Can anyone shed light on my blood results?

[DdramaLlama]

Hi everyone,

I'm newly diagnosed and have just received a copy of my blood results. My TSH is at 6.5mU/L (0.35 - 3.50) range with many symptoms so my doctor has started me on 25mcg of Levothyroxine a couple of weeks ago. However I feel some of my other results are maybe on the low side?

Ferritin: 32ug/L (23 - 300)

B12: 277ng/L (130 - 1100)

Serum Folate: 6.1ug/L (2.7 - 15.0)

Im due for repeat bloods in 4 weeks and will be asking for the FT4 and FT3 tests and also the autoimmune test too. Plus repeats of b12 and ferratin. What is your opinion on them? Thanking you in advance.

[theriverman]

What are your symptoms?

[DdramaLlama in reply to theriverman]

I'm constantly tired, poor memory, hair loss, aching muscles, low resting heart rate (42 - 52) can't seem to focus on anything for long, if I excert myself (I like to run) I'm pretty much wiped for days...my sleep pattern is awful just can't seem to get enough to feel awake and alert.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

DdramaLlama

Ferritin: 32ug/L (23 - 300)

This is low and low ferritin can suggest iron deficiency anaemia. I would ask your GP to do a full blood count and iron panel. You may need iron supplementation prescribed. It's not something you should consider yourself with such a low result.

B12: 277ng/L (130 - 1100)

- ng/L is the same as pg/ml

Do you have any signs of B12 deficiency - check here

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

If so you should list them and discuss further testing for B12 deficiency/pernicious anaemia with your GP.

I have read (but not researched so don't have links) that BCSH, UKNEQAS and NICE guidelines recommend:

"In the presence of discordance between test results and strong clinical features of deficiency, treatment should not be delayed to avoid neurological impairment."

And 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."

Serum Folate: 6.1ug/L (2.7 - 15.0)

This should be at least half way through range - so 8.85+ with that range. You could supplement with a good B Complex containing methylfolate which would raise the level, as well as checking out folate rich foods. However, do not start taking this until further investigation into B12 deficiency/pernicious anaemia and supplementation (possibly injections) commenced.

You also need Vit D tested.

[DdramaLlama in reply to SeasideSusie]

Wow thank you so much! My mother has pernicious aneamia and has the injections but I have been told its not hereditary. I will add all the tests to my list and get them done on my appointment. I have had a look at the B12 deficiency list and have several of them of them but not lots of them? Will make a list of the symptoms I do have and take them to the doctor on my next appointment.