I was diagnosed hypothyroid in November 2018 and was told not autoimmune (antibodies were tested). Never saw any of these results and have since moved to Wales, not sure I can request these from previous surgery? I'm currently on 100mcg levothyroxine.
In May I had ultrasound due to menopausal issues and blood tests which included diabetes, cholesterol FBC and thyroid. My TSH was 1.10 (range 0.27 - 4.20) and FT4 21 (range 11 -25) FT3 not tested. I know FT3 is an important test to get done and am wondering if I should get a private full thyroid test plus antibodies. The FBC showed I had a raised MCV 101 (range 80 - 100). Follow up bloods were done August which included B12 and folate they were 431 (range 180 - 900), and 9.7 range >3.00 respectively and MCV had increased to 105.
After speaking with GP a 3rd FBC was booked for 1 October and I asked what would happen if MCV was still raised to be advised likely an appt with Haematologist, which has been worrying me. I'm also wondering if B12 and Folate need improving?
I've never connected the dots with my symptoms as some I thought were more menopausal, however I'm still gaining weight although I regularly workout and have not changed diet. I've also been having muscle and joint pains, cramping and restless legs and haven't slept whole night for months. These symptoms seem to be linked to hypothyroidism and possible PA?
What would be this groups advice when 3rd blood test results come back. Thanks for your help.
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Purplebum
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Recommend getting FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested.
(NHS never tests TG antibodies unless TPO antibodies are high. Significant minority of Hashimoto’s patients only have high TG antibodies. 20% of Hashimoto’s patients never have high thyroid antibodies at all)
Also EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, ferritin, folate and B12
Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies
Or Ask GP to test vitamin D and ferritin levels
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 .
Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood test. (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Is this how you do your tests?
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins
A lot of the u pleasant symptoms you are experiencing (painful joints, restless legs, etc) are also often related to menopause. If you can, I would ask your GP if you could have your oestrogen/progesterone levels checked at the same time as you may find that HRT could resolve a lot of these. Good luck
Thank you for your reply. I'm on HRT and have been since under active thyroid diagnosed in 2018 but on lower dose due to fibroid issues earlier this year. Recent blood tests have identified macrocytosis (enlarged blood cells)so another test booked for 1st Oct, then see what next steps.
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