Hi there, I'd be so grateful for some help trying to interpret test results. I started getting symptoms of joint stiffness, low energy, skin breakouts and generally not feeling myself, in 2021. Due to the joint inflammation in my feet and fingers, I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Arthritis, but there is no inflammation showing in my bloods. My mum and auntie both have thyroid issues and over the years they've asked me to look into whether I might have something going on. I have had several tests and they results are always interpreted as 'normal' but i'm not so sure. Here are my results from the last 3 tests:
February 2024:
TSH 2.9 (0.27 - 4.2)
FT3 4.8 (3.1 - 6.8)
FT4 14.9 (12 - 22)
December 2023:
TSH 2.09 (0.27 - 4.2)
FT3 3.8 (3.1 - 6.8)
FT4 12.4 (12 - 22)
October 2022:
TSH 3.77 (0.27 - 4.2)
FT3 5.1 (3.1 - 6.8)
FT4 16.9 (12 - 22)
I'd be so grateful for any help on whether this is worth following up. I just don't feel that I have arthritis and something else is going on here.
Jane x
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JaneOBrien
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Also a note that my vitamin D3 had dropped to low in range at the latest test, it was at 53.8 (50 - 250) and my B12 was 68.1 (37.55 - 188).1 so definitely going to start supplementing with the recommended vitamins from these pages.
Medichecks recommended I get an MMA test to check for underlying B vitamin deficiency - does this sound necessary?
Aside from this my ferritin was 51.3 (30 - 180) and folate was 31 (7 - 35) - my folate shot up since my last test and not really sure why. I did take some folic acid in December as I was on some arthritis medication that blocked folate absorption. But it's been a long time so i'm surprised that would still be in my system... i'm not on any medication now.
I think it's worth getting an MMA test done and would also check homocysteine. You likely have a B12 deficiency/pernicious anaemia and these, and other tests, are relevant to that condition. Best to test before supplementing and post on PAS forum for further advice.
With serum B12 result below 500, (Or active B12 below 70) recommended to be taking a separate B12 supplement
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
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 Active B12 around 100
Post discussing how biotin can affect test results
Eating iron rich foods like liver or liver pate once a week plus other red meat, pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate, plus daily orange juice or other vitamin C rich drink can help improve iron absorption
Thank you so much SlowDragon this is all such thorough and useful advice. I'm going to start taking a better B complex (previously i was taking Together Health B Complex and can see now that this wasn't satisfactory) - will start with Thorne. I have ordered Vitamin D+K2 from British Supplements (5000UI) so am looking forward to trying this and I will also add in Magnesium. I will be so happy to have some of my energy back and to have less soreness in my joints. I didn't mention in my post but i'm only 30 and used to be very active so hoping to get this back
I will re-test again in 3 months. I don't understand enough about my thryoid hormone results yet but I was thinking that my T4 is low in range. But maybe this would be affected by vitamin supplements too.
This makes sense thank you. I will try 3 months on the vitamins then test again. I’m feeling really hopeful now yes B12 first then B complex - I will follow your advice!
I will also make sure not to eat before test next time as I did not know this and had eaten breakfast.
I can’t comment on your test results, but have you tried a gluten-free diet? My joint stiffness totally went away after I cut out gluten, as I was having an inflammatory response to it.
thanks for your reply! Yes I’ve cut out Gluten and Dairy. Although I have had a couple of slips up with gluten so maybe I need to keep committed to absolutely zero gluten and see if that helps. Thank you!
Such a busy forum. Do not be bashful and repost the same question with ranges added if responses are quiet.
I am pretty novice but would say get Thyroid antibody test done. TPO.
This will show if autoimmune type likely and may persuade them to give you thyroid hormone it looks like you need. As prescriptions are free forever if underactive thyroid it is likely hard to get diagnosed. Also if you take thyroid it shuts down the thyroid and takes over I think.
I read a recent post about low dose naltraxone LDN that I will try to locate but hopefully the Ateam can comment.
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