I'm new here and wondering if I have a thyroid issue??? Hair loss and labs, further testing??? Update on labs.

[prj789]

I am experiencing hair loss each month and can now see my scalp and it's continuing to fall out. I have primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Lupus. I have been diagnosed with low vitamin D, Low B-12, low Ferritin, low Calc% Iron SAT, and high Homocysteine. My ferritin has come up to 38 from a low of 5. The reference range the lab gives is 10-220 NG/ML. I have been taking vitamin D, B-12 and most recently a prescription for Folic Acid. In November of 2016 I saw my Rheum. and Hematolotgist and talked about my hair loss. They ran labs which included THS at 1.6 range 0.5-4.7, FREE T3 at 3.3 range 2.3-4.2, FREE T4 (Thryoxine) 1.22 range 0.73-1.95. I will be seeing a new Hematologist and wondering if there are other thyroid tests I should be asking him to run since these are in the normal range? I've been told that Thyroid problems can be a issue with my Antiphospholipid, including hair loss and was encouraged to look into this site. Thanks for any feed back anyone might have.

Update on USA labs: Ferritin lab was 38 and range is 10-220

I'm not sure what the Vitamin D or B-12 levels were because I received a letter but no levels. I will contact dr.

Homocysteine was 12.4 and range is 5.0-12.0

Calc%Iron SAT was 17 and range is 20-50%

LDH was 235 and range is 135-214

I'm not sure if folate and folic acid are the same labs.

With these number does anyone have a suggestion as to what tests I should ask my hematologist to check tomorrow?

[Kitti1]

Hi prj789

Sorry to hear of your hair loss. I'm quite new here and not the person to ask regards blood results. I'm sure another knowledge person will be able to help you with that.

The reason I'm posting is you got a t3 test on the NHS ? That's incredible ! Also quite something that you were recommended this site. Your definitely in the right place for help regards thyroid issues and nutrients. Hope you find the answers you need.

[bluebug in reply to Kitti1]

The FT4 and FT3 ranges in the post look like foreign ranges not ones associated with UK labs.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to bluebug]

Poster's profile says United States.

[bluebug]

The best thing to do if you want help is to post your vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate and ferritin test results plus ranges, so I would edit your post and add those as well.

On this site we have found what doctors said are adequate levels are not OK for people with thyroid issues and other health problems particularly autoimmune diseases, so you won't be supplementing enough as insufficient levels of the vitamins and iron mentioned is a common cause of hair loss.

If you see a new doctor and can get them measured then ask for your thyroid antibodies to be tested. Your FT4 and FT3 are both low in their ranges.

[prj789 in reply to bluebug]

Will do. Thanks so much.

[judburke]

It is very likely that the low ferritin is causing your hair loss. 38 is still very low and most people recommend on Thyroid sites that we aim for 70 to 90. On this range (I was in USA for a while) I have improved hair when I have been at 80 for a few weeks. FYI It can take several weeks to raise Ferritin and then it takes a few weeks afterwards for the hair loss to slow down and for regrowth to start so be patient. It helps absorption if you take Vitamin C at the same time as iron and makes it easier on the gut.

It seems you have been tested for a few autoimmune issues - Have they also tested you for Coeliac? Low iron and low vitamins are typical symptoms and you can have CD without having classic gut symptoms. It might be worth asking for the Coeliac antibody test too

Good luck finding out what is going on

[prj789]

Thanks very much for your help. I do have a blood clotting disorder and it's not unusual for the ferritin, vitamin D and B-12 to be out of range. I check about the CD as well.