Recent results help to understand please

[Netty46]

Hi

I have these results taken on Monday this week and am asking for advice please

Serum TSH level 2.4mL (0.35-4.7) expect this us still too high Last reading 2nd May 7.2mu/L

Serum Thyroid peroxidase antibodies concentration above range 1000 u/ml

(0.0-75)

Serum free T4 12 pmolL (7.8-21.0) May reading 9.6pmol/L

Serum Vitamins B12 181 pmolL (115-1000) last reading 30th May 137

Serum Ferritin level 51ugL (20-100) last reading 30th May 30th

I am still waiting for results of Zinc levels, Testosterone, progesterone and liver and kidney function sometime next week.

Looks like Hashimoto Thyroid tissue is this possibly the reason for the hairloss and long term stomach issues that I've had for years?

[Saggyuk]

Hi Netty

Yes, this does confirm hashimotos/autoimmune thyroid but unfortunately most docs wont prescribe until tsh hits 10 although some will with antibodies present. Some here have resorted to buying their own meds from abroad.

I can see your B12 was lower previously and is still too low, have you been taking anything for this? Wouldn't want to comment on iron as ferritin can be misleading especially if inflammation of other problems present - do you have a full blood count to see if signs of iron anaemia?

Also many of us hypos are deficient in folate and vit D also so would be good to get tested.

I'm not so sure, it is possible that your stomach problems are actually the cause of other issues if this one has been ongoing for many years. Have you been tested for coeliacs? The blood test is unreliable as stated on the NHS website but most docs are oblivious to this and wont refer for endoscopy which is why it's hugely under diagnosed. Endoscopy is also unreliable as damage can be patchy and wont rule out NCGS anyway. Literally all my problems resolved after going gluten free including stomach and severe hairloss but was too late for my thyroid. Many hypos are gluten intolerant anyway and many here have found going gluten free has helped lower their thyroid antibodies so well worth a try but has to be 100% GF including cross contamination and for at least three months (maybe longer) to see if any improvements.

If this doesn't work, you can try a six week elimination diet to check for other food intolerances. I don't agree with diagnosis like IBS, there is normally something causing it. If no luck with foods, then you should get referral for further investigation. Resolving our stomach issues will help enormously anyway.

Hope doc sees fit to treat you and hope you feel better soon

[Netty46 in reply to Saggyuk]

Thanks Saggy

I am already on 100mgs of Levo and at the moment have been on 50mg of B12 and 200mgs of Ferrous sulfate . I am supplementing with a B Complex, vitamin D, Selenium A C + E and taking Zinc

When you say the GP might not prescribe until TSH reaches 10 what is it they might not prescribe so I know what I need to be asking for.

I am having a blood test for Zinc when they get the proper tubes in as apparently this is different to normal test tubes and am waiting on full blood count results from yesterday's blood test.

Thanks again Netty

[eeng in reply to Netty46]

Your TSH is too high for someone already on thyroid medication. Netty46 didn't realise you are already being treated - that's what she meant by her comment about TSH reaching 10. For people taking thyroid medication their TSH ought to be around 1. This is because 95% of people with normal thyroid function have a TSH of between 0.5 and 1.5 (a norwegian academic study found this).

[Netty46 in reply to eeng]

Thanks I am expecting the Doctor to raise my Levo when I see him next week and am going to embark on a Gluten free diet. Generally apart from long term stomach issues and this severe hairloss which is extremely depressing have to syc myself up daily for the morning hair brushing I feel lucky compared to some of the people that post on here. I'm having to come to terms with the fact there is no miracle fix for hairloss and will just have to accept it if only that was as easy as writing it down really struggling with this have to admit

Thanks for your response. Nettyx

[Saggyuk in reply to Netty46]

Yes, apologies, your last sentence in original post made me assume you were not already treated.

Yes, definitely get an increase in thyroid meds, will help.

And you've still got a long way to go in regards to getting your vit levels up as B12 should really be over 500. Can i just check, do you mean 50mg or 50mcg B12?

Hopefully getting all your levels up and trying to resolve why so low and stomach issues, will help your hair grow back. It does take a while to get there but once you start working some things out and losing some symptoms and ruling things out, it's easier to work out what's up with the rest of it. Although I think resolving your digestive issues could benefit you hugely

[Netty46 in reply to Saggyuk]

Thanks again Saggy sorry yes I'm on 50 mcgs of vit B12 just started on this about 3 weeks ago.

I will ask for this to be increased too. I will post further results meet week when they come in.

Thanks again for all the support just helps not to just go on and accept what's said by having some extra knowledge. Netty

[Saggyuk in reply to Netty46]

I thought that might be the case - you may want to knock that up to 5000mcg lol - need a lot more although maybe 3000mcg might be a little less of a shock to your system or even 1000mcg, you might want to get a sublingual too as will bypass your stomach and get your levels up faster

[Netty46]

Wow didn't realise I was that under medicated but like I said I've just started on the 50 and am due back on Thursday to see the Doctor with all the results. So will see what from there. I will post further results and outcome of visit next week for further advice.

Thanks Netty