Testing

[Soldieress]

Has anyone had the Genova diagnostics Europe Microbiology and Parasitology test?

DUTCH Test? Analytical Research Hair Mineral test?

It's all very expensive and I can't do them all. So was hoping someone has already tried it.

Any advice would be appreciated

[humanbean]

Analytical Research Hair Mineral test?

I have never been convinced of the accuracy of hair testing. I think the risk of test results being corrupted by shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, air fresheners, traffic fumes, perfume, cleaning products etc is much too high.

[Soldieress in reply to humanbean]

Yes, good point. Thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator]

If you're still only on 50mcg Levothyroxine you might be far better of getting FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing

50mcg Levothyroxine is only a starter dose. Most patients eventually need somewhere between 100mcg and 200mcg Levothyroxine

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

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw). This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

Is this how you do your tests?

Add most recent results and ranges if you have any

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all vitamins

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

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

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's.

Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten.

So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[Soldieress in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks Slow Dragon xx

[msb44]

I was going to a functional doctor in NC, who gave me the DUTCH test. After completion, which showed Dhea very low, just above the lower range across the board and flat not wavy, I was started on otc Dhea 25mg. Within one day I felt better. I have energy that was previously missing. I can stand for longer periods, (now cooking again), I have regained interest in living which was missing. So for me, it's been a lifesaver. Now I need to recheck the results since I have been taking the med for 4 months. Not happy about the $400 tag, but feel it's worth it.

[Soldieress in reply to msb44]

Hi msb44, Glad you feel better with the DHEA. Did you get the dutch complete or just sex hormone metabolites or just adrenal? I was suggested to have the dutch adrenal £479 Would you think. Should I do it?. Are you having the same test again?

Thanks

[msb44 in reply to Soldieress]

It was the complete test. And I will repeat it shortly to know what taking the low dose did to levels. I might take it for a year, and then decide whether to continue. Apparently studies have only covered taking it for one or two years.