Would B12 injection affect my TSH results

[Wispymisty]

Hi everyone I'm wondering whether to ask for (another) repeat set of thyroid blood tests.

History - mys TSH levels have historically been around 1.4-1.8 but in November it jumped to 4.2 (range 0.27-4.5)- the test was only taken a day or two after my 3 monthly B12 inj. My GP agreed to retest and add T3 and T4 - this time the test was about 8 days after a B12 inj.

The results were TSH 1.8 (range 0.27-4.5), T4 12.7 (range 11.0-23.0)and Serum free triiodothyronine (is that the T3?) was 4.52 (range 3.1-6.8).

I wondered if the fact that it had been a little longer between inj and test that my body would have been showing more of an effect from the B12 and that it would have reduced my levels? Not sure if that is something that can happen?

I do have a fibromyalgia diagnosis but have noticed increased fatigue, dry skin, flaky nails and I have about 10 months history of jaw pain/numbness that the Gap, dentist and Maxillo facial team are struggling to diagnose.

I'm thinking of asking for a repeat set of bloods before my next B12 inj which is due soon. Although I don't know if my GP would agree.

Any thoughts would be welcomed.

Wispymisty

[shaws Administrator]

B12 injections shouldn't interfere with thyroid hormone results.

Yes - the following is another 'name' for T3. "Serum free triiodothyronine".

One of our scientists and Adviser (deceased) always said that fibro was due to low T3 and it is also a hypothyroid symptom. When you quote results, they always have to have the 'ranges' - these are usually after the result. Labs differ and so can the ranges and it enables members to respond more accurately.

This is a link and if any links are made re Dr Lowe - it may not be accessible since his demise.

articles.mercola.com/sites/...

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/128...

If we can find information on the internet, why are the professionals ignorant of the majority of clinical symptoms???? Also how to resolve them?

[Wispymisty in reply to shaws]

Thank you shaws - I've edited the post to include the ranges. I'll follow those links and have a read.

[Wispymisty in reply to Wispymisty]

Very interesting reads - thank you

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

When your TSH was 4.2 in November, do you have FT4 and FT3 results as well.

And can you add the reference ranges that come with the results so we can see where in the ranges your levels lie.

Have you had thyroid antibodies tested?

[Wispymisty in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you for replying SeasideSusie. I've added the ranges in now.

I only had the TSH done in November. I've not had the antibodies tested at all.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Wispymisty]

TSH 1.8 (range 0.27-4.5)

FT4 12.7 (range 11.0-23.0)

FT3 4.52 (range 3.1-6.8)

TSH and FT3 are pretty good but FT4 is very low in range.

I only had the TSH done in November - 4.2 (range 0.27-4.5)

That's a shame because your TSH was at the top of the range and if your FT4 had gone below range (a distinct possibility) then this would suggest hypothyroidism.

I've not had the antibodies tested at all.

The reason I asked this was because it would tell us if you have autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's, which is confirmed when antibodies are raised. Hashi's causes fluctuations in test results (and symptoms).

When booking thyroid tests, we advise:

* Book the first appointment of the morning. This is because TSH is highest early morning and lowers throughout the day. If we are looking for a diagnosis of hypothyroidism, or looking for an increase in dose or to avoid a reduction then we need TSH to be as high as possible.

* Fast overnight - have your evening meal/supper as normal the night before but delay breakfast on the day of the test and drink water only until after the blood draw. Eating may lower TSH, caffeine containing drinks affect TSH.

* When on thyroid replacement hormone, leave off Levo for 24 hours before blood draw, if taking NDT or T3 then leave that off for 8-12 hours. Take after the blood draw. Taking your dose too close to the blood draw will give false high results, leaving any longer gap will give false low results.

These are patient to patient tips which we don't discuss with doctors or phlebotomists.

Were your tests done like this? It's the only way results can be compared accurately.

It might be worth asking for the test to be repeated when you're feeling at your worst with thyroid type symptoms - dry skin, fatigue, etc. Or to ensure you get all the important tests done (which your GP may not be able to do) then you could do a home fingerprick test with one of our recommended labs (or venous blood draw at extra cost).

For a full picture you need

TSH

FT4

FT3

Thyroid antibodies

Vit D

B12 (although this is being taken care of)

Folate

Ferritin

Full thyroid panel plus vitamins:

Medichecks Thyroid Check ULTRAVIT medichecks.com/thyroid-func... (on special offer at the moment)

Blue Horizon Thyroid Check PLUS ELEVEN bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk/t...

If you have your current vitamin levels and just need the thyroid panel then go for

Medichecks Thyroid Check PLUS medichecks.com/thyroid-func... code THYROIDUK for 10% off any test that is normal price)

Blue Horizon Thyroid Check PLUS SIX bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk/t...

[Wispymisty in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks so much for this - the November result was fasted as I was also having glucose done and it was early in the day the second test was not and was probably midday.

I think I'll approach my GP about retesting and then if they won't I'll do a home test - I had looked at Medichecks but not seen the other company so will have a look there too.

:o)