Asking for blood tests

[SKS1]

I’be been on levotyroxine for eight years now and have not had major issues.

I’ve put on weight in the last 18 months, from overeating due to stress. Putting on weight is easy, but losing it seems impossible.

I am 47 years old, so perimenopause can play a role, but I am asking doctor for blood test to see if thyroid levels are right. Maybe it’s partly thyroid issues that mean I can’t lose weight when calories in/out indicate I should

What extras should I ask for on the blood test? Vitamin D, B12, folate - but also zinc or other things?

All advice gratefully received!!

[Buddy195 Administrator]

So we can offer better advice SKS1, can you tell us your current medication & dosage. I would ask for copies of your most recent thyroid blood tests and share the latest results on the forum. I note that a previous post indicated your Thyroid peroxidase antibodies were positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's). Apart from increased stress/ weight gain, do you have any further symptoms? Have you ever trialled a gluten free diet?

For a complete picture of your thyroid health, we need to see blood test results (with ranges in brackets) for:

TSH 

FT3

FT4

Plus any antibody and key vitamin tests (ferritin, folate, vitamins D and B12).

If your GP is unable to complete all the above (eg if TSH is within range, some practitioners may not be able to access FT4 and FT3 tests), you could look to do this privately, as many forum members do, for a better picture of your thyroid health. I’m not sure what services are available in Norway to advise further on this.

Regarding peri menopause it may be useful to have a look at Dr Louise Newson’s free Balance App, as I find it really useful for comparing HRT medications & having up to date research articles. There is also an ability to post questions.healthunlocked.com/redirect... 

[SKS1 in reply to Buddy195]

Thank you so much

This is from my last test:

TSH 1,2 (0,2-4,0)

Free T4 14,7 (11,0-23,0)

Free T3 4,7 (3,5-6,5)

Anti TPO 54 <100

Ferritin 25 (15-200)

Vitamin B12 320 (170-165)

Iron 19,9 (9,0-34,0)

Folate doesn’t seem to be on the list, not B9, either

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to SKS1]

What dose of Levo are you currently taking? Most members report feeling better with TSH significantly under 1 and FT3 and FT4 higher in the range. I would definitely ask for an increase of Levothyroxine and retest levels after 6-8 weeks.

Are you supplementing B12?

Your low ferritin definitely needs addressing. I would ask for a full iron panel and then ask your GP to prescribe supplements as needed.

[SKS1 in reply to Buddy195]

I am on 125mg four days a week, 100mg three days a week.

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to SKS1]

I would ask for an increase to 125mcg daily/ moving to 150mcg if symptoms don’t improve

[SKS1 in reply to Buddy195]

Saw doctor this afternoon. Increased to 125mg every day and new blood tests in five weeks. Thanks again for the advice and support - makes such a difference!

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to SKS1]

Glad you got an increase!

I personally would wait 6-8 weeks before retesting. Do share your next results with us/ let us know if your symptoms improve 🦋

[SKS1 in reply to Buddy195]

Thank you so much for your advice. I have not been supplementing with B12.

[greygoose]

Just so you know, calories in vs calories out has nothing to do with anything. It is explained in this post:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[SKS1 in reply to greygoose]

Great post - thank you!

[greygoose in reply to SKS1]

You're welcome.

[shaws Administrator]

I found that going gluten-free was very helpful in losing weight.