Help interpreting my blood test. : I am... - Thyroid UK

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Help interpreting my blood test.

Maryam_1 profile image
9 Replies

I am Hypothyroid, I have hair loss and bad tummy etc. I am on 50 mg levothyroxine

Serum TSH level 0.94 mU/L - normal 0.27 - 4.2

Serum free T4 level 17.4 pmol/L - normal 10.5 - 24.5

Free T3 4.4

Serum folate 14.2 ug/L - normal3.8 - 9999

Serum vitamin B12 661 ng/L 197 - 771

Serum ferritin 48 ug/L 13 - 150

Serum folate 14.2 ug/L - normal 3.8 - 9999

Serum 25-HO vit D3 level 83 nmol/L

Serum vitamin D2 level 5 nmol/L

Thyroid autoantibodies 53 kU/L 0 - 50

Serum calcium 2.22 mmol/L N/A

Serum adjusted calcium conc 2.14 mmol/L - normal 2.20 - 2.60

Serum total protein 69 g/L 60 - 80

Haemoglobin estimation 133 g/L 120 - 150

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Maryam_1
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SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

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)

Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).

Is this how you did the test?

See GP to request a 25mcg dose increase in Levothyroxine

They may be reluctant because TSH is quite low, but FT4 is long way below top of range and FT3 is low too

Antibodies are just over range. This confirms cause of your hypothyroidism is due to autoimmune thyroid disease

As you have tummy symptoms ask GP to do coeliac blood test

Assuming coeliac test is negative you can immediately go on strictly gluten free diet

(If test is positive you will need to remain on high gluten diet until endoscopy, maximum 6 weeks wait officially)

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

Trying gluten free diet for 3-6 months. If no noticeable improvement then reintroduce gluten and see if symptoms get worse

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

amymyersmd.com/2018/04/3-re...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

restartmed.com/hashimotos-g...

Other gut issues due to being hypothyroid

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

ferritin is on low side, eating liver or liver pate once a week, plus other iron rich foods like black pudding, prawns, spinach, pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate, plus daily vitamin C can help improve iron absorption

FERRITIN and being hypothyroid

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

drhedberg.com/ferritin-hypo...

restartmed.com/hypothyroidi...

Post about iron supplements

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Maryam_1 profile image
Maryam_1 in reply to SlowDragon

Hi Thank you for the info and links.

when i did the blood test i had left 24 hours since i took my levo.

i have been tested and I am not coeliac.

I am eating liver pate again and i shall be strict diet plan also im taking vit c, I am gluten free has helped but still the tummy is not working properly. I will give it 6 months.. Just feels like i have been trying and trying for such a long time. I was going to take T3 but been told i should fix my gut first.

Maryam_1 profile image
Maryam_1 in reply to SlowDragon

ok, I am going to increase my levothyroxine to 75mg

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Maryam_1

You will need to get GP to agree to an increase in Levothyroxine

You may simply need increase in Levothyroxine. It's much easier than T3

Always take Levo on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after.

Many take Levothyroxine early morning, on waking, but it may be more convenient and possibly more effective taken at bedtime.

verywell.com/should-i-take-...

Other medication at least 2 hours away, some like HRT, iron, calcium, vitamin D or magnesium at least four hours away from Levothyroxine

Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable.

Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription. Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or at repeat prescription.

Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine. Though it is the only one for lactose intolerant patients

Maryam_1 profile image
Maryam_1 in reply to SlowDragon

Thank you, thats great. I shall look at the link . night time would be good for all the supplements i need to take etc..

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Maryam_1

I found taking Levothyroxine at bedtime was much more convenient and more effective

Maryam_1 profile image
Maryam_1 in reply to SlowDragon

yes i hadn't seriously considered night time.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Maryam_1

My endocrinologist suggested it about 10 years ago

I was sceptical, but found it noticeable improvement

Same applies to sticking to same brand of Levothyroxine, once you find one you like best

Maryam_1 profile image
Maryam_1 in reply to Maryam_1

don't know where i'd be without this forum. x

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