I would really appreciate it if you could explain my recent test results for me. I’ve compiled them above as a collage, so you may need to zoom in!
I have been diagnosed Hypothyroid and am taking 75mcg / 100mcg Levothyroxine on alternate days, but I feel absolutely awful all the time and am sure my thyroid meds aren’t working for me.
My GP/ consultants here in the U.K. and their medical counterparts in Hungary (back at my parents’) don’t seem to think I have any thyroid issues, and say my blood tests are fine. I’ve even been told I wasted my time paying for a T3 test. I know this isn’t the first time you lovely people at Thyroid U.K. will have heard something as nonsensical as this!
Even to my untrained eye it looks like my iron levels are low, which I understand affects how well Levothyroxine works (or rather doesn’t!).
I have lots of additional health issues nobody seems to be able to diagnose or treat satisfactorily, such as -
Pre-diabetes (high Homa Index, diabetes in family)
Potential PCOS
Irregular periods
As I said, I attach my blood tests from Hungary in the New Year, and from back home here in the U.K. this January 2018: all bloods were taken within the past month.
Any advice gratefully received, as I really feel on my own with this Hypothyroidism with regards to the dismissive attitude of the medical establishment.
Viki.
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BViki
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If you type your most recent thyroid results and ranges I will advise whether or not you are optimally dosed on 75mcg/100mcg Levothyroxine. Include the results and ranges for your most recent ferritin, iron, vitamin D, B12 and folate.
Quite a difference in the test results but both show undermedication. Ask your GP to increase dose. Disappointing that Hungarian medics find TSH 4.31 satisfactory for a patient on Levothyroxine.
The goal of Levothyroxine is to restore the patient to euthyroid status. For most patients that will be when TSH is 0.27 - 1.0 with FT4 in the upper range. FT4 needs to be in the upper range in order that sufficient T3 is converted. Read Treatment Options in thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_... Email dionne.fulcher@thyroiduk.org if you would like a copy of the Pulse article to show your GP.
Iron is low in range but as it is within range it probably isn't deficient. You could show the result to your GP. If GP thinks it is too low s/he can order a full blood count to check red blood cells.
Hypothyroid patients are often low/deficient in ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate and symptoms can mimic hypothyroid symptoms so yes, do ask your GP to test.
Thank you so much for your comment. I only had a private blood test in Hungary and didn’t see anyone there. Here they refused to look at those results. I will get the necessary test done and will update results.
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 and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results
If your 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 and B12.
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
Yes most with Hashimoto's are negative for coeliac disease but that doesn't necessarily mean you are not gluten intolerant
It's extremely common. Get your vitamins tested and if these are low then this suggests gut issues and would suggest you seriously consider trying gluten free diet for minimum of 6 months.
You will still need to supplement to improve vitamins if these are too low as well
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