Advice on Ferritin results

[Nionyn]

Please may I ask for your advice on recent blood results. Serum Iron Level - 16

( range 10 to 30)

Trans Ferrin Saturation index - 25.5

(Range - 20 to 50%)

Serum Transferrin - 2.5

(Range - 2 to 4)

Thank you. I am taking 75mcg of Levothyroxine since 06/02/18. I started taking Levothyroxine 50mcg in September 2017.

My recent blood test for TSH was 2.86 and T4 was 15.3 and hence why Levothyroxine has been upped to 75mcg. And further blood test to follow. Don’t feel especially great

Anxiety is a massive problem for me. Any advices please on this. Just feel so wired all the time and cannot relax.

Thanks.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Feeling anxious is a very common hypothyroid symptom

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's

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

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

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the...

How long since dose was increased to 75mcg?

Do make sure to stick to same brand of Levothyroxine. Many patients find significant differences between brands

Have you had vitamin D, ferritin, B12 and folate tested as well?

Do you have Hashimoto's also called autoimmune thyroid disease diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies?

If GP hasn't tested Thyroid antibodies, ask that they are next test

You might find gluten free diet reduces anxiety, especially if you have high thyroid antibodies.

[Nionyn in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks for your reply. My dose of Levothyroxine was increased at the beginning of February. I have mentioned my ferretin results above. Thank you. My GP won’t test for Vit D and my last B12 test was last June and GP said I have sufficient stores for 2 years. I mentioned supplementing with B12 and he suggested it was not a good idea as it can make you crash energy wise. I had thyroid antibodies checked last year and he said that they were ok. I am borderline hypothyroid and have been trialling Levothyroxine since last September. My previous results for TSH have been over 5 but under 6. My latest test for TSH in February was 2.86 and T4 was 15.3 and why my Levothyroxine has been increased.

Thank you for taking the time to reply and I shall look at the links suggested. Also mentioning that anxiety is very common. Thanks.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Nionyn]

You can test just vitamin D via

Vitamindtest.org.uk £28

What does "ok" mean for antibodies

You are entitled to actual results

[Feelbetter]

Hi there,

Have you ever tried CBT or mindfulness? I have experienced anxiety and low moods after poor health. In fact these 2 strategies and therapies are well worth the effort. The NHS offers them both, so ask your GP for a referral.

I also recommend you take time twice a week to have an Epsom Salts bath if possible before bed. It is magic as it relaxes and then lowers your body temperature. The magnesium is very important for your health.

I can’t comment on the blood results but I do recommend you look very closely at your diet. Avoid anything with high iron. Did you know bran and dark chocolate contain high levels of iron as well as red meat?

Add in at least 5 portions of veggies and if possible 2 of fruit eg berries and apples.

Avoid white carbs which spike your energy levels ready for a crash.

Hope you feel better soon 😊

[Nionyn in reply to Feelbetter]

Thank you for your help and advice. I shall definitely take a look at these suggestions. I really want to help myself.