I have the results of my Thyroid tests and wondered if anyone could help me out please (shown in photo)? Someone has looked at them for me and said my FT3 isn't great but wouldn't necessarily be classed as low Thyroid. This person flagged my B12 and Folate results which they said were low. Once they found out I supplement B Vitamins, they told me that my results would be showing higher than they are in reality and that it was an even bigger indication that B12 and folate were low and needed attention.
I was also told my Cortisol was on the low side. I'd be grateful if anyone can give me their thoughts on my results please. Apologies if this is information overload.
I tested because of ongoing symptoms I'm experiencing.
Thanks
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Sunnyyellowlady
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I take it you don't have any sort of thyroid diagnosis? What time of day was the blood draw for this test?
The TSH looks perfect, but your FT4 is very low, and your FT3 is slightly low. One would expect the TSH to be higher with those results. One would also expect the FT4 to be higher than the FT3 in their respective ranges, percentage-wise. So, you might be looking at a pituitary problem, here. But it would be good to know the time of the blood draw.
Your B12 and folate are very low. And your ferritin and vit D could be much higher. So, all in all, does rather look like your thyroid is failing for some reason.
I don't have a Thyroid diagnosis. I'm in surgical menopause and I'm really struggling with the way I'm feeling. My bloods for my sex hormones are OK (I use HRT) but I feel awful, hence the reason for looking into Thyroid.
Thats a fairly low dose B complex, also it has vitamins that are inactive, i.e. your body has to convert them into the active vitamin and many peoples bodies can stuggle to do that.
If you do continue with a B complex then look for ones with 'methyl' or active B12 & folate. These are 3 examples.
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
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
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 until B12 is over 500 or Active B12 over 70
Post discussing how biotin can affect test results
OK, 8.45 am is good, TSH will be around it's highest. So, there is a problem with your TSH, it should be higher. But, all you can do at the moment - because no doctor is going to give a diagnosis based on those results - is keep testing and meanwhile optimise your nutrient levels.
Thanks. Could this be explanation for the way I'm feeling; depressed, exhausted, cognitive issues, cold (amongst other symptoms)? Or do you think that it's more to do with B12 & Folate?
Could be a combination of both. Depressed, exhausted and cognitive issues could be B12 or thyroid. But I don't think low B12 makes you cold. I think that's more likely to be a hypo symptom.
OK thanks. I guess I'm stuck feeling this way as GP will say results are 'within range '. I'm probably going to look for B12 injections. Thanks for your help.
Also have a look in B12d, org at their symptom checker. Fill it in, it offers guidance. Give a copy of results to GP Your GP needs to test you for PA & Coeliacs. Do not stop eating Gluten till after test. You have to have gluten in your diet for 6 weeks. Both PA & Coeliacs can cause B12 deficiency. If you have neurogical symptoms GP is meant to start treating B12 D immediately but few do.
The only other cause of b12d is being a vegetarian. Are you?
No. To test for PA your GP would need to do an Intrinsic Factor. If its positive you definately have PA, if negative it doesn't mean you don't have PA as the test misses 52% of PA!For Coeliacs tests you would need two health servings of food containing gluten like bread, cereals per day. If you look on Coeliacs UK they have guidance on what to do.
The fact it gives you a tummy ache so you've reduced it is a sign. I was the same got worse over the years until I cut it out all together as felt so poorly otherwise. Unfortunately took 18months to see a neurologist specialising in effects of gluten (GP for got to send referral through for months, then long queue) but he told me I have the coeliac gene and he believes I have Coeliacs though he couldn't diagnose me as that but did diagnose me as gluten intolerant due to other tests he carried out including a brain scan.
Gluten Intolerance or Coeliacs can result in lower B12 and lower vitamin absorption.
I feel great now Thankyou. I'm strictly GF.... None in my diet. You might find that's what you will need to do. Eating some still causes an autoimmune response if you are sensitive.....
That's great that you're feeling so much better. I'm hoping my GP will be cooperative as they sometimes don't react well to being asked to test for things. Take Care.
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