Been given 4 months prescription for folic acid but looking at Medichecks results for last July (6.2 u/L folate at the time)...TSH was 2.11...now 0.67....no change in meds 50/75 levothyroxine alternate days..I know only 'slightly out' but we keep being told we know our body best..and I do not (and haven't felt 'right' in a long time)...any advice...what to ask the doctor next time I see them? What to push on?
Update: Thanks for all your replies now referred to ENT after ultrasound referral returned to the doctors for ENT referral! Being sent for PTH blood tests for parathyroid...vid d came back borderline deficiency so as low calcium as well put on combined meds for that along with folic acid meds. Fingers crossed xx
Calcium is below range. Likely vitamin D is low. Calcium levels naturally rise as vitamin D improves
What supplements do you take?
Obviously folate is below range and needs improving. B12 MUST be tested
As you have Hashimoto's are you on strictly gluten free diet?
Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels. Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone working
Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten. Dairy is second most common.
According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps, sometimes significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)
Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies
Ideally ask GP for coeliac blood test first or buy test online for under £20, just to rule it out first
Trying gluten free diet for 3-6 months. If no noticeable improvement then reintroduce gluten and see if symptoms get worse
Hi, thanks for your reply. Really helpful I'm not GF but I don't eat a great deal that contains it (well the obvious stuff) but it's hidden in all sorts isn't it! Lot's to think about and get checked....it's like a mine field of info to take on and try to understand. Really grateful for this site....Been very helpful
I've read that Vitamin D supplements is the treatment for Hypoparathyroidism, but if you have Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency your GP should presribe Vitamin D anyway.
If you haven't had PTH tested and haven't had Kidney blood tests then I would ask for them now. If your PTH is low, then you may want to look up the symptoms of Hypoparathyroidism. I'm surprised your GP hasn't tested Parathyroid Hormone yet. Are you waiting to see an Endocrinologist?
Google "Hypoparathyroidism NHS "
You mention a scan - are you having an Ultrasound scan of your Thyroid & Parathyroids or just Thyroid?
Google search - " low calcium and high phosphatase ". But try not to jump to any conclusions. You need PTH tested. Also Kidney blood tests.
Google 'high haemoglobin ' and "high red cell count". Ask your GP about these raised results and slightly raised haematocrit.
Could you be dehydrated? Do you drink plenty of water, eat any fresh fruit & enough vegetables?
Also - as you haven't had Vitamin B12 tested yet you may want to delay taking the Folic Acid. Ask about B12 test and testing for Pernicious Anemia.
Thanks Mary Some of the blood tests were for kidney and liver and came back ok (apparently) but I'll check with doctors and get them to explain further. Doctor mentioned about possibly being dehydrated but I always make sure I drink plenty of water...probably more than I need to, so not sure. Thanks again x
Doctor didn't mention anything about my results other than being given folic acid for 4 months. Waiting on vitamin d levels...tests on done about 2 weeks ago. Apparently the ultrasound scan referral has been returned to the doctors for them to do another referral to ENT. I'm going to get another appointment with doctors and mention this...some of the FBC results where out of range too (high)...haven't got them to hand though so will post later x
As it happens, that's how I got back to the Endocrinologist - via ENT following urgent appointment for throat closing up. I asked ENT to refer me on due to my concern that Thyroid problem was contributing to throat narrowing. Am now having annual scans of Thyroid & Parathyroids.
Hopefully I'll get ENT appointment soon. Need to check with doctors. I'm not under an endocrinologist yet but thanks to all the info you and others have given, I'll be pushing for that
ENT next week...Thank God...as I've also just noticed an indentation/pitting in my upper arm...near the armpit. Hope it's nothing nasty fingers crossed
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
now referred to ENT after ultrasound referral returned to the doctors for ENT referral! Being sent for PTH blood tests for parathyroid...vid d came back borderline deficiency so as low calcium as well put on combined meds for that along with folic acid meds. Fingers crossed xx 
fingers crossed 
Can I increase T3?
Can someone translate for me please?
Back with test results, please advise!
Serum folate + thyroid results 
shed loads of results - anything stick out like a sore thumb?
