Hi all, I've been lurking a while and am grateful for all I've learned so far! After a stressful period in my life I became unwell in May 2021 with severe fatigue, brain fog, feeling the cold and being very thirsty. In the course of testing and personal research I cut out gluten and my symptoms became more manageable. I've had various blood tests with my TSH going in and out of the normal range. Eventually I read "Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate" and got a private test. I attach the results. After an appointment with a horrendously rude endo, I was put on 25mg levothyroxine (now increased to 50mg). When I increased to 50mg the brain fog went for the first time in 18 months but it is back a couple of weeks later. I've just had a NHS blood test which shows my TSH at 2.34 [0.27-4.2], T4 at 19.6 [12-22], ferritin at 38 [13-150], B12 at 525 [197-771] and folate at 5.9 [<3 suggestive of deficiency]. All tests taken in the morning etc etc as per advice on the forum.
The endo said my thyroglobulin antibodies being high did not necessarily indicate anything- is that right? Would you say I definitely had an underactive thyroid? He made me feel very stupid and like he was just prescribing the levothyroxine to shut me up.
What do you think about my most recent results? I know they aren't as informative as the full panel but I want to choose my next private test carefully for cost reasons! I thought an iron panel might be best rather than another thyroid one as the thyroid results are going in the right direction.
After falling so spectacularly unwell I am really fed up of the majority of my results being in the "normal" range. I am 40 and just want to feel my age again and not double my age! TIA for any guidance, I am really grateful.
Written by
kayscout
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Unfortunately some endocrinologists are diabetes rather than thyroid specialists and have varying degrees of knowledge about thyroid symptoms and results. That’s why it’s a good idea to get the list of member recommended endos from TUK or create a post asking for endo recommendations in your area.
I would suggest you push for another 25mcg increase in Levo. Many members report feeling best with TSH significantly under 1.
I've just had a NHS blood test which shows my TSH at 2.34 [0.27-4.2], T4 at 19.6 [12-22], ferritin at 38 [13-150], B12 at 525 [197-771] and folate at 5.9 [<3 suggestive of deficiency].
Request next dose increase in levothyroxine ….perhaps initially 50mcg and 75mcg alternate days
Which brand of levothyroxine are you currently taking
First step is to improve low vitamin levels
This should help improve conversion rate of Ft4 to Ft3
GP should prescribe folic acid initially for folate deficiency
After you finish folic acid prescription….
supplementing a good quality daily vitamin B complex, one with folate in (not folic acid)
This can help keep all B vitamins in balance and will help improve B12 levels too
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)
Thorne currently difficult/expensive to get on hold of
If you want to try a different brand in the meantime, one with virtually identical doses of the ingredients, and bioavailable too, then take a look at Vitablossom Liposomal B Complex. Amazon sometimes has it branded Vitablossom but it's also available there branded as Yipmai, it's the same supplement
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
Vit D is 61.7 which is in the 'adequate' range (not 'optimal'). When I was first unwell my vit D was low so I would be interested to know what you think of this level now? I'm not taking any supplement now but know I should be at this time of year.
The GP won't prescribe folic acid as I'm not deficient according to the range. How long should I take it for, before switching to a B complex?
Thanks again, I feel very lucky to have your help.
Hi SlowDragon, I've been taking the B and D vitamins as recommended for 2-3 weeks. I have started to get terrible sleep disturbances/nightmares like I used to have before I became unwell. At that time I had melatonin prescribed. Before I ask the GP for melatonin again, do you think there is a chance it is anything to do with the vitamins?
No, sorry, when I became unwell and utterly fatigued the sleep disorder stopped. Now I'm a lot better it is back- but particularly bad since starting the vitamins although it could be a coincidence.
push hard for next dose increase in levothyroxine up to 75mcg daily…..even if you initially only increase to 75mcg and 50mcg on alternate days for first 4-6 weeks
On levothyroxine Ft4 should be at least 70-80% through range
Ft3 at least 50-60%
You can see you’re very under medicated
Hardly surprising…..50mcg is only standard starter dose
Approx how much do you weigh in kilo
guidelines on eventual daily dose required is likely to be approximately 1.6mcg levothyroxine per kilo of your weight per day
Unless extremely petite, that’s likely to be at least 100mcg levothyroxine per day
Levothyroxine doesn’t top up failing thyroid, it replaces it. Essential to be on high enough dose
Hi there I had a endo tell my GP it was all in my head! My hair was falling out! I was sleeping a lot! Brain fog! And having overnight sweats! About six months of this I asked my Gp to do a thyroid test (I googled symptoms) and I was Hypothyroid…… 🙈🙈🙈🙈
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.
Advice on next steps & Professor Chatterjee 
Next step?
New test results. Next step?
