In August 2019 I was diagnosed with thyroiditis which settled after taking carbimazole and propranolol. I was monitored and my levels fluctuated but was advised to reduce the meds etc. Fast forward to now and I am still feeling unwell and the last few weeks it has got progressively worse.
My latest bloods showed (Nov 29):
TSH 2.35 my/L (0.35-3.5)
Free T4 12 pmol/L (8.0-21.0)
Free Triiodothyronine 4.0 pmol/L (3.8-6.0)
I also have low B12/Folate and Vitamin D.
Thank you in advance for any advice.
Written by
Countryman31
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Sounds like autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto's.
Hashimoto's frequently starts with transient hyperthyroid symptoms and blood tests before slowly becoming increasingly hypothyroid
Have you ever had TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested for Hashimoto's (and Graves' disease)
Or TSI or TRab antibodies tested for Graves' disease
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 you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies
How low were B12 and vitamin D
Are you on B12 injections
What dose vitamin D?
Ask GP to test folate and ferritin levels
You may need to get full Thyroid testing privately as NHS refuses to test TG antibodies if TPO antibodies are negative
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)
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
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
Cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3 £29 (via NHS private service )
My antibodies were tested in August at the time when I was suffering with the thyroiditis, I was informed that they came back clear of antibodies. Can that change over time?
B12 240 ng/L (187-883)
Folate 7.5 ng/mL (2.7-15)
Vit D 43 nmol/L (50-120)
Ferritin 37.5 ug/L (10-291)
I will contact my GP tomorrow to see if they can access the levels from the antibodies test although that was taken when I was a hospital inpatient so I might need to speak to my endocrinologist.
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
I have raised my concerns with two GP’s but they are not interested.
They wouldn’t even consider me for injections and didn’t offer any supplements just said if I wanted to to get an over counter supplement.
Same applies with the Vitamin D too, not interested.
I did have more bloods taken yesterday as my last FBC showed high white cells and other high levels, I had to ask them to do it though. They just keep saying all my symptoms are down to anxiety.
I have had an ultrasound and that was clear too apparently.
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
Cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3 £29 (via NHS private service )
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.