Am new to all this -any advice greatly appreciated!!

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Hi there

I am new to both thyroid issues and forums, so apologies if I am not

doing this right!

My GP is referring me to an endocrinology consultant (in the Leeds/

Yorkshire area)following blood tests for hypothyroidism - apparently

I can specify who I would like to see. My TSH level is 3.3 and Free

T4 is 13.2. I am 40's,female, 3 kids and have been slim and active

all my life (size 8-10). I have never had to diet. In the last 2

years I have become increasingly tired (have to sleep for a couple of

hours during day), and cold all the time (am virtually permanently

attached to my hot water bottle!). I have inexplicably put on 2 and a

half stones in the last year, despite diet and exercise. I am now a

size 16, my waist measurement has increased by 8 inches and I don't

recognise myself! My skin & hair have become coarse, I have v tender

points on the fleshy parts of my knuckles and a host of other

symptoms which I won't bore you with! My GP was sure it was a thyroid

problem (until the blood results came back), but says she can't

prescribe thyroxine, even for a trial, if my levels are " normal " .WHY?

I have therefore been trying to find out as much as I can about the

issue and came across this web site - I am amazed to discover what a

big problem this is. I would be grateful for any advice /pointers on

what to do next - obviously I don't want to be referred to a

consultant who just looks at the numbers and ignores my symptoms.....

What do other sufferers do? - buy thyroxine online, or see a

particular consultant, or just suffer in silence..?

Don't know if it's relevant but my mother has diagnosed hypothyroidism

(about 10 years ago) and is treated with thyroxine.

Many thanks!