Hypothyroidism and no folic acid

[Moggy1212]

I've been diagnosed with hypothyroidism for over 20 years and on 125 Levothyroxin aged 59. Went to GO as extremely tired for months and had blood tests, results show I have no folic acid so now on 5 mg per day . Just wondering has anyone else had this as I have never heard of this before, and is it linked to underactive thyroid?

[nellie237]

Yes, I can relate. You must be feeling dreadful. I've recently got online access to my old blood tests. Hashi's dx 2007. Folate 1st tested June 2012.... 2.3 ug/L (range 2.8 - 19) and prescribed 5mg for 4/12.

Re-tested Jan 2013 when it was........ 3.6

Dec 2015.......... 2.5........I went to the chemist and bought them - it was easier than getting to the GP to pick up prescription.

March 2017 ............ 2.9......was in range. I was not advised of result, and didn't know I should have asked.

Jan 2021 .........2.3 (Range changed 3.4 - 12.2) prescribed 5mg for 2/12. Recent coeliac dx.

Apr 2021........18

These are the only times that I was tested. I must have been low for all those years.

I am now taking B-Complex thanks to this forum.

Did they test Iron & Vit D, or just Folate & B12? The best advice I have received is to get copies of your results. 'In range' doesn't always = doing OK, and GP's don't even look unless the results flag red.

Somebody with much experience will come along tomorrow and give you lots of good advice

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Extremely common to have low vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Have you had other three tested?

Do you always get same brand of levothyroxine

Which brand

What are your most recent thyroid results

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 at least once a year

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies

About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease

Ask GP to test vitamin D, ferritin and B12 levels (plus thyroid antibodies) if not been tested

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

List of private testing options

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Thriva Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins By DIY fingerpick test

thriva.co/tests/thyroid-test

Thriva also offer just vitamin testing

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3

£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

monitormyhealth.org.uk/

NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £29 via

vitamindtest.org.uk

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Please add results and ranges on recent results

Was thyroid tested as early as possible in morning before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

The dose you are on, 5 milligrams, is a high dose.

It is perfectly reasonable in the short-term, to raise your levels as quickly as possible, but it is likely far too much on a long-term basis.

Most over-the-counter folic acid or folate supplements are no more than 400 micrograms.

Obviously it depends on how you respond, and future tests, but I'd expect you to reduce your dose at some point. May be a month, or two, or possibly more.

Excess folic acid/folate can make people feel very unwell so it is important to keep reviewing the dose.

[bantam12]

My folate is 2 at the mo and I have a problem with intolerance to supplements plus I'm on a medication that stops me absorbing vitamins from foods so it's going to be a long term issue.

[DinaV]

Yes, I did. I had the same problem. Continue taking folic acid, and pls do uour blood tests after a while. I also added selen, zink and magnesium as regular supplements. Ask your GO about it. Also O would recomend a book of Isabrlla Wentz Hashimoto’s Protocol.