So I went to the drs with a range of symptoms which I thought were unconnected.
Numbness in fingers and toes
Constipation
Mental fog/processing difficulties
She suggested a thyroid test. Last time it was checked was last summer and the results were
Free T4 - 16.8
TSH - 1.24
This time it was
Free T4 - 12.3
TSH - 0.71
She said these were low but not enough to medicate. But I’ve heard that sometimes what’s considered within ‘normal range’ isn’t actually the same as the ‘optimal range’
Can anyone shed any light on it all? Is there anything I can do to help myself?
Thanks
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AvaBlake
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Can you please add the reference ranges for your results, these vary from lab to lab so to be able to interpret your results we need the ranges from your lab.
Do you remember if both of these tests were done under the same conditions? We always advise an early morning test after an overnight fast, drinking water only. Delay breakfast and tea, coffee, etc, until after the test.
"A low hematocrit with low RBC count and low hemoglobin indicates anemia. Some causes include: ... Bone marrow disorders such as aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, or cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or other cancers that spread to the marrow. Jun 23, 2015
Before you panic, keep in mind that nutritional deficiencies are a major cause of anemia, such as folate, B12, and iron. You need to have all these tested, and ask for a full iron panel.
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised
Ask GP to test vitamins, Thyroid antibodies and full iron panel for Anaemia
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood 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, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all vitamins
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 special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random
Reading up on it it does seem the central hypothyroidism or folate deficiency anaemia could be an option, both causing the symptoms that I’m experiencing. Are they common together? Or is it usually one or the other?
As I said in my second post I take a whole collection of supplements. So daily I take vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, D, K1, magnesium, iron, folic acid and others.
Will this skew my results? Does it mean having low RBC and Haemoglobin despite taking all those supplements is actually more concerning? If I ask for a screening of these things is it best to stop supplementing for a while before hand?
Looking again my haemoglobin concentration was also the low end of “normal” at 119g/L [115-165]
You need FULL Thyroid testing. That's TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus BOTH TPO and TG thyroid specialists
Consider the cause of low vitamins and need to take supplements
What's your diet like?
If it's good, looking at low stomach acid and/or gluten intolerance and/or leaky gut as possible issues
All these are common if thyroid antibodies are high, so getting Thyroid antibodies tested is likely first step
If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before any blood tests, as biotin can falsely affect test results
Ohhh I’ve been taking biotin for that exact reason...balls. My levels were normal before I started taking it each day and have dropped since. If it’s biotin causing it would that still cause the symptoms?
I didn’t take any supplements with it in yesterday and won’t for a week then do the Medicare test. I think that’s a good next step?
My diet is really good, balanced and clean, no gluten, sugar, caffeine or processed foods.
Just wanted to say that since stopping biotin all my symptoms have ceased. I can’t believe it. Obviously I’m thrilled but also frustrated that they’re unregulated and don’t come with warnings of possible side effects!
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