New to community. I have pernicious anaemia, iron deficiency, vit D deficiency. Could someone please help me with my bloods on 150mcg levo? Diagnosed hypothyroid 8 yrs ago.
Thank you
Nov 2017
TSH 0.03 (0.2 - 4.2)
FT4 20.8 (12 - 22)
FT3 4.5 (3.1 - 6.8
Both look fine but what is missing is the FT3. This is an extract from Thyroiduk.org.uk
"FT4 = FREE T4
Thyroid hormones not bound to proteins. FT4 lowers when the thyroid is struggling.
The approx. reference range for this test is 10 to 24
FT3 = FREE T3
T4 converts to T3 and is the only thyroid hormone actually used by the body's cells.
The approx. reference range for Free T3 is 4 to 8.3
We at Thyroid UK believe that you need to know your Free T3 level too because this will often show low if you are not converting, and high if you have blocked receptor cells. Even if you are converting, the body needs the extra T3 that a normal thyroid produces. There has been some research to show that people feel better on a mixture of Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). Effects of Thyroxine as Compared with Thyroxine plus Triiodothyronine in patients with hypothyroidism – The New England Journal of Medicine Feb.11, 99 Vol. 340. (Click here for this article).
With all of these tests, your results could be anywhere within the range and you would be classed as "normal". If you are at the very edge of the range, either at the bottom or at the top, you could be classed as "borderline". Neither you nor your doctor truly knows what your normal is, if you did not have a blood test done before you became ill. There are also particular reasons why the blood tests remain in the normal range. If you are not converting from T4 to T3 or if your cells are not taking up the T3 normally, your T4 levels and your TSH levels will still show as normal.
The Broda Barnes Foundation tell us "Dr Barnes found that the primary reason for the inaccuracy of the blood tests for thyroid function is that the thyroid hormones are not utilized in the blood, but are utilized intracellularly. Therefore a patient can have enough thyroid hormones circulating in the blood to give a "normal" reading, but if the hormones are not getting into the cells, the patient will be hypothyroid.
thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...
FT4 12 - 22
FT3 3.1 - 6.8
TSH 0.2 - 4.2
Your results look fine except FT3 could be a bit higher.
Ok endo says he will not increase despite hypo symptoms thanks
Rocia,
Endo's probably reluctant to increase dose because TSH is already low.
I suggest you ask your GP to check ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate which are commonly low/deficient in hypothyroid patients as symptoms can be similar to hypothyroid symptoms. Post the results and ranges in a new question and member will advise.
New results for thyroid
TSH 8.3 (0.2 - 4.2)
FT4 10.7 (12 - 22)
FT3 3.1 (3.1 - 6.8)
Rocia,
Were you taking 150mcg when you had that blood test? You are undermedicated to have TSH so high and FT4 below range. Why is endo refusing to increase dose?
Yes I was taking the 150mcg, endo wants bloods to follow a pattern hence no increase
Why does he want your bloods to follow a pattern of getting worse? You might want to just get the GP to prescribe and dump the endo
What are you being prescribed for the nutrient deficiencies and what are your current levels? If levels aren't optimal then thyroid hormone can't work properly, in particular Ferritin needs to be at least 70, apparently conversion of T4 to T3 is impaired below that level.
Supplementing with selenium L-selenomethionine can help conversion.
Do you have raised thyroid antibodies (autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's)?
TPO antibodies 809 (<34)
TG antibodies 355.8 (<115)
I have autoimmune?
Yes
Have you had folate, ferritin and vitamin D tested retested recently to check adequately treated
Can u add recent results and ranges
Do you supplement a good vitamin B complex as well as have B12 injections
Are injections done every 3 months.
If you have PA then likely your hypo is Hashimotos also called autoimmune thyroid disease
Have you had antibodies tested?
TPO antibodies 809 (<34)
TG antibodies 355.8 (<115)
I have autoimmune?
So 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
Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin.
Always get actual results and ranges. Post results when you have them, members can advise
Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels
Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone 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
Ask GP for coeliac blood test first
Persistent low vitamins with supplements suggests coeliac disease or gluten intolerance
gluten.org/resources/health...
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...
thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...
I don't think GP will test me for them now.
Go private via Medichecks or Blue Horizon then, many most on here have to to get well
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