Advice required please on recent blood tests.

[jennyem]

Diagnosed Hypo 6 years ago, started on 25 mg Levo then up to 75 mg, increased in July 2011 to 100 mg. I've never really felt any better and after reading all the helpful information on this website and because I've been seeing a more sympathetic doctor recently,I asked for more blood tests. I have all the usual symptoms, particularly tiredness and brain fog. I would like to ask for an increase in Levo, do you think this is justified? I'm just so fed up with feeling rubbish!

Serum TSH 0.34. (0.345-5.60) LO

Serum free T4. 12.9. (7.5-21.1)

Corrected serum calcium 2.33. (2.15-2.60)

Total Vitamin D. 61.0. (75-375) LO For optimal bone health 75 may be preferable

consider supplements in winter.

Serum Vitamin B12. 348. (120-914)

Serum Folate. >20.0 (4.0-20.0). HI

Serum Ferritin. 104. (11-306.8)

There are also more Haematology and Biochem results but I thought these were the important ones. Everything else seemed to be in range.

I think this website is really helpful and has given me confidence to do something more.

Many thanks.

[MaryMary]

Hi Jennyem

The only one I can comment on is the vit D. It is too low for a hypo person! My dr likes mine to be at least 125. You could ask if they would test FT3.

Hopefully others will be able to comment on other results.

Mary

[jennyem in reply to MaryMary]

Hi MaryMary

Yes, I noticed the vit D and have started supplementing. I wasn't sure what the level should be but 125 sounds reasonable. There is a note on my test sheet that says that 51 to 75 is 'adequate' but I think that range is low.

I don't know if the Doc will do T3 but I 'll ask. I've got an appointment on Friday so will try to gather my thoughts and be bold!

Thank you for your reply it's good to find a site which is so friendly, I've learnt such a lot and just want to feel better!

Jennyem

[tegz]

The one thing I can safely comment on here is my B12 /VitD was your levels -& with Folate over 20, too!

I looked into this and found that this could indicate under-utilisation of B12 by the body, as Folic acid is used in the process and is being left over by non use. I haven't done other than half dose multivit for ages with folate in.

I also learned that ,in Japan for elderly [I'm over 60], the minimum B12 is 500 [not 180 as here] - so we have, like with UAT [my case,pending with high TSH] very wide working limits for some essential markers.

From all the advice here both VitD and B12 levels are vital to be maintained on the higher side of average for good thyroid health & treatment.

In the case of taking larger amounts of Vit D regular testing is needed to stop over absorption of Calcium.

The other thing to mention , as we have similar numbers, is to get Magnesium level checked too, as mine was bottom of rage after long supplementing with it. Could be worth a look- it's commonly low!

Low levels of essential nutrients seem to be associated with sub-clinical UAT and the sub-optimal treatment for it too, from all that I see on advice columns.

[jennyem in reply to tegz]

Hello tegz

Thank you for your reply, that's really interesting about folate. I do take a multi vit so I need to work out amounts. The one I take has 200mcg Folic acid and 75mg Magnesium with other minerals and vitamins and I also take extra vit D and B12. I find it all a bit confusing but feel I have to try to help myself. I'll look into a test for magnesium too. Am going to ask for a Levo increase when I see Doc on Friday and see what happens!

Jennyemward

[tegz]

75mg is not much as a Mg supplement -esp. if in less easily absorbed form.

The best for cheapness and effectiveness is Mg Citrate- but it really known as a laxative.

This could be a plus- as it might help on that side, if needed -but used in small amounts, I've never noticed this effect.

Even 100mg a day [well absorbed] could give you double intake what you are on now.

Do a trial, and if you can't get Mg tested, take a break every few weeks so you can check your reactions, [plus or minus] -and don't forget to tell your Dr what you're supplementing!

I'm starting Levo soon- and ,if I don't do well on it ,shall pursue a T3 :RevT3 ratio check.

[NB: This info is to relate my experience, only]

[jennyem in reply to tegz]

Thank you again tegz, some research needed on my part I think, if I can concentrate! It's interesting that your Levels were similar to mine and I'm over 60 too!

jennyem