I had a bunch of blood tests done recently as I've been having frequent periods (gone from 3 weeks apart, then 2weeks, then 6 days). Also insomnia, headaches, fatigue, emotional changes, hot flashes weakness, memory loss, generally feeling awful. Symptoms been going on for years.
Could someone help me interpret these tests, please? (none of these tests were fasting) Taken at 9am.
I also have a history of a brain injury. (I'm female, 35 years old)
Ferritin 45 ug/L (15-300)
Prolactin 465 mu/L (71- 566)
TSH 3.41 mu/L (0.30- 4.40)
T4 level 10.9 pmol/L (9.0-19.1)
Serum sodium 136/ mol/L (133-146)
Serum potassium 4.7 mol/L (3.5-5.3)
FSH 3.2 iu/l
Serum LH 4.7
Growth hormone 0.23 ug/L
Glucose 4.1 mol/L (3.0- 7.7)
Many thanks.
Written by
lily82
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.
All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results
Tests don't have to be fasting. It is a patient-to-patient tip to show TSH at its highest which will usually help to get a diagnosis or dose increase and perhaps to avoid a dose reduction.
I agree with SlowDragon, a brain injury may have affected pituitary which would mean TSH shouldn't be relied upon. If your GP won't order FT3 you can order a private TSH, FT4, FT3 test via thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin... Medichecks are offering 20% discount until Monday and offer #ThyroidThursday discounts.
I'm definitely going to ask for it. Thanks for the link!
My GP did admit that she didn't know what it all meant. So I'll speak to the Pituitary Foundation nurse on Monday, and also I'm seeing my brain injury neurologist next week so I can take all this to her.
The worst symptom for me has been the memory loss and concentration issues and the brain fog, it's made it so hard to speak to doctors and put all this together. It wipes me out!
If they do you must counter that they are incompetent not to have considered your symptoms and blood tests indicate thyroid, sex and growth hormone deficiencies post brain injury.
My brain injury neurologist is referring me to a endocrinologist, because she says I'm showing signs of low oestrogen as well as all the other stuff- and I need to find out the underlying cause. And also get me on HRT to help with the symptoms.
It's good, because she's going to refer me and explain my background with a BI and all the symptoms I've had since. Which is more effective than my GP referring me, as they don't have a background in brain injuries.
The Pituitary nurse did say I was showing symptoms of low oestrogen (hot flashes, memory loss, headaches that are worse during certain times in my cycle, skin changes etc) were not normal for my age and could be linked to hypothyroidism or a pituitary dysfunction.
It's been scary for me to have worsening memory loss, because the BI already affected my memory and cognitive function. And it's been getting so much worse.
Again, I'm just writing all this out in case it helps another woman who ends up in my situation, of a history of a brain injury who develops hormonal issues years later.
Yeah, both have been great. I was so preoccupied with getting my brain injury stuff sorted- that I ignored my weird periods. When that was the biggest clue as to why I was getting worse!
Low estrogen levels is really bad for a brain that is already not working properly, because estrogen is important for brain function. So no wonder my brain injury symptoms were worsening.
I've been suffering with really random symptoms for years- headaches, dry eyes, high temperature, dry mouth, dizziness, balance, hyper-pigmintation, hair loss etc and now I'm able to put them all together and it makes sense.
I just cannot wait to go on HRT, anything to try and feel a bit more normal. I feel so weak and my memory and concentration is awful.
Is your GP investigating the frequency of your periods?
Ferritin 45 is suboptimal. Optimal is >100 through to halfway through range. You can raise ferritin by supplementing iron with 1,000mg vitamin C to aid absorption and minimise constipation.
TSH 3.41 indicates your thyroid is struggling and FT4 10.9 is low in range. NHS won't usually diagnose hypothyroidism until TSH is >4.40 or FT4 is <9.0. Supplementing 100-200mg selenium may give some thyroid support.
Sodium, potassium and glucose are within range (normal).
My hormones symptoms have been all over the place. I was seriously thinking I was going into early peri-menopause, as I have so many of the symptoms.
I shall definitely get some selenium!
I really feel awful- the worst has been the fatigue and memory loss. It gets much worse during my period, and I've been fainting and having very low blood pressure.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Latest Blood Results, please help
Blood tests results can anyone help?? 
Help with vitamins and gluten free please!!
