Symptoms coming back

[Kazza8]

Hi, just had new blood test as I’m now 9 months gluten free, TPO antibodies come down from 175 to 66, and thyroglobulin from 186 to 115 which is good but no change in how I feel since going gluten free.

I have just started to feel aching and joint pain back with some tiredness. I’m on 4 grains of NDT and my FT4 has dropped slightly but nothing else has changed. Don’t really want to increase NDT, would adding some t3 help?

Had iron panel done as my ferritin was high and they needed more information, but would be grateful for any input before I go back to Drs.

I am paying approx £2.70 a day on armour can someone private message me if I can get it cheaper elsewhere and where is best to get t3 from in Europe

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Are you supplementing B12 ? Looks like you do, plus vitamin D as both are at good levels

Recommended to also take a good vitamin B complex. This keeps all B vitamins in balance and would improve your folate

Ferritin is very high. Presumably you don't supplement? GP should investigate

[Kazza8 in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes I am supplementing b12, Vit D, B complex, Vit C, daily & zinc 3x a week with Magnesium and probiotic at night. The last time my ferritin was 340 (20-150) and my dr said not to worry unless it’s over 800, so at least this time it has come down a little so I doubt he will investigate.

Does the ferritin have anything to do with going gluten free.

Can going gluten-free make you feel more tired?

[Clutter]

Kazza8,

CRP is high in range which indicates some inflammation.

Ferritin is over range which, if you are not supplementing iron, can indicate inflammation or infection. I would ask for ferritin to be retested in 4 months to see whether it has dropped and request a full blood count if not.

Iron, transferrin and TIBC are within range (normal).

TSH is very suppressed, FT4 is low in range which is typical on NDT or T4+T3, and FT3 is just in the upper third of range. There is scope to increase NDT to raise FT4 and FT3. Why do you want to add T3 instead of increasing NDT dose?

Armour is the most expensive brand of NDT. NatureThroid, NP Acella and Erfa are cheaper brands and the Thai NDT Thyroid-S and Thiroyd are cheaper than the American and Canadian NDT.

Gluten-free won't necessarily improve symptoms but should reduce the frequency of Hashimoto's flares and has brought down your antibodies.

VitD is in the optimal range 100-150. You might consider reducing to a maintenance dose of 1,000iu daily.

B12 and folate levels are good.

[Kazza8 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you, I thought the T3 was what gives you the energy and 4 grains seems a lot of NDT. Of the other brands are they the same strength - so would I just start on a new brand at 4 grains? And could you PM where to get them from please.

I will retest ferritin as you suggested and then ask for full blood count if needed.

[Clutter in reply to Kazza8]

Kazza8,

There's T3 in NDT so if you need more T3 then it makes sense to increase the NDT dose rather than introduce a new medication which may or may not suit.

I believe the average dose taken is 3 - 5 grains.