Blood Tests Normal - Help Understanding Levels

[Pinkroses]

Hi. I have a family history of B12 deficiency and Hypothroidism. I have all the symptoms of Hypothroidism, in particular fatigue and brain fog which are the worst symptoms. My TSH level is 4.4, my Free T4 level is 13, B12 level is 402, Serum Folate level 8.6 and Ferritin level of 76.

These are all within the normal level. My GP has said all they can do is either diagnose me with Chronic Fatigue if it continues or provide anti-depressants. I don't think its chronic fatigue as my fatigue is not that debilitating as I can push through the day, its just a struggle (my Mum who is 70 has more energy than me!) and I don't feel hopeless and unhappy so don't feel its depression. I am not sure where to go from here. I have ordered a full private thyroid blood test from Medichecks to get more information but would have liked a therapeutic trial of levothyroxine. Do you think I should push my GP for this, or are there other options open to me. I would just love to be able to go about my day normally, but do manage to adjust my lifestyle to cope. Thanks

[Nanaedake]

Did you get your thyroid antibodies tested? Your TSH is on the high side of normal range. I think it's worth ruling out antibodies - if you have them you should be started on Levothyroxine as it can help to delay onset of autoimmune activity. They are TPO and TgAb otherwise known as Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies and Thyoglobulin antibodies. Not all Doctors know this.

[Pinkroses in reply to Nanaedake]

Thanks anitbodies were not tested. I just checked and the private test I ordered is testing for TGAb and TPOAb. My doctors practice is a one doctor practice where the doctor has retired and is currently staffed by locums on a weekly basis so there is no consistency of care which is why I am trying to understand a bit more myself.

[Nanaedake in reply to Pinkroses]

That's good, you'll soon know the results which will help and great deal and good for you for taking control of your own health. We've all had to learn so much on this forum because nobody tells us or perhaps the doctors don't know?? I think training in thyroid conditions is poor and too bad considering 1 in 20 suffer from a thyroid condition in the UK, mostly women.

I think traditionally, medicine has been male led and the NHS still has to catch up with women's endocrine health which is a big factor in enabling us to work to retirement which we all need to do these days.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Also check vitamin D. Common to be low

If not included in Medichecks test you can get this via vitamindtest.org.uk £28