I have just received these results (below) back from Blue Horizon. The reason for the private test was that I still suffer from excessive tiredness even though I take 75 mg of Levothroxine daily. As you can see my TSH is raised and my T3 is low. I am going to make an appointment to see my doc on Monday, although I am a little concerned that he may not take these results seriously! I have read on this site that a lot of GPs are not happy with us obtaining our own results! I am also concerned that my GP may not prescribe additional T3 alone as this doesn't appear to be standard practice for GPs. In addition I have low levels of Vitamin D which my GP informed me recently that I am borderline so therefore no medication was required! What I am also shocked at it the low ferritin levels which I have never been made aware of by my GP. Also the extremely high levels of the Anti-Thyoidperoxidase and Anti-Thyroglobulin bothers me.
Any pointers or assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated before my doctors appointment.
Ferritin L17.7
TSH H 4.87
T4 total. 75.3
Free T4 12.68
T3 L 3.03
Vitamin D L 34
B12 278
Serum folate 22.57
These levels I am concerned about to as they are extremely high
Your TSH is too high, Most people on levo need low TSH around (or even slightly below) 1 to be adequately treated. ask GP for 25 mcg dose increase. Email Louise at Thyroid UK for article by Prof Toft to show GP
You have high antibodies, so have Hashimoto's. If not already on gluten free diet, you may (like many of us) benefit from doing this. It might also help keep vitamin levels up. Selenium supplements can help too.
Your vitamin D is too low, aim for level of about 100
Useful app - great for demonstrating to GP that your level is low
B12 also too low. We seem to need B12 around 1000. When supplementing B12, recommended we also take B complex & this will keep B's in balance and will keep folate level up
Only start one supplement at a time. Wait at least 10 days before adding another
Sorry don't know about ferritin- lots of post on here though about how to improve
Usual advice on ALL thyroid tests, (home one or on NHS) is to do early in morning, ideally before 9am. No food or drink beforehand (other than water) If you are taking Levo, then don't take it in 24 hours before (take straight after). This way your tests are always consistent, and it will show highest TSH, and as this is mainly all the medics decide dose on, best idea is to keep result as high as possible
Thank you so much for your detailed reply SlowDragon . This is really very useful. I think you are definitely onto something with the gluten free diet. I have just had a brief look at the effects of gluten and in particular the allergy to wheat and didn't realise that this can also cause Asthma another condition which I suffer from. I think cutting out gluten is going to have to be one of my New Year resolutionsx
It is helpful, too, to see what ranges the lab uses, there is a general range but one which is specific to the lab you used is great. Blue Horizon will always give their range for each item tested, unless they do not have your birthdate, so if you could add this to your post that would help responders to be more specific with their suggestions.
As you used Blue Horizon, you will also have an interpretation and advice because they are very good like that, and that should give you something to work on.
Thank you for taking the time to reply marram . Yes Blue Horizon have given me an overview so I have something to work on. They were fantastic and a quick turnaround to. I am so glad I now finally know what I am dealing with.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.