Hi, been Hashimotos/hypothyroid about 10 years. Was always on 225mg. Since perimenopause they've dropped me to 150 which I was reluctant but had to do. Stayed like this for 3 years but new Dr, new results - she wants to drop me again. Trying to balance HRT to help all pain and symptoms. Scared of how I'll feel and if pain/tiredness worsen again. (I'm already very tired). Do these mean I'm not converting T4-3? They won't test my tpo so don't know what antibodies are.
I can't work out which is the correct FT4 result currently but your FT3 is standing at 33% of its range which is too low. You should be aiming for 70%.
Suggest you send for the Thyroid UK list of Endo's and doctors and think about getting some T3 added but only once you've sorted out your low B12 level and the others too.
To tolerate T3 we need optimal vitamin levels.
Your B12 level is dire. On a serum B12 test it should be 500+. That alone will be making you tired and a host of other symptoms.
You need to get D3 and folate tested. Many members buy private tests to get the results they need to see to feel well.
See link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...
There is also a new company offering walk in& mail order blood tests in London, Kent, Sussex & Surrey areas. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...
Only do private tests on a Monday or Tuesday to avoid postal delays.
Are you supplementing other than iron?
Are you vegan or vegetarian?
B12 - do you have symptoms of B12 deficiency? The reference range for B12 is very wide and cut off point too low. theb12society.com/signs-and...
If you do then you should discuss this with your doctor for further tests for Pernicious Anaemia.
If not, then start with a methyl B12 sublingual spray or lozenge for a week, then add a good B complex. Once you run out of the separate B12 just continue with the B complex.
Thank you so much for this. This is really helpful. My ft4 is 23 now. Sorry I missed that. I looked at the b12 symptoms - I have a lot, but the gp put them down to my hypermobility and perimenopause. Thank you, I really appreciate your help
Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine
Do you always get same brand of levothyroxine at each prescription
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested
Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once to see if your hypothyroidism is autoimmune
Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum
Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease
and especially after dose reduction in levothyroxine
B12 far too low
You must test folate and vitamin D too
Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
Thank you so much. I tested before 9 but had eaten. I had also recently changed brand. I only get what the chemist gives. Mu folate was last tested in December and was 3.3 [2-18.8] but not sure what this means?
With serum B12 result below 500, (Or active B12 below 70) recommended to be taking a separate B12 supplement
Once you have had folate levels tested
Start a separate vitamin B ComplexÂ
Then once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), you may be able to reduce then stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.
If Vegetarian or vegan likely to need ongoing separate B12 few times a week
Thorne Basic B recommended vitamin B complex that contains folate, but they are large capsules. (You can tip powder out if can’t swallow capsule) Thorne can be difficult to find at reasonable price, should be around £20-£25. iherb.com often have in stock. Or try ebay
IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results
In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate folate supplement (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg) and continue separate B12
Post discussing how biotin can affect test results
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