Advice on test results and adjusting dose

[Molly161018]

Hello all

I'd be glad for some advice on my latest test results, as below, and also re adjusting my dose:

(Blood test taken 8am before any food or thyroid hormone, 1/2 of normal t3 dose taken the night before, and no b complex or iron for a week before)

CRP HS 1.20 mg/L (Range: 0 - 5) - down to my normal levels (was up last time, probably due to infection)

Ferritin 71.7 ug/L (Range: 13 - 150) - this is down on last time. This will be due to lowered inflammation I guess...I have been trying taking my 2 X 20mg gentle iron tablets alternate days to try and help absorption, but it's not improved since changing this. I'm going to try changing brand now. What would a optimal level be for a female in early 30's?

Folate - Serum 14.87 ug/L (Range: > 3.89). I have been taking a separate 400mcg folate supplement (alongside 2 x Thorne Basic B) and this has brought my folate levels up. What should I be aiming for as optimal here? Should I keep taking the extra folate? Can you take too much?

Vitamin B12 - Active 82.2 pmol/L (Range: 37.5 - 150) - this has dropped. Any idea why this could be? I take 2 X Thorne Basic B Complex per day.

Vitamin D 130 nmol/L (>75 - 200 Optimal, Range: 50 - 200) - this has come up a bit. What should I be aiming for?

TSH 0.06 mU/L (Range: 0.27 - 4.2)

Free T3 5.54 pmol/L (Range: 3.1 - 6.8)

Free Thyroxine 18.7 pmol/L (Range: 12 - 22)

TSH is normal for me. T3 has dipped a bit from previous. T4 level is stable.

Thyroglobulin Antibodies 15 IU/mL (Range: < 115)

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies 30 IU/mL (Range: < 34)

Both of these are now in the normal range...but not sure what it means? Am I right in thinking they can go up and down a bit?

I also wanted to take this test to have a starting point before tweaking my levo/lio doses, as I think it could help me feel better. Energy levels and weight loss being what I could improve most.

I'm taking 125mcg t4 and 12.5mcg t3 at the moment. So would it be sensible to drop the t4 dose first (to 100?), then retest after 6 weeks, then raise t3 by 6.25mcg (1/4 of a tablet)

But just thinking...what would be the point of retesting after the first 6 weeks...as my levels are only going to have dropped aren't they...!? Would I not be going mainly on symptoms?

Sorry for the long post, I would be glad of some advice thank you 😊

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Free T4 (fT4) 18.7 pmol/L (12 - 22) 67.0%

Free T3 (fT3) 5.54 pmol/L (3.1 - 6.8) 65.9%

These results are pretty good and would be 'perfect' for many. I am wondering with your continued low B12 levels despite upping dose if you have a B12 absorption issue. Have you discussed this with your doctor? Perhaps ask for tests for pernicious anaemia and explain how much B12 you are taking + low energy symptoms.

You only need to stop B complex 4-7 days prior to test.

Have you been tested for coeliac? perhaps ask GP.

Folate. People describe feeling well when their level is at 20. It is possible to take too much but you aren't yet and could take another 400mcgs.

Vit D should be around 100.

Ferritin would be optimal at around 100. Try adding orange juice when you take it + iron rich diet.

Antibodies wax and wane for many years, mine still do 30 years later although not to the levels they once were. Totally natural. A gluten free diet may help.

[Molly161018 in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thank you Jaydee1507, that's all very helpful X

Yes I know what you mean about the thyroid levels being "perfect" as they do seem ok on paper! I have had more varied results before which is why I have looked at changing my dosage...part of me is scared to try because I don't want to end up feeling worse, but the other part of me wants to because you don't know if you don't try!!

I can always go back to my current dose I suppose, but could I mess myself up in the meantime!??!!? 😫

Very interesting comments re B12...and totally makes sense! You can get so focused on one thing that you overlook another that could be helpful! I've had a full blood count, but does that cover pernicious anemia?

Yes I have had a coeliac test and it was negative. I've also done a gluten and dairy free diet, but this didn't seem to make any difference to my symptoms.

Thanks for the comments on the other vitamin levels, that's v.helpful to know what I should be aiming for!

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to Molly161018]

There is no one test for pernicious anaemia. There are several and you should discuss this with your GP. B12 seems to be the stand out thing to me that needs addressing.

[Molly161018 in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thank you again Jaydee, I will follow this up with my GP 😊