Test results after starting levo: Hello!2 months... - Thyroid UK

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Test results after starting levo

Marinot profile image
6 Replies

Hello!2 months ago, I finally went private and doctor agreed on trial levothyroxine due symptoms and family history. I started taking 50mg levothyroxine 9 weeks ago and here are my test results.

Now my active B12 is low, 2 months ago total B12 was on the top of the range ( not sure if maybe a lab error?) . I stopped B complex and kept only folate, I guess I need to start B complex again.

Main symptom that have improved is anxiety, is a lot better now. Also I started feeling like me again, but not 100% me (if that makes sense) However my energy levels are still low.

My TSH looks ok but It seems there are no changes on my FT4 and FT3. Would love to hear your comments.

Test was done at 9.30am, just water before the test. I took my levo after the test.

Thank you in advance.

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Marinot profile image
Marinot
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6 Replies
Sleepman profile image
Sleepman

Well done for getting tests done correctly while suffeting.Thyroid levels look encouraging. T3 pretty good and T4 about 40% of range

You are autoimmune type so levels could be swinging still so you levo tablet might not be the only source of hormone.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Free T4 (fT4) 16 pmol/L (12 - 22) 40.0%

Free T3 (fT3) 4.6 pmol/L (3.1 - 6.8) 40.5%

Shows you are ready for next increase in dose Levo to 75mcg

Which brand is your 50mcg

Ideally don’t change brand and dose

Only change one thing at a time

Most people when adequately treated will have Ft4 (levothyroxine) at least 60-70% through range

Folate, B12 and ferritin levels need improvement

How much vitamin D are you taking

Marinot profile image
Marinot in reply toSlowDragon

Hi SlowDragon , The brand is Accord.

I'm taking 1000IU vitamin D, have increased to 2000 just recently.

Thank you

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

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...

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

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...

Marinot profile image
Marinot in reply toSlowDragon

Thank you for the B12 suggestions and posts. I'll read through the posts and pick one. My total B12 was on the top range 9 weeks ago so I stopped the b complex I was taking, it was not the right thing to do so it seems. :)

Total b12
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toMarinot

Many thyroid patients find they need to supplement daily vitamin D, separate magnesium and separate vitamin B complex continuously

Initially a separate B12 to bring B12 levels up, then you may be able to reduce and stop separate B12 and just continue with B complex

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