SarahJane1471, For any results that don't have ranges (typically the anaemia ones), you need to look at the test results from a wide screen (i.e. not on a phone), so that you can see the graphs, which have numbers at the left. Then you can see where your result falls on the graph.
Thanks @RedApple unfortunately I only have a phone 🤦♀️. Wish I’d known that before I forked out money I don’t have. 😆…….. you’ve gotta laugh sometimes
You're defintely not the first and certainly won't be the last to get utterly frustrated with their bizarre way of presenting test results. I wish they would revise their approach and fall into line with the way other test companies do things!
I can screenshot some graphs through my own MMH account, that may help you to see where your numbers fall. Bear with me as I'll have to add them one by one!
I know this is the range they are using, but I think calling it excess is a bit misleading - why is it still shaded in green then, signalling okay/normal?!
Their usual advice to stop supplementing when your levels fall within that category is also not correct, if you were to do that, you would go down to where you have so painstakingly started.... 🙄
Have you tried tapping on the results. I use monitor my health too as tbeur ranges are the same as my local nhs lab. I'll go and sign in and see what I do. The ranges are on the graphs.
I wrote to them a while back as I also could not make much sense of them and the green ranges, especially for iron, are a bit misleading, as there are different ranges for men and women...
For the haematology results, they use the ranges from the British Society of Haematology, so have a look at their website.
If I remember correctly, the Vitamin D scale goes up to 250nmol/l, your result is good, we aim for between 100 and 150nmol/l, so you should think about maintenance now.
Triglycerides look good (below 1.9), cholesterol is a bit high, but probably due to your T3 being a bit low in range (37%). As your T4 is already 84% through the range, the only way to increase your T3 would perhaps be through T3 supplementation?
Your TSH is low even on T4, but you need the T4 where it is probably to get enough converted to T3. I am surprised that your GP accepts your TSH as it is, as many would be already gearing up to reducing your dose?
The TSH always gets suppressed or goes very low when supplementing with T3, but this is quite normal. If you feel okay on your levels at present that is great, but if the T3 goes down further, you just might have to revisit the T3 again, if it is causing you symptoms.
It needs to be an informed decision, not "groupthink". The whole idea of "optimal" is mechanistic and more, or top of the range may not be wise, especially with fat soluble vitamins.
I was using 'we' here encompassing people on the Thyroid UK forum.
However, if you prefer a more neutral language: It is generally suggested that Vitamin D levels should be between 100 and 150nmol/l for optimal benefits.
However, many experts, including the GrassrootsHealth scientist panel, recommend a vitamin D level between 40-60 ng/ml (100-150 nmol/L), while a higher level might even be preferred depending on current health conditions and goals.
There was the Danish study about 10 years ago that said the sweet spot for mortality was quite modest, possibly 65 nmol/L. Elsewhere I've seen: "lowest mortality is associated with a 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 50 ~ 70 nmol/L, increasing steeply for lower values, less steeply for higher."
The studies you are referring to showed that all cause mortality was not reduced by higher Vitamin D intake, however it also showed a 15% reduced cancer mortality, which I think is very significant.
In addition, longevity is usually not the first thought when people are supplementing with Vitamin D. Vitamin D levels are associated with autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune thyroid disease, so levels tend to be low, hence bringing them up to a good level is important. In addition, the immune system is highly dependent on adequate Vitamin D levels, both the innate and adaptive immune response are dependent on Vitamin D supply.
I agree, Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and can accumulate in tissues, hence it is important to check Vitamin D levels regularly. However, Vitamin D toxicity is quite rare and over half of the reported cases have been seen in children.
Toxicity is mainly a result of hypercalcemina and may occur when Vitamin D levels are above 150nmol/l - hence the recommendation to keep levels below. Factors such as calcium levels should be considered and monitored, as well as the individual's medical history. However, in general, doses of up to 4000IU per day have been classed as safe:
No one is advocating for excessive amounts of Vitamin D and it is each individual's responsibility to check their levels in regular intervals and to adjust their supplementation accordingly.
Folic acid (also known as folate or vitamin B9) is a B vitamin, and a deficiency has been linked to premature graying. This vitamin is vital in producing methionine, an amino acid that plays a role in hair color. Folic acid is also crucial for hair health because it helps with the keratinization of hair, which aids the hair follicles in producing more keratin for stronger hair.' mdhair.co/article/premature...
Thyroid hormones are also linked to grey hair. That was one of the ‘symptoms’ that improved for me, I had a large (2p piece) sized patch of white hair at the back of my head which completely disappeared when I got onto my full dose of levo.
This is the first time I’ve heard of this and suddenly makes things makes sense for me!! 6 years ago my mum spotted a similar width streak of white hair at the back of my head. I didn’t dye at the time and it was so isolated and odd. I had bloods done and was all variations of anaemic and needed new levo dose. Fast forward after periods of loading doses/maintenance/settled levo and that patch is gone line it never happened! I’d never connected the two before. The more you know
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, plays an important role in overall health, including supporting thyroid function. While it doesn’t directly regulate thyroid hormone production, its contributions are tied to metabolic processes and cellular health that indirectly influence the thyroid. Here’s how folate supports thyroid health:
DNA Synthesis and Repair: Folate is essential for producing and maintaining new cells, including those in the thyroid gland. The thyroid relies on healthy cell turnover to function properly, as it constantly synthesizes hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). A deficiency in folate could impair this process, potentially stressing thyroid activity.
Homocysteine Regulation: Folate helps metabolize homocysteine, an amino acid that, when elevated, can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress. High homocysteine levels have been linked to thyroid dysfunction, particularly in hypothyroidism. By keeping homocysteine in check (along with vitamins B6 and B12), folate supports a healthier environment for thyroid function.
Methylation Support: Folate is a key player in methylation, a biochemical process critical for gene expression and enzyme function. The thyroid depends on proper methylation to regulate hormone production and metabolism. Insufficient folate might disrupt these pathways, potentially affecting how efficiently the thyroid operates.
Energy Metabolism: Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, and folate supports energy production at the cellular level by aiding in the conversion of food into usable energy. This complementary role ensures the body’s metabolic demands—driven by thyroid activity—are met effectively.
Research suggests that folate deficiency is more common in people with thyroid disorders, like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, though it’s not entirely clear if it’s a cause or consequence. For example, low folate can exacerbate fatigue and brain fog, symptoms often seen in thyroid imbalances. However, there’s no direct evidence that folate alone can "fix" thyroid issues—it’s more of a supporting nutrient.
If you’re looking for specifics, like how much folate you need, the recommended daily intake for adults is about 400 micrograms (mcg) of dietary folate equivalents (DFE), though this can vary based on age, pregnancy, or health conditions. Foods rich in folate include leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains, while supplements (like folic acid) are also common. Too much folic acid, though, can mask B12 deficiency, which also affects thyroid health, so balance is key.
I disagree. My test results are fine, from tablets.
Edited to add: a rundown of the fillers in the tablets I take:
When people refer to "nasty fillers" in tablets like vitamin D3 supplements, they’re usually worried about inactive ingredients (excipients) that might cause digestive issues, allergic reactions, or long-term health concerns—though evidence varies. Let’s break down the four you listed and their potential to cause problems:
Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC)
What it is: A plant-derived filler and binder, often from wood pulp or cotton, used to give tablets structure.
Potential Problems: Generally considered safe and inert. It’s widely used and well-tolerated, even in large amounts (FDA GRAS—Generally Recognized As Safe). Rarely, it might cause mild bloating or discomfort in people with sensitive guts or cellulose intolerance, but this is uncommon.
Verdict: Unlikely to cause issues for most.
Dicalcium Phosphate (DCP)
What it is: A calcium and phosphorus source that doubles as a filler or firming agent.
Potential Problems: Safe for most and even provides a nutritional perk (calcium). However, excessive intake from multiple supplements could theoretically strain kidneys in people with pre-existing renal issues, as it’s a phosphate salt. Some also report chalky aftertaste or minor stomach upset, but this is anecdotal and not well-documented.
Verdict: Rarely problematic unless overconsumed or in specific health conditions.
Magnesium Stearate
What it is: A lubricant that helps tablets release from manufacturing equipment.
Potential Problems: This one gets the most flak. Critics claim it can “coat” the gut, reducing nutrient absorption, or suppress immunity based on old lab studies (e.g., high doses affecting T-cells in rats). In reality, the amounts in tablets are tiny (usually <1% of the formula), and no solid human evidence supports these concerns at typical doses. Sensitive individuals might experience mild laxative effects or irritation, but it’s rare.
Verdict: Controversial but likely fine for most; the hype outweighs the risk.
Silica Dioxide (Silicon Dioxide)
What it is: A natural anti-caking agent (think sand, but food-grade).
Potential Problems: Extremely safe in small amounts—used in everything from spices to supplements (also GRAS). Some fringe voices worry about “silica buildup” or lung irritation if inhaled in powder form, but that’s irrelevant for tablets. At worst, excessive amounts might cause minor GI discomfort, but you’d need way more than what’s in a D3 pill.
Verdict: Almost certainly harmless here.
The Bottom Line
Among these, magnesium stearate is the most likely to be flagged as a “problem” due to its bad rap in wellness circles, though the science doesn’t back up serious concerns at standard levels. Microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, and silica dioxide are even less likely to cause trouble unless you’ve got a rare sensitivity or overdo it. If you’re worried about fillers, check the dose (listed on the label) and your own reaction—most issues are individual rather than universal.
This probably won't help but I'm adding it in case it is of use to someone in future.
helvella - Viewing reference intervals on Monitor My Health
It can be rather more difficult to find reference intervals (ranges) on the Monitor My Health website. This page provides a simple summary of how to do that.
This is the information I have received from Monitor My Health regarding the anaemia results:
Our anaemia tests do not have reference ranges. Instead, we have cut-off values below which a measure can be considered low. These cut-off values follow the recommendations of the British Society for Haematology.
Haemoglobin: below 120 g/L for females and below 130 g/L for males indicates anaemia
Ferritin: below 15 ug/L suggests iron deficiency
Transferrin Saturation: below 16% suggests iron deficiency
Folate: 3 ug/L or below suggests folate deficiency
Active vitamin B12: below 38 pmol/L suggests vitamin B12 deficiency
Iron and Transferrin are used to calculate transferrin saturation
Standard recommendations (these only apply for the results detailed below):
If haemoglobin is below 120 g/L for females or below 130 g/L for males we suggest discussing this with your doctor.
If transferrin saturation is above 50%, this may be normal if you are taking supplements.
If you are not taking iron supplements then we recommend discussing this result with your doctor.
If ferritin is above 1000 ug/L we recommend discussing this result with your doctor.
If Haemoglobin is below 70 g/L then we recommend seeing a doctor as soon as possible.
Sarah I've just signed into my account with Monitor my health. And clicked on my test results. It shows the result with the ranges below each result. No graph. I have an Android phone. Did you sign in ? Silly question I know!! 🤣
Now I see that from Tina's message. How silly they dont actually put this on their test results. I've been told that you should aim to have your folate around 20..... so your is very low.
They will be different machines. Have you checked if your local nhs one has the same range as Monitor my Health? They vary from area to area. I'm just lucky MMH currently match my local nhs labs.
Ahhhh......u need that calculator percentage thingy to see if it works out simular to compare. Lol....Its a mindfield. Though blood test result are useful as an indicator its really how we feel and if we are symptoms free or not that truly counts. X
Hi Wavylines, Can I ask you how are you still feeling well after the stressful time you have had….. please keep those of us that follow you with interest updated. You inspire us💖
different ranges are common. the ranges depend on which company made the machine the lab uses. different manufactures make test machines with different ranges , (and these factory settings are then sometimes adjusted slightly for local variations)
20.2 [12-22] 84%
13.8 [8-18] 58% . so difference is about 25%...which is more than more than you'd expect..
but unless you use blood from same sample , you can't compare these with total accurately because ft4 level may well have been a bit different 30 minutes later, levels do not stay steady . So it's hard to say how much of this difference is due to using different test method/ assay and how much is due to level in blood being different 30 minutes later ... realistically it will be a bit of both.
but yes , it's completely it's rubbish that fT4 tests are not yet more standardised across labs/ assay manufacturers ..When %'s differ like this , the best we can do is assume an average , ie your fT4 is in the 60-80% 'ball park' ,but don't worry about exact no's..... but to see if it goes up or down with more accuracy you need to use same lab/ assay each time, which is not always possible , so until they do the work to standardise fT4 tests ,we are left making the best out of a bad job...... more info in here :
my GP range is very narrow , which has the effect of exaggerating %'s when over range.... and the assay platform used are different so it's accepted results will differ a little anyway ,,,, and its 45 mins later so actual level will also be different ....... so i know my T4 is a ' bit over top end' ,, but no point trying to be more specific than that . If i'd used 2 different assays i might have got 95% and 110% for example .
they have definitely lowered the NHS FT4 range as I checked from a few years ago. The bottom was 12 and I was just below when initially put on Levo. Now with the new range my Dr could argue that I’m in range 🤷♀️(MY TSH has never been over 5).
I will no doubt be having a little “discussion” with my GP next week 😆
but if the test used at the time of your diagnosis had been the 8-18 one , (instead of 12-22] your ft4 number would also have been lower ,,, ie you would expect it to have been at or around bottom end of the 8-18 range , around 7.5 -8ish [8-18]
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