Blood Test Results

[Beefeathers]

I wonder if anyone me understand my blood test results please?

I have had 2 recent thyroid tests. The first test was after taking levo on the day ( at that time I was aware it is best not to take it 24hrs prior to testing.)

March 2017

Taking 100 or 125 of levo on day of test

Serum TSH <0.05mu/L (0.35-5.50)

Serum free T4 21.3pmol/L (11.0-23.0) SR

June 2017

Taking no levo 24hrs prior to test

Serum TSH <0.05mu/L (0.35-5.50)

Serum free T4 20.7pmol/L (11.0-23.0)

My confusion is the results are about the same, but I there would be difference? Many thanks in advance for any help.

[Learner1]

T4 needs to convert to active thyroid hormone, T3, to work. What was your FT3 and rT3 on each occasion?

[Beefeathers in reply to Learner1]

Hi Thank you for your reply, I did ask for FT3 and rT3 but the lab (nhs) didnt carry them out.

[Learner1 in reply to Beefeathers]

I suspect they'd give you some answers. Your body uses FT3 to run your metabolism. From T4, it can convert to T3 (good) or reverse T3 (useless... this can happen if your body is stressed).

If you feel you're hypothyroid, then you should seek out the tests, maybe through a private lab. Get antibodies done, too.

If you feel fine, then you're probably ok.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Beefeathers]

NHS doesn't do rT3 I believe. And FT3 is only usually done if TSH and FT4 are way off.

[Beefeathers]

Thank you for your replies, I am trying to self help as I have never felt well since being diagnosed with under active thyroid in 2009, I have only ever been prescribed Levoythroxine.

Symptoms include intense fatigue, feeling cold, weight gain, aching muscles, headaches, diarrhea, insomnia, nightmares, sensitivity to noise, and more recently an increase in anxiety, panic attacks, palpitations, ear pain with tinnitus, decreased appetite and nausea, tearful.

GP has called to ask me in to discuss the results above, receptionist said its just routine but I was wondering if the results have flagged up anything.

Thank you again for any advice x

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Beefeathers]

If you're trying to self help then you'll need more than TSH and FT4. I suggest you get a full Thyroyd panel with vitamins and minerals tested with either Blue Horizon or Medichecks.

bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk/t... (can be fingerprick test, doesn't include rT3)

bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk/c... (includes rT3 but has to be venous blood draw)

medichecks.com/thyroid-func... (can be fingerprick, doesn't include rT3)

medichecks.com/thyroid-func... (includes rT3 but has to be venous blood draw)

[Beefeathers in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you I appreciate your advice and the links, that is very kind of you to take time to include and I will check those out, and just to add I have had the following done (NHS)

serum B12 433ng/l (180-640)

serum folate >24ugl (3-20)

serum ferritin 57ug/l (20-200)

Serum 25-HO Vit D3 level 64.6 nmol/L >50

thanks again x

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Beefeathers]

OK, so you won't need those tests. If you want the basic thyroid panel including rT3, Blue Horizon have just introduced one after I asked if they could offer one without the vitamins and minerals

bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk/m... (venous blood draw)

If you want to include Thyroid Antibodies Medichecks do one that includes rT3 -

medichecks.com/thyroid-func... (venous blood draw)

If you don't want rT3 both do a full thyroid panel including antibodies, or just TSH/FT4/FT3

**

serum B12 433ng/l (180-640)

serum folate >24ugl (3-20)

B12 below 500 can cause neurological problems. The recommended level is very top of range, even 900-1000.You could supplement with sublingual methylcobalamin lozenges 1000mcg daily to raise your level. When taking B12 we also need a B Complex to balance all the B vitamins.

As far as I am aware, if B12 is nice and high then a high folate level is fine. If your folate level hasn't been flagged then personally I wouldn't worry.

**

serum ferritin 57ug/l (20-200)

Ferritin needs to be half way through it's range. You could supplement with iron tablets, taking each one with 1000mg Vit C to aid absorption and help prevent constipation. Take iron four hours away from thyroid meds and two hours away from any other medication and supplements as it affects their absorption.

The easiest way to raise ferritin without the fuss of fitting iron tablets around everything else, is to eat liver once a week, maximum 200g, and include lots of iron rich foods

apjcn.nhri.org.tw/server/in...

**

Serum 25-HO Vit D3 level 64.6 nmol/L >50

The recommended level for Vit D is 100-150nmol/L.

You could supplement with D3 and take it's important cofactors too

vitamindcouncil.org/about-v...

You could buy separate D3 softgels, possibly 3000iu daily will be enough, and a separate K2-MK7. Or you could look for a D3/K2-MK7 combination supplement. When you reach the recommended level you should take a maintenance dose, maybe 2000iu daily, and retest once or twice a year is recommended to keep within the recommended range, adjusting dose if necessary.

D3 and K2 are fat soluble so should be taken with the fattiest meal of the day, D3 four hours away from thyroid meds.

Magnesium comes in different forms, check here to see which would suit you best and as it's calming it's best taken in the evening, four hours away from thyroid meds

naturalnews.com/046401_magn...

Check the other cofactors too.

[Beefeathers in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you so much for your comprehensive reply! I will read over everything, you are very kind

Many thanks x

[Beefeathers]

I just have one more question and wonder if you can help me? I had read it was best not to take the dose of levo 24hrs prior to the blood test as it can skew the results, so I am wondering is it usual for the thyroid results to be the same levels whether the levo dose is taken or not taken 24hrs before the test?

Thank you x