I recently had my bloods done at the doctors for Folate, B12 and Thyroid etc.
I asked for a print out of my records and seen that my folate was 1.8, so doctor prescribed 3 months of folic acid.
My T4 level was 11.1, I wasn’t prescribed anything, and I was told to get this rechecked in 3 months, along with my folate levels. After chatting with a few members of my family (who also have under active thyroids) some of them were started on their thyroid prescription at 11. I do have a lot of the symptoms of an under active thyroid (some of which have cleared with the folic acid I’ve been on). Has anyone else had the same experience?
Also I think it’s worth noting that my iron levels were 19, with the preferred range being 20-45, also no prescription for this.
Any help or experience would be appreciated!
Written by
rubyroo23
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Can you type out the results for people to see? We need the name of test, number and then the numbers in brackets. Each lab has different ranges so noone can tell anything much from T4 11.1 although it does sound low.
People aren't usually diagnosed on FT4. Doctors use TSH for diagnosis so what yours was along with the range will help to know.
Your ferritin below range needs treating as you are deficient. NICE guidelines state a ferritin of below 30 requires treatment so I would take that up with your GP.
So in terms of my thyroid levels, my TF4 was 11.1 (12-30). TSH was 1.67 (0.5-5). These were the only two tests run on my thyroid, but I’ve since been told there can be more?
Serum Ferritin was 19 (20-45).
Folate was 1.8 (4.8-28).
B12 was 350 (180-660).
Interesting to know that my ferritin levels should have been addressed by the doctor, I had just assumed that it could be linked to my folate deficiency and hoped it might improve with that.
The other test would be FT3, also antibody tests which might be useful. As I said though they often use TSH to diagnose but your issue at the moment seems to be FT4 which is low.
When you retest book it for 9am and fast that day for highest TSH.
It can be harder for people to get diagnosed on low FT4 as doctors are trained mainly to look at the TSH. I'm glad your GP is repeating your tests.
Ferritin and folate are totally different things. You will need to supplement them separately and be sure to take iron 4 hours away from any other tablets of supplements as it prevents them being absorbed.
So after reading your reply, I’ve noted that I wasn’t tested for Vitamin D, but since taking folic acid I have been taking Vitamin D supplements myself.
Also, you’re right, my ferritin levels were 58 (13-150), would that be classed as not optimal?
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 to find at reasonable price, should be around £20-£25 (try iherb.com)
Then once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), you may be able to reduce then stop the separate B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.
If Vegetarian or vegan likely to need ongoing separate B12 few times a week
I don’t have the knowledge that others on this site have, but with below range FT4 I’m surprised your TSH isn’t higher. Could be Central Hypothyroidism - where the problem is with the pituitary or hypothalamus rather than the thyroid itself - characterised by low FT4 with normal or slightly raised TSH. it is good you are getting a second test. The GP is unlikely to test for Central hypothyroidism but the treatment is the same.
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.
Thyroid test result / menopause help.
Low folate levels
Thyroid and Folate deficiency 
Serum folate + thyroid results 
Thyroid Check Ultravit
