Thyroid blood results

[Gmanfooty]

Hi all, just popped back into gp for a printout of bloods TSH is 17.1 Miu /L (0.27-4.2 range)and free T4 is 10.9pmol/L(12-22 range) I've also noticed my serum vit B12 is low its 187ng/L should b between 197-771ng/L Gp never mentioned low b12 is it low enough to need supplements? All other tests were in range.Thanks for any help

[greygoose]

Doctors know nothing about nutrients. They don't 'do' them in med school. However, not only is your B12 low enough to take supplements, it's so low that you should be tested for Pernicious Anemia. But, you might have to insist on it with your doctor. Best not to start supplementing before this has been done.

Going by those results, I take it you didn't have your antibodies tested for autoimmune thyroiditis (aka Hashi's). You should ask to have those done, too. It's important to know.

[Gmanfooty in reply to greygoose]

Thanks for reply, have had a nightmare with gp they forgot to let me know about results and had prescription sitting a chemist for nearly 2 weeks only found out as I had appointment Tuesday. Thanks for advice

[greygoose in reply to Gmanfooty]

You're welcome.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

As Greygoose has said, you must get tested for B12 deficiency/pernicious anaemia. Your B12 level is below range, your GP has no reason not to investigate this further, and it's far too low to self supplement.

Check out this list of signs/symptoms of B12 deficiency

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

and list any that you may have to discuss with your GP when requesting further testing.

Also, because B12 and folate work together, your GP should also test your folate level.

Come back and let us know the outcome.

Do not take any B12 supplements or B Complex until further testing has been carried out.

You very likely need B12 injections.

As you have such a dire B12 result, besides testing folate your GP should test Ferritin and Vit D. Plus thyroid antibodies as Greygoose has mentioned.

What dose/brand of Levo have you been given?

[Gmanfooty in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi thanks for reply I'm on 50mcg Teva

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Gmanfooty]

OK, so that's the normal starting dose. You should retest and have an increase of 25mcg in 6 weeks, then continue retesting/increasing every 6-8 weeks.

Teva is not tolerated by many members who seem to have adverse reactions to it. However, some do well on it and it is the only lactose free Levo tablet in the UK. See how you go.

[Gmanfooty in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you, been feeling rough today going to contact Gp to talk about B12 kevel