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[Ana181920]

Hi, I suspect I have something wrong with my thyroid. My TSH came back at 5.2 (0.2 - 4.2) FT4 15.7 (12 - 22) I have a swollen neck, dry skin, tiredness, mood swings, heavy periods, memory loss, confusion, constipation. I had other tests done and they are

Ferritin 27 (30 - 400) complete blood count only showed MCV 80.2 (83 - 98) and MCHC 384 (310 - 350)

Folate 4.1 (4.6 - 18.7)

Vitamin D total 44.2

Is this something I should look into? Thankyou

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Were these done by GP?

TSH is high and above range. there's no FT3 test. NHS rarely test, but it needs testing

But more important even than that thyroid antibodies, TPO and TG antibodies need testing. This is to diagnose autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto's

Low vitamins are common result with Hashimoto's

Your vitamin D is too low and needs supplementing. It's too high for GP to prescribe. So you will need to supplement yourself.

Ferritin is much too low. GP should probably do more tests for Anaemia and prescribe iron supplements

Folate is too low - essential to test B12 before supplementing any folic acid or any B vitamins

See SeasideSusie detailed vitamin advice for supplements

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH and most consistent results

List of symptoms to print off, tick all that apply and take to GP

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[Ana181920 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi they were done by GP and I have high thyroid antibodies. My new vitamin D result is 13.6 thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Ana181920]

So with high thyroid antibodies your GP should start you on Levothyroxine, usually at standard starter dose of 50mcgs

Plus loading dose for vitamin D.

Have you got an appointment to see GP

[Ana181920 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi thanks no my GP says I am not eligible for Levothyroxine

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Ana181920]

Have they prescribed loading dose of vitamin D?

Arranged to test vitamin B12 or prescribed for low ferritin?

Suggest you see different GP in the practice

[Ana181920 in reply to SlowDragon]

No loading dose for vit D or prescribed anything for low ferritin

B12 was 186 (190 - 900)

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Ana181920]

Ask to see a different GP

Ask for full testing for coeliac disease (might shake them up)

Your Vitamin deficiencies needs attention

Consider making formal complaint to practice manager.

When antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease). About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's

With Hashimoto's, until it's under control, our gut can be badly affected. Low stomach acid can lead to poor absorption of vitamins. Low vitamin levels stop thyroid hormones working.

Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten

According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)

But don't be surprised that GP or endo never mention gut, gluten or low vitamins. Hashimoto's is very poorly understood

Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

amymyersmd.com/2017/02/3-im...

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

Email Thyroid UK for list of recommended thyroid specialists [e-mail]

[Ana181920 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks will make an on the day appointment tomorrow

[Ana181920 in reply to SlowDragon]

TPO antibodies done in 2014 and were 172 (<34) in 2015 were 277.5 (<34)

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Ana181920]

Definitely autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto's

[Spareribs]

quote labtests on-line.....

"High MCH scores are commonly a sign of macrocytic anemia. This condition occurs when the blood cells are too big, which can be a result of not having enough vitamin B12 or folic acid in the body"

I agree with Slowdragon - sort out your vitamins but low B12/folic acid needs further investigation before supplementing - have a nosey round the Pernicious Anaemia site here on HU - not saying it's that, just that they're the experts

[klr31]

I wish GPS were better trained on thyroid issues. There seems to be a terrible lack of education around. It's criminal!

Karen