Requested a dose increase with a GP I hadn’t dealt with before who talked to me about sub-clinical hypothyroidism, increasing dose when TSH goes over 10 and I didn’t have the wit to contradict him and say it’s different when you’re on Levo.
Cue a full panel of tests including Vit D (apparently he has to override a pop up which suggests its not worth testing as all UK adults should be supplementing) and T4 which is a first.
No action required on all but folate for which I have a prescription and am advised to eat dark green leafy veg etc. I eat an entire medium sized box of organic seasonal veg every week along with other folate rich foods inc. chickpeas, brown rice etc. Also eat eggs, small amount of goats dairy and fish, and gluten and sugar free. Aside from eating meat again (am 51 and have been vegetarian/pescatarian since I was 13) I can’t see what other changes I can make to my diet.
Questions:
1. How do I negotiate a Levo increase now? 🤷♀️ (TSH was 2.08 at last test in May so its risen significantly and feels like it).
I fear that this T4 result will count against me and that it will be even harder to argue that an increase is indicated. Wondering about going to see a private endo…
2. Do I need to be thinking about PA? B12 and folate levels have been steadily falling since first tested in 2020.
FBC fine apart from hypochromasia 7.60% (normal range: -6) this has come down from 12% in May.
Bone profile also fine.
Hope you can see this picture of my results.
I’ve learnt so much from this forum so greatly appreciate your insight.
Written by
Realtiger
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
With serum B12 result below 500, (Or active B12 below 70) recommended to be taking a B12 supplement as well as a B Complex (to balance all the B vitamins) initially for first 2-4 months.
once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex. (As vegetarian may need to continue separate B12)
Thorne Basic B recommended vitamin B complex that contains folate, but they are large capsules. (You can tip powder out if can’t swallow capsule)
IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results
In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate methyl folate supplement and continue separate B12
Thank you as ever for your response. It’s so helpful to have a plan of action re folate and B12.
Ferritin is 16 ug/L (range 10- 291) but FBC results better than in May with MCHC back in normal rage and haemoglobin better than in years at 136 (120-140) no doubt because I’m entering menopause and haven’t bled for several months now. Ferritin has been consistently low and hasn’t risen much even on iron supplementation. Now it seems I have mild iron deficiency without anaemia but Dr unconcerned. Not sure if I should be taking iron or not.
These results are all via GP so my main concern is that testing T4 has backfired as this and TSH are within range corresponding with the guidelines
“The primary target of thyroxine replacement therapy is to make the patient feel well and to achieve a serum TSH that is within the reference range. The corresponding FT4 will be within or slightly above its reference range.”
I will wait to speak to my usual GP on Monday 🤞
Also I’m supposed to be donating blood next week after a couple of years of not doing so - now wondering if that’s wise?🤔
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Update: latest test results
Updated Test Results
Update thyroid antibody test results
My updated Thyroid Test Results 
Why do I have to lower Thyroxine (update)..Blood tests results.
