Am I a poor converter. Latest blood results.

[Pawsedagain]

I contacted gp regarding hair loss, anxiety and depression. I have stopped most of my supplements apart from omega 3, vitamin d and magnesium. I take a brazil nut a day too for selenium.

As always thank you to this group for its support .

[greygoose]

Yes, absolutely, you are. Your FT3 is much too low, and that is what is causing your depression and hair loss.

[Pawsedagain in reply to greygoose]

Thank you. Any advice as to where I go from here please. Either in the way of diet/supplements to improve conversion or with NHS endocrinologist/gp.

[greygoose in reply to Pawsedagain]

The only thing a GP can do is refer you to an endo - if he feels the need. But, given the lack of knowledge of both endos and GPs, that might not happen because both your FT4 and FT3 are within their ranges.

Nutritional deficiencies will, of course, affect conversion. But they are not the only reason for poor conversion, so the cause might never be found or rectified. Worth a try, though. When did you last have nutrients tested? What were the results, what have you been taking that you stopped?

Selenium is essential for conversion, but not sure that one Brazil nut a day will change much. Is it a Brazil nut rich in selenium?

[Pawsedagain in reply to greygoose]

I have never had nutrients tested. I should invest in that I know.I couldn't vouch for the brazil nut's potency.

I stopped taking ferroglobin gentle iron

And an over 50s women's multivitamin and vitamin c .

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

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

Is this how you do your tests

What are you currently taking

Just levothyroxine or levothyroxine plus T3?

How much and what brand

ESSENTIAL to test vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin

Hair loss frequently linked to low iron/ferritin

Is your hypothyroidism autoimmune

[Pawsedagain in reply to SlowDragon]

I followed the protocol of 8.30am blood test, last dose levothyroxine over 24 hours before as I normally take it 4-5am.I take Levothyroxine only 150 on 5 days 125 on 2 days.

Ferritin results 130mg/L. 20-300mg/L

I haven't received results for b12, foliate or Vitamin D yet. I'll chase gp up on that.

I had been following a gluten and cows milk free diet since 2013 to Endos disapproval However started adding minimal amount of gluten in past month.

Thank you.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Pawsedagain]

Ferritin can be falsely raised due to inflammation of Hashimoto’s

Ideally get full iron panel test

Test early morning, only water to drink between waking and test. Avoid high iron rich dinner night before test

Medichecks iron panel test

medichecks.com/products/iro...

what’s the range on Ft4 and Ft3

Was test done day after 125mcg or 150mcg

[Pawsedagain in reply to SlowDragon]

FT4 Range Ft4 9-23 pmo/LFT3 range FT3 2.4-6pmo/L

TSH 0.3- 4.2mlu/L

Test day done after 125mcg

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Pawsedagain]

FT4: 19.4 pmol/l (Range 9 - 23)

Ft4 is 74.29% through range

FT3: 3.6 pmol/l (Range 2.4 - 6)

Ft3 only 33.33% through range

Are you currently taking any other medications that might be lowering TSH …..see asthma inhaler or steroids

[Pawsedagain in reply to SlowDragon]

No only my insulin and thyroxine. No other medication.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Pawsedagain]

However started adding minimal amount of gluten in past month.

Why have you started back on gluten. Can make conversion of Ft4 to Ft3 worse ….may also lower vitamin levels

[Pawsedagain in reply to SlowDragon]

I thought I would try a small amount. I've not been diagnosed as coeliac. I'll not bother with it anymore.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Pawsedagain]

Only 5% of Hashimoto’s patients test positive for coeliac but a further 81% of Hashimoto’s patients who try gluten free diet find noticeable or significant improvement or find it’s essential

[Pawsedagain in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes, I have autoimmune Hypothyroidism

[J972]

Sofiacan,

Low cortisol can affect conversion too, have you considered getting that tested?

[Pawsedagain in reply to J972]

No I haven't thought of that. Last time I had that tested was I believe in 2018 when I was told it was all normal.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Pawsedagain]

Regenerus adrenal test

Cortisol and DHEA

regeneruslabs.com/products/...

[Pawsedagain in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for your helpful advice