Good afternoon, l wonder whether anyone would be kind enough please to see if they can help me? I have been feeling very tired and drained for several months and I am not sure if it might also have been aggravated by Covid, which I had in March this year. I have had a series of private blood tests, through Medichecks. I went along to my doctor with the results but was told that there is nothing he can do to help me. Following this, I have been trying to help myself. I started taking Hey Nutrition Vitamin D3 & K2 MK-7 with MCT Oil, Inessa Multivitamin with CoQ10 100mg, Vitamin D3 2000 IU, K2 100mcg, B Complex, Vitamins A 800mcg, Folic Acid as 5-MTHF 400mcg, Zinc 20mg and Lutein and Dr. Berg's Adrenal & Cortisol Formula (this made me very very sleepy and slow so I have stopped it). I am on Progynova 1mg and I take 2.5 grains of Thyroid S per day (I need to keep my TSH surpressed as many of us do). I try to have an active life with a dressage horse who I would like to ride every day (but don't succeed due to tiredness or fatigue) I have two stables to muck out daily and other associated horse care duties. I am married to a farmer and whilst I don't get involved very much outside with the farm animals, I do meals for specific times each day to make my husband's working day easier as he works the farm single-handedly. I do all of the paperwork (there can be rather a lot at times) and any errands to vets/tractor parts. I am 61 years of age and have always had a busy lifestyle but find that I am not just not keeping up! Evenings out are a struggle and I just have to have at least one sleep during the day of varying lengths (I also get very puffy eyes at times and struggle to look at anyone as I get embarrassed). I also find that Gluten is not my friend. Any kind advice regarding my blood test results and any kind suggestions that might help would be very gratefully received. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Here are most of my recent blood test results:- With my best wishes Ann
Sorry, I forgot to say that I was having B12 injections every 3 months but have asked to extend the period between them as my levels were high. I gather that you can feel as rough with a high reading as you can with a low one??? Ann
Good Evening Shaws, thank you for your message. I saw the most amazing Endocrinologist in privately in Brentwood and on the NHS in Romford Hosp about 10 years ago now and he did very thorough blood tests and said that I needed it so I am sure the answer to your question is yes. Thank you very much. Ann
We have to be wary when doctors suggest 'this or that' and if we have a doubt, always double-check what is being prescribed and is it suitable for you.
TSH <0.005 (0.27 4.2)FREE T3 4.72 (3.1-6.) Pretty sure you've missed a number off there and it should be 6.8. 43.78%
FREE THYROXINE 18.2 (12 – 22) 62%
Rather weird results, there. Normally, when one takes T3, the FT4 level drops to lower in range than the FT3. But, your FT4 is 62% through the range, and the FT3 is only 43.78%. Very strange.
Anyway, on the basis of the FT3 result, you are under-medicated. It should be at least over mid-range. It's very low considering your dose.
BUT, how long was the gap between your last dose of Thyroid S and the blood draw? If it was longer than 12 hours, that would go some way to explain it. Although not entirely, I don't think. Do you always take your Thyroid S on an empty stomach, etc. just like levo?
Inessa Multivitamin
Not a good thing to take because it contains iodine. And that is absolutely the wrong thing to take when you're hypo.
Supplements will only do you any good if you need them. Taking them when you don't need them is not only a waste of money, but could be dangerous, too. So, if I were you, I'd stop that and - if you haven't already - get your vit D, folate and ferritin tested to find out what you need. It appears you already know you need vit B12. But, I don't think it's correct that "I gather that you can feel as rough with a high reading as you can with a low one", because B12 is water soluble, so excess will be excreted. If you're having B12 shots, there's really no point in getting it tested because it's bound to be high.
Good Evening Greygoose, very kind of you to take the trouble to reply. It is just so difficult when the doctors are not prepared to help and you are left trying to help yourself. The comment regarding too much B12 can make you feel as bad as not having enough came from my doctor. When he said this, I asked if it would be sensible to lengthen the period between them and he said it would. I take 2 Thyroid S on an empty stomach at 8am and then another half at 12 noon. I had increased them to 3 in an effort to see if I felt better but I got palpitations and a beating in my head so I reduced it again. My apologies, the Free T3 should be 4.74 (R3.1-6.8). I stopped taking my Thyroid S around 12 hours before my blood draw. Thank you for your comments regarding Inessa, oh dear! I thought that I felt better taking them but I think it is a good idea to stop. My diet is not the most varied, I only eat chicken and mainly salad as I am not keen on vegetables, unfortunately. I was just trying to see what I could do to improve the way I feel really. My Folate is 4.38 (range >3.89) Vitamin D is 57 nmol/L (range 75-200) and Ferritin is 206.0 ug/L (range 13-150). I must admit was worried about my Cortisol levels/my adrenals as I thought perhaps this might be the problem? Cortisol – Waking (07.50am) - 28.7 nmol/L (R 6–21) Mid-day (12.00 noon) -11.7 nmol/L (R 1.5 - 7.6) Afternoon (16:00 pm) - 7.23 nmol/L (R 0-5.5) Bedtime(12.15AM) 2.14 ol/L (R 0-2.0) I am taking Vitamin D3 & K2 with MK7 (Vitamin D3 100μg/Vitamin K2 100μg/Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) 25mg.
I can't understand why I feel so tired and get so exhausted. The brain fog drives me bats and I get tearful at times too. I can feel the anxiety/stress building inside me sometimes and I feel almost shakey inside. I thought that I had noticed that after a stressful period, the tiredness is worse but I clutch at straws trying to work out what's wrong with me. It really is so frustrating and is having quite a big impact on my life, lifestyle and marriage. I just don't know what to do.
Thank you very much once again for your kind help and suggestion. Annie
You probably feel so tired and have brainfog because your FT3 is too low. But, you increased your Thyroid S by too much. NDT should only be increased by 1/4 grain at a time.
The comment regarding too much B12 can make you feel as bad as not having enough came from my doctor.
As a general rule, never, ever take nutritional advice from a doctor. They know nothing about it because they don't do it in med school. They only know as much about it as the average person in the street, but I swear they make it up as they go along! lol Pretty sure he was wrong about the B12, but was glad to reduce your number of B12 shots because it saves his practice money! And that's all they care about.
My Folate is 4.38 (range >3.89) Vitamin D is 57 nmol/L (range 75-200) and Ferritin is 206.0 ug/L (range 13-150).
Your folate is too low. It should be at least in double figures. Did you say you were taking a B complex daily? Does it contain methylfolate? How much?
Your vit D is much too low. You take vit K2 with it, but do you take magnesium? The two work together so it would be a good idea to start taking that, if you don't already.
On the surface, your ferritin looks good, but was your CRP tested at the same time? C Reactive Protein is an inflammation marker. High inflammation raises ferritin levels. So, the two should be tested together to get a true idea of your ferritin.
Good Evening again Greygoose, thank you very much, I will increase my tablets by 1/4 and take very slowly from there, I am glad you have pointed this out.
I am taking a Vitamin D tablet, this is just Vitamin D3 & K2 with MK7 (Vitamin D3 100μg/Vitamin K2 100μg/Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) 25mg by Hey Nutrition, it doesn't contain Methylfolate. I am aware that my Vit D is far too low, the doctor said there was nothing he could do to help me with it. I just got myself a Vit D tablet. I have wondered about taking Magnesium but as there are so many, I don't know which is the best/safest to take or how much.
Yes, my CRP was done at the same time as my Ferritin and the reading for my CRP was 2.09 (r0-5).
I really appreciate your help. We are made to feel such a fraud at the doctors, as if we are making it all up! I know that so many ladies and gentlemen suffer the same way and it is awful for everyone. Thank you very much. Ann
Hallo did you notice a real difference after Covid than before? I’m only asking because I caught it in March too. I’d literally got myself to the point of booking a gym and swim session (having worked myself up slowly to this point) when I caught the darn thing. Covid initially felt like the WORST thyroid fatigue (thought it was my thyroid) and ever since I feel I’ve somehow gone backwards…I’ve had other stressful things happen as well since then but do wonder if Covid set this off. I’m lucky if I can get through the day without lying on the sofa at some point just absolutely wiped. Brain fog is awful. Lack of concentration as well. I know how you’re feeling - it’s a nightmare and I’m sorry that this is happening for you x
Hello Josephineinamachine, it is just so hard isn't it? I really don't know what the data is on how Covid affects Hashi suffers? There might be some information on here but, if I am honest, I haven't looked. It sounds like it definitely affected you and I am sorry that you are struggling. I also definitely think it affected me - or I question whether, in fact, it was the vaccinations? I just know that I haven't felt great for months now and I am continually clutching at straws trying to get well and thinking it is this, it is that? I am very sorry to hear that you are feeling the same. I know that people around me, so called "friends???" just don't understand. We live in a small community in Devon where it is expected I help when there are local events. I just don't feel like it but do my best to show willing. I know there are some comments about my laziness!! I just try to rise above it. I have had lots of blood tests through Medichecks, trying to get sorted. The doctors don't want to help we are lucky to be able to get good advice on here. Take care of yourself and I really hope you feel better soon. Ann xx
Ah I’m sorry… I get how you feel as it’s so difficult to explain! I don’t recognise myself at all at the moment. My ‘used to be’ way of relaxing was to do lots of active things and tick my ‘chores’ off my mental list…then I’d feel nice and relaxed and productive. Now I find myself on the sofa in the middle of the day feeling lazy - most weekends this happens now which used to be my physically busy time. It’s quite bewildering. I also try to avoid social activities to keep life feeling manageable. It can feel very lonely at times. I hope you feel better soon too! X
Hi, I'm also in the 'caught covid in March' club and like sadethedog1 and Josephineinamachine struggled with fatigue for months. I'm sure covid affected my thyroid function. Following advice given here, I ditched the multivitamins and now take specific vitamins. Its early days yet but dare I say ....... I do feel a tinkling of my old energy returning 😀.
Sadiethedog1 asked about Magnesium. There are different types for different needs so it's worth looking into that.
I use Ancient Minerals Magnesium oil. I use six to eight squirts in my hand and then rub into my arms. I prefer the spray because there is no need to take it four hours away from your medication as would be the case with oral medication.
Hope you feel better soon, it's horrible not having the energy to feel normal.
Difficult to answer your question as I have only just started using the spray and I do use it at bedtime when I am feeling sleepy 😂.
I like the spray because there are no other unwanted added ingredients and you can control the amount you apply.
I have started on a low number of sprays which I will increase gradually. The spray does sting, tingle a little for a few seconds just after application but nothing too unpleasant 🙂.
As someone who takes B12 supplements and deliberately takes enough to take my B12 well over range, I can assure you that high B12 levels cause no symptoms whatsoever.
Doctors get twitchy when a patient has a high B12 level because they get cause and effect muddled up in this case.
1) The body stores some B12 in the liver. If a patient develops cancer and it affects the liver, some of the B12 in the liver may leak into the bloodstream, pushing up the result of a B12 blood test, sometimes enormously. But doctors get muddled up and some have actually suggested that having a high B12 level increases the risk of cancer. It's absolute nonsense. It is completely the wrong way round, and the B12 is innocent.
2) A fairly healthy person takes B12. Their level of B12 increases. Doctor sees high B12 and doesn't know what is going on. Patient should say that they are on supplemental B12. That should be the end of story, but sometimes, if the doctor doesn't know what they are talking about they start telling patient to reduce their B12 intake, which makes some people ill if their absorption of B12 is poor for any reason.
...
FOLATE – SERUM 4.38 ug/L, (R > 3.89-19.45)
VITAMIN B12 – ACTIVE >150 pmol/L (R 37.5–150),
VITAMIN D 57 nmol/L (R 50–200)
MAGNESIUM – SERUM 0.81 mmol/L (R 0.66-0.99)
IRON 27.5 umol/L (R 5.8 - 34.5),
TIBC 45.3 (R 45-81),
UIBC 18.2 umol/L (R 24.2-70.1),
TRANSFERRIN SATURATION 60.7% (R 20 – 50),
FERRITIN 206 ug/L (R 13-150)
Folate - The body requires good levels of folate in order to make use of B12. Optimal levels of folate are upper half of the reference range, so, with the range you've given you should aim for a result of approximately 12 - 20.
Raising folate is more complicated that it looks. People are told to take folic acid when their folate levels are low. But folic acid is synthetic (first developed in 1943). Before 1943 people could only get folate from food.
Folic acid can't be used before it is converted into methylfolate which takes a couple of steps to do. And guess what - some people can't do that conversion very well. This problem is common in people with MTHFR gene problems. This is explained in the following link :
If you are taking any product containing folic acid please stop. Instead take a B Complex with active B vitamins e.g. methylcobalamin instead of cyanocobalamin, methylfolate instead of folic acid. Vitamin B6 is often in a form that the body can't metabolise easily, so active forms are required for B6 too :
Pyridoxal 5’ phosphate (PLP) and pyridoxamine 5’ phosphate (PMP) are the active coenzyme forms of vitamin B6
We suggest that people take a good quality B Complex all the time and also take methylcobalamin and methylfolate separately if necessary to raise their levels to optimal. Once optimal the methylcobalamin and methylfolate can be dropped, and just the B Complex is required. An example of a B Complex with activated B vitamins is :
Magnesium - only about 1% of the body's magnesium is found in the blood. The rest of it is found in soft tissues and bone. The body does prioritise having the right amount of magnesium in the blood, and will steal it from other tissues if the level runs low. This means that the result of a magnesium blood test is almost always in range. It doesn't mean that the patient is not deficient - they easily could be, but a blood test won't tell you.
When people take magnesium any excess is excreted via the kidneys. As long as your kidneys are functional you should be able to take magnesium - the standard dose is about 250mg - 450mg per day.
Good afternoon Humanbean, wow! Thank you so much for taking the time to give me all that information. I will print it off and digest it all and get ordering. Thanks again, Ann x
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as many of us do). I try to have an active life with a dressage horse who I would like to ride every day (but don't succeed due to tiredness or fatigue) I have two stables to muck out daily and other associated horse care duties. I am married to a farmer and whilst I don't get involved very much outside with the farm animals, I do meals for specific times each day to make my husband's working day easier as he works the farm single-handedly. I do all of the paperwork (there can be rather a lot at times) and any errands to vets/tractor parts. I am 61 years of age and have always had a busy lifestyle but find that I am not just not keeping up! Evenings out are a struggle and I just have to have at least one sleep during the day of varying lengths (I also get very puffy eyes at times and struggle to look at anyone as I get embarrassed). I also find that Gluten is not my friend. Any kind advice regarding my blood test results and any kind suggestions that might help would be very gratefully received. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Here are most of my recent blood test results:- With my best wishes Ann
x
Please help to understand my latest blood results. Very low TSH, low FT4 and still feeling very tired also having hand tremors.
Test result look o.k. so why do I have so many hypo symptoms?
Not so subclinical hypothyroidism
New Bloods- Help to interpret! 
