General aches in hands feet, poor sleeping, slight yellowing of skin, occasional palpitations and low pulse - today was 44bpm, normally about 55-57. Had TSH, free T4 and free T3 done last year - T3 was 2.25 - discussed with GP who said TSH was normal and I didn't need treatment. Not on any medications, but take vitamin B12, Co Q10 and omega 3 caps.
Should I see an endocrinologist? (on NHS/ no private health insurance)
Vamg
What were your full test results last year (please include reference ranges).
We really need to see results, with ranges, for
TSH
FT4
FT3
Thyroid antibodies
Vit D
B12
Folate
Ferritin
As you take B12, what was your level and how much do you take? Do you also take a B Complex that is needed when taking B12 to keep all B vitamins in balance?
Thanks for replying
TSH 0.92mu/l. Range0.35-4.94
FT3 3.8pmol/L. Range 2.60-6.10
GP said T4 converts to T3 so T4 not done, nor thyroid antibodies.
VitD 71.4nmol/L range 71-200
Vit B12 723ng/l range 180.00-640.00
Folate 11.6 ug/L. Range 3.00-20.00
Ferritin 47 ug/L range 15.00-200.00
FBC, U&Es, LFTs, ESR all normal.
I would like to know why ranges are so different when reading other people's results, is there not a standard range in UK?
Have been taking B12 250 mcg, omega 3 1000mg, CoQ10 60mg and
probiotic cap daily, every 2-3 days take Mg 375mg and folic acid 400mcg.
Diet mostly organic fruit+veg, fish, greek yoghurt, eggs, nuts and some poultry. Oats but rarely wheat products.
winter time can't get warm, also weight difficult to shift - BMI 25.5 and heart rate still very slow - Gp referred me to cardiologist and am having a cardiac monitor in 3/52 time.
I'm 76. my grandmother had symptoms - died of stroke. My aunt ( who's 99) developed hypothyroidism at 77, and is still going strong on thyroxin 100mg!
Maybe it's all in my mind that my thyroid gland doesn't work efficiently but I would appreciate comments
vamg
GP said T4 converts to T3 so T4 not done, nor thyroid antibodies.
That's very unusual. Assuming you're in the UK, normally it's the lab who decide to do FT3 even when requested by GP, and generally they only do it when TSH and FT4 are out of range. I can understand antibodies not being tested if other thyroid tests are "normal" but they're still important.
If I were you I would do my own private test (or you could ask your GP to repeat, but you do need the FT4 and antibodies as well as the others and may not get them done with GP)
TSH 0.92mu/l. Range0.35-4.94
FT3 3.8pmol/L. Range 2.60-6.10
If you had FT4 tested and it was low in range, along with hypothyroid symptoms, you could possibly be looking at Central Hypothyroidism where the problem lies with the pituitary or hypothalamus rather than the thyroid. But FT4 is missing and needs to be done with the thyroid panel.
I would like to know why ranges are so different when reading other people's results, is there not a standard range in UK?
There are no standard ranges, each lab has their own ranges.
These vitamin and mineral results:
VitD 71.4nmol/L range 71-200
Vit B12 723ng/l range 180.00-640.00
Folate 11.6 ug/L. Range 3.00-20.00
Ferritin 47 ug/L range 15.00-200.00
were mostly not optimal. When were they tested? Recommended levels are:
Vit D - 100-150nmol/L according to the Vit D Council, the Vit D Society and Grassroots Health.
B12 - according to an extract from the book, "Could it be B12?" by Sally M. Pacholok:
"We believe that the 'normal' serum B12 threshold needs to be raised from 200 pg/ml to at least 450 pg/ml because deficiencies begin to appear in the cerebrospinal fluid below 550".
"For brain and nervous system health and prevention of disease in older adults, serum B12 levels should be maintained near or above 1000 pg/ml"
Folate - at least half way through range
Ferritin - half way through range
If you want the full thyroid panel to include FT4 and thyroid antibodies, you can do a private fingerprick test (or venous blood draw if you prefer) with one of our recommended labs. If vitamins and minerals aren't recent tests, then I'd get those repeated too. Medichecks have a special offer on their thyroid/nutrient bundles at the moment which is very good value
medichecks.com/thyroid-func...
But if you just want the thyroid panel then go for
medichecks.com/thyroid-func...
Come back with your new results for further comment.
By the way, if you are taking a B Complex containing Biotin (B7) or Biotin as an individual supplement, it should be left off for 3-5 days before blood tests as it can give false results.
Thanks for that information, I shall get the tests done privately and note what you say about B complex supplements.VAMG
First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies. You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results
UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need enhanced access to see blood results.
In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet
Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up. They can make nominal charge for printing but many will do so for free (£10 max and can not charge at all after May 25th 2018 due to new EU ruling)
To have such low FT3 is not correct.
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies. Plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.
Essential to test thyroid antibodies, FT3 and FT4, plus vitamins
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...
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 ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)
If 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. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's.
Food intolerances too, especially gluten. So it's important to get tested.
Email Thyroid UK for list of recommended thyroid specialists,
please email Dionne
tukadmin@thyroiduk.org
Thyroid removed and low pulse rate plus feeling cold all the time
Very low TSH and High T4
Very Low TSH With Low T4
Very low TSH and is T4 critical?
