Thtroid function test

[Fluffymare]

Can someone tell me if my thyroid function test is ok

Serum TSH 1.66 mlU/L range 0.30-4.50mlU/L

Serum free T4 level 14.4 pmoI/L range 10.00 -22.00pmol/L

[Spareribs]

Hi Fluffy

They are in the 'normal' range, although most feel better with a TSH of around/below 1 with the Free T4 in the upper third of range.

I don't know what your symptoms are, but if tired/achey for example, its worth checking iron, ferritin, folate & B12 and VitD anyway, in case it helps. J

[Fluffymare in reply to Spareribs]

Thank you for your reply

I would appreciate it ifvyoubwoukd take a look at some of my other totals

Serum Ferritin 287 ug/L. Range 10.00-320.00 ug/L

Serum Folate 15.87 ug/L. Range 4.60-18.70ug/L

Serum B12 572 ng/L. Range 200.00-900.00 ug/L

Serum Vit D 55nmol/L just says next to that adequate 25 hydroxy Vit D

What does Iron come under, cannot see it on list

My Psychiatrist has put me on Venlafaxine 75 mg per day. for anxiety and depression been on them 11 days also have Fibromyalgia, don't get on with antidepressants, already tried quite a few.

It's really nice to be on this site, people are so helpful.

Pat

[Spareribs in reply to Fluffymare]

Hi Pat

sorry I haven't replied - the replies below are much better informed ..

I'm glad you've had those vital minerals tested, all seem ok - perhaps you're supplementing?

Just VitD - I feel better/less pain at over 100nmol/l.

The usual test for iron is Hb, my lab range is 12.0-16.0 g/dL but ferritin is a better indicator as it is stored iron. J

[shaws Administrator]

Your TSH would be in 'normal range' but that doesn't mean you don't have a hypothyroid problem. Unfortunately some doctors don't know the clinical symptoms. Can you ask your psychiatrist to prescribe some T3 for you instead of the anti-depressant as it may work better for you, being a natural hormone instead. You could maybe improve 'two birds with one stone', i.e. fibromyalgia and depression. I think it would be kind to allow you a trial of at least 3 or 4 months. The reason I give is because before the blood tests were introduced for the diagnosis of hypothyroidism, we were diagnosed according to clinical symptoms and fibromyalgia was not named until about ten years afterwards. This is a link.

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

Excerpt from above.

The “more sophisticated, discerning” tests you ask about are for the most part not laboratory tests, although for some patients, various lab tests can be helpful. But the conventional laboratory thyroid function tests (TSH, free T3, and free T4) are largely useless unless one or more of the levels is way out of range.

Considering that fibromyalgia is best treated with T3 and also in depression, T3 can also be very helpful, ask if you can have a trial. Bearing in mind that liothyronine is required by every receptor cell in our body, the brain containing the most cells, and if we don't have sufficient T3, we cannot function normally.

evolutionarypsychiatry.blog...

I am sorry about your husband having a stroke which is another strain on you at present. I hope he is getting the treatment/care he deserves and that you get the care your need too.

[Fluffymare in reply to shaws]

Thank you for the information it was very interesting.

My Psychiatrist has just put me on Venlafaxine 75ng daily, for Anxiety and depression together with Fibromyalgia which have been quite severe since my Husband had a stroke.

I will ask him about the T3 in place of the antidepressant, because I have tried several without any benefits.

I am having a full blood test on Monday, some other members have pointed out the importance of the famous five, because my Dr always says that my

Results are fine

I have high blood pressure, and have to watch my GRF and Sodium level as it goes up and down like a yo yo

This venkafaxine can affect your Blood Pressure and sodium level, so would rather not be on it really.

Pat.

[Marz]

Shaws has given excellent advice Fluffymare - can see you are working through things....keep up the good work and take good care....

[Fluffymare in reply to Marz]

Thanks Marz

I am looking into things more now

Pat

[Clutter]

Fluffymare, your thyroid results are within range and your TSH is about where it is expected for someone euthyroid (not on on meds) but your FT4 is less than half way which may indicate you are becoming hypothyroid so, unless your symptoms improve make sure you request another thyroid function test in 3/6 months.

Ferritin, B12 and folate are fine but vitD is low. Supplement 2-3,000iu vitD3 daily via softgel capsules, spray or patches. Optimal vitD is 75-200.Towards the top of range is preferable.

There is research stating the addition of T3 to SSRI antidepressants can be beneficial in antidepressant refactory depression.

nahypothyroidism.org/deiodi...

[Fluffymare in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter,

Does this vit D need to be D3 is there a difference? I do take Codliver Oil 1000

Fortied with 200 iu Vit D and A.

Regards

Pat.

[Clutter in reply to Fluffymare]

Fluffymare, you can continue with the cod liver oil supplement but yes, vitD supplement needs to be D3.

[shaws Administrator]

I do hope your psychiatrist will give it some thought. Dr Lowe (died 2 years ago) also ran the Fibromyalgia Research, Thyroidsciece.com and Drlowe.com and helped many. These are now archived.

More links and first two particularly for your psychiatrist:-

web.archive.org/web/2010121...

web.archive.org/web/2010081...

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

web.archive.org/web/2010082...

His websites have now been archived but there is still a lot of info.

[greygoose]

Your B12 could be higher. B12 that is too low FOR YOU, could cause depression, anxiety and fibromyalgia symptoms. Personally, I would want mine up the top, around 900.

The good thing about B12 is that you can't over-dose because it's water-soluable. So why not try some methylcobalamin, sub-lingual lozenges, and a B complex to keep it balanced. You could find it helps greatly. However, I agree with the others, some T3 added to your T4 would do you the world of good!

Hugs, Grey

[Fluffymare in reply to greygoose]

Hi Greygoose,

Thanks for your advice, do they come in different strengths as would not know which one to go for, also the B Complex.

Do they interact with medications I am taking?

Pretty ignorant on supplements only take Codliver Oil 1000 fortified with A and D. This site is very informative, best one ever.

Regards

Pat

[greygoose]

Ummmnahhhh... fortified with A and D? That might not be enough D for you. Is it D3? Try taking a low dose D3 on top of that.

I don't know if there are different strengths of B vitmains, I suppose there must be but I've never thought about it. I take 1000 B12 a day and a 50 mg B complex. Try it and see. It'xs all trial and error, i'm aftraid. Best to leave a couple of hours between levo and Bs. But I have no idea what interacts with antidepressants. You'd have to Google it.

[Treepie]

D3 comes in different strenghs from Healthspan, not sure about B12.

[Fluffymare]

Hi Treepie

Inwas advised by a member to take 2-3000 iu Vit D3

I have been looking on the Internet and there are so many to choose from, my only experience of Vit Supplements are the Codliver Oil 1000 fortified with 200 iu Vit D and A 2664 iu that I taken for many years and a Probiotic.

my B12 has been suggested could be higher (mine is 572ng/L range 200.00-900.00ng/L)

All advice is very welcome.

Pat.