A question about Thyroid blood tests.

[Bubydizer]

Hello Everyone,

I am seeing an Endocrinologist in a couple of weeks, I was diagnosed with B12 Deficiency last December and am having treatment. Unfortunately, my MVC are getting larger since treatment and I have been told to check out my thyroid. I have had my T3 free, T4 free and TSH blood tests done but I had my breakfast and it was about 9.30am but I fasted for all the other blood tests. I am a female and 56 years old .

TSH 1.8 (0.400 - 4.2)

T3 free 2.4 (2.1 - 4.4)

T4 free 0.9 (0.7 - 1.8)

MCV 100.00 (80.0 - 97.0) May 22 MCV 96.4 (80.0 - 98.0) Dec 21

MCH 33.2 (26.0 – 34.0) May 22 MCH 30.9 (27.0 – 32.0) Dec 21

Folic Acid >20.0 (>15.0 value ideal)

Serum Iron 124 (60 – 170)

Ferritin 119.8 (50.0 – 200.0)

Should I do my thyroid test again this time fasting and are there any other tests I should do. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Ft4 and Ft3 are extremely low

You need FULL Thyroid testing including thyroid antibodies

Also vitamin D tested

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking apart from B12

Are you having B12 injections or daily supplements

Always test thyroid levels early morning, before 9am and only water before test

Are you in U.K.

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options and money off codes

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

[Bubydizer in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for your reply. I had my vitamin D tested in December 68.3 (30 – 100 value recommended). Supplements I take are B12 injection Hydroxo every other day, Folic acid 5mg daily, Glucosamine, Vitamin D 20,000 every 4 days ,B complex 2 times a week (gives me digestive Problems) Calcium bone support with mag. (can`t have dairy).

I am in Portugal and getting the tests done bit by bit.

So those Ft3 and Ft4 numbers being low would that look like it could be Hypothyroidism? My Mum and Granny had thyroid problems. Thank you for all the information.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Bubydizer]

Vitamin D is on high side

U.K. units measuring vitamin D are different to EU

100nmol U.K. units = 40ng/ml EU units

Suggest you consider reducing the amount of vitamin D you’re taking

If your lactose/dairy intolerant that’s a common hypothyroid issue with autoimmune thyroid disease

[Bubydizer in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you that is really helpful. I think I am finally getting somewhere on this health journey.

[shaws Administrator]

When you state your have a B12 deficiency is it due to you having Pernicious Anaemia or just low B12?

The reason I am asking is that my mother had Pernicious Anaemia and had regular B12 injections. Unfortunately, later on my mother was told she needed no more injections and we were quite happy with that but, unfortunately, due to not getting regular B12 injections she developed stomach cancer, which was fatal.

I, too, have Pernicious Anaemia but now get monthly injections instead of quarterly.

[Bubydizer in reply to shaws]

I am sorry to hear about your mum. I haven’t been tested for Pernicious Anemia but I can’t absorb b12 through food and have neurological symptoms. So I am having regular B12 injections. Keep well.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Bubydizer]

I am glad you are having regular B12 injections. I've gone from having one jab every 3 months to one every month.

[Partner20]

Fasting before a thyroid test is not considered necessary by everyone, but eating beforehand has been shown to sometimes result in a slightly lower tsh. However, as you are not on medication for any thyroid condition, your results do not currently indicate hypothyroidism. In the UK your MCV and MCH levels, plus B12 and anaemia issues, would lead to a haematologist referral, as this is their area of expertise. Hopefully your endo will be able to help you with this.