Help with results appreciated

[AmandaK]

Hi everyone,

It's been a while since I had full TFTs etc so I was surprised to see some of the results, especially compared to last time (2020).

The TSH is lower than in 2020 (when it was 3.7), the Free T4 is slightly higher (16.2 in 2020), but the Free T3 is lower than it was (5.24).

My B12 results have always been in the stratosphere and at one time folate was on the low side (NHS results: 5.6 ug/L, normal range above 5.4, in 2013), but now the folate is way in excess (NHS: 23.7 as at March 2024).

For many years I've been supplementing with B12 and folate on advice from a naturopath and private doctor. Is it time to stop supplementing?

The excess ferritin is a mystery as recent NHS testing was fine (130 ug/L, range : 10 - 291).

It might be related to a problem with my liver - I have polycystic liver disease and recent testing has shown a change to the liver surface. However, the registrar didn't test for ferritin, which is strange if this is an indicator for liver damage. But it would be odd for such a change in results in just a month.

Given the raised CRP as well as ferritin, inflammation seems to be the most viable reason, but the source/reason is unknown, possibly some kind of infection.

I would appreciate some advice on these results, especially as I'm taking low levels of Metavive I (and have generally been feeling much better in recent years).

Thank you

[Forestgarden]

Can you reduce your B12 and folate, rather than stopping it altogether? Last year I supplemented to bring both higher, then got a fright when they went over range, reduced how much I was supplementing, then stopped altogether because "did I really need them?" Big mistake! I've just had an awful few months, and I couldn't figure out why. Severe vertigo among other things. Came across an article linking vertigo and B12, decided to try my high dose B12 still sitting in the cupboard. Almost instant improvement, so I can only assume levels had plummeted again. I won't be making that mistake again. When my levels are back up again I'll continue on a lower 'maintenance' dose.

[AmandaK in reply to Forestgarden]

I'm sorry you've had such a rough time after stopping the supplements - it's so difficult knowing what to do. I hope you recover quickly.

In my case, the B12 really is ridiculously high and always has been, which is why it's always been odd that the folate was so low before supplementing. Reducing rather than stopping is wise advice, thank you.