Newbie - undiagnosed but suspect hypothyroidism - Thyroid UK

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Newbie - undiagnosed but suspect hypothyroidism

Baileyroo profile image
8 Replies

Hoping someone can help by looking at my results so I am armed with info when I next talk to GP.Concerned I may have hypothyroidism as I have some symptoms such as slow heart rate (with irregular palpitations) currently being investigated with 24 hour ECG and now referred for 7 day ECG according to NHS patient access (no conversation re any ECG results with GP yet!). Also tired, brain fog, zero libido, occasional low mood - think those are main issues. Recently started feeling dizzy but think this may be due to low heart rate.

Recently gained NHS patient access so can see past results and seem to have had higher than range TSH results for past few years but never been mentioned.

Also checked thyroid peroxidase and result was <15ku/L (no ranges given) not sure what this means. Does it mean below 15 but no level ie. Negative? Should I try requesting a thyroid scan?

Have high cholesterol so am concerned been hypo for a while now so it has affected heart function.

Had rock bottom Vit D levels couple of years ago which required high doses to level out. Still seems low to me. Ferritin above range. B12 mid range.

Have added photos of other blood test results below, any advice on what to say to doctor welcome as I am concerned they may treat as a possible heart issue but if underlying cause is Hypothyroidism am I right in thinking that starting on levo could resolve heart issues?

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Baileyroo profile image
Baileyroo

Further blood results

Further blood reaults
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Yes ….looks quite likely

Vitamin D too low

How much vitamin D are you currently taking

B12 and folate are too low as well

Suggest you work on improving these…..then retest thyroid and vitamin levels in 6-8 weeks

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

vitamin D

GP will often only prescribe to bring vitamin D levels to 50nmol.

Some areas will prescribe to bring levels to 75nmol or even 80nmol

leedsformulary.nhs.uk/docs/...

GP should advise on self supplementing if over 50nmol, but under 75nmol (but they rarely do)

mm.wirral.nhs.uk/document_u...

But improving to around 80nmol or 100nmol by self supplementing may be better

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/218...

vitamindsociety.org/pdf/Vit...

Once you Improve level, very likely you will need on going maintenance dose to keep it there.

Test twice yearly via NHS private testing service when supplementing

vitamindtest.org.uk

Vitamin D mouth spray by Better You is very effective as it avoids poor gut function.

There’s a version made that also contains vitamin K2 Mk7.

One spray = 1000iu

amazon.co.uk/BetterYou-Dlux...

It’s trial and error what dose we need, with thyroid issues we frequently need higher dose than average

Vitamin D and thyroid disease

grassrootshealth.net/blog/t...

Vitamin D may prevent Autoimmune disease

newscientist.com/article/23...

Web links about taking important cofactors - magnesium and Vit K2-MK7

Magnesium best taken in the afternoon or evening, but must be four hours away from levothyroxine

betterbones.com/bone-nutrit...

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

livescience.com/61866-magne...

sciencedaily.com/releases/2...

Interesting article by Dr Malcolm Kendrick on magnesium

drmalcolmkendrick.org/categ...

Vitamin K2 mk7

betterbones.com/bone-nutrit...

healthline.com/nutrition/vi...

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Low B12 and folate often linked to low vitamin D

Are you vegetarian or vegan?

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...

Low folate

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....

Igennus B complex popular option too. Nice small tablets. Most people only find they need one per day. But a few people find it’s not high enough dose

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

Post discussing how biotin can affect test results

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

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

20% of Hashimoto's patients never have raised antibodies

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Paul Robson on atrophied thyroid - especially if no TPO antibodies

paulrobinsonthyroid.com/cou...

Gluten intolerance is often a hidden issue too.

Request coeliac blood test BEFORE considering trial on strictly gluten free diet

Baileyroo profile image
Baileyroo in reply toSlowDragon

Thanks so much for such a detailed response SlowDragon, all really useful information. I am not currently taking any supplements so will work on trying up my levels as suggested and then try and get retested.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toBaileyroo

Medichecks is often cheapest private test that includes both antibodies

Often on special offer …..you can buy ahead when on offer ….then test when ready

Zephyrbear profile image
Zephyrbear in reply toSlowDragon

Just to add a word of caution… don’t buy too far ahead of intention to test as the time limit between purchase and test has been brought down quite drastically. Tests used to be good for around 6 months but now only around 6 weeks.

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