Hi there,I've been struggling with various ongoing symptoms, worsening over the years - joints (stiffness, weakness and now pain, which I believe is arthritis, but no diagnosis yet), digestive -(reflux, stomach issues), dry eyes, hearing loss, tinnitus, brittle nails, mild hair loss, anxiety and depression that's medication resistant, fatigue, brain fog/memory issues and now more recently skin issues (hypopigmentation on arms). I also have joint hypermobility (Beighton scale 7/10) and am aware many symptoms can overlap with Thyroid conditions.
Vitamin levels - iron in particular, have been on the low side, (although vitamin D is fairly ok). I have been trying to eat healthily, but notice that when I do binge on chocolate and high calorie/carb foods and overdo it on protein rich foods, I feel stronger and my hair is thicker. I wonder if this is linked to poor nutrient absorption?
I take vitamin D 4000iu daily, Iron citrate 14mg, Omega 3, Zinc Piccolinate 22mg (I notice white spots appear on my nails if I stop taking it), Vitamin B complex. Diet wise, I don't eat any red meat or fish (I do eat chicken), have fruit and vegetables daily and drink Kefir. I don't smoke, rarely touch alcohol and try to keep active.
I use Hycosan Extra for the dry eyes and have been wearing elbow braces, as advised by Physio.
Blood results (female hormones), keep coming back as borderline and ESR and CRP have been consistently high, but GP keeps noting 'Satisfactory, no further action' or 'Normal, no further action', which is extremely frustrating as my symptoms are constant, chronic and definitely worsening - especially digestive and joint! IgA was borderline recently too.
I have seen various consultants over the years and had many tests - so far I've 'collected' diagnoses of GERD, tendonitis in elbow and thumbs, cervical spondylosis, possible Microvascular angina, mild airway reversibility, premature mild hearing loss, meibomian gland dysfunction. I am 42.
Not sure if all my symptoms are linked to a hormone imbalance and/or Thyroid hormone or something else entirely. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, as I feel I'm going out of my mind with all the uncertainty around this!
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ZM1980
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Looking through previous posts……6 years ago your ferritin was dire
Are you vegetarian or vegan?
Optimal vitamin levels are
Vitamin D at least over 80nmol
Serum B12 at least over 500
Active B12 at least over 70
Folate near top over range
Ferritin at least over 70 and nearer 100 if possible
Recommend getting full thyroid and vitamin testing done via Medichecks or Blue horizon
all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
List of private testing options and money off codes
Hi SlowDragon, thank you for the info and links. I will definitely look into the Thyroid blood tests. Do I need to have Cortisol tested too? Also should I stop taking vitamins before testing?
I don't eat any red meat or fish, but do eat chicken (have done so for many years). My most recent blood test results are as follows:
March 2023 - Vitamin D 83.6 NMOL (range: 50 - 150) - I have been taking Vitamin D 4000iu daily for about 2 years, so think this is definitely helping
March 2023 - Ferritin 42 UG/L (10 - 120) - This had always been marked as 'Normal, no further action', until recently when I spoke with another GP, who actually mentioned/agreed that although within range, results are on the lower end of normal. He then ran a full Iron panel (results below)
Transferrin Saturation 33% (16 - 55%)
Transferrin 2.5 G/L (1.7 - 3.4)
Iron 21 UMOL (9 - 30)
TSH (March 2023) - 1.08 (0.3 - 4.2)
B12 (tested over a year ago) - 378 NG/L (160 - 800)
Folate (October 22) - 13.5 NG/ML (>2.7)
On checking my records, I saw that I actually had T4 checked (June 2022) - although I can't remember if this was done early morning or a bit later in the day
TSH - 1.14
T4 - 11.8 PMOL (9 - 23)
I will be following up with GP to discuss the recent results, as ESR was out of range again. Hopefully I'll be able to speak with the same GP who arranged the tests, as he was quite helpful!
I'm currently taking vitamin D, Iron citrate, Zinc Piccolinate, Omega 3, Magnesium and Vitamin B complex.
I noticed my B12 levels were actually higher about 2 years ago, but I remember I was taking a high strength B complex back then. Looks like all supplements I take seem to have to be high strength ones, in order for me to benefit from them.
Not sure what the rage for the Folate was - only indication was that results need to be >2.7.
Interestingly, I remember being prescribed Calcium tablets by my GP a few years ago and found they had an added benefit in that they helped with my reflux symptoms.
Thanks for the recommendation - will look into the blood tests you mentioned.
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