New member here . I want to help my 19year old dd . She is always cold , very dry hands ( face is oily and has a lot of acne ) , constipated ( after every 2 days ), perpetually tired ( missed all her lectures at uni as no motivation )and always has trouble waking up in the morning . She also has trouble falling sleep
All the blood work done by GP is fine including thyroid tests , b12 , vitamin d . She was borderline low on iron .
Since she was home from uni I have started giving her 2 tbsp of flaxseeds and a few soaked prunes to help with constipation and low iron which has helped a lot . As she doesn’t have any form of dairy and is primarily on a vegetarian diet I also give her 1 drop of 2 percent Lugol iodine as the skin patch text evaporated in 3 hours . She also now has a vitamin d tablet everyday .
is there anything else I can do to help her as with the above things the only thing that has improved is the constipation and sleep ( can now wake up at 8.30 in the morning )
Please any advise would be very welcome
Thankyou
Written by
CocoLoco12
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Does she have an existing diagnosed thyroid condition or do you suspect she does?
Can you add exact test results. With lab range (ranges vary so always needed)
TSH isn’t sufficient, but tends to be tested first to screen for thyroid issues & if in range thyroid levels are not tested. See if if FT4 & FT3 were tested.
Low Iron could account for extreme tiredness. She will likely need to stay on iron supplement if veggie. important to monitor iron levels. Dr will often give of course or iron then either say back in range / or not recheck at all.
The skin patch test is unreliable, you can read around iodine here.
She doesn’t have any diagnosed thyroid condition and neither do her parents but in my quest to help her I stumbled on thyroid issues and thought she is displaying symptoms of sluggish thyroid
I wasn’t given any numbers for the results and was only told be the admin on the phone that everything is within the normal range except borderline iron for which she can buy over the counter iron supplements .
Since iron can cause constipation I started giving her prunes as I read they are rich in iron too . I have also added fish to her diet twice a week ( sardines and cod )
Thanks for the link on iodine . Will have a read .
She is legally entitled to results, online access to records very useful but if not available or not yet set up obtain a printed copy via reception.
It can be a surprise what passes for borderline. Often slightly under range levels can be down played. Low or results anywhere in range are ignored. In many cases optimal nutrients are in top half of range.
Was serum iron tested or was this based on ferritin (iron stores)?
It’s likely only the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) was tested. This is the pituitary hormone which tell the thyroid to work. High TSH indicates the signal is rising because thyroid hormone are low. But TSH isn’t reliable is it can fail to reflect low levels for lots of reasons. Thyroid hormones should be tested. Free thyroxine & free triiodothyronine (FT4 & FT3)
Many arrange private test to gain a full picture. As NHS rarely test FT3 and key nutrients.
You order test online the kits arrives via post sample taken by finger prick (extra fee for private venous draw). Complete test early in week (to avoid weekend delays) & track sample back by post - results available online quite quickly.
She is over 18 so this is something she can do.
Medichecks thyroid advanced is a good option.
List of companies offering different options, some packages include thyroid function, key nutrients and thyroid Antibodies. Others basic function only. some also have discount codes available.
If she doesn't eat animal products, and doesn't supplement, her B12 could be very low. And low B12 can produce some pretty awful symptoms resembling low thyroid symptoms. So, essentail to get that tested as soon as possible.
She is legally entitled to printed copies of blood test results and ranges.
The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results
UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.
She may find that Spatone sachets work better for her regarding the iron. You tip one into water (or orange juice, better for absorption) and drink it each day. Avoid tea half an hour each side of taking it (as with any iron supplement). It's from a Welsh water source high in iron. If you mention it to a GP they will 'pull a face' and say use supplements, but having been anaemic for all my menstruating years, I can say they do work and don't make you constipated, or feel sicky. Vitamin D tablets come in many different amounts, she may need a high dose for a while. Spatone is available from supermarkets, health food shops and chemists, look out for offers - eg when Boots do 3 for 2 offer.
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Help with results please
Help with interpretation of Vitamins please!
Help with supplements please
Please help feel awful!
