Please can someone help with results x - Thyroid UK

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Please can someone help with results x

LadyWard profile image
30 Replies

Dear friends please can you look at my results and me what they mean, no idea what the red ones are?! Are they all linked with the thyroid? Have a got Hashimotos? Is there anything on there that would explain my heart rate keep dropping? Sorry for all the questions

I’m on 50mg of Levo, still feeling tired 😓 I’m seeing GP on Wednesday to hopefully get an increase, if that’s what’s needed x

Thank you

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LadyWard profile image
LadyWard
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MaisieGray profile image
MaisieGray

The hs-CRP refers to a high sensitivity test for C-reactive protein, which is a protein found in blood plasma, whose circulating concentrations rise in response to inflammation or infection. It tells you that there is some inflammation or infection present, but not what or where, so when the level is of concern, your GP would have to carry out other more precise tests to identify the nature of the problem. Yours is elevated but not worryingly so.

At >600 your anti-TPO Ab result seems to confirm that Hashimoto's is the cause of your hypothyroidism and could be the cause of the CRP result, but may not. 50 mcg is only a starter dose of Levo, and that is demonstrated in your thyroid function results, which indicate you are under-medicated - neither your FT3 nor your FT4 levels reach even midway in their respective ranges, and your TSH is far too high. It's not surprising you feel tired.

LadyWard profile image
LadyWard in reply to MaisieGray

Thank you for that. Once the medication is right will those other T3 and T4 get better.

Please can I ask one more thing, with Hashimotos would I be right at thinking the antibodies may fluctuate and sometime attack and sometime not? For example my voice has been very very croaky for about 8 weeks now and as I said very tired. ENT consultant said it’s related to my thyroid but didn’t explain how? So could that mean the antibodies are really going for it at the moment, and that’s why I feel so awful ? Does that make any sense?! Lol x thank yoy

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to LadyWard

This article will explain about antibodies:

hashimotoshealing.com/under...

:)

LadyWard profile image
LadyWard in reply to greygoose

Thank you 🙏🏼 how do I work out from my results which are the th-1 and which is Th-2? X

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to LadyWard

Well, you can't. Blood tests don't tell you that. I'm not sure it's relevant, anyway.

LadyWard profile image
LadyWard in reply to greygoose

It’s a good way of explaining it though :)

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to LadyWard

I've never heard of anyone being tested for TH1 and TH2, although according to this article it is possible. But, a mere GP has enough trouble understanding TPO and Tg antibodies. I'm sure he'd be totally lost if you started talking about TH1 and TH2!

The part that is relevant to your original question is: Antibodies Unleash the Attack, But They Aren’t The Destroyers. The TPO and TG antibodies are not what destroys the thyroid. So, when you asked: would I be right at thinking the antibodies may fluctuate and sometime attack and sometime not? The answer is: yes, antibodies fluctuate all the time, but don't attack. Although the attacks are intermittent, not continual. The tiredness and the croaky voice are hypo symptoms, and have nothing to do with the antibodies. It sounds as if you are just under-medicated. :)

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

50mcg is only a starter dose of Levothyroxine

Your results show you are ready for next dose increase

The aim of Levothyroxine is to increase the dose slowly in 25mcg steps upwards until TSH is under 2 (many need TSH significantly under one) and most important is that FT4 in top third of range and FT3 at least half way in range

NHS guidelines on Levothyroxine including that most patients eventually need somewhere between 100mcg and 200mcg Levothyroxine.

nhs.uk/medicines/levothyrox...

Also what foods to avoid (eg recommended to avoid calcium rich foods at least four hours from taking Levo)

You're actually quite a good converter, your FT4 and FT3 are pretty much in balance

You probably just need higher dose of Levothyroxine

FT4 is 41% through range

FT3 is 37% through range

Useful calculator for working out % through range

chorobytarczycy.eu/kalkulator

ask GP for 25mcg dose increase in Levothyroxine

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose increase

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water . 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).

You need Vitamin D tested.

B12 and folate on the low side. Supplementing a good quality daily vitamin B complex, one with folate in not folic acid may be beneficial.

chriskresser.com/folate-vs-...

B vitamins best taken in the morning after breakfast

Igennus Super B complex are nice small tablets. 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 Thorne Basic B or jarrow B-right are other options that contain folate, but both are large capsules

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

endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

Low B12 symptoms

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

Low vitamin D and low B vitamins may be linked as explained here

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Ferritin is on low side. Improving intake of iron rich foods plus daily vitamin C should help improve levels

All four vitamins need to be regularly tested and frequently need supplementing to maintain optimal levels

Vitamins generally improve as Levothyroxine dose is increased

Did you know that the cause of your hypothyroidism is due to autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto's diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies?

NICE guidelines on increasing dose

cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroid...

The initial recommended dose is:

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.

LadyWard profile image
LadyWard in reply to SlowDragon

Thank you so much fir that. I’m seeing Gp on Wednesday so will ask tut extra tests and look at getting those vitamins- thanks again x

silverfox7 profile image
silverfox7 in reply to LadyWard

Getting vits optimal wasa huge help for me, takes time if low but well worth the effort.

LadyWard profile image
LadyWard in reply to silverfox7

Thank you it’s knowing where to start and which ones are the good ones?! Any recommendations gratefully received xx

silverfox7 profile image
silverfox7 in reply to LadyWard

Have a look at SeasideSusie’s posts. She has loads of experience on doses and just as on here for recommendations for brands etc. I’ve noticed Vit D seems very low for most people so that may be a good place to start but get the testing done first as that may say something else you are pretty low on so start that first. But the big 4 mentioned as Vit D, B12, folate and Ferritin. We can all vary how we react etc but just throw the question out there and you will get replies with help I’m sure. I’ve had thyroid issues a long time but I had a GP diagnosed at the same time and a husband science based as a research endocrinologist so the main thing I benefitted from was a correct level of medication plus I don’t have antibodies which makes things easier. Vits and mineral levels are pretty new in my journey but I feel a great improvement since.

Vit D need co factors which doctors don’t seem to know about and they are important and remember results need to be optimal, not just in range. I would advise you start them one at a time and leave a month in between. All things have some sort of filler in them so spacing them helps if you turn out to have a problem with one as starting them all together you wouldn’t know which one is disagreeing with you. Keep an eye on your thyroid levels as well. If you have been low you may find the vits have improved things so much you need your medication adjusting

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to LadyWard

Start by getting vitamin D tested by GP or privately

Low B12 and folate. Recommended brands of good quality vitamin B complex are

Igennus Super B - Full dose is two small tablets per day. But many of us only need a single tablet. Certainly only start with one

Or Thorne B complex - large capsule

Both available via Amazon or equivalent

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

endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

Never take iron supplements unless had Full iron panel testing and GP prescribed them

LadyWard profile image
LadyWard in reply to SlowDragon

That's brilliant thank you, so wait till i've had more blood tests before i buy them?? is that right x

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to LadyWard

You could start on vitamin B complex now.

But you do need to get vitamin D tested soon

£29 via NHS postal kit

vitamindtest.org.uk

LadyWard profile image
LadyWard in reply to SlowDragon

Igennus Healthcare Nutrition

4.6 out of 5 stars 301 Reviews

Super B-Complex - High Strength B Vitamins with folate, B6 & B12 plus vitamin C, 60 tablets

Are these the right ones x

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to LadyWard

Yes

Suggest you start on only one tablet and see how you get on (full dose is two per day)

LadyWard profile image
LadyWard in reply to SlowDragon

Do you take or suggest taking probiotics tablets to help the gut? X

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to LadyWard

Yes I now only take Danone actimel each morning. But use to take Viridian pro-biotic

Kefir occasionally

Many people on here take probiotics and/or fermented foods

Eg kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi

Bone broth good too.

Thyroid is so gut related

I am absolutely strictly gluten free

Soya free including soya lecithin

Low carb has been good too for weightloss

Fluoride free toothpaste too

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to LadyWard

Did you get dose increase in Levothyroxine?

Best to avoid Teva brand unless you know it suits you

Teva are only brand that makes 75mcg tablet

LadyWard profile image
LadyWard in reply to SlowDragon

Oh no! I got Teva!!!! She added an extra 25mcg so my usual ones are activis/North Star - do you think it will be ok, I’m panicking. I guess I would know in a few days if they are no good for me and I will have to ask for different make?

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to LadyWard

Yes either try it.

Or say you already know you can't tolerate Teva.

You can cut up 50mcg to add a half tablet

LadyWard profile image
LadyWard in reply to SlowDragon

Morning Slow Dragon, quick bit of advice, i am due to have more blood tests in a couple of weeks. I have taken everyone's advice, i have gone completely gluten free (7th Day) i take the Igennus B-Complex as you suggested, just one a day and one 200mcg of selenium. Holding off on the D Spray until i've had my levels checked.

Also I took eveyone's advice and didn't start on the Omeprazole! Instead i did the opposite which greygoose suggested and started taking Apple Cider Vinegar - OMG i am really starting to see a difference, my voice is really starting to improve. not sure if its the meds starting to work or the GF or the vinegar!

Anyway, sorry to go on! I just wanted to know as I cant remember exactly what you said - Which tablets do I need to stop and how long for before my next blood test!

Thank you x

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to LadyWard

Should stop the Igennus 5-7 days before, because the biotin in vitamin B complex may upset the test results

endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

Good to hear you making progress

It's usually a mix of lots of little steps......and slowly you see symptoms improving

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to LadyWard

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose (or brand) change in Levothyroxine

How long have you been on increased dose?

Did you try Teva or changed to previous brand?

LadyWard profile image
LadyWard in reply to SlowDragon

I've only been on the increase for just over three weeks, carried on with the Teva and don't 'think' i've had any adverse effects, I guess I would have noticed if not??

So nit due another test for about 3 weeks but want to be prepared. So am i ok to carry on taking the selenium? x

Lora7again profile image
Lora7again

My CRP has been slowly rising for years because of this disease ... mine is 9 at the moment. I wish I knew how to lower it ... I have tried everything including turmeric tabs but nothing works for me

LadyWard profile image
LadyWard in reply to Lora7again

Well GP said that shows inflammation, and given my antibodies and my very hoarse voice she said it’s most likely that my thyroid is inflamed. They have upped my medication and from now I’m going to go 100% gluten free. Will keep you posted xx

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to LadyWard

Just seen this reply

Good you got increase

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks later

LadyWard profile image
LadyWard in reply to SlowDragon

Yes will make sure I go fir more blood tests and remember what you said about things to do and not to do before tests x

Thank you again for all your help, all of you x

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