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Help with thyroid test results
Hi there,
I was hoping to get some help on my thyroid test results. I've been suffering with a whole battery of symptoms over the past few years. My doctor was treating me for low haemoglobin and vitamin D. The low haemoglobin was put down to heavy periods due to fibroids.
Despite having the fibroids removed and womb being greatly reduced in size - gynae says the remaining fibroids are very small and shouldn't be causing me problems, I continued to have very heavy periods. Now periods have stopped all together for the past 3 months. Doctor said periods stopped as haemoglobin was low so to take iron tablets. My period usually returned after a few weeks of taking iron tablets or I thought it correlated to that but I've been taking them for the past few months and periods haven't returned. Gynae tested my hormone levels a few months back and it showed high prolactin and macrolactin which she seemed concerned about. Researching this online I'm now wondering if I have a pituitary issue as well? :(
Anyway my symptoms for the past months/years have been very dry skin, especially on my feet and calves. Itchy calves and ankles. Extreme fatigue, breathlessness, muscles tiring really quickly/dead legs climbing stairs, brain fog, poor memory and in the last 5-6 months nausea, dizzyness and hot flushes. I have also suffered from chronic urticaria and oedema for the past 10 years or so without any known cause so have just taken antihistamines to manage the symptoms. I had managed to determine that the urticaria seemed to flare up just before the start of my period so I figured it was something to do with my hormones. In the last few months I've had bad flare ups and expected a period but nothing happened.
So that was a bit of background. From researching online I began to suspect I had hypothyroidism but my doctor was not convinced and was reluctant to do full testing to establish this. He had a blood test done for TSH and free T4 which were in range so he said no further tests were required. So I had a private test done and my results are:
ENDOCRINOLOGY
TOTAL THYROXINE(T4) 137 nmol/L (Reference levels 59 - 154)
THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE 4.16 mIU/L (Reference levels 0.27 - 4.2)
FREE THYROXINE 16.3 pmol/l (Reference levels 12.0 - 22.0)
FREE T3 5.0 pmol/L (Reference levels 3.1 - 6.8)
IMMUNOLOGY
THYROID ANTIBODIES
Thyroglobulin Antibody *498.9 IU/mL (Reference levels 0-115(Negative))
Method used for Anti-Tg: Roche Modular
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies 11.6 IU/mL (Reference levels 0 - 34)
Method used for Anti-TPO: Roche Modular
Hopefully someone can help shed some light on this
I was hoping to get some help on my thyroid test results. I've been suffering with a whole battery of symptoms over the past few years. My doctor was treating me for low haemoglobin and vitamin D. The low haemoglobin was put down to heavy periods due to fibroids.
Despite having the fibroids removed and womb being greatly reduced in size - gynae says the remaining fibroids are very small and shouldn't be causing me problems, I continued to have very heavy periods. Now periods have stopped all together for the past 3 months. Doctor said periods stopped as haemoglobin was low so to take iron tablets. My period usually returned after a few weeks of taking iron tablets or I thought it correlated to that but I've been taking them for the past few months and periods haven't returned. Gynae tested my hormone levels a few months back and it showed high prolactin and macrolactin which she seemed concerned about. Researching this online I'm now wondering if I have a pituitary issue as well? :(
Anyway my symptoms for the past months/years have been very dry skin, especially on my feet and calves. Itchy calves and ankles. Extreme fatigue, breathlessness, muscles tiring really quickly/dead legs climbing stairs, brain fog, poor memory and in the last 5-6 months nausea, dizzyness and hot flushes. I have also suffered from chronic urticaria and oedema for the past 10 years or so without any known cause so have just taken antihistamines to manage the symptoms. I had managed to determine that the urticaria seemed to flare up just before the start of my period so I figured it was something to do with my hormones. In the last few months I've had bad flare ups and expected a period but nothing happened.
So that was a bit of background. From researching online I began to suspect I had hypothyroidism but my doctor was not convinced and was reluctant to do full testing to establish this. He had a blood test done for TSH and free T4 which were in range so he said no further tests were required. So I had a private test done and my results are:
ENDOCRINOLOGY
TOTAL THYROXINE(T4) 137 nmol/L (Reference levels 59 - 154)
THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE 4.16 mIU/L (Reference levels 0.27 - 4.2)
FREE THYROXINE 16.3 pmol/l (Reference levels 12.0 - 22.0)
FREE T3 5.0 pmol/L (Reference levels 3.1 - 6.8)
IMMUNOLOGY
THYROID ANTIBODIES
Thyroglobulin Antibody *498.9 IU/mL (Reference levels 0-115(Negative))
Method used for Anti-Tg: Roche Modular
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies 11.6 IU/mL (Reference levels 0 - 34)
Method used for Anti-TPO: Roche Modular
Hopefully someone can help shed some light on this
I also had some blood tests done more recently (November)
Prolactin: 547 mU/L (range 126 - 640)
Serum vitamin B12: 1695 ng/L (range 197 - 771) - marked high
Serum folate: 7.8 ug/L (range 4.6 - 18.7)
Serum ferritin: 87.9 ug/L (range 13 - 150)
25 OH Vitamin D: 89.0 nmol/L (range 50 - 120)
Haemoglobin estimation: 123 g/L (range 118 - 148)
Haematocrit: 38.4% (range 36 - 46)
(MCV) 79.0 fL (range 82 - 98) - marked Low
(MCH) 25.3 og (range 27.3 - 32.6) - marked low
So it looks like the ferritin, vitamin D and folate are within range (albeit the folate is quite low in the range) but the size of the blood cells is small and the the haemoglobin in them is low.
The B12 is high as I've been taking daily 5000mg supplements to bring the level up. Now the level is high I'll maintain with 1000mg tablets.
I thought with taking the B12 I would feel better if this was an issue but I've not noticed any improvement. I haven't been taking the folate supplements so I've started taking those everyday to see if that will improve the folate and haemoglobin levels. I was taking floravital iron supplement but I've run out, I'll try some mild iron tablets I bought recently instead and see if it makes any difference.
I've started taking the thyroid tablets again as it helps me to feel more awake and think more clearly. Correcting the B12 hasn't improved things so all that's remaining is possibly the ferritin, folate and vitamin D. What are your thoughts?
Prolactin: 547 mU/L (range 126 - 640)
Serum vitamin B12: 1695 ng/L (range 197 - 771) - marked high
Serum folate: 7.8 ug/L (range 4.6 - 18.7)
Serum ferritin: 87.9 ug/L (range 13 - 150)
25 OH Vitamin D: 89.0 nmol/L (range 50 - 120)
Haemoglobin estimation: 123 g/L (range 118 - 148)
Haematocrit: 38.4% (range 36 - 46)
(MCV) 79.0 fL (range 82 - 98) - marked Low
(MCH) 25.3 og (range 27.3 - 32.6) - marked low
So it looks like the ferritin, vitamin D and folate are within range (albeit the folate is quite low in the range) but the size of the blood cells is small and the the haemoglobin in them is low.
The B12 is high as I've been taking daily 5000mg supplements to bring the level up. Now the level is high I'll maintain with 1000mg tablets.
I thought with taking the B12 I would feel better if this was an issue but I've not noticed any improvement. I haven't been taking the folate supplements so I've started taking those everyday to see if that will improve the folate and haemoglobin levels. I was taking floravital iron supplement but I've run out, I'll try some mild iron tablets I bought recently instead and see if it makes any difference.
I've started taking the thyroid tablets again as it helps me to feel more awake and think more clearly. Correcting the B12 hasn't improved things so all that's remaining is possibly the ferritin, folate and vitamin D. What are your thoughts?
Hi there,
Thought I'd come back and give an update on my situation. I got the GP to refer me to an endocrinologist - I thought YAY my troubles will finally be over. Alas that was not to be - I waited 2 months for the referral appointment and when I attended the consultant was very dismissive of my private test results and my thoughts of having Hashimoto's or even thyroid antibodies! I was not best pleased.
He suggested getting some blood tests done and having an MRI scan to rule out a pituitary tumour. The MRI scan was clear, I'll list the blood test results below. I'm having to wait until January now for a follow up appointment with the consultant to discuss the way forward. I am not happy with the progress of things, they don't seem particularly concerned in getting to the bottom of this. I had a telephone consultation with a registrar to review my MRI scan and blood test results and she said my pituitary is fine and thyroid is fine so there is nothing wrong as I don't have other symptoms and the missed periods must be a gynacological issue. I told her I did have other symptoms - dry skin, brain fog, fatigue etc. So I have to discuss this at the meeting with the consultant in January
BLOOD TEST RESULTS
Insulin like Growth Factor-1: 9.1 nmol/L (range 14 - 32.1)
FSH: 45.5 u/L (range 2.6 - 9.5) - marked High
LH: 31.5 u/L (range 0.8 - 11.4) - marked high
*noted - "Raised FSH, >26 and FSH>LH suggests primary ovarian failure "
Prolactin: 399 mu/L (range 108 - 557)
Random Cortisol: 309nmol/L (no range given)
Anti Thyroid Peroxidase: 1.6 IU/ml (range 0 - 5.61)
Free T4: 15.6 pmol/L (range 8.8 - 18.8)
TSH: 1.59 mu/L (range 0.3 - 5.0)
Thought I'd come back and give an update on my situation. I got the GP to refer me to an endocrinologist - I thought YAY my troubles will finally be over. Alas that was not to be - I waited 2 months for the referral appointment and when I attended the consultant was very dismissive of my private test results and my thoughts of having Hashimoto's or even thyroid antibodies! I was not best pleased.
He suggested getting some blood tests done and having an MRI scan to rule out a pituitary tumour. The MRI scan was clear, I'll list the blood test results below. I'm having to wait until January now for a follow up appointment with the consultant to discuss the way forward. I am not happy with the progress of things, they don't seem particularly concerned in getting to the bottom of this. I had a telephone consultation with a registrar to review my MRI scan and blood test results and she said my pituitary is fine and thyroid is fine so there is nothing wrong as I don't have other symptoms and the missed periods must be a gynacological issue. I told her I did have other symptoms - dry skin, brain fog, fatigue etc. So I have to discuss this at the meeting with the consultant in January
BLOOD TEST RESULTS
Insulin like Growth Factor-1: 9.1 nmol/L (range 14 - 32.1)
FSH: 45.5 u/L (range 2.6 - 9.5) - marked High
LH: 31.5 u/L (range 0.8 - 11.4) - marked high
*noted - "Raised FSH, >26 and FSH>LH suggests primary ovarian failure "
Prolactin: 399 mu/L (range 108 - 557)
Random Cortisol: 309nmol/L (no range given)
Anti Thyroid Peroxidase: 1.6 IU/ml (range 0 - 5.61)
Free T4: 15.6 pmol/L (range 8.8 - 18.8)
TSH: 1.59 mu/L (range 0.3 - 5.0)
COMMUNITY LEADER
Yes, you can take calcium and magnesium at the same time as Vitamin D... as I noted above, vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and is best absorbed if taken with some fat.
Typically, the recommended dosage for adult women is 1000 to 1200 mg of calcium/day taken in 2 dosages, because the body can't absorb more than about 500-600 mg at one time. You should discuss your calcium dosage with your doctor, as it will often have to do with your age and risk of osteoporosis.
The recommended daily dose for magnesium is, typically, 400 mg. Again, your doctor might recommend something else, but 400 mg is safe and magnesium is not toxic. Make sure you get something other than the oxide form of magnesium, as magnesium oxide is pretty much a laxative as it's not absorbed well.
Check the labels to make sure the formulas provide maximum absorption.
Typically, the recommended dosage for adult women is 1000 to 1200 mg of calcium/day taken in 2 dosages, because the body can't absorb more than about 500-600 mg at one time. You should discuss your calcium dosage with your doctor, as it will often have to do with your age and risk of osteoporosis.
The recommended daily dose for magnesium is, typically, 400 mg. Again, your doctor might recommend something else, but 400 mg is safe and magnesium is not toxic. Make sure you get something other than the oxide form of magnesium, as magnesium oxide is pretty much a laxative as it's not absorbed well.
Check the labels to make sure the formulas provide maximum absorption.
Can I take calcium and magnesium at the same time as vitamin D?
Also what dosage of calcium and magnesium should I take
Also what dosage of calcium and magnesium should I take
Thanks really useful information there. I've ordered some 1000mg sublingual methyl B12 as well as selenium and methyl folate vitamin B9 as I read B12 is best taken with B9 for optimum results?
I'll stop the thyroid-s for the moment and try the vitamins for a few weeks then go for another blood test to see if there's any improvement.
I'll stop the thyroid-s for the moment and try the vitamins for a few weeks then go for another blood test to see if there's any improvement.
COMMUNITY LEADER
I responded to this last night and it must not have posted, for some reason. I'm sorry about that; must have been a glitch within MH. I'll try to reconstruct it as well as I can...
"He didn't pick up on the B12 or ferritin being low, although are within range."
Therein lies the problem... doctors look at the reference ranges and anything within range is left alone, even if it's very low in the range or often very high, whichever the case may be.
If you aren't consistent with taking your iron, that would be the reason for, both, low hemoglobin AND low ferritin, since ferritin is the iron storage hormone. Iron must be present in hemoglobin to allow for sufficient oxygen to be carried throughout the body... if there isn't enough iron, one doesn't produce enough red blood cells which causes anemia which, in turn, contributes to tiredness.
Vitamin D, alone isn't likely to stop you from feeling tired, but it, along with calcium and magnesium can greatly reduce body aches and pains. Since your vitamin D level is up to 64, you should be good with a daily maintenance dose of around 2000 IU, as long as you take it consistently EVERY day... Too much vitamin D is as bad as not enough, as it's toxic if you get too much.
Personally, when one is low on B-12, I prefer "just" the B-12 over a B complex because you can get the liquid or sublingual B-12 in the methyl B-12 form that works much better than the cyanocobalamin that's typically in B complex. Methyl B-12 is body ready and is absorbed much better, whereas the cyanocobalamin must be converted to methyl B-12.
The vitamin B-12 and D can be taken together because the B-12 should be either sublinqual, liquid or chewable, so a lot of that is going to be absorbed by the capillaries under your tongue when you take it. Vitamin D "is" fat soluble so it could be taken with the B-12 just prior to a meal containing some fat. I, often, swallow my fat soluble vitamins with full fat milk.
Follow the directions for taking the iron... do make sure you have a non-constipating type (should say on the bottle)... since they upset your stomach, try taking it with 1/2 cup milk instead of water (or eat a small snack such a just prior to taking it) to see if that will help buffer your stomach. It might affect the absorption a little bit, but it shouldn't be that much and it's better than not taking it at all. Make sure you eat plenty of fiber (veggies, beans and whole grains) also to help prevent constipation.
I do find that taking each of the vitamins/minerals separately seems to do more good than taking them in a multi because most multi's don't have adequate amounts of some of them, plus they contain things I might not want/need.
In case your doctor would put you thyroid medication, minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, etc should never be taken within 4 hours of any thyroid replacement hormones, as they do affect the absorption of the thyroid hormones. It's best to take these things at dinner time or bedtime.
"He didn't pick up on the B12 or ferritin being low, although are within range."
Therein lies the problem... doctors look at the reference ranges and anything within range is left alone, even if it's very low in the range or often very high, whichever the case may be.
If you aren't consistent with taking your iron, that would be the reason for, both, low hemoglobin AND low ferritin, since ferritin is the iron storage hormone. Iron must be present in hemoglobin to allow for sufficient oxygen to be carried throughout the body... if there isn't enough iron, one doesn't produce enough red blood cells which causes anemia which, in turn, contributes to tiredness.
Vitamin D, alone isn't likely to stop you from feeling tired, but it, along with calcium and magnesium can greatly reduce body aches and pains. Since your vitamin D level is up to 64, you should be good with a daily maintenance dose of around 2000 IU, as long as you take it consistently EVERY day... Too much vitamin D is as bad as not enough, as it's toxic if you get too much.
Personally, when one is low on B-12, I prefer "just" the B-12 over a B complex because you can get the liquid or sublingual B-12 in the methyl B-12 form that works much better than the cyanocobalamin that's typically in B complex. Methyl B-12 is body ready and is absorbed much better, whereas the cyanocobalamin must be converted to methyl B-12.
The vitamin B-12 and D can be taken together because the B-12 should be either sublinqual, liquid or chewable, so a lot of that is going to be absorbed by the capillaries under your tongue when you take it. Vitamin D "is" fat soluble so it could be taken with the B-12 just prior to a meal containing some fat. I, often, swallow my fat soluble vitamins with full fat milk.
Follow the directions for taking the iron... do make sure you have a non-constipating type (should say on the bottle)... since they upset your stomach, try taking it with 1/2 cup milk instead of water (or eat a small snack such a just prior to taking it) to see if that will help buffer your stomach. It might affect the absorption a little bit, but it shouldn't be that much and it's better than not taking it at all. Make sure you eat plenty of fiber (veggies, beans and whole grains) also to help prevent constipation.
I do find that taking each of the vitamins/minerals separately seems to do more good than taking them in a multi because most multi's don't have adequate amounts of some of them, plus they contain things I might not want/need.
In case your doctor would put you thyroid medication, minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, etc should never be taken within 4 hours of any thyroid replacement hormones, as they do affect the absorption of the thyroid hormones. It's best to take these things at dinner time or bedtime.
I tend to lapse on the iron tablets every now and again as I find they upset my stomach :(
Thanks for all the info it's very useful, I only wish my doctor was so helpful. I asked to be referred to an endocrinologist and he refused as my TSH and T4 levels are within the normal range insisting my symptoms were just down to low haemoglobin and I should just take iron supplements for 3 months.
He didn't pick up on the B12 or ferritin being low, although are within range.
Regards the vitamin D, I was taken just one 5000 IU capsule a day but I was still feeling tired and had pains in my heels so I thought I would up it to 2 capsules.
Looks like I'm going to have to get some B12 supplements along with the selenium plus continue taking the iron tablets. Should I go for B12 on it's own or vitamin B complex with all the other B vitamins?
What with taking all these supplements I'm wary of some not to be taken with other lest I lessen the absorption. They all seem to have different instructions take before meal, take after meal by so many hours!
Can I take the B12, vitamin D and iron all at the same time? I read as vitamin D is fat soluble it should be taken with a meal but iron should be on an empty stomach.
He didn't pick up on the B12 or ferritin being low, although are within range.
Regards the vitamin D, I was taken just one 5000 IU capsule a day but I was still feeling tired and had pains in my heels so I thought I would up it to 2 capsules.
Looks like I'm going to have to get some B12 supplements along with the selenium plus continue taking the iron tablets. Should I go for B12 on it's own or vitamin B complex with all the other B vitamins?
What with taking all these supplements I'm wary of some not to be taken with other lest I lessen the absorption. They all seem to have different instructions take before meal, take after meal by so many hours!
Can I take the B12, vitamin D and iron all at the same time? I read as vitamin D is fat soluble it should be taken with a meal but iron should be on an empty stomach.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Yes, your TgAb are conclusive for Hashimoto's, however, with your thyroid hormones still as high as yours are, you could easily tip the scales to hyper.
When you have vitamin D, ferritin and vitamin B-12 deficiencies, those would, typically, be corrected prior to starting thyroid medication, since vitamin D and iron are necessary for the proper metabolism of thyroid hormone.
Apparently, you have no trouble getting your vitamin D level to come up, you just aren't consistent with taking the vitamins on a daily basis, which is critical, even if you start taking a thyroid hormone replacement medication, because you need vitamin D to help metabolize whatever thyroid hormones you have... Consistency is VERY important, though 10,000 IU daily is most likely way more than you need, since vitamin D is toxic if you take too much.
Ferritin of only 41.4 is not nearly enough... Ferritin should be around 70, so that means your iron levels are too low. Iron is necessary for conversion of Free T4 to Free T3, as well as metabolism of thyroid hormones.
Vitamin B-12 of only 346 is also way too low... Most reference ranges are from 200-900 or 200-1100, however anything below 500 is too low... my lab even puts a note on the report stating that anything below 500 may produce symptoms of deficiency. I have to keep my level at the very top of the range (my lab range goes up to 1100) in order to keep symptoms at bay. Symptoms of B-12 deficiency can mimic those of hypothyroidism - particularly, the fatigue/tiredness.
Some studies have shown that selenium can also help with reduction of antibodies, but I don't find this particularly useful because, even if you reduce your antibody count by 20%, which is about the maximum I've ever seen, you still have the remaining 80% destroying your thyroid, so you're really not gaining anything... Selenium has also been shown to help with the conversion of FT4 to FT3, which would be its most useful role. I take it on a daily basis.
Typically, if you were under a doctor's care and being prescribed a small dose of thyroid hormones, I'd say go ahead and start on it while you work on the vitamin deficiencies. Under the circumstances, I strongly urge you to get those deficiencies taken care of before you self medicate with thyroid hormones from a source from which you aren't familiar, because, at this point, you don't know which symptoms are from the deficiencies and which are from hypothyroidism.
When you have vitamin D, ferritin and vitamin B-12 deficiencies, those would, typically, be corrected prior to starting thyroid medication, since vitamin D and iron are necessary for the proper metabolism of thyroid hormone.
Apparently, you have no trouble getting your vitamin D level to come up, you just aren't consistent with taking the vitamins on a daily basis, which is critical, even if you start taking a thyroid hormone replacement medication, because you need vitamin D to help metabolize whatever thyroid hormones you have... Consistency is VERY important, though 10,000 IU daily is most likely way more than you need, since vitamin D is toxic if you take too much.
Ferritin of only 41.4 is not nearly enough... Ferritin should be around 70, so that means your iron levels are too low. Iron is necessary for conversion of Free T4 to Free T3, as well as metabolism of thyroid hormones.
Vitamin B-12 of only 346 is also way too low... Most reference ranges are from 200-900 or 200-1100, however anything below 500 is too low... my lab even puts a note on the report stating that anything below 500 may produce symptoms of deficiency. I have to keep my level at the very top of the range (my lab range goes up to 1100) in order to keep symptoms at bay. Symptoms of B-12 deficiency can mimic those of hypothyroidism - particularly, the fatigue/tiredness.
Some studies have shown that selenium can also help with reduction of antibodies, but I don't find this particularly useful because, even if you reduce your antibody count by 20%, which is about the maximum I've ever seen, you still have the remaining 80% destroying your thyroid, so you're really not gaining anything... Selenium has also been shown to help with the conversion of FT4 to FT3, which would be its most useful role. I take it on a daily basis.
Typically, if you were under a doctor's care and being prescribed a small dose of thyroid hormones, I'd say go ahead and start on it while you work on the vitamin deficiencies. Under the circumstances, I strongly urge you to get those deficiencies taken care of before you self medicate with thyroid hormones from a source from which you aren't familiar, because, at this point, you don't know which symptoms are from the deficiencies and which are from hypothyroidism.
I forgot my serum B12 level was 346 Feb 2015, I'm not sure what the measurement or range is for that.
I plan to buy some Selenuim which I hear can help
I plan to buy some Selenuim which I hear can help
As the advice is to start of low with thyroid meds to gage what level of meds are required to start feeling better I've started with one tablet a day which is 60mg.
I've had vitamin D deficiency in last year, at it's lowest my serum vitamin D last April was 23.0 nmol/L (range 50 - 120).
This went up to 97.0 nmol/L after 8 weeks of 20,000 iu capsules once per week.
At my last blood test in February serum vitamin D had fallen to 64.0 nmol/L
I have been taking 10,000 iu vitamin D3 capsules daily (when I can remember) for the past few months on and off
My serum ferritin was 31.7 ug/L (range 13.0 - 150.0) last April
This went up to 72.0 in August and was 41.4 at the most recent test in February.
Looking at my TSH it has been fluctuating up and down over the last year
April 2014 - 3.39 mIU/L
August 2014 - 1.72
October 2014 - 1.69
Feb 2015 - 2.64
June 2015 - 4.16
I know you say I shouldn't self medicate but I thought the high thyroglobulin antibodies were fairly conclusive no? Especially with my symptoms.
From what I've read given my symptoms and antibody positive a doctor's course of action would be trial me on levothyroxine or some other thyroid med, usually a T4 only. So I didn't see it would do any harm to try it for a few weeks to see if I notice any improvement.
I will be going back to the doctor with the results to see what he suggests
I've had vitamin D deficiency in last year, at it's lowest my serum vitamin D last April was 23.0 nmol/L (range 50 - 120).
This went up to 97.0 nmol/L after 8 weeks of 20,000 iu capsules once per week.
At my last blood test in February serum vitamin D had fallen to 64.0 nmol/L
I have been taking 10,000 iu vitamin D3 capsules daily (when I can remember) for the past few months on and off
My serum ferritin was 31.7 ug/L (range 13.0 - 150.0) last April
This went up to 72.0 in August and was 41.4 at the most recent test in February.
Looking at my TSH it has been fluctuating up and down over the last year
April 2014 - 3.39 mIU/L
August 2014 - 1.72
October 2014 - 1.69
Feb 2015 - 2.64
June 2015 - 4.16
I know you say I shouldn't self medicate but I thought the high thyroglobulin antibodies were fairly conclusive no? Especially with my symptoms.
From what I've read given my symptoms and antibody positive a doctor's course of action would be trial me on levothyroxine or some other thyroid med, usually a T4 only. So I didn't see it would do any harm to try it for a few weeks to see if I notice any improvement.
I will be going back to the doctor with the results to see what he suggests
COMMUNITY LEADER
Your Amazon must be different from mine because I can't buy Thyroid S from that website...
COMMUNITY LEADER
I'd advise against taking the Thyroid S at this point, because your thyroid hormone levels are still pretty good and there are some vitamin/mineral deficiencies that can cause a lot of hypo-like symptoms, not to mention that some vitamins/minerals are necessary for thyroid hormone metabolism, so let's go there before you start taking hormones you might not need just yet...
Many people who have thyroid hormone issues are low in vitamins B-12 and D, as well as Ferritin. Ferritin is the iron storage hormone and iron is necessary for proper conversion of storage hormone FT4 to the active FT3. Vitamin D is necessary for the proper metabolism of thyroid hormones as well. If you haven't had those tested, you should ask your doctor to test them to make sure they are adequate for optimal thyroid hormone metabolism.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause some hypo-like symptoms, mostly fatigue, numbness, tingling, etc.
Self medicating with thyroid hormones when one is not familiar with proper dosages and how they work can be very dangerous and is never recommended.
Many people who have thyroid hormone issues are low in vitamins B-12 and D, as well as Ferritin. Ferritin is the iron storage hormone and iron is necessary for proper conversion of storage hormone FT4 to the active FT3. Vitamin D is necessary for the proper metabolism of thyroid hormones as well. If you haven't had those tested, you should ask your doctor to test them to make sure they are adequate for optimal thyroid hormone metabolism.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause some hypo-like symptoms, mostly fatigue, numbness, tingling, etc.
Self medicating with thyroid hormones when one is not familiar with proper dosages and how they work can be very dangerous and is never recommended.
Yes I plan to take the results to my doctor along with info on hashimoto, hopefully he won't rubbish my thoughts on being hypothyroid like he did last time. I am going to ask for additional testing of my pituitary hormones and see what he suggests regarding the thyroid.
I purchased some Thyroid-S natural thyroid tablets (T4 & T3) from Amazon and was waiting on the results of the private blood test before I tried them. With the thyroglubulin results I've decided to try them to see if there was any improvement in my symptoms.
I purchased some Thyroid-S natural thyroid tablets (T4 & T3) from Amazon and was waiting on the results of the private blood test before I tried them. With the thyroglubulin results I've decided to try them to see if there was any improvement in my symptoms.
COMMUNITY LEADER
While your actual thyroid hormone levels aren't really bad at all and don't indicate a problem, your Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb) are definitely elevated, and would be the basis for a diagnosis of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune attack on your thyroid. It means that your thyroid is being destroyed, little by little, and eventually it will produce no thyroid hormones.
While your actual thyroid hormone levels are good, it's not the least bit unusual for someone with Hashimoto's to have symptoms long before actual thyroid hormone levels indicate a problem. You're certainly having the symptoms.
Unfortunately, we find that many members from U.K. have trouble getting proper treatment when their levels actually show them to be hypo, so it may be even more difficult for you to get treatment when yours are showing to be in the normal ranges, though your TSH is nearly at the top of its range. Because of the guidelines of the NHS, many members have had to go private in order to get testing/treatment they need.
It's possible if you take your blood tests to your doctor, since your TgAb is as high as it is, he may be willing to help you... it's worth a try.
While your actual thyroid hormone levels are good, it's not the least bit unusual for someone with Hashimoto's to have symptoms long before actual thyroid hormone levels indicate a problem. You're certainly having the symptoms.
Unfortunately, we find that many members from U.K. have trouble getting proper treatment when their levels actually show them to be hypo, so it may be even more difficult for you to get treatment when yours are showing to be in the normal ranges, though your TSH is nearly at the top of its range. Because of the guidelines of the NHS, many members have had to go private in order to get testing/treatment they need.
It's possible if you take your blood tests to your doctor, since your TgAb is as high as it is, he may be willing to help you... it's worth a try.
I forgot to add that over the past few months I've gained about 2 stone very quickly and I can't seem to shift it.
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