Medichecks results.

[Calceolaria]

Hi everyone. Would someone comment on my Medichecks test results please. I’m being medicated on 75 mcg levothyroxine, having increased from start up dose of 50 mcg. I’m coming to the end of the one month extra 25 mcg.

Results are - ferritin 105

folate - 16.4

B12 - 82

D - 58

TSH - 2.54

Free T3 - 5.2

Free thyroxine - 19.6

CRP HS - 2.67

Thyroglobulin antib - > 4,000

T. Peroxidase - 131.

Initially the doctors comment did not take into account that I was medicated already and I requested a review. It’s clear now that I have Hashimotos and the Medichecks doc seemed satisfied that my treatment has me within the range. My last NHS TSH reading was 5.9.

Any advice would be welcome - I guess I just plod on? I have improved but think I could be even better - it’s probable my dose will increase after next test?

Thanks in advance.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Calceolaria

I’m coming to the end of the one month extra 25 mcg.

You've tested too soon, we should leave at least 6-8 weeks after any dose change before retesting, this gives levels time to settle.

Can you add all the reference ranges that came with the results please (ranges vary from lab to lab).

[Calceolaria in reply to SeasideSusie]

Apologies, these are the ranges

Ferritin - 105, range 30-650

Folate - 16.4, range 8.83- 60.8

B12 - 82, range 37.5- 188

D - 58, range 50-250

TSH - 2.54, range 0.27-4.2

FreeT3 - 5.2, range 3.1 - 6.8

Free thyroxine - 19.6, range 12-22

CRP - 2.67, range <3.

Thyroglobulin, <4,000, range 0-115

Peroxidase -131, range 0-34.

It’s because the antibodies are so high that I came back on here. Medichecks didn’t say speak to your GP or anything ( who aren’t interested anyway) but it looked alarming enough to me, who knows nothing.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Very high thyroid antibodies

Have you had coeliac blood test done via GP

If not request this BEFORE considering trial on strictly gluten free diet

[Calceolaria in reply to SlowDragon]

I had coeliac test shortly before I was first tested for thyroid.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Calceolaria]

Only approx 5% with Hashimoto's test positive for coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps, sometimes significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link) 

Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies 

Trying gluten free diet for 3-6 months. If no noticeable improvement then reintroduce gluten and see if symptoms get worse

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

amymyersmd.com/2018/04/3-re...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

Non Coeliac Gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and autoimmune disease

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/296...

The predominance of Hashimoto thyroiditis represents an interesting finding, since it has been indirectly confirmed by an Italian study, showing that autoimmune thyroid disease is a risk factor for the evolution towards NCGS in a group of patients with minimal duodenal inflammation. On these bases, an autoimmune stigma in NCGS is strongly supported

nuclmed.gr/wp/wp-content/up...

In summary, whereas it is not yet clear whether a gluten free diet can prevent autoimmune diseases, it is worth mentioning that HT patients with or without CD benefit from a diet low in gluten as far as the progression and the potential disease complications are concerned

restartmed.com/hashimotos-g...

Despite the fact that 5-10% of patients have Celiac disease, in my experience and in the experience of many other physicians, at least 80% + of patients with Hashimoto's who go gluten-free notice a reduction in their symptoms almost immediately.

perhaps consider trialing in January

[SlowDragon Administrator]

was test done early morning and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Vitamin D is much too low

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

[Calceolaria in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes, I followed guidance on here re pre-test protocols. I’m now supplementing vit D oral spray.

[Calceolaria in reply to Calceolaria]

SeasideSusie suggests I tested too soon after med increase.

[Calceolaria in reply to SlowDragon]

I’ve just checked dates and I tested before I was increased to 75mcgs, so that test was done on the 50mgs I’d been taking for two months. Would that make a difference though to antibody levels?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Calceolaria]

so these results show you needed dose increase in levothyroxine to 75mcg

Yes …TG antibodies tend to reduce as dose levothyroxine is increased/and TSH drops

Some Hashimoto’s patients find strictly gluten free diet and/or dairy free diet reduces TPO antibodies

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose increase or change in brand of levothyroxine

Or after other significant changes….eg going gluten free, adding/stopping HRT, general anaesthetic etc

How much vitamin D are you currently taking?

[Calceolaria in reply to SlowDragon]

It’s a very interesting body of evidence re gluten. Years ago I followed the blood-type diet, where even a grain of gluten was deemed irritating to type O people. I lost weight and felt great. I strayed, as one does! Many of the author’s theories have become generally accepted and incorporated into other diets, such as Atkins and Paleo - it was Dr D’Amo. He also said type Os were prone to all inflammatory conditions, including thyroid problems, because of gluten. I think I need to revisit this, thanks. Another theory of mine, I had recurring sensitive bladder/UTIs , sudden onset, which ceased almost immediately following levothyroxine. Thanks once more for your invaluable help.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Calceolaria]

increased frequency of UTI’s are extremely common hypothyroid symptom

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Also urinary incontinence can be linked to low B12

methyl-life.com/blogs/defic...

[Calceolaria]

Another piece of interesting nformation. Thank you. It was this, which for me, made me realise something was definitely different and not right with me. And the sleepiness.