Hello all, I've just joined and am hoping that you can assist me with my results. I'm 66 years old, male, have felt tired for some years and frequently sleep in the afternoon. 2 years ago I had both wrists operated on for carpel tunnel. These are my results:
Thank you.
Just for clarity, it would be helpful for commenters to know if you have diagnosis for thyroid disease or if you take and treatment for it.
Thanks, I have no diagnosis and take no treatment for it other than vitamins
presumably you are supplementing vitamin D and magnesium
B12and folate levels could be better
Are you currently taking any B vitamins
Similarly ferritin is on lower side.
Do you eat red meat
Look at increasing iron rich foods in your diet
Retest again in 3-6 months after improving vitamin levels.
Perhaps try increasing exercise and fitness to see if it helps
What are your cholesterol and HBA1C results
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 a week later add a separate vitamin B Complex
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...
Thank you for your comprehensive reply..... I do supplement vitamin D and magnesium and occasionally eat red meat although not a great deal. I don't supplement B12, iron or folate so thanks for your suggestions. Do you think I could be hypothyroid as my results are low in range? Thanks
Well ….negative antibodies, TSH below 3 ,……you would be unlikely to get diagnosed
Next steps
Improving vitamin levels
Get cholesterol, kidney function and HBA1c tested
Ultrasound scan of thyroid might be helpful
Many thanks SlowDragon!
Others are experts with interpreting the blood results but I thought I'd say "hi" as another man (56): thyroid issues affect fewer men than women. There are other causes you might look at including your testosterone (possibly low level to look at). I'm afraid all of this is a rabbit warren and it's easy to get lost (keep notes!). Your GP is likely to be useless and palm you off as "it's normal; you're just getting older - have some anti-depressants". Been there, done that.
Regular exercise is important if you can. Even regular walking counts as good exercise. Even better if you can do it outside in the sun and fresh air!
It *might* be psychological too, I think it is for me now, accepting that I am physically aging. My son has just left home for uni leaving an "empty nest", for example. Have their been big life changes in the last few years?
I recently started testosterone treatment, though I'm really not sure it's made a difference.
I'm happy to chat if you like. Good luck and welcome!
Many thanks for your reply Decant, much appreciated. There haven't been any big changes just recently, though retirement several years ago changed my life a great deal (mainly for the better!). Wishing you all the very best!
Help with interpretation of blood results please
Help with interpretation of blood test results
Interpreting blood test results help
Help interpreting blood test results
Test Results - Help with Interpretation Please!
