b12 & ferritin

[Rudegirl]

I didn't know b12 & ferritin testing was needed before starting NDT .. If they're not within range NDT doesn't work!!!

[shaws Administrator]

I think it's better if all our vitamins/minerals are at an optimum level when hypo. We do give advice to ask your GP to do all the tests as many of us are deficient.

I think NDT would still work, even if they were a bit low, maybe not as well but I still think you would get some relief.

[Rudegirl in reply to shaws]

Haven't had a ferritin, but my b12 is 244, not that great. Normal 200-900. My GP should be ok for a test, as she wants to monitor me using NDT.. So I'll use my levothyroxine until then!

[Hennerton in reply to Rudegirl]

I believe the problem with taking NDT when ferritin is low in range, is that you may have symptoms like sweating and palpitations and may feel hyper. Then it is hard to know whether you are truly hyper and need to drop the dose, or whether it is just your reaction to the T3 element of NDT. I had these symptoms and things did not improve until I took iron supplements and raised my serum iron and ferritin . Ask for both to be tested, plus B12, folate and Vit D and then post results here for advice. GPs generally think it is fine if we are anywhere in range. I was at the very bottom but nobody ever mentioned it. You need to be above the middle and ferritin above 70.

[Rudegirl in reply to Hennerton]

I've asked for ferritin to be tested .. My b12 was just in range .. 244, I've booked the nurse for 28th January to take blood, my GP should ok it & get something to bring my b12 up, before I begin NDT ..

[shaws Administrator in reply to Rudegirl]

If you're not already supplementing with sublingual methylcobalamin B12 I would begin now. All of us should have a B12 level of not less than 600 or even more.

[Inna]

I had low Ferritin, when started taking NDT. It did have a positive effect compaired to Levo treatment. I just couldnt up the dose as fast as I would have if had no problem with iron defficiency.