Teenage son's results

[Hele1]

Hi

My son is usually cold, constipated, no appetite and very tired.

I suspected a thyroid problem as most of our family have it but his results are as follows

TSH 1.43 (0.34 - 5.30)

T4 12 (7.9 - 13.6)

No T3 or antibodies tested. These seem ok to me, should I ask for further investigation or is thyroid problem unlikely?

His Vitamin D is 111 nmol and ferritin is 41 (23 - 336)

His blood pressure was 79/58 and pulse 58bpm.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[shaws Administrator]

Was the blood draw at the very earliest possible - fasting? (you can drink water).

If not, the TSH might not be correct. TSH is highest early a.m. and drops throughout the day or after food.

Did the doctor also check all vitamins/minerals as deficiences can also cause symptoms.

I note the doctor didn't check the Free T4 and Free T3.

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

[Hele1 in reply to shaws]

Thanks Shaws.

Blood was taken about 11am. His free T4 was 12 so towards top of the range. No t3 tested so he may not be converting? But I assume his TSH would be higher if that was the case?

I can only think his ferritin is fairly low but it doesn't explain his other hypo symptoms.

[Tugun]

Hi,

Was that the correct blood pressure?

[Hele1 in reply to Tugun]

Hi yes it was it's low isn't it, the doctor said some people just have low blood pressure. Mine was very low before correctly medicated.

Should I ask the doctor for further investigations? If so which ones? Thanks for your reply.

[posthinking01]

Hi there - I think the clue is that his BP is a bit low and that will make him feel rotten - and could be a sign of low adrenals - try taking 1,000 mg of Vitamin C not slow release which can stick on the inside of a tummy that is already a bit sluggish - this should bump up the BP via the adrenals - the adrenals have more Vitamin C need than any other part of the body. No giving a male iron as it can build up in the liver and cause serious issues as men don't need as much iron as a women. Magnesium taken alone is a very good thing to take for constipation but not in his case as he is running a bit low and magnesium can make the respiratory system become too relaxed in those individuals who may have his issues. What I would suggest is that he takes a made for men vitamin and mineral supplement which will feed his body any deficiencies that may be going on.

[Hele1]

Thanks for your reply perhaps I could ask the doctor to check his cortisol then. He already takes 500 vitamin c a day and eats red meat most days so he must have a problem absorbing iron. Would supplementing ferritin really be harmful for him? His is very low. I have also read on the forum many times that a multivitamin is almost useless?

My blood pressure is still quite low and I supplement magnesium, is it bad for me then? I'm more confused now 🤔

[Tugun]

Hi,

Yes, definitely too low. A doctor once took my blood pressure and when I asked what it was he told me it was under 100 but that's okay as I was "fine". I told him that no, I wasn't "fine". That the low blood pressure linked in with my low energy. Further investigation definitely needs to be done. With the family history of thyroid problems, thorough testing needs to be done in that area but there are many reasons for low blood pressure and all areas need to be investigated.

Don't let anyone tell you "it's just growing pains". If that was the case then every teenager would have exactly the same symptoms - and they don't.

Rule out worst case scenarios with blood tests etc but start on the basics such as his constipation.

A lot of research is being done on the microbiome which may help your son's constipation. He could be intolerant to a certain food or foods. I was very sick (with constipation which got worse and developed into bouts of vomiting and diarrhea). I was constantly tired and ill. After 10 years of this I discovered that I was intolerant to wheat/gluten. I am not coeliac but basically gluten stops my digestion so I wasn't getting any real nutrition. Even today, 30 years later, I cannot take it.

I haven't done the FODMAP diet which takes you off most allergens and then slowly reintroduces different ones to discover what your body tolerates, but I have heard it helps.

Viruses can also cause tiredness such as glandular fever.

There are alternative medicine doctors out there who will look into all of this and may be more willing to thoroughly test the thyroid issue. A hair analysis will give a good indication of the balance of minerals in the body (very important in a teenager) as well as any toxic metals.

Good Luck. I'm sure you will find an answer for your son.

[Hele1 in reply to Tugun]

Hi thanks very much for your reply. It looks like he needs further investigations. I will look at gut health as he has had a few courses if antibiotics over the years.

Could anyone advise me about his ferritin please. The doctor hasn't mentioned it but should I give him supplements to increase his levels? It may explain his fatigue?

[Tugun]

Hi,

Most iron supplements are not pure iron but combined with "co-factors" (don't know the correct term) that work together for proper absorption. A short term supplement probably wouldn't hurt but I would go to a professional who knows the ins and outs of vitamins and minerals. It is usually not as simple as one supplement. Unfortunately nutrition is not a big subject in the years of medical school so it is better to go to someone who has made it their focus such as alternative medical doctors or some naturopaths. As your son has not been diagnosed with anything as yet, it would be best to be under the supervision of a doctor. A friend may have been to someone they can recommend.

Wishing your son a quick recovery.

[Hele1 in reply to Tugun]

Thanks Tugan x