Any thoughts on Thyroud results.
Results in. : Any thoughts on Thyroud results. - Thyroid UK
Results in.
Written by
Wob58
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
49 Replies
•
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK
Wob58,
I have just removed the image from your post to safeguard your personal information.
Somewhat oddly, I could hardly read some of the results, but I could read your name and date of birth. (I could only read anything by zooming in, and when I did so, other information became just about legible.)
Could you take another photo and get in a bit closer - hopefully both avoiding the information at the top and making the important information more legible?
You can edit your post and add a new image.
SlowDragonAdministrator
What vitamin supplements are you currently taking
B12 and folate far too low
Vitamin D better over 100nmol
Low B12 symptoms
b12deficiency.info/signs-an...
methyl-life.com/blogs/defic...
With serum B12 result below 500, (Or active B12 below 70) recommended to be taking a separate B12 supplement and add a separate vitamin B Complex after a week
Then once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), you may be able to reduce then stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.
If Vegetarian or vegan likely to need ongoing separate B12 few times a week
B12 drops
natureprovides.com/products...
Or
B12 sublingual lozenges
uk.iherb.com/pr/jarrow-form...
cytoplan.co.uk/shop-by-prod...
B12 range in U.K. is too wide
Interesting that in this research B12 below 400 is considered inadequate
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
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
Difference between folate and folic acid
healthline.com/nutrition/fo...
B vitamins best taken after breakfast
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. iherb.com often have in stock. Or try ebay
Other options
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu....
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
endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...
endocrinenews.endocrine.org...
In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate methyl folate supplement and continue separate B12
How other member saw how effective improving low B vitamins has been
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
I am only taking vit d. 3000iu. Tried to get to see Dr with results today. They can only do a phone call on 4th May. I have done an e consult which won't get answered until Monday. Should I just go ahead and self medicate. Was the thyroid ones OK? My diet does not include a lot of meat chicken mostly. Salmon occasionally. I do eat cheese and ham and chicken in sandwiches. Fruit not all the time. Sounds bad.
Just self supplement
Many (majority?) of thyroid patients need to supplement vitamin D, magnesium and vitamin B complex continuously to maintain optimal levels
Initially you will need separate B12 as well until level improves
I don't know what to do for the best. Will the GP even offer B12 on prescription which of course I don't pay for. As you didn't mentionThyroid that must be OK.
Ask GP to test for Pernicious Anaemia
But if they won’t, just start on daily B12 supplement and after a week add separate vitamin B complex
SlowDragonAdministrator
How do you feel
How much levothyroxine are you currently taking
Was test done early morning and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
FT4: 18.8 pmol/l (Range 12 - 22)
Ft4 68.00% through range
FT3: 4.48 pmol/l (Range 3.1 - 6.8)
Ft3 only 37.30% through range
so currently poor conversion
Improving low B vitamins should improve conversion rate of Ft4 to Ft3
I take teva 75mcg one a day. Took last dose 24 hours before testing. Blood test done at 0800. I am having so many symptoms ghostly white, irritability, light headed , muscle weakness, not able to stand for long, pins and needles in foot. The list goes on.
Teva brand upsets many people
Teva is only brand that makes 75mcg tablets
Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable.
Most easily available (and often most easily tolerated) are Mercury Pharma or Accord
Mercury Pharma make 25mcg, 50mcg and 100mcg tablets
Mercury Pharma also boxed as Eltroxin. Both often listed by company name on pharmacy database - Advanz
Accord only make 50mcg and 100mcg tablets
Accord is also boxed as Almus via Boots
Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine.
Teva is lactose free.
Teva contains mannitol as a filler instead of lactose, which seems to be possible cause of problems. Mannitol seems to upset many people, it changes gut biome
Teva is the only brand that makes 75mcg tablet.
So if avoiding Teva for 75mcg dose ask for 25mcg to add to 50mcg or just extra 50mcg tablets to cut in half
But for some people (usually if lactose intolerant, Teva is by far the best option)
Aristo (currently 100mcg only) is lactose free and mannitol free.
March 2023 - Aristo now called Vencamil
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Wockhardt is very well tolerated, but only available in 25mcg tablets. Some people remain on Wockhardt, taking their daily dose as a number of tablets
List of different brands available in U.K.
thyroiduk.org/if-you-are-hy...
Posts that mention Teva
healthunlocked.com/search/p...
Teva poll
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription.
Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or at repeat prescription.
Government guidelines for GP in support of patients if you find it difficult/impossible to change brands
gov.uk/drug-safety-update/l...
If a patient reports persistent symptoms when switching between different levothyroxine tablet formulations, consider consistently prescribing a specific product known to be well tolerated by the patient.
If symptoms or poor control of thyroid function persist (despite adhering to a specific product), consider prescribing levothyroxine in an oral solution formulation.
academic.oup.com/jcem/artic...
Physicians should: 1) alert patients that preparations may be switched at the pharmacy; 2) encourage patients to ask to remain on the same preparation at every pharmacy refill; and 3) make sure patients understand the need to have their TSH retested and the potential for dosing readjusted every time their LT4 preparation is switched (18).
Hi seen GP today. My problems with mobility he thinks are not linked to B12 or folate deficiency. Can being Hypothyroid have an effect on mobility even when on Thyroxine.
Well, I had a GP chat last Friday. Very anti private blood test results. Who is this Dr at Blue Horizons telling you that your B12 is low when I can clearly see it is within range. So no B12 prescribed. He has given me folic acid for 2 months to take. If my symptoms worsen to get in touch with them again. I am a member now of Pernicious Anaemia forum. From what they are saying I need optimal folate levels before B12 can work. So at this moment in time I will see what happens with folic acid alone.. Are there any other blood tests I should get privately. A test for PA, IF etc. I just hope that not starting B12 myself is going to be detrimental to my health.
Do NOT start folic acid yet
Start a daily separate B12 FIRST …..After a week or so add folic acid
Note that improving folate when B12 is very low is NOT a good idea. Taking folate before B12 is good enough can lead to severe neurological problems.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subac...
It is vital if you intend to supplement both B12 and folate that B12 is started a week before the folate.
SlowDragonAdministrator
So start a daily B12
Week or two later add folic acid
When finished folic acid prescription then start a daily vitamin B complex
Retest thyroid and vitamins in another 2-3 months
Remember to stop vitamin B complex 5-7 days before test
Instead take daily folate and continue daily B12
Then once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), you may be able to reduce then stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.
If Vegetarian or vegan likely to need ongoing separate B12 few times a week
Highly effective B12 drops
natureprovides.com/products...
It's too late already on folic acid. He doesn't think it's a B12 deficiency because as I said above because of the standing issues and pins and needles in feet. I am at a loss. They don't like private test results because the ranges can vary.
Strongly recommend you start B12 supplements straight away
you could stop folic acid for a week
Pins and needles is extremely common symptom of B12 deficiency
As is feeling dizzy, like walking on a small boat
Low B12 symptoms
SlowDragonAdministrator
B12 is water soluble. Taking supplements to improve levels is easy and not an issue.
clancymedicalgroup.com/vita...
betterhealthwhileaging.net/...
The most common problems related to low vitamin B12 levels include:Anemia. This means the red blood cell count is low. Red blood cells carry oxygen in the blood, so anemia can cause fatigue or shortness of breath.
The breakdown of faulty red blood cells can also cause jaundice. (Learn more about anemia here:
Anemia in the Older Adult: 10 Common Causes & What to Ask.)
Neuropathy. This means that nerves in the body are not working well. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including tingling, numbness, burning, poor balance, and walking difficulties.
Cognitive impairment. This means that nerve cells in the brain are not working well. This can cause memory problems, irritability, and even dementia.
neurology.testcatalog.org/s...
Patients with serum vitamin B12 levels between 150 and 400 ng/L are considered borderline deficient and should be evaluated further by functional tests for vitamin B12 deficiency.
perniciousanemia.org/b12/le...
Posts that mention B12 supplement
healthunlocked.com/search/p...
Other posts discussing other Blue Horizon results
healthunlocked.com/search/p...
Saw GP today. Wants me to see Neurologist because of the walking and standing issue and pins and needles in toe. Still saying B12 in range despite privately it was 238 pmol/L and NHS result was 230 ng/L. So he will nit prescribe. So because I have been taking folic acid for weeks do I need to stop this before I start B12 supplementation. Plasma folate is 25.0 ug/L. Best way to take it orally or injectable. Also anything else I need to do.
can you see different GP
Or just start self supplementing B12 yourself now
Low B12 symptoms
b12deficiency.info/signs-an...
methyl-life.com/blogs/defic...
With serum B12 result below 500, (Or active B12 below 70) recommended to be taking a separate B12 supplement
when you finish folic acid prescription add a separate vitamin B Complex instead
Then once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), you may be able to reduce then stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.
If Vegetarian or vegan likely to need ongoing separate B12 few times a week
Highly effective B12 drops
natureprovides.com/products...
Or
B12 sublingual lozenges
uk.iherb.com/pr/jarrow-form...
cytoplan.co.uk/shop-by-prod...
B12 range in U.K. is too wide
Interesting that in this research B12 below 400 is considered inadequate
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
When finished folic acid from GP
Start 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
Difference between folate and folic acid
healthline.com/nutrition/fo...
B vitamins best taken after breakfast
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. iherb.com often have in stock. Or try ebay
Other options
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu....
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
endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...
endocrinenews.endocrine.org...
In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate folate supplement (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg) and continue separate B12 until over 500
How other member saw how effective improving low B vitamins has been
Hope you can see the attachments. Any concerns.
Vits
If you want someone to get. notification you need to reply using the reply button directly underneath their response to you.
Alternatively you can tag someone like this @andthenthepersonsname
I'm not sure what the others are other than the B12 which looks OK. You will also ina few weeks need a B complex.
SlowDragon
Don’t take copper unless tested and found to be deficient
That B12 you have in basket is an unnecessarily high dose
I gave you links for recommended B12…..Here they are again
Highly effective B12 drops
natureprovides.com/products...
Or
B12 sublingual lozenges
uk.iherb.com/pr/jarrow-form...
cytoplan.co.uk/shop-by-prod...
B12 range in U.K. is too wide
Interesting that in this research B12 below 400 is considered inadequate
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
And when you finish folic acid prescription
Start daily vitamin B complex and continue indefinitely
B vitamins best taken after breakfast
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. iherb.com often have in stock. Or try ebay
Other options
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu....
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
endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...
endocrinenews.endocrine.org...
In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate folate supplement (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg) and continue separate B12 until B12 over 500
Thank you again for helping me out. Don't know why I am being afraid to start taking stuff. I really need to take more care of myself as feel unsupported from numerous GPs. I have now ordered B12 drops and Thorne Basic B complex. Is there a particular time of day to take them. I have 6 days of folic acid left that's when I start the B complex. I will have to sprinkle as I can't swallow large capsules. I only take Thyroxine in the morning which I nee to take in evening really. Plus vit D which I take at night.
B12 drops are easy
Take after breakfast - under your tongue
Full dose is 13 drops
Start with 1-3 drops and increase number of drops per day slowly upwards over week or so
Add vitamin B complex a week or so after got to full dose of B12
Again ….All B vitamins best taken in morning after breakfast
First day …..perhaps empty half a capsule into a small receptacle ….Then …Tip powder on your hand …into mouth and swallow with plenty of water (or juice)
Vitamin D mouth spray you can take at breakfast too ….it’s absorbed in mouth not gut
Vitamin D pills you swallow should be four hours away from levothyroxine and taken with a meal that has fat in (to aid absorption)
Magnesium best afternoon or bedtime, but at least 4 hours away from levothyroxine
So B12 drops arrived today. The journey begins from tomorrow morning. So 1-3 drops a day and build up to 13. What's the best number of increments per day. As I have never used them before start with 1 drop day one then two drops day two and three on day three or is that a slow start.
see how you get on
If no issues increase a bit faster
Some people experience slight tummy ache when first starting B12
Hi how many capsules should I take of Thorne B. It says 1-3 daily. Day 4 and now on 6 drops of B12. Finished folic acid yesterday so need to get finger out and up quicker so that I can get the folate from Thorne B.
Realistically, how long before I see some improvement in my symptoms using the drops and b complex.
Take one capsule vitamin B complex daily after breakfast
Personally I can’t swallow anything larger than a pea …..so I open capsule…..tip powder out ….then onto hand and swallow with juice
It tastes and smells disgusting
Will turn your pee bright yellow/green ……that’s completely normal with any B complex
Remember to stop B complex 5-7 days before any blood test as contains biotin
In the week before test you could instead take a separate folate daily instead (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg)
Retest in 6-8 weeks thyroid and vitamin levels
now on 6 drops of B12.
If that’s ok, increase up to 10 drops tomorrow and 13 drops day after
Now on full dose of B12. Your right about the taste and smell of B complex absolutely disgusting but like you I cannot swallow large capsules. When I saw bright green pee I thought oh what's going on here. I still have a slight doubt in my mind in that would I be better off on injectables. Who tests for absorption issues certainly not my GP. Only time will tell.
When I saw bright green pee I thought oh what's going on here.
This colour change is caused by vitamin B2 (aka riboflavin). Excess is excreted via the kidneys in urine. It isn't dangerous.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ribof...
Any thoughts on when I might feel better. Can you get an absorption test done privately?
If you get B12 & folate levels right + raise FT3 then anything from 6 months to a year being realistic. A lot can depend how long you have been hypo/B12 deficient.
Should I be taking folic acid as well as B Complex.
Within the B complex will be 400mcg methylfolate (if you pick one that we recommend here) which is better than folic acid as it is already in its useable form. The body needs to convert folic acid to folate.
So start with the B complex and retest in 3-4 months and see where that takes you to. Some people like myself do need to buy a separate methylfolate supplement to top up their folate levels.
The three that I recommend are these. Just pick one.
amazon.co.uk/Liposomal-Soft...
amazon.co.uk/Yipmai-Liposom...
hempoutlet.co.uk/vitablosso...
Thank you. I just hope the drops and b complex are enough. Only time will tell.
Hi I am looking for a good Iron supplement can you point me in the right direction. Thanks
helvella - Iron Document
This is a summary of what I have read up and found out about iron supplements over the past few years. I am not in any way medically trained. You are strongly encouraged to check every detail before making any decisions for yourself.
Have you had an iron panel done that shows you need iron? Your ferritin was 102 which is a good level.
63 u/gl back in May 2023. Still looking pale. Nurse recommended I take some iron.
Your April results that you posted here give a level of 102 and going by that I wouldn;t recommend an iron supplement at all unless you have an iron panel that shows low iron.
You have a lot of low vitamin levels that will be contributing to being unwell. I doubt the nurse has specific nutrient training.
Not had an iron panel done. Might be an idea. The usual places like Medichecks etc. to test. The nurse saw my red blood cell count thats why she suggested the iron. Starting on B12 injections drops don't help. Take vit d 3000iu. Not sure I need any other vits.
The red blood cell results may well be due to your low B12. Just saying.
After a week from first B12 injection you can start on a good methyl/active B complex which will help keep all the B's in balance.
This B complex has all the right vitamins at a not unreasonable cost for 90 days supply. amazon.co.uk/Liposomal-Soft...
Already taking the Thorne B Basic Complex along side B12 drops. So I will just continue on those.
Another question re iron. Am I correct in saying that B12 depletes iron. Is my B complex with folate enough also on Folic acid. I take Thorne Basic. Should I also be thinking about Magnesium.
Realistically how soon will I see some improvement.
Not what you're looking for?
You may also like...
Blood Results and Thyroid results
these results I am not sure if I am over or under medicated? I was asked to put up blood results...
Is this result borderline?
come back in 6 weeks for another blood test. The result has just come back at 5.5 so they have...
Are these results ok?
in multiple places. I thought it could have been my thyroid but the results have come back as...
Are these results okay?
done and wonder if anyone would comment on the results for me please.
I had Graves as a child and a...
Are these results normal?
I would welcome any comments on the results from my recent medichecks bloodtest. They are all within
Results Interpretation
Understanding results
Interpreting results 
Results and Fertility 
Are these results normal? 
