Hi in June my TSH was 3.1 and it’s now 0..7. Is it normal for thyroid levels to change this much in 5 months? My brother has underactive thyroid. The Dr tested thyroid again as I’m always either sweating loads or cold
Thank you
TSH levels: Hi in June my TSH was 3.1 and it’s... - Thyroid UK
TSH levels
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AMBF
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Hello AMBF-
Looking back I see that you had over range TPO antibodies 7 years ago so you do have a thyroid Auto Immune health issue -
most commonly called Hashimoto's and were you diagnosed back then and started on T4 - Levothyroxone - thyroid hormone replacement ?
This would present as erratic own thyroid hormone production and ' swings ' in symptoms as this AI disease systematically attacks and destroys your thyroid with your health becoming further compromised.
A TSH over 3 - years ago - was when treatment for hypothyroidism was recognised and treatment commenced.
Your TSH is likely jumping around as your thyroid isn't stable as this AI disease progresses.
If on T4 - Levothyroxine doctors are advised to keep the TSH under 2 -
Most important that we maintain optimal core strength vitamins and minerals -
those of ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D - so to assist any thyroid hormone replacement to work well and convert in the body into T3 - the active hormone that runs all our bodily functions :
Many forum members follow the research and suggestions of Dr Izabella Wentz - if you want to read further around this AI disease -
Hi thank you. Yes I had antibodies in a private test years ago and went to the Dr many times with symptoms but have never been put on tablets. On my GP record it just states sub-clinical. This thyroid test was because I’m constantly sweating and GP wanted to check thyroid- but I’ve never had a low TSH result before.
So you have never been officially diagnosed on the NHS or been prescribed any T4 - thyroid hormone replacement ?
Unfortunately your results all fall into the NHS ranges - though your thyroid is struggling
and with your thyroid antibodies on a Private blood test and likely not acknowledged on any NHS blood test -
I doubt a referral to endocrinology will be sanctioned as your results are in the range -
What does the doctor suggest - other than wait and see ?
I'm sorry - but other than self medicate - I don't know what you do next :
Thank you. No Inhave never been diagnosed with anything thyroid wise or medicated. I asked for an endocrine referral a year or so ago as I had symptoms but the hospital declined and just said I was sub clinical so they wouldn’t see me
Yes - as I suspected :
Other than going privately or DI Yourself - I'm not sure of your next step through the NHS system.
That’s what I thought, thank you for your replies x
SlowDragonAdministrator
ESSENTIAL to also test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least annually
Low vitamin levels are EXTREMELY common with Hashimoto’s
What vitamin supplements are you taking
Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test
This gives highest TSH and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
Testing options and includes money off codes for private 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...
Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee
Monitor My Health (NHS private test service) offer thyroid and vitamin testing, plus cholesterol and HBA1C for £65
(Doesn’t include thyroid antibodies)
monitormyhealth.org.uk/full...
10% off code here
thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...
Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.
Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test
support.medichecks.com/hc/e...
I’m now supplementing bit d at 4000 a day after having the GP prescribed dose for 7 weeks
Retest after 2-4 months on this dose
GP prescribed dose for 7 weeks
Presumably you mean they prescribed LOADING dose of 300,000iu in total
Recommend testing at end of this - NHS rarely does
NHS Guidelines on dose vitamin D required
SlowDragonAdministrator
Also, if not already on strictly gluten free diet……you need coeliac blood test BEFORE trialing Gluten Free
You should have been tested when your son was diagnosed as coeliac……were you?
Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels
Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone working
Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances.
Most common by far is gluten. Dairy is second most common.
A trial of strictly gluten free diet is always worth doing
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
A strictly gluten free diet helps or is essential due to gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)
Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and may slowly lower TPO antibodies
While still eating high gluten diet ask GP for coeliac blood test first as per NICE Guidelines
nice.org.uk/guidance/ng20/c...
Or buy a test online, about £20
Assuming test is negative you can immediately go on strictly gluten free diet
(If test is positive you will need to remain on high gluten diet until endoscopy, maximum 6 weeks wait officially)
Trying gluten free diet for 3-6 months. If no noticeable improvement then reintroduce gluten and see if symptoms get worse
chriskresser.com/the-gluten...
amymyersmd.com/2018/04/3-re...
thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...
drknews.com/changing-your-d...
Non Coeliac Gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and autoimmune disease
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/296...
The predominance of Hashimoto thyroiditis represents an interesting finding, since it has been indirectly confirmed by an Italian study, showing that autoimmune thyroid disease is a risk factor for the evolution towards NCGS in a group of patients with minimal duodenal inflammation. On these bases, an autoimmune stigma in NCGS is strongly supported
nuclmed.gr/wp/wp-content/up...
In summary, whereas it is not yet clear whether a gluten free diet can prevent autoimmune diseases, it is worth mentioning that HT patients with or without CD benefit from a diet low in gluten as far as the progression and the potential disease complications are concerned
restartmed.com/hashimotos-g...
Despite the fact that 5-10% of patients have Celiac disease, in my experience and in the experience of many other physicians, at least 80% + of patients with Hashimoto's who go gluten-free notice a reduction in their symptoms almost immediately.
Similarly few months later consider trying dairy free too. Approx 50-60% find dairy free beneficial
With loads of vegan dairy alternatives these days it’s not as difficult as in the past
Post discussing gluten
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Recent research in China into food intolerances with Hashimoto’s
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
More interesting Chinese research on Hashimoto’s and leaky gut
nature.com/articles/s41598-...
Hi, yes I was tested and had a biopsy it confirmed we both have Coeliac disease so have been strictly gluten free since I think 2019. I take vitamin d as was severely deficient recently and iron too.
please add that you’re coeliac and Hashimoto’s on your profile
as coeliac
So even more reason to test vitamin D twice year and full iron panel at least 3 times a year if self supplementing iron
And test B12 and folate at least annually
What was your last vitamin D test result
How much vitamin D do you take daily
Are you also taking daily magnesium supplement, in afternoon or evening
Gluten free diet is low in magnesium
Aim to maintain vitamin D at least around 80nmol or 100nmol
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/218...
vitamindsociety.org/pdf/Vit...
very likely you will need on going and higher maintenance dose
Test twice yearly when supplementing
Can test via NHS private testing service
Vitamin D mouth spray by Better You is very effective as it avoids poor gut function.
There’s a version made that also contains vitamin K2 Mk7.
One spray = 1000iu
amazon.co.uk/BetterYou-Dlux...
It’s trial and error what dose we need, with thyroid issues we frequently need higher dose than average
Web links about taking important cofactors - magnesium and Vit K2-MK7
Magnesium best taken in the afternoon or evening, but must be four hours away from levothyroxine
betterbones.com/bone-nutrit...
medicalnewstoday.com/articl...
livescience.com/61866-magne...
sciencedaily.com/releases/2...
Recipe ideas
bbc.co.uk/food/articles/mag...
Interesting article by Dr Malcolm Kendrick on magnesium
drmalcolmkendrick.org/categ...
Vitamin K2 mk7
betterbones.com/bone-nutrit...
healthline.com/nutrition/vi...
I will add that thank you - I’ve added my vitamin results from may and august
May
no iron, ferritin, B12 or folate results to see
here is my bq
12
B12
B12 too low
No folate result ?
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
Highly effective B12 drops
natureprovides.com/products...
Or
B12 sublingual lozenges
uk.iherb.com/pr/jarrow-form...
cytoplan.co.uk/shop-by-prod...
In-depth article on different forms of B12
perniciousanemia.org/b12/fo...
B12 range in U.K. is too wide
Interesting that in this research B12 below 400 is considered inadequate
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
perniciousanemia.org/b12/le...
And why aiming to keep B12 over 500 recommended
perniciousanemia.org/b12/le...
Great reply by @humanbean on B12 here
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Low folate
supplementing a good quality daily vitamin B complex, one with folate in (not folic acid)
This can help keep all B vitamins in balance and will help improve B12 levels too
Difference between folate and folic acid
healthline.com/nutrition/fo...
Many Hashimoto’s patients have MTHFR gene variation and can have trouble processing folic acid supplements
thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...
B vitamins best taken after breakfast
Igennus B complex popular option. Nice small tablets. Most people only find they need one per day. But a few people find it’s not high enough dose and may need separate methyl folate couple times a week
Post discussing different B complex
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Thorne Basic B recommended vitamin B complex that contains folate, but they are large capsules. (You can tip powder out if can’t swallow capsule) Thorne can be difficult to find at reasonable price, should be around £20-£25. iherb.com often have in stock. Or try ebay
IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 5-7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results
endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...
endocrinenews.endocrine.org...
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
Post discussing how biotin can affect test results
ferritin and told to take over counter iron
Ferritin
Totally inadequate/inappropriate response from GP
You should have had FULL iron panel test
Quite likely suitable candidate for iron infusion
Will take many months to improve
Retest full iron panel yourself every 4-5 months
Lots of members have had great success with Three Arrows iron supplement
theironclinic.com/iron-defi...
theironclinic.com/ironc/wp/...
Helpful info on iron infusion and supplements
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Costs of iron infusion 2024
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Cambridge iron clinic
Excellent reply by Blearyeyed about iron in this post
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Thank you for all your help
No problem….I would not have regained my health without the help on here …..more on profile
First step is always to test and maintain GOOD vitamin levels
SlowDragonAdministrator
Low vitamin levels, especially low iron/ferritin tend to lower TSH, making it harder to get prescribed levothyroxine
Being hypothyroid frequently results in low stomach acid and poor nutrient absorption and low vitamin levels as direct result
ESSENTIAL to maintain GOOD vitamin levels …….by supplementing if necessary
Ferritin ideally over 70 minimum
Serum B12 over 500
Active B12 over 70
Folate at top of range
What was recent ferritin level
cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anae...
Serum ferritin level is the biochemical test, which most reliably correlates with relative total body iron stores. In all people, a serum ferritin level of less than 30 micrograms/L confirms the diagnosis of iron deficiency
Never supplement iron without doing full iron panel test for anaemia first and retest 3-4 times a year if self supplementing.
It’s possible to have low ferritin but high iron
Test early morning, only water to drink between waking and test. Avoid high iron rich dinner night before test
If taking any iron supplements stop 5-7 days before testing
Medichecks iron panel test
medichecks.com/products/iro...
Look at increasing iron rich foods in diet
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
List of iron rich foods
Links about iron and ferritin
irondisorders.org/too-littl...
davidg170.sg-host.com/wp-co...
Great in-depth article on low ferritin
oatext.com/iron-deficiency-...
drhedberg.com/ferritin-hypo...
This is interesting because I have noticed that many patients with Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism, start to feel worse when their ferritin drops below 80 and usually there is hair loss when it drops below 50.
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Posts discussing Three Arrows as very effective supplement
Great replies from @FallingInReverse
re ferritin and Three arrows
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu......
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Great reply by @fallinginreverse
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Ferrodyn supplement
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Iron patches
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Thyroid disease is as much about optimising vitamins as thyroid hormones
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
restartmed.com/hypothyroidi...
Post discussing just how long it can take to raise low ferritin
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Iron and thyroid link
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Posts discussing why important to do full iron panel test
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Good iron but low ferritin
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Chicken livers if iron is good, but ferritin low
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Shellfish and Mussels are excellent source of iron
healthline.com/nutrition/he...
Iron deficiency without anaemia
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Ferritin over 100 to alleviate symptoms
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Great research article discussing similar…..ferritin over 100 often necessary
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
Low Iron implicated in hypothyroidism
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Really interesting talk on YouTube, link in reply by Humanbean discussing both iron deficiency and towards end how inflammation can also be an issue
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Inflammation affecting ferritin
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Updated reference ranges for top of ferritin range depending upon age
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Thank you for your incredible patience while you have been awaiting the outcome of our ferritin reference range review. We conducted this with Inuvi lab, which has now changed the reference ranges to the following:
Females 18 ≤ age < 40. 30 to 180
Females 40 ≤ age < 50. 30 to 207
Females 50 ≤ age < 60. 30 to 264l
Females Age ≥ 60. 30 to 332
Males 18 ≤ age < 40 30 to 442
Males Age ≥ 40 30 to 518
The lower limits of 30 are by the NICE threshold of <30 for iron deficiency. Our review of Medichecks data has determined the upper limits. This retrospective study used a large dataset of blood test results from 25,425 healthy participants aged 18 to 97 over seven years. This is the most extensive study on ferritin reference ranges, and we hope to achieve journal publication so that these ranges can be applied more widely.
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