I was giving some thought to having my thyroid checked and don't really know where to start. I don't know a whole lot about it, well actually nothing about it, so any help would be greatly appreciated. My main reasons for getting it checked is my weight, which seems to be going out of control no matter what I do, and being tired and cold all the time. I did take an online "quiz" and it stated that I do have some risk factors or symptoms of thyroid problems, and to have it checked soon. It also stated that thyroid problems can sometimes be a factor in infertility, and menstrual irregularities. So...what tests should I ask for, and what type of treatment can I expect if I do come out with some problem? I'm pretty scared of adding yet another problem to the medical list, but I need to know. My mom started taking Synthroid last year, and it has seemed to help her with the fatigue and her weight (she's not as overweight as I am, but has that stubborn 15 lbs that a lot of women do). Can anyone help me figure this out a little? Thanks in advance!
__________________ Rebecca ~ 35
DH Matt ~ 39
Married 11-20-04
TTC for 5 years...never pregnant.
Hoping for a miracle...
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A full thyroid workup would include bloodwork for TSH, T3, T4, Antithyroid Antibodies (ATA) and Antithyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (Anti-APO). It's a good place to start by asking for these tests (simple blood tests). I am convinced I had a thyroid problem for years (probably at least 5 years) before my RE diagnosed it. So definitely get it checked. Good luck!!!!
__________________ Me - 37
DH - 38
DS - 3
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Thanks Jennifer! I am calling my doc in the morning to request those tests. I don't *want* to have a thyroid problem, but it would ease my mind to know if that's what is causing some of my troubles. Thanks again!
__________________ Rebecca ~ 35
DH Matt ~ 39
Married 11-20-04
TTC for 5 years...never pregnant.
Hoping for a miracle...
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Just want to add to ask for free T4 and free T3, otherwise the doc will probably just order the full T4 and full T3. The "free's" indicate how much thyroid hormone your body is actually using, not just how much is circulating in the blood. Also, ask for a ferritin test (iron stores); low ferritin can mimic symptoms of hypothyroidism. It's also a good idea to get your female hormones checked (progesterone, estrogen). Imbalances in those can effect thyroid function.
Linda
__________________ dx pcos 1984, type II diabetes 2001, also hypertension
Met 2000mg since 2001, started Glucophage XR 4/22/04, then switched to Met ER 6/04; also: multi, Vit. C, Vit. E, B12/folic acid combo, fish oil & borage oil combo, garlic capsules, cinnamon, Vitex, calcium with magnesium/zinc, biotin, CoQ10, selenium,iron
Other meds: Verapamil and Altace(for blood pressure)
Started laser hair removal 7/29/03, completed 3/04 (it works!)
UAE for fibroid 3/24/03 and 3/16/04
What tests should I ask for? 
