Results in. : Any thoughts on Thyroud results. - Thyroid UK

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Wob58 profile image
49 Replies

Any thoughts on Thyroud results.

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Wob58 profile image
Wob58
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49 Replies
helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator

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.

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply tohelvella

Hope this one helps.

Results
helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply toWob58

That is far, far better! Thank you.

SlowDragon profile 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...

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply toSlowDragon

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.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toWob58

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

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply toSlowDragon

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.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toWob58

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

SlowDragon profile image
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

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply toSlowDragon

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.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toWob58

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).

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply toSlowDragon

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.

Wob58 profile image
Wob58

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.

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply toWob58

Anyone have any comments on the above post. Thanks

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toWob58

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.

SlowDragon profile image
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...

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply toSlowDragon

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.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toWob58

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 

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

methyl-life.com/blogs/defic...

SlowDragon profile image
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...

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply toSlowDragon

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.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toWob58

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 

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Wob58 profile image
Wob58

Hope you can see the attachments. Any concerns.

Vits
Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply toWob58

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

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toWob58

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

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply toSlowDragon

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.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toWob58

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

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply toSlowDragon

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.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toWob58

see how you get on

If no issues increase a bit faster

Some people experience slight tummy ache when first starting B12

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply toSlowDragon

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.

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply toWob58

Realistically, how long before I see some improvement in my symptoms using the drops and b complex.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toWob58

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

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toWob58

now on 6 drops of B12.

If that’s ok, increase up to 10 drops tomorrow and 13 drops day after

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply toSlowDragon

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.

humanbean profile image
humanbean in reply toWob58

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...

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply tohumanbean

Any thoughts on when I might feel better. Can you get an absorption test done privately?

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply toWob58

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.

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply toJaydee1507

Should I be taking folic acid as well as B Complex.

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply toWob58

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...

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply toJaydee1507

Thank you. I just hope the drops and b complex are enough. Only time will tell.

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply toJaydee1507

Hi I am looking for a good Iron supplement can you point me in the right direction. Thanks

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply toWob58

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.

helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply toWob58

Have you had an iron panel done that shows you need iron? Your ferritin was 102 which is a good level.

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply toJaydee1507

63 u/gl back in May 2023. Still looking pale. Nurse recommended I take some iron.

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply toWob58

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.

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply toJaydee1507

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.

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply toWob58

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...

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply toJaydee1507

Already taking the Thorne B Basic Complex along side B12 drops. So I will just continue on those.

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply toJaydee1507

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.

Wob58 profile image
Wob58 in reply toSlowDragon

Realistically how soon will I see some improvement.

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