Hi All. I have had my blood results back from Blue Horizon. I would really appreciate any comments to help me fully understand them and maybe point me in the right direction regarding necessary adjustments to improve nutrient levels as shown on the tests. It seems to me that Folate and B12 are low and Ferritin could be better although not too bad. The thyroid hormone results confuse me as T4 and FT4 are low in the range but TSH is also low. The T3 and RT3 results leave me totally confused. I am pleased however to note that I do not appear to have an autoimmune component to my condition. Healthwise my biggest problems are my inability to lose weight and my permanently reduced body temperature which has gone as low as 34.5. It rarely gets above 36 although I can appear overheated and dripping in perspiration with normal exertion. I am 61 now and have had thyroid problems for over 20 years. Currently I am taking 100 mcg Thyroxine which has been reduced, about 4 mths now, from 100 and 125 on alternate days . I am sorry this post is so long but I am trying to give a full picture. It seems to me that the more I learn the more confused I get. Below is the comment from the Lab doctor and my results. I would really appreciate any comments. Thank you all so much.
"Please find attached your results in PDF format, and our Doctor's comments directly below.
The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level is low. If you are already taking thyroxine, dose adjustment may be necessary - you should discuss this with your usual doctor. If you are not taking thyroxine, it would be wise to keep an eye on this level - either by reference to previous results if known or by checking TSH again in 6 months’ time or so. There is a possibility that hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) will develop if the TSH fails to rise (a low TSH implies excessive thyroxine production from the thyroid gland).
The elevated level of reverse T3 and low reverse T3 ratio are unlikely to be of clinical significance. There is much controversy about the role of reverse T3 in thyroid illness. Conventional endocrinologists (hormone specialists) generally believe that knowing of the level of this substance does not influence thyroid treatment decisions. The alternative view however is that reverse T3 is effectively 'antithyroid' - T3 is the active thyroid hormone that stimulates the body's energy system (metabolism). Reverse T3 is a mirror image - it goes into cells, and instead of controlling metabolic processes it blocks the effect of T3. In this model, reverse T3 is effectively a hibernation hormone - in times of stress and chronic illness it lowers energy release from the cells - so normal thyroid levels with high reverse T3 may still result in hypothyroidism".
Biochemistry
CRP 5.00 <5.0 mg/L
Ferritin 101.2 20 - 150 ug/L
Thyroid Function
TSH Low 0.20 0.27 - 4.20 IU/L
T4 Total 86.5 64.5 - 142.0 nmol/L
Free T4 15.54 12 - 22 pmol/L
Free T3 4.56 3.1 - 6.8 pmol/L
Reverse T3* High 26.0 10 - 24 ng/dL
Reverse T3 ratio Low 11.42 Normal >15 Borderline 12-15 Low <12
Immunology
Anti-Thyroidperoxidase abs 10.7 <34 kIU/L
Anti-Thyroglobulin Abs 20.1 <115 kU/L
Vitamins
Vitamin D (25 OH) 149 Deficient <25 nmol/L
Insufficient 25 - 50
Consider reducing dose >175
Vitamin B12 451 Deficient <140 pmol/L
Insufficient 140 - 250
Consider reducing dose >725
Serum Folate 16.16 10.4 - 42.4 nmol/L