Blood results

[Flatfootedrunner]

Just had my Jan bloods results back, and have an GP appt in Friday to discuss results and seek treatment for a reoccurrence of alopecia areata. I’d be grateful for your collective thoughts prior to my appt.

Blood testing done protocol.

Include antibodies (Ant-TPO 384 U/ml (0-6) which confirms autoimmune disease.

Currently on 100 Levo which I take in the morning (changed from bedtime as we eat late). Declined suggested reduction to 75 at last test)

TSH 0.02 (0.35-5) Nov 0.32 Oct 90.7

T4 16.7 (9-21) Nov 18.1 Oct <5.1

T3 6.1 (3-6) Nov 5.5

Since last blood test I’ve started vit D K2 spray, and the B12 drops. (Just started a complex - but after blood test).

GP is suggesting alternate 100 and 75mg, or hold and wait 4 weeks and retest. Alternating seems reasonable (and less drastic than initial suggested reduction).

I’m feeling much better than I did initially- but not back to exercise yet, hair loss is dramatic - but I’m not sure that is all thyroid.

I’m curious about reduction in T4 and increase in T3. I read a lot on her about poor converters, but not the opposite? Does anyone have any thoughts?

Also I haven’t tried gluten free yet - but I presume it’s recommended given two autoimmune conditions?

Many thanks.

[greygoose]

I’m curious about reduction in T4 and increase in T3. I read a lot on her about poor converters, but not the opposite? Does anyone have any thoughts?

Are you referring to the fact that your FT3 is now quite a bit higher than your FT4? That is more than likely down to the Hashi's. When the immune system attacks the thyroid, the dying cells deposit their stock of thyroid hormones - T4 and/or T3 - into the blood. If it's just T3 then the FT3 will rise but the FT4 will stay the same. But it has nothing to do with conversion or your dose of levo. Was it because of that that the doctor wants to reduce your levo? Because your FT4 is only 64.7% through the range, so it doesn't need reducing. And, if you do reduce it, when your the excess T3 is used up and your FT3 goes back down again, it will probably be too low, and you will feel bad again. But doctors don't understand any of that, and he was probably just looking at the TSH. Well, of course the TSH is going to be low with the FT3 that high, but it doesn't matter, it's the least important number. I do wish they would get their act together and learn how to interpret blood test results!

[Flatfootedrunner in reply to greygoose]

Thanks Greygoose - yes I meant FT4 and FT3. That is a really helpful explanation. My GP doesn’t inspire confidence when he sends messages about my thyroid becoming over active.

[greygoose in reply to Flatfootedrunner]

Well, he's never been properly educated. He knows nothing about Hashi's. Or any other aspect of thyroid, come to that. All he knows is TSH and he doesn't even actually know what that is, either!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

How much do you weigh in kilo

which brand Levo are you taking Is

Is it always same brand

I would wait a further 6-8 weeks and retest again

Likely to see TSH rise further

Definitely get coeliac blood test FIRST then trial Gluten Free

[Flatfootedrunner in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi Slowdragon. I’m about 60kilos at the moment, and should be less (I’ve put on about 10 kilos since Covid)

Levo brand changed with each prescription- I read here about the importance of keeping to the same one - but I’m not sure which one to request.

I’ll ask for the coeliac blood test on Friday. (Is this also one I need to stop b complex for?)

[SlowDragon Administrator]

are these the correct results and dates

Oct

TSH 90.70 (0.35-5.00)

Free T4 <5.1 (9.0-21.0)

Started on 100mcg Levo

Nov

TSH 0.33 (0.35-5) previously 90.7

T4 18.1 (9-21.0) previously <5.1

Free T3 5.5 (3.0-6.0) not previously tested

bloods taken fasted at 8:50 last levo 24hrs previously.

Most recent

TSH 0.02 (0.35-5)

T4 16.7 (9-21)

Ft3 6.1

[Flatfootedrunner]

yep - those are my results from Oct Nov and Jan.