Help with results please

April 2022, had been feeling unwell for 18-24 months, then noticed hair thinning, 1 stone weight gain in a month, with no change in diet. Couldn’t concentrate, felt lightheaded/dizzy, extreme fatigue, even falling to sleep at work mid afternoon. Very short of breath on exertion, normal spirometry .Tickley cough. Skin very dry despite using moisturiser. Diagnosed with borderline hypothyroidism and commenced on 25mcg levothyroxine. After many battles with the GP I am now on 125mcg daily.

July 2023. Symptoms have improved but still don’t feel well, but told my blood results are normal.

I am taking vit D, vit B12, complex B vitamins.

My blood results from July .

I have asked for a referral to an Endocrinologist as a private patient but not heard anything yet.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Do you have any other results? TSH, FT4, FT3. folate, B12 & vitamin D?

it’s important to test nutrients, if taking supplements to ensure they are improved/maintained at the ideal level.

Serum ferritin level 65 ug/L [13.0 - 150.0) is a bit below optimal. Could you add iron rich foods to diet?

We can advise once you add the thyroid function results.

You can arrange your own private endocrinologist, you don’t need your GPs permission.

It’s recommended you get a complete test (privately if necessary) before see endocrinologist, to get most out of appointment.

[Hidden in reply to PurpleNails]

I am having problems attaching my results.

O

[Hidden in reply to PurpleNails]

I hope you can read the results.

According to the endocrinologist’s secretary they wanted a referral from my doctor even though I was going private!

[waveylines in reply to Hidden]

Yes that the usual practise..... Often your GP has to refer you even if going private but not always. I managed to see two private consultants and recently avoided this because of the pressure on GPs.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

You can add 1 image per post, per reply. Add 1 at a time or sometimes easier to type out. (Include ranges)

[PurpleNails Administrator]

If I’m reading correct -

TSH - 0-47 mIu/L (0.21 - 4-2)

ft4 - 15.3 pmal (12.0 - 22-0)

Test FT3 privately as it may be out of balance. Testing is only way to know.

Folate 10.3ugL(3:9-26.8)

BI2 - 923 (191-771.0)

Ferritin 65ug|L (13-0 - 150.0)

ATP antibody <4 (0 - 24.9)

Calcium 2.42 mma|L (2-2 - 2.55)

Folate slightly below optimal, B12 high. You might need just the B complex & not additional B12.

Never come across ATP antibody? What does it test for? It is negative.

Calcium also in range.

[Hedgeree in reply to PurpleNails]

Hi PurpleNails,

I'm guessing that ATP antibody is probably Thyroid peroxidase antibodies.

It's just been written out slightly differently. Anti-TPO test so shortened to ATP 🤷🏼‍♂️

[SlowDragon Administrator]

you need vitamin D tested

And thyroglobulin antibodies…plus Ft3 obviously

FT4: 15.3 pmol/l (Range 12 - 22)

Ft4 only 33.00% through range

Was test done early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drinking water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

If yes, results show you need dose increase in levothyroxine

Most people on levothyroxine only need Ft4 at least 60-70% through range

Would GP increase dose…..eg 137.5mcg daily

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

Get FULL thyroid test 6-8 weeks after dose increase in levothyroxine

List of private testing options and money off codes

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/wp-content/up...

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

Yes some endocrinologist do require letter of referral even for private consultation. It’s a formality, GP should do it, it can take 2-3 weeks to get hold of

[Hidden in reply to SlowDragon]

I had T4, T3 and TSH done privately in February

O

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Hidden]

And this confirms you need dose increase in Levothyroxine

Were vitamins and antibodies tested then

[Hidden in reply to SlowDragon]

No, it wasn’t. Personally I’m getting really fed up of trying to sort this out, I’ve had to battle with my GP surgery to do any tests. Im tired of feeling unwell, the only reason I’m on the125mcg dose of levothyroxine is because I increased the dose myself and then told the GP.

I will look at getting the vitamins checked but it takes over a month to get an appointment with my doctor.

Will look at private but it depends on cost as I had to stop working.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Hidden]

GP should test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least every year ideally

In reality they rarely do

When were these last tested

Try small increase in levothyroxine to 137.5mcg

(Cutting a 25mcg tablet in half to get 12.5mcg extra per day)

[Hidden]

The hand written results were done in June or July this year, need to check if vit D was included.