I have been hypothyroid for11years. Doing okay with Levothyroxine. But my latest results are THE level 0.27my/L (0.35-3.5) Below low reference limit.
As I have other autoimmune diseases ie; PA. And have been unwell for over a year, and I have high red blood cells, and have for the last two blood tests, I am light headed and have stomach erosion, pins and needles etc;etc; I have read that it could be a sign of PV Polycythaemia Vera. I am seeing my GP today and am worried how to convey to him my concerns, because on all these test results the lab are highlighting the conditions, but my GP is still saying no further action.
I am looking after a relative with Alzheimer's, and I feel so I'll myself, and getting nowhere.
Any advice please.
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Mannequin18
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The most important results are FT3 and FT4 plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
It's possible to have low FT3 and/or low FT4 despite low TSH
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 or if not on high enough dose of Levothyroxine
How much Levothyroxine are you currently taking?
Do you always get same brand of Levothyroxine?
Many people find different brands are not interchangeable and Teva brand especially upsets many people
How frequently are your B12 injections. You may need more regular injections. Do you also take a daily good quality vitamin B complex?
supplementing a good quality daily vitamin B complex, one with folate in not folic acid may be beneficial.
B vitamins best taken in the morning after breakfast
Recommended brands on here are Igennus Super B complex. (Often only need one tablet per day, not two. Certainly only start with one tablet per day after breakfast. Retesting levels in 6-8 weeks ).
Or Jarrow B-right is popular choice, but is large capsule
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
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?
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
Medichecks currently have an offer on until end of May - 20% off
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 .
For most people: 50–100 micrograms once daily, preferably taken at least 30 minutes before breakfast, caffeine-containing liquids (such as coffee or tea), or other drugs.
This should be adjusted in increments of 25–50 micrograms every 3–4 weeks according to response. The usual maintenance dose is 100–200 micrograms once daily.
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