Are there anymore tests

[Purple_Popple]

that can determine if my thyroid is playing up ? Have visited Drs 6 times now over the past 2 years, with various problems, had blood tests on each occasion which just come back normal, I have light periods - every 3 weeks, itchy breasts still, tiredness, have put on half a stone in 2 months even though Im dieting and have increased my fitness and cannot lose anything ! Is there anything I can ask my GP next time I go as Im almost certain something is wrong.

[Sqad]

If you have had a full blood count, T3,T4 and TSH blood tests and all normal, then there is nothing wrong with your thyroid and no further tests are available that will contribute to the solution of your problems.

[Purple_Popple]

Ive only had a FBC Sqad, no mention of T3 T4 of TSH..been tested for diabetes too as I had protein in urine.

[Sqad]

Are you sure?
T3 T4 and TSH levels in the blood are ESSENTIAL for the exclusion of thyroid disorders and without them one is in no position to exclude a thyroid disorder.

[Purple_Popple]

Not sure where to go from here then...I have read that GPs only do a basic thyroid test and Im sure Ive read there is another in depth one that can be done, but NHS dont do unless the patient keeps asking.

[daisya]

PP with thyroid testing, what comes back as normal is normal for some but not for others by way of symptoms. In effect you could have a thyroid condition but it not show outside of the range, even my sisters doctor couldn't believe it for her when it happened, but happen it did and she is definitely hypothyroid swinging from hypo to hyper on occasions. You definitely need all the tests as sqad says to say one way or another. Have you tried taking your temperature early mornings as a low temperature can be an indication of hypothyroidism?

[Purple_Popple]

Thank you Squad for your help.
Thanks Daisya too, will do the temperature thing and see what happens...Ive been very absent minded too and cant remember things as well as I used to lately, coupled too with severe anxiety and depression. I just feel weird and out of sorts its very frustrating.

[cazzz1975]

Im pretty sure the doctor will have done a thyroid test, they normally just check the tsh and t4, when someone presents with symptoms of tiredness and weight gain they normally do one along with fbc to rule it out.

my thyroid has been underactive recently and its something that knocks you for 6, you feel very poorly and if you were underactive your period would be very heavy rather than light.

[Eve]

Unless I've missed something, if you say you've only had an FBC and diabetes test (assume urine and blood for that?) and don't think you've had anything else then it doesn't sound like you've had a thyroid test?

Have you spoken about thyroid problems with your GP?

[cazzz1975]

If they havent done one you should ask for one or at least discuss your concerns

[Eve]

Have they considered anything hormonal? Not sure if the itching would fit into it but maybe something like polycystic ovaries? I had a blood test done and it showed a raised testosterone level which fitted with that and other symptoms.

[Purple_Popple]

I have discussed my symptoms again and again with GP, who just gives me a piece of paper for me to take to reception to book a blood test, all that is written on the slip is 'FBC'. When the nurse took my bloods she said 'so Im just doing a fasting blood test' - I just said whatever the doctor has put on the slip for to be tested. Confused.com.

[cazzz1975]

looks like that is all that is being tested then :o

I would mention the thyroid worries on your next visit if I were you

[Eve]

Fasting blood test would suggest a diabetes one I think, were you told not to eat for a certain time before the blood test?

FBC is usually a full blood count (for me as a non-medical person anyway).

Sounds like you need a more informed chat with your (or another) GP about what has been tested for for what and where to go from there, specifically ask their opinion on whether it could be thyroid related and if they think a test for that (and anything else reasonable which might fit) would be appropriate.

[treetops1]

Surely FBC means Full Blood Count ?

[Purple_Popple]

No my GP didnt tell me to not eat before the test, although as I had an early morning appointment the nurse did ask if Id eaten breakfast and I said no (as i usually eat when i get to work). I did mention possible thyroid problems to my GP many times.

[treetops1]

http://www.patient.co.../Full-Blood-Count.htm

[Eve]

Had you drunk anything? Usually it's no food or drink for quite a few hours before so they can get a clearer idea of the amount of glucose in your blood without the effect of food and drink. If you'd had say a coffee with sugar or fruit juice etc..., I'm not sure how much of a difference it'd make though - too technical for me.

[Purple_Popple]

Thanks all for your responses and advice, as always most welcomed. Jenna, I hadnt drank anything that morning either, I know its naughty but I dont have a drink or anything to eat (breakfast) until I start work around 9am.

[Eve]

I don't usually eat until I get to work, usually have some cordial though and need a drink (and recently something little to eat) to take with meds.

I don't usually eat breakfast though have been good the last few days of last week and been taking porridge pots in. I'm in work for between 7am-7.30am though and sometimes don't have lunch until well after midday so it's a good habit for me to have a proper breakfast.

[rowanwitch]

How old are you....?