Help with B12/Iron/thyroid results

[Llan12]

Hi There, looking for some help interpreting some b12/iron/ thyroid blood test results. Based in the UK.

Background: Ever since I had my son two years ago I have had the following issues...swollen legs (worse in right ankle), exhausted, heavy periods, depression, thinning hair, brain fog, forgetting words and clumsy, tinnitus, dry skin, can't loose pregnancy weight, numb toes. Many things which have been written off as being a new mum.

Finally had my iron and b12 reviewed in Feb this year and whilst low end were deemed 'normal' by the GP. I took a medichecks test (I've done three across the last year-see below for iron, b12, thyroid) and went to a private GP for a 2nd opinion who suggested I have three months of iron tablets and five b12 injections which have helped with some of the above but now feel like symptoms have returned as this was three months ago now.

I paid for a private thyroid test as GP seems reluctant to consider this, can anyone tell me if these or the iron/b12 results look off even though all are said to be in the 'normal'range?

I also have low blood pressure which the GP has commented on but isn't concerned as still above 90 (106).

Any help much appreciated as so tired of feeling unwell. TIA 😊

[Llan12]

Thyroid results...

Results

[Cornwaller in reply to Llan12]

Your thyroid results look unusual. I'd suggest you post on the thyroid section as they are very good at giving a lot of expert advice. Or private message Slow Dragon.

They are odd cos your t4 / free thyroxine is very low in the range, also the t3 is lowish yet the tsh is also low and you might expect it to be elevated. This could be normal for you but could also hint at secondary hypothyroidism where the tsh signal is weak and so your thyroid under performs and you feel crap.

If I were a quack I'd suggest a trial of levothyroxine to see if it resolved your symptoms.

[Llan12 in reply to Cornwaller]

Thank you! I will ask as advised

[dickenspeter in reply to Llan12]

Thyroid tests are normal.

TSH is the crucial indicator and it is normal.

[Cornwaller in reply to dickenspeter]

You are quite right that the thyroid results are all in range. They are however perhaps slightly unusual as explained above and might merit further investigation.

Some would say the crucial indicator is well being and sadly that is not the case here. TSH is a useful measure but it being "normal" is not unfortunately a definitive measure for the absence of a thyroid disorder - for example in the case of secondary hypothyroidism.

[Nackapan]

B12 is known to drop after having a baby.

Did you take supplements over that period.

Ferritin seems low but shoukd not be looked at in isolation.

I was advised to keep it at least 50 -70 ug/L

When it reached 42 my hair stopped falling put. I was less shaky and loud thumping heart stopped.

I'm just trying to give ideas as to what questions to ask a medic.

There are reasons it up to them to do the right tests then act upon them.

Try and get one G. P to work with you .

We get no consistency thees days unless asked for.

Just stick to one private or NHS.

Have you had a review with the doctor that prescribed the iron and b12 injections. ?

If you've had a good response are these beng continued??

I was told to repeat tests no more than 3-4 monthly if on iron and vits / minerals and preferably with one lab. .

Bloods don't show everything aad are too heavily relied upon .

Write to Gp.

Keep it short.

It's scanned on your notes your concerns

It takes time to get ant positive results as to how you feel.

Hoping thr Thyroid forum helped you.

Try not to be 'fobbed off ' with

"Because a new mum"

I got fobbed off with its stress/ menopause.

You know your body

Being a new mum is tiring ,emotional,but how can it be responsible for a swollen leg ??

Other symptoms are very common with b12 deficiency/ PA

Low ferritin can cause restless legs

Hair loss

Palpitations

Cramps in calves

I had / have low BP

Is this new for you?

Keep a record .

Can't think of anything else.

Hope yo get some answers and a plan for better health.

Meanwhile try and enjoy your child.

You won't lack in exercise at that age !!

[Llan12 in reply to Nackapan]

Thanks for your post-waiting results from retest of bloods to see.

I'm unsure if the active b12 results I posted here are an issue also?

Low blood pressure as been reoccurring for me but I can see from my GP records have had ferritin levels around 23ug/l since 2013 and it was never mentioned!

I can also see from my records serum b12 levels for the same period- are these considered low? I don't know the difference between this and 'active' b12.

Thanks

Results