Low Lymphocytes

[TheOtherSpellman]

Just looking for some advice and maybe similar stories.

I’m subclinical hypothyroid so not on any meds, though Have just started taking supplements. I’m currently being investigated for Hashimoto or similar following high antibodies on a medichecks blood test (164) and repeatedly high TSH (Was last 4.92).

It was mentioned in April that the blood test I’d had then showed low lymphocytes at 1.0 x 10*9/L (1.4-4.8). As it was the same in Feb apparently, they wanted a retest the following week. I was told this came back fine.

I’ve since requested copies of my bloods printed and have now received them. It shows that the repeat bloods highlighted lymphocytes as being 1.1. So it’s gone up 0.1 and they’ve said that’s fine because it’s shown improvement. I’m confused as it’s still under the lower end of the range. Is this normal? I’m wondering why it’s low or whether it’s a common thing and I’m fussing.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

TheOtherSpellman

Lymphocytes are part of the White blood cell count, did you have a full blood count and any other white blood cells tested?

Below range lymphocytes can be temporary after a viral infection (eg cold, flu) and I've read that some other reasons can be fasting or malnutrition, severe stress and intense exercise.

As your second test showed the result to be still below range, although slightly higher, I would hope that your GP will repeat the test to make sure that it is only temporary.

[TheOtherSpellman in reply to SeasideSusie]

It’s been low since February. So I’m feb it was tested as part of a FBC and found to be low. Others were in range.

Again in April it was the same. And then a week later it had increased by 0.1.

It’s been signed off as fine and no follow up needed.

[Sophie2009]

Hi i wonder the same thing myself. Mine kept going lower too. Think at the last check they were 0.9 (1.5-4.0) My gp did send a referral to haemotology but they said it wasn't necessary. Its never been mentioned again. My antibodies are high too. I sometimes wonder if theres a link between the two. I hope you get some helpful answers 😊

[TheOtherSpellman in reply to Sophie2009]

It’s odd isn’t it? Thanks Sophie, hopefully we both get an insight into what is going on.

[Sophie2009 in reply to TheOtherSpellman]

I know it is. Thank you. Fingers crossed. I don't know how low they need to go before its considered a problem either 🤔

[tattybogle in reply to Sophie2009]

I found out recently my lymphocytes were 'below' for years.

2003 1.2 [1.5-4] -at time of hypo diagnosis

2005 1.0 "

2007 1.4 "

2008 1.1 "

raised later in 2016 to 2.9 [1-3] (no other results recorded) Your comment about Antibodies is interesting , mine were TPOab 2495 then >3000 [0-50] in 2003 so very high. And reduced ,relatively! to 195 in 2016.

No-one ever mentioned low lymphocytes, ever, only found them by nosing around in records.

Can't say i've been well all these years (else i wouldn't be on here!) , but reassuringly , i haven't died of anything frightening either, and they have shown as raised again once later.

Bit worrying no one told me though !, Googling 'low lymphocytes' kept taking me to rare diseases , so i've stopped worrying about what had caused it. But whenever i next get a blood test at Gp i will be mentioning it.

Edit; I was in my 40's at the time of these results

[Sophie2009 in reply to tattybogle]

Hi yes it's a strange one isn't it.

No idea why mine kept getting lower.

I googled it too but never really found anything.

At the time my tpo antibodies were >1000 so not as high as yours.

It would be interesting to see if anyone else on here with hashimoto's had low lymphocytes too.

[TheOtherSpellman in reply to Sophie2009]

The only potential link I can find is lupus but I’ve never been tested. Something I’ve been researching today shows that there seems to be a link between lupus, raised thyroid antibodies and low lymphocytes. I suppose one autoimmune problem could make you more likely to have another - I don’t know...

[Sophie2009 in reply to TheOtherSpellman]

Hi there. Funny you should mention that. I was investigated for lupus a few years ago. I was referred to rheumatology after a positive ANA test. Tested again now it's negative. I also read that thyroid antibodies can cause a positive ANA test. It's all so confusing.

[TheOtherSpellman in reply to Sophie2009]

You can get false negatives apparently. My friend with lupus has been tested 3 times. 1 negative result and 2 positive.

I’ve got a butterfly rash on my face so I probably should ask for testing but I think part of me is hoping it’s not that and to leave well alone.

[Sophie2009 in reply to TheOtherSpellman]

Yeah i read that too. Also it's likely to have more than one autoimmune disease. I only know about hashimoto's from this site. My gp never mentioned the high antibodies or what they mean. Maybe you should think about testing just incase.

[userotc]

My father is in the process of investigating/raising his below-range lymphocytes. January FBC showed similar fig to yours (total WBC count on range). A trend check showed they'd been falling gradually for 2-3 years with more sudden fall in past year which could be due to an infection just before test (covid??). No known thyroid issue.

In his case (maybe yours?), it may be due to age as he is nearing 67. Commonly reported that may be because the thymus atrophies with age.

His plan is to retest next January after making natural wellbeing improvements plus echinacea supplements.

Needless to say doctor's not even commented on the results (too busy trying to sell him statins and flu jab!). But at least they generally retest on request.

Happy to compare notes by pm.

[TheOtherSpellman in reply to userotc]

Hi Userotc,

It’s interesting that others had similar experience though I do admit that I’m hoping it isn’t age related as I’m only 30 lol!

Infection is a possibility, I’ve felt fatigued for months and assumed it was thyroid related but could well have been something else. Who knows? I think the GP must be putting it down to this in order to be happy to sign off on it without wanting to follow up.

You’ll have to keep us updated about whether the echinacea helps. I’d heard it can improve WBC.

[userotc in reply to TheOtherSpellman]

Yes I will. Sorry about age assumption but I didn't check your profile! Unsure why your lymphocytes have fallen since clearly not age. GP doesn't seem concerned (although that would worry me personally!!).

PS our dog also has similar lymphocyte levels but again we'd put that down to age as she's 15 (90+ in human years)!!

[userotc]

In your case, it may be that your Regulatory T Cells (part of your lymphocytes) are low which may be the root cause of your hashis since they control immune response so can stop autoimmunity. My Dad's may be other lymphocytes (or also T Regs) due to age.

You may be able to confirm which lymphocytes are low in a separate test at GPs or privately. If its the T Regs, their root cause of hashis is reported along with natural solutions e.g. vit. D (had it tested?), vit. A, probiotics, Omega 3. I can send you links by pm if you wish.

[TheOtherSpellman in reply to userotc]

This is really interesting. I’d love the links if you don’t mind?

My vit d was normal, albeit the lower end at 84 I think. Active b12 was low but serum b12 was in range so they aren’t concerned. Folate was normal but low in range also at around 5.

I started myself on supplements for vit d, folate, magnesium and k2 to get these looking better. I want my b12 tested again before I supplement this as I was taking supplements during the last blood test and feel this skewed the results to falsely show normal serum b12 levels.

[userotc in reply to TheOtherSpellman]

Hi

Now sent by pm. Apologies but sent twice!