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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Could I have hypothyroidism?

    Related Topics
    Endocrinology Hypothyroidism
    I have noticed that I get cold much more easily than my friends and co-workers. I also tire easily and can't seem to lose weight even though I have a healthy diet. I know the symptoms of hypothyroidism are rather mild, so I was wondering if perhaps I could have hypothyroidism?
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  • Kirsty Woods

    Exercise Physiologist

    Hi I’m Kirsty Woods,I would like to use my experience, expertise and passion to help you reach your weight, energy and health goalsI have been … View Profile

    The symptoms you describe are typical of those of hypothyroidism, but that’s not to say that it’s the only cause. If concerned visit your Gp and ask them to test not only for TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) but also T3 and T4 (thyroid hormones) as the latter to tend to be neglected. 

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  • Chris Fonda

    Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian

    As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile

    I agree with Kirsty here, if you do happen to have hypothyroidsm, seek the advice and guidance from an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and exercise physiologist to help you to optimise your diet and lose weight. You may need to go on medication to help treat hypothyroidism.

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    Dr Inna Lieb

    GP (General Practitioner)

    Dr Lieb has over 7 years experience as a GP with special interests in women's health including ante-natal shared care with the Royal Hospital For … View Profile

    Your symptoms are suggestive of hypothyroidism and you should visit your GP to organise TSH, T3, T4 and also thyroid antibodies since even if the first 3 are normal, the thyroid antibodies may indicate that you have already began the transition into the autoimmune thyroid disease. Furthermore, I occasionally find the thyroid ultrasound to be quite useful to detect any changes to the thyroid appearance.

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    Gladys

    HealthShare Member

    It is not easy to get your T3, T4 and antibodies tested if your TSH in within ‘normal’ limits. I have suspected that I have hypothyroidism for years, but cannot get a doctor to test beyond the TSH. I have suffered with fatigue, body pain, constipation, hair loss, low body temp, weight gain etc for years and had 4 miscarriages in a row when trying for our 3rd child. When I did get pregnant, they discovered that my T4 was very low, even though my TSH was only 1.42. (That was in NZ) I was meant to get my T4 checked regularly because of this, but since moving to WA 5yrs ago it just hasn't been done. I also have problems with high calcium and PTH and cannot get a HPT diagnosis either and some of the symptoms do overlap. An u/s showed my right thyroid lobe to be slightly enlarged and a sestamibi scan had stronger uptake on the right side. I have low levels of antibodies which were considered normal. I saw an endocrinologist last month that refused to test my thyroid/adrenals etc as he said I looked too good to be sick and needed antidepressants! It took me a year to talk a doctor into testing my daughter for secondary AI. All I wanted was an ACTH and cortisol test as she has been losing weight and been unwell for a long time now. Again I was told it was anxiety or she wasn't eating properly, but I kept pushing. Finally a doctor did the test - both came back low and she is off to RPH to see an endocrinologist next week. I really don't think it should be this hard to get tested…..

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