Hyperthyroidism, low B12, raised iron and ALT.

[Migsy123]

Hi, I had Graves Disease 5 years ago and recovered fairly quickly with carbimazole. My thyroid is over active again so GP has put me back in carbimazole. Low B12 but test for celiacs and intrinsic factor is negative so I'm taking a high dose of B12 tablets and will be retested in 6 months. Does anyone know if the low B12 and raised iron and liver enzyme ALT could be connected. I'm having a retest for iron and ALT next week and have been referred to a endocrinologist. I've been on carbimazole for about 10 days but my tremors are getting worse. Thanks in advance for any comments.

[Silver_Fairy]

Graves/hyperthyroidism can cause damage to the liver, due to excess T3. It can interfere with iron metabolism and elevate ferritin. And it can lower B12.

Hopefully, now you are back on Carbimazole, some of those things will resolve. Supplementing with B12, will resolve the deficiency.

Doubt you need to be told, as this isnt your first time, but keep an eye on your thyroid levels and dont allow your GP/Endo to overmedicate you with Carbimazole and give you hypo symptoms!

[Migsy123 in reply to Silver_Fairy]

Thanks, Silver, that is very useful. It's put my mind at rest especially as the GP won't test for B12 levels for another 6 months. I'm taking a high dose of B12.

[Valarian]

How much carbi have they put you on ? Sometimes GPs only prescribe a fairly low dose, and if your thyroid is really kicking off again, it might not be enough to keep symptoms under control.

Were you prescribed beta blockers last time ? It might be worth asking about this option, as they usually help pretty quickly with breathlessness and tremors.

Bl**dy tremors!

[Migsy123 in reply to Valarian]

Thanks, Valerian. I'm taking 15mg of Carbimazole per day. I have tried beta blockers in the past but they made me feel even worse. The intense muscle pain I get is subsiding so hopefully I'm improving!

[GSD83]

Sorry to be negative but you're using Graves disease in the past tense, unfortunately you will always have it. I am currently on block and replace, 30mg of Carbimazole and 50 microgrammes of Eltroxin. Hope you get well soon.

[Migsy123]

Thanks, Gav. You are on a high dose of carbimazole. I'm on 15mg.

[Valarian in reply to Migsy123]

Do you know your thyroid levels Migsy123? As you say, 15mg is quite a low dose.

[Migsy123]

Nope but hopefully seeing endo soon