Hair loss, and other symptoms

[Chouette77]

Hi there, I’m a 48 year old female, with some concerning symptoms. Extreme hair loss, tiredness, depression to name a few. Blood tests came back with 2.14 TSH, 13.1 plasma free T4 level. Is this enough to cause these symptoms?

[RedApple Administrator]

Chouette77, Are you on any thyroid medication?

[Chouette77 in reply to RedApple]

Sorry, should have mentioned that - no, I'm not.

[RedApple Administrator in reply to Chouette77]

In which case, you're unlikely to get a diagnosis of hypothyroidism with those test results. That does not mean that thyroid is categorically not the cause of your symptoms, as symptoms can often be apparent for quite some time before the evidence shows up the blood tests. You could monitor your own thyroid levels over the coming months to see if there are any significant changes in levels. You would need to do that by private testing though, as GP unlikely to test again for another six months at best.

If you haven't already done so, you might investigate vitamin B12 deficiency as a possible cause.

[Chouette77]

Great thanks - B12 is high, so not that.

[RedApple Administrator in reply to Chouette77]

Have you previously had your thyroid levels tested, or is this the first time?

[Chouette77]

I've had them tested before, they were around the same levels last year.

[SlowDragon Ambassador]

what’s the range on Ft4 ….looks like might be very low

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once to see if your hypothyroidism is autoimmune

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease

Hair loss frequently linked to low iron/ferritin

Are you vegetarian or vegan

About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high TPO and/or high TG thyroid antibodies

Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s

Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis.

Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.

Significant minority of Hashimoto’s patients only have high TG antibodies (thyroglobulin)

20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis

In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)

Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Lower vitamin levels more common as we get older

For good conversion of Ft4 (levothyroxine) to Ft3 (active hormone) we must maintain GOOD vitamin levels

What vitamin supplements are you taking

Also VERY important to test TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 together

What is reason for your hypothyroidism

Autoimmune?

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

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

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

Post all about what time of day to test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing

thyroiduk.org/testing/

Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH TPO and TG antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/testing/thyro...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/signs-and-sym...

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

support.medichecks.com/hc/e...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee