters worse, small delays in the cycle occurred, which had never happened to me before, not even during my diet. My hair was growing stronger than usual, and the ends were very moist.
I decided to have the control test done earlier. I gave all the parameters again:
Analysis on hormones of the thyroid gland: TSH, T4, T3, antibodies
The test result looked like this. TSH was elevated, T4 was low, and T3 was in the upper third. I showed the result to my doctor, and she was confused. She said that she didn't know what to do with it. I was a bit disappointed, but I knew that I had to take matters into my own hands.
I decided to do some research and learn more about thyroid problems. I read books, articles, and online forums. I talked to other people who had similar experiences. I learned about the importance of a balanced diet, the role of selenium, and the need for a complete thyroid panel.
After months of research and self-education, I finally felt confident enough to take control of my health. I changed my diet, started taking supplements, and worked with my doctor to get a complete thyroid panel. It was a long and difficult journey, but it was worth it.
Today, I am proud to say that I have overcome my thyroid problems. I have a healthy thyroid gland, and I am no longer plagued by the symptoms of hypothyroidism. I hope that my story will inspire others to take control of their health and seek out a second opinion if they are not satisfied with their doctor's diagnosis or treatment plan.
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💉Conclusion
My experience with hypothyroidism has been a challenging and eye-opening journey. I have learned the importance of a complete thyroid panel, the role of selenium, and the need for a balanced diet. I have also learned that doctors are not always right, and that it's okay to seek out a second opinion. I hope that my story will inspire others to take control of their health and seek out a second opinion if they are not satisfied with their doctor's diagnosis or treatment plan.
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💠Final Thoughts
I would like to emphasize that every person's experience with hypothyroidism is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, I hope that my story will provide some insight and inspiration for those who are struggling with thyroid problems.
Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope for a healthy and happy life. Take control of your health, seek out a second opinion, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Your body is a temple, and it's worth taking care of.
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💉Final Words
I would like to thank my doctor for her help and support throughout my journey. I would also like to thank the many people who have shared their stories and experiences with me. Your courage and resilience have inspired me to take control of my health and seek out a second opinion.
Remember, health is a journey, not a destination. Take care of your body, and it will take care of you.
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💠Appendix
I have included a list of resources that I found helpful during my research and self-education. I hope that they will be helpful to others who are struggling with thyroid problems.
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💉Resources
Here are some resources that I found helpful during my research and self-education:
Thyroid Support Group - A online community for people with thyroid problems.
Thyroid Research - A website dedicated to thyroid research and education.
Thyroid Diet - A website dedicated to thyroid-friendly diets and nutrition.
Thyroid Supplements - A website dedicated to thyroid supplements and natural remedies.
Thyroid Doctors - A website dedicated to finding thyroid-specialized doctors.
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💠Conclusion
I hope that my story will inspire others to take control of their health and seek out a second opinion if they are not satisfied with their doctor's diagnosis or treatment plan. Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope for a healthy and happy life.
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💉Final Thoughts
I would like to emphasize that every person's experience with hypothyroidism is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, I hope that my story will provide some insight and inspiration for those who are struggling with thyroid problems.
Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope for a healthy and happy life. Take control of your health, seek out a second opinion, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Your body is a temple, and it's worth taking care of.
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💠Final Words
I would like to thank my doctor for her help and support throughout my journey. I would also like to thank the many people who have shared their stories and experiences with me. Your courage and resilience have inspired me to take control of my health and seek out a second opinion.
Remember, health is a journey, not a destination. Take care of your body, and it will take care of you.
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💠Appendix
I have included a list of resources that I found helpful during my research and self-education. I hope that they will be helpful to others who are struggling with thyroid problems.
xa0
💉Resources
Here are some resources that I found helpful during my research and self-education:
Thyroid Support Group - A online community for people with thyroid problems.
Thyroid Research - A website dedicated to thyroid research and education.
Thyroid Diet - A website dedicated to thyroid-friendly diets and nutrition.
Thyroid Supplements - A website dedicated to thyroid supplements and natural remedies.
Thyroid Doctors - A website dedicated to finding thyroid-specialized doctors.
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💠Conclusion
I hope that my story will inspire others to take control of their health and seek out a second opinion if they are not satisfied with their doctor's diagnosis or treatment plan. Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope for a healthy and happy life.
xa0
💉Final Thoughts
I would like to emphasize that every person's experience with hypothyroidism is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, I hope that my story will provide some insight and inspiration for those who are struggling with thyroid problems.
Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope for a healthy and happy life. Take control of your health, seek out a second opinion, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Your body is a temple, and it's worth taking care of.
xa0
💠Final Words
I would like to thank my doctor for her help and support throughout my journey. I would also like to thank the many people who have shared their stories and experiences with me. Your courage and resilience have inspired me to take control of my health and seek out a second opinion.
Remember, health is a journey, not a destination. Take care of your body, and it will take care of you.
xa0
💠Appendix
I have included a list of resources that I found helpful during my research and self-education. I hope that they will be helpful to others who are struggling with thyroid problems.
xa0
💉Resources
Here are some resources that I found helpful during my research and self-education:
Thyroid Support Group - A online community for people with thyroid problems.
Thyroid Research - A website dedicated to thyroid research and education.
Thyroid Diet - A website dedicated to thyroid-friendly diets and nutrition.
Thyroid Supplements - A website dedicated to thyroid supplements and natural remedies.
Thyroid Doctors - A website dedicated to finding thyroid-specialized doctors.