Thyroidots

[debbiecassie]

help Im 58 female,Mum amd sister both underactive.My hair is coming out and thinning Im exhausted and often cold.Lots of symptons ,had my GP lab results..Iron 13,Ferritin40,TSH1.3,Free T4 12. Doctor said Im normal can anyone guide me here? Thankyou

[galathea]

Here is a link to research which shows low ferritin (under 70) is linked to hair loss.

healthguidance.org/entry/42...

X. G

[debbiecassie in reply to galathea]

Thankyou I do wonder why my levels are so low though

[debbiecassie]

Thankyou for your reply,I dont know where to go from here,I do have private healthcare and could request to see a specialist but not sure which?

[debbiecassie]

OK thankyou so much

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Debbiecassie.

Do you have the lab ref ranges for FT4, iron and ferritin? (figures in brackets after the result)? It's not possible to see low they may be without the ranges.

[debbiecassie in reply to Clutter]

Thankyou so much FT4 9-21 pmo1/L,Ferritin 20-300ug/L,iron 10-32umo1/L.VitamimB!2 180-2000 ng/L mine was 551 not sure what any of this means but Im so weary and fed up today

[Clutter in reply to debbiecassie]

Debbie, the ranges show whether your results are low, medium, high. NHS consider anywhere within range to be 'normal' but normal isn't the same as optimal.

Ferritin 40 in a range 20-300 is low, optimal is half way through range ie 150. Your iron is also low in range. Supplement Ferrous Fumarate and take each iron tablet with 500-1,000mcg vitamin C to aid absorption. Ask for iron and ferritin to be retested in 6 months as too much iron isn't good. Low iron/ferritin can cause fatigue, hairloss, pain and breathlessness.

Your TSH 1.3 is low-normal but your FT4 is a bit low in range. NHS won't treat until FT4 is <9.0 or TSH is over range. 3-5 Brazil nuts daily or 200mcg selenium may improve thyroid function. Ask for a retest in 6-12 months if symptoms haven't improved.

There's unlikely to be deficiency with B12 551. However, PA Soc say 1,000 is optimal so you might want to supplement 1,000mcg methylcobalamin sublingual lozenges, spray or patches to boost level. B12 supplements can improve energy.

[debbiecassie in reply to Clutter]

That is so so helpful,I had the same problem years ago when my energy levels were low my GP asked if I would like a course of anti depressants!!! so my husband paid for me to have an MOT privately my bloods came back as low in iron but within the range of normal....she recommended iron with Vit c for 6 months and I felt so very much better my levels went up to more in the middle normal range....needless to say so furious with that GP I wont see him at my practice anymore.

[Clutter in reply to debbiecassie]

Debbiecassie, few GPs prescribe when levels are within range. Luckily we can optimise our own levels by buying supplements over the counter.

[debbiecassie in reply to Clutter]

Just been reading your page and my sister has Graves disease,she had her thyroid removed a few years ago and it grew back so she has just has the radio active treatment, ive just ordered the Cambodian fish! Was wondering what your views are on the Natural dessicated hormone? from pigs Ive been reading about it ? I shall be trying your recomendations! and thankyou for taking the time to answer me

[Clutter in reply to debbiecassie]

Debbie, my sister had RAI and has been well on Levothyroxine (T4) for almost 4 years. I hope the RAI finally sorts your sister out.

I'm doing well on T4+T3 so I've not tried NDT but many members find it better than synthetic T4 and T3. The T4 and T3 in NDT are derived from dried pig thyroid.

[debbiecassie in reply to Clutter]

Hi Ive just bought all 4 products on Amazon thankyou for your help.Im still tempted to get NDT but will try all the supplements first.Do you know where I can buy NDT safely?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Also suggest you ask if they will test your Vit D and B12.levels - or get them done privately

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

holtorfmed.com/vitamin-d-au...

[debbiecassie in reply to SlowDragon]

My B12 is 551 I think the range was 180-2000 ng/L? not sure what this means Many thanks for you reply