Test results, can anyone advise please? - Thyroid UK

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Test results, can anyone advise please?

Ally006 profile image
6 Replies

THYROID PEROXIDASE ANTIBODY 8140 (<34)

TSH 4.39 (0.2 - 4.2)

FREE T4 17.2 (12 - 22)

FREE T3 3.3 (3.1 - 6.8)

i had her levothyroxine increased to 50mcg, when to feel better on this? I have puffy eyes, difficult swallowing, constipation, joint pain, depression, heavy periods, losing hair, dizziness, cold and clammy hands and feet, I had a crash back in November 2017 and I have not been taking the medication at the recommended dose advised by endocrinologist. I was diagnosed hypothyroid in 2012, thank you

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Ally006 profile image
Ally006
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SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

Ally006

In order for members to help, can you please give your full thyroid history -

When diagnosed - what were results then

Details of previous doses - any changes - results that prompted change

Are you under an endo

Has your high antibody result been discusses

Original test results for

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

What supplements you are taking, how long for, current results

If you give us full information in one post it will save us having to keep asking questions and the thread gets quite long and confusing then.

Ally006 profile image
Ally006 in reply to SeasideSusie

I was diagnosed in 2012

I have had frequent dose changes and my results back in 2012 were

TSH 33 (0.2 - 4.2)

FT4 10.7 (12 - 22)

I am under an endo

I have not had antibody levels discussed

I will post vitamin and mineral levels now, thank you

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply to Ally006

"When diagnosed - what were results then"

" Details of previous doses - any changes - results that prompted change"

As suggested, full information in one post helps us to help you.

Ally006 profile image
Ally006 in reply to SeasideSusie

When diagnosed

TSH 33 (0.2 - 4.2)

FT4 10.7 (12 - 22)

Previous dose changes

SEP 2017 - 150MCG LEVO

TSH 0.03 (0.2 - 4.2)

FT4 21.1 (12 - 22)

JAN 2017 - 175MCG LEVO

TSH 1.66 (0.2 - 4.2)

FT4 16.2 (12 - 22)

FT3 4.5 (3.1 - 6.8)

NOV 2016 - 150MCG LEVO/10MCG T3

TSH 3.80 (0.2 - 4.2)

FT4 17.3 (12 - 22)

FT3 5.0 (3.1 - 6.8)

MAY 2016 - 50MCG LEVO

TSH 6.8 (0.2 - 4.2)

FT4 12.7 (12 - 22)

FT3 4.1 (3.1 - 6.8)

JAN 2016 - 100MCG LEVO/10MCG T3

TSH 0.08 (0.2 - 4.2)

FT4 22.7 (12 - 22)

FT3 4.5 (3.1 - 6.8)

NOV 2015 - 100MCG LEVO/10MCG T3

TSH <0.02 (0.2 - 4.2)

FT4 20.6 (12 - 22)

FT3 5.2 (3.1 - 6.8)

Ally006 profile image
Ally006 in reply to SeasideSusie

Vitamin levels when diagnosed with multiple deficiencies

Nov 2013

FERRITIN 15 (30 - 400) given ferrous fumarate, referred to haematology for iron infusion

Dec 2013

FOLATE 1.9 2.5 - 19.5) no treatment started

VITAMIN D 38.8 (25 - 50 deficiency) given 800iu but started 3000iu oral spray by Better You in January 2014

VITAMIN B12 268 (190 - 900) started 1000mg B12 methylcobalamin oral spray

Vitamin levels at medication review in April 2018

FERRITIN 28 (15 - 150)

VITAMIN D 55.2 (50 - 75 suboptimal) still taking the 3000iu oral spray by Better You

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

Ally006

Your high antibodies mean that you are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's which is where antibodies attack the thyroid and gradually destroy it. The antibody attacks cause fluctuations in symptoms and test results.

Most doctors dismiss antibodies as being of no importance and know little or nothing about Hashi's and how it affects the patient, test results and symptoms. Your endo is most likely a diabetes specialist (most of them are) and doesn't know how to treat hypothyroidism. You need to read, learn, understand and help yourself where Hashi's is concerned.

You can help reduce the antibodies by adopting a strict gluten free diet which has helped many members here. Gluten contains gliadin (a protein) which is thought to trigger autoimmune attacks so eliminating gluten can help reduce these attacks. You don't need to be gluten sensitive or have Coeliac disease for a gluten free diet to help.

Supplementing with selenium l-selenomethionine 200mcg daily can also help reduce the antibodies, as can keeping TSH suppressed.

Gluten/thyroid connection: chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

stopthethyroidmadness.com/h...

stopthethyroidmadness.com/h...

hypothyroidmom.com/hashimot...

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

Hashi's and gut absorption problems tend to go hand in hand and can very often result in low nutrient levels or deficiencies which can be seen in your vitamin and mineral results. To address gut and absorption issues check out the information and links in SlowDragon 's post towards the end of this thread.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Optimal levels are

Ferritin - at least 70 for thyroid hormone to work

Vit D - 100-150nmol/L according to the Vit D Council

B12 - minimum 550 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

With your current levels:

You need to discuss your ferritin level with your GP.

You could increase your oral spray and take D3's important cofactors magnesium and Vit K2-MK7.

Thyroid-wise you are currently very undermedicated, you know from your previous results that you aren't going to feel well on 50mcg Levo. You need to get back to a dose where you felt well and if necessary ask for T3 to be reinstated.

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