Iron status

[Colmore]

My latest blood test results show that I am slightly anaemic. Since my thyroxin was drastically reduced a number of years ago, I have had trouble getting my iron levels right. My GP refuses to increase my thyroxin dosage, but is now referring me to a haematologist.

A full blood count I had recently included these results:

Haemoglobin estimation. 127 g/L (135-180)

Red blood cell (RBC) count 3.87 10*12/L (4.20-5.70)

Haematocrit. 0.38 L/L. (0.40-0.54)

Serum albumin 46 g/L (34 - 51)

Serum total protein 78 g/L. (60 - 80)

Total PSA level 2.8ug/L

My latest THS 1.65 mIU/L. (0.30 – 4.50)

Serum free T4 level 20.5pmo1/L. (10.0 – 22.0)

Could this be a consequence of inadequate treatment for an under active thyroid?

I would be most grateful for help in interpreting these results.

[radd]

Colmore,

You have enough FT4 but if you are feeling unwell you need to have your FT3 tested as this is the thyroid hormone that brings us well-being. Low iron levels are also associated with low levels of T3 as impair thyroid hormone synthesis by reducing activity of thyroid peroxidase which is heme-dependant.

This can become a self perpetuating cycle as low active thyroid hormone cause changes to the stomach acid levels so altering iron absorption. Doctors are not taught the importance of iron when a deficiency is evidenced in association with hypothyroidism and as your thyroid hormone test results are within range, your doctor may view your thyroid hormone levels as adequate. Ask your doctor for a full iron count and to test Vit B12 and folate.

Regarding T3 testing, members use private labs when their doctor is unable or uncooperative in getting T3 tested.

.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[Colmore in reply to radd]

Thanks for your reply. I am going to take steps to get more blood tests.

Wouldn't it be nice if you could just ask your GP!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Just testing TSH and FT4 is completely inadequate

You will have get private testing again

Its not worth paying for Reverse T3 testing

But would recommend retesting vitamins if not done since these last tests

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Colmore in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for your post.

My latest NHS results include:-

Serum C reactive protein level. <3 mg/l <10

(MOM6355). - Normal

!B12/folate level

(MOM6355) – Review with doctor as planned

B12>200 ng/L. - B12 deficiency unlikely.

Note new Folate ref range from 30/05/17. New range 2.7-18.6. ug/L.

Folate, B12 & Ferritin are tested on behalf of Haemotology.

Serum vitamin B12 1402 ng/L > 200

! Serum folate >20. ug/L. (2.70 – 18.60)

Serum ferritin 114 ug/L. (18 – 360)

(MOM6355). - Normal

I will have a private blood test done. Do you think that the thyroid eight item test from Medichecks be adequate?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Colmore]

So your vitamins look ok

Presumably you supplement B12 and/or vitamin B complex?

You can test vitamin D separately for £29

vitamindtest.org.uk

So you could just test TSH, FT3 and FT4 via Medichecks

Do you have raised antibodies?

[Colmore in reply to SlowDragon]

The last time my antibodies were tested was in December 2017. The results were:

Thyroglobulin antibody. <10. IU/ml. 0.00 - 115.00

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies. 13.2. IU/ml 0.00 - 34.00

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Colmore]

Have antibodies ever been high in past?

[Colmore in reply to SlowDragon]

I have Just one earlier set of antibody results as follows:-

Thyroglobulin antibody 14.050 IU/ml. 0.000 - 115.00

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies. 11.05. IU/ml. 0.000 - 34.000

I am afraid that I do not know whether these results are higher, or lower.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Colmore]

About the same as before

It's possible to have Hashimoto's and never have raised antibodies

heyhashi.org/hashimotos-low...

Have you tried strictly gluten free diet?

[Colmore in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for all your help. I will try to be more strict with my gluten free regime.

[humanbean]

My latest blood test results show that I am slightly anaemic.

Haemoglobin estimation. 127 g/L (135-180)

Red blood cell (RBC) count 3.87 10*12/L (4.20-5.70)

Haematocrit. 0.38 L/L. (0.40-0.54)

I would disagree that you are slightly anaemic, I think you are VERY anaemic. What has your doctor said about this, and what has he/she done with respect to treatment?

[Colmore in reply to humanbean]

No treatment has been suggested. I will get on to my GP about this.

Thank you.