Aa
High TSH and Vitamin-Iron Deficiency
My symptoms are sleep disorder, restless legs (sometimes heavy calf), frequent urination (even after small water intake). I am 28 years old & weights aprox.68 kg (height-5.6ft). Please share your viewpoint after reviewing my following two medical tests :
Today:
TSH (CLIA) - 15.30 (0.55-4.78) (No mention of T3 & T4)
Iron -68.0 (65-175); Transferin Saturation Iron -18.48 (20-50); TIBC -368 (250-425)
Last Week:
TSH - 7.25 (0.35-5.50); T3 -1.0 (0.8-2.0); T4 -6.5 (5.1-14.1)
Iron - 46 (65-170); Saturation transferin -14.07 (16-50); TIBC -327 (228-428); UIBC -327 (120-470)
Hemoglobin (Hb) - 12.4 (13-18); Haematrocit/PCV/HCT - 37.3 (40-54); (Normal-MCH,MCHC,MCV,RBC)
Vitamin B12 -232 (211-911); Vitamin D- 12.33 (30-100);
Creatine-Kinase (Lipid Profile)- 597 (32-294);
Bad Cholesterol - 125.9 (60-100);
Normal - LFT, KFT, Electrolyte Profile (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride), Cholesterol (Total, HDL/LDL & Good).
Today:
TSH (CLIA) - 15.30 (0.55-4.78) (No mention of T3 & T4)
Iron -68.0 (65-175); Transferin Saturation Iron -18.48 (20-50); TIBC -368 (250-425)
Last Week:
TSH - 7.25 (0.35-5.50); T3 -1.0 (0.8-2.0); T4 -6.5 (5.1-14.1)
Iron - 46 (65-170); Saturation transferin -14.07 (16-50); TIBC -327 (228-428); UIBC -327 (120-470)
Hemoglobin (Hb) - 12.4 (13-18); Haematrocit/PCV/HCT - 37.3 (40-54); (Normal-MCH,MCHC,MCV,RBC)
Vitamin B12 -232 (211-911); Vitamin D- 12.33 (30-100);
Creatine-Kinase (Lipid Profile)- 597 (32-294);
Bad Cholesterol - 125.9 (60-100);
Normal - LFT, KFT, Electrolyte Profile (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride), Cholesterol (Total, HDL/LDL & Good).
I see no problem with you supplementing Vitamin D, B12 and especially ferritin (iron). But with your TSH results being high, I expect that when tested you will find that your Free T4 and Free T3 are low in their ranges. So if Free T4 and Free T3 were tested and confirmed as low in their ranges now, then you could get started on thyroid med sooner; however, since you say you have no symptoms other than hair loss, then deferring tests for 1-2 months is not a concern.
Not a doctor. Just a long time hypothyroid patient that was inadequately diagnosed and treated for 40 years. During that time I had gradually increased my T4 dosage to 200 mcg daily and still had lingering hypo symptoms. Then I found this Forum and from the experienced and knowledgeable members I learned about the importance of Free T3. I got my FT3 tested and confirmed as low in the range. My doctor agreed to switch me to Armour Thyroid so that I had a source of T3 in my med. After some tweaking I felt better than I could even remember.
To repay the help I was given I decided to spend some of my spare time on the Forum trying to give other members information they needed to feel better. I also started doing research on hypothyroidism for the last 5 years, in order to be better informed and provide better information.
I am sending you a PM with some info. To access, just click on your name and then from your personal page click on messages.
To repay the help I was given I decided to spend some of my spare time on the Forum trying to give other members information they needed to feel better. I also started doing research on hypothyroidism for the last 5 years, in order to be better informed and provide better information.
I am sending you a PM with some info. To access, just click on your name and then from your personal page click on messages.
1 Comments
Hi,
The lab home collection guy informed me that he would require to take the blood sample again, as he has lost my specimen. Losing a specimen is not common, but I decided to take back the money. My mother gets her tests done from a diff. independent lab, so I will try that one, though it is bit overpriced compared to others but I cant afford to give my specimens again & again.
So I went to the doctor with my above mentioned (last two weeks) test results. He said considering my age (27) has he relied on TSH 7.5 then he would not have prescribed meds but given the fact in recent test my TSH is 15, therefore he would prescribe Thyrox-50. He also advised to visit him after two months with fresh TSH & FT4 test results.
I am also concerned about Iron deficiency & Hair thinning problem, to which the doctor did not show any concern. My recent Iron results:-
-Iron - 68.0 (65-175);
-Transferin Saturation-18.5(20-50).
I have hair thinning issue since last 3-4 years. It gets stabilised upon regularly trimming the hairs. Infact my hair remains and looks healthy till they are short (trimmed) but every time they grow back they become dry, fragile & unmanageable. I have been trimming them once in a year from last 3-4 years. Yes they do take time (6-7 months) to grow back and I trim them again.
I consider that I should first stabilise my Vitamin-D, B12 & Iron deficiency for next 1-2 months and after that I should get the FT4, FT3, TPO-ab & TSH tests done. If I find abnormal results only then shall I consider taking the Thyrox meds.
What is your opinion. Since I do not have any symptoms (other than hair thinning) right now, will it be wise to ignore High TSH for next 1-2 months.
The lab home collection guy informed me that he would require to take the blood sample again, as he has lost my specimen. Losing a specimen is not common, but I decided to take back the money. My mother gets her tests done from a diff. independent lab, so I will try that one, though it is bit overpriced compared to others but I cant afford to give my specimens again & again.
So I went to the doctor with my above mentioned (last two weeks) test results. He said considering my age (27) has he relied on TSH 7.5 then he would not have prescribed meds but given the fact in recent test my TSH is 15, therefore he would prescribe Thyrox-50. He also advised to visit him after two months with fresh TSH & FT4 test results.
I am also concerned about Iron deficiency & Hair thinning problem, to which the doctor did not show any concern. My recent Iron results:-
-Iron - 68.0 (65-175);
-Transferin Saturation-18.5(20-50).
I have hair thinning issue since last 3-4 years. It gets stabilised upon regularly trimming the hairs. Infact my hair remains and looks healthy till they are short (trimmed) but every time they grow back they become dry, fragile & unmanageable. I have been trimming them once in a year from last 3-4 years. Yes they do take time (6-7 months) to grow back and I trim them again.
I consider that I should first stabilise my Vitamin-D, B12 & Iron deficiency for next 1-2 months and after that I should get the FT4, FT3, TPO-ab & TSH tests done. If I find abnormal results only then shall I consider taking the Thyrox meds.
What is your opinion. Since I do not have any symptoms (other than hair thinning) right now, will it be wise to ignore High TSH for next 1-2 months.
I agree with testing for TPO ab first and testing for TG ab only if TPO ab is negative, and TSH is high. Hashi's shows up in the TPO ab test much more frequently than the TG ab test. Also you don't need to test for TSH again.
In fact, if you are concerned with the cost of additional labs, I would say that you have enough test evidence of being hypothyroid, so the main concern should be finding a doctor to treat you clinically, for your symptoms. I wish I could help with that, but it is difficult enough to find such doctors in my own area. I know of none in your area.
When looking for a good thyroid doctor there are two questions I like to ask: Ask if the doctor is willing to treat clinically, by testing and adjusting Free T4 and Free T3 as needed to relieve symptoms,instead of dosing based on TSH. Also ask if the doctor is willing to prescribe T3 meds. If either answer is no, then that doctor will not do what you will need.
Also, don't forget to test for D, B12 and ferritin, and supplement as needed to optimize.
In fact, if you are concerned with the cost of additional labs, I would say that you have enough test evidence of being hypothyroid, so the main concern should be finding a doctor to treat you clinically, for your symptoms. I wish I could help with that, but it is difficult enough to find such doctors in my own area. I know of none in your area.
When looking for a good thyroid doctor there are two questions I like to ask: Ask if the doctor is willing to treat clinically, by testing and adjusting Free T4 and Free T3 as needed to relieve symptoms,instead of dosing based on TSH. Also ask if the doctor is willing to prescribe T3 meds. If either answer is no, then that doctor will not do what you will need.
Also, don't forget to test for D, B12 and ferritin, and supplement as needed to optimize.
2 Comments
I appreciate that you take so much interest to share such informative knowledge about thyroid. I wonder what motivates you to do this novel work. I feel that since the most Labs Hashimoto package doesnt include FT3 & TG-ab, therefore the normal medical industry practice is not based on FT4 & FT3 level treatment. Which makes me wonder what would be the local doctor reaction when I show him FT3 & FT4 reports. I presume he would consider it waste of money if his approach is treating only TSH. Neverthless, I will share the test results with you, so you can guide me accordingly. Just wondering, are you a doctor ? Please dont take me language sarcastically, I just feel that your critical assessment & point of views are better than most professionals. You have challenged the normal TSH practice, and other members (DES900) point of views. Actually initially I favoured DES900 argument to treat with Vitamin & Iron deficiency, but your counter point seems strong and unfortunately DES900 did not place his counter advise/argument. I just mean a "Healthy Discussion" (counterpoints/arguments) is more informative and vindictive justification for the topic. For now I await my test results and continue with Vitamin supplements. With respect to iron deficiency, I have decided to self-medicate with Amway's Tri-Iron folic (once a day), I hope that is sufficient & appropriate. Thank you.
I appreciate that you take so much interest to share such informative knowledge about thyroid. I wonder what motivates you to do this novel work.
I feel that since the most Labs Hashimoto package doesnt include FT3 & TG-ab, therefore the normal medical industry practice is not based on FT4 & FT3 level treatment. Which makes me wonder what would be the local doctor reaction when I show him FT3 & FT4 reports. I presume he would consider it waste of money if his approach is treating only TSH. Neverthless, I will share the test results with you, so you can guide me accordingly.
Just wondering, are you a doctor ? Please dont take me language sarcastically, I just feel that your critical assessment & point of views are better than most professionals. You have challenged the normal TSH practice, and other members (DES900) point of views. Actually initially I favoured DES900 argument to treat with Vitamin & Iron deficiency, but your counter point seems strong and unfortunately DES900 did not place his counter advise/argument. I just mean a "Healthy Discussion" (counterpoints/arguments) is more informative and vindictive justification for the topic.
For now I await my test results and continue with Vitamin supplements. With respect to iron deficiency, I have decided to self-medicate with Amway's Tri-Iron folic (once a day), I hope that is sufficient & appropriate. Thank you.
I feel that since the most Labs Hashimoto package doesnt include FT3 & TG-ab, therefore the normal medical industry practice is not based on FT4 & FT3 level treatment. Which makes me wonder what would be the local doctor reaction when I show him FT3 & FT4 reports. I presume he would consider it waste of money if his approach is treating only TSH. Neverthless, I will share the test results with you, so you can guide me accordingly.
Just wondering, are you a doctor ? Please dont take me language sarcastically, I just feel that your critical assessment & point of views are better than most professionals. You have challenged the normal TSH practice, and other members (DES900) point of views. Actually initially I favoured DES900 argument to treat with Vitamin & Iron deficiency, but your counter point seems strong and unfortunately DES900 did not place his counter advise/argument. I just mean a "Healthy Discussion" (counterpoints/arguments) is more informative and vindictive justification for the topic.
For now I await my test results and continue with Vitamin supplements. With respect to iron deficiency, I have decided to self-medicate with Amway's Tri-Iron folic (once a day), I hope that is sufficient & appropriate. Thank you.
No, Free T4 and Free T3 are much more useful that the Totals. Don't waste your money on the Totals.
3 Comments
Dear Gimel, I wnet over the Lab website (www.lalpathlabs.com) to book my home collection test. But the Lab states that only TPO along with FT3 & FT4 is enough to diagnose Hashimoto. TG is only required if TPO is negative. I can save some bucks if it aint necessary (if, TPO+), please suggest whether should I go alone with TPO or TPO+TG.
Correction, the Lab Hashimoto package also doesnt include FT3 (& TG). It only includes FT4, TSH, TPO.
If possible, also suggest a thyroid specialist in New Delhi, India.
When you get those tests done I expect you will find that your Free T4 and Free T3 are in the lower part of their ranges and that the TPO ab and TG ab results will show Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. You mention your mom's thyroid doctor. If she was diagnosed with Hashi's, then heredity may be the cause for you becoming hypothyroid.
Hashi's is a disorder in which the autoimmune system erroneously determines that the thyroid gland is foreign to the body and produces antibodies to attack and eventually destroy the gland. As this proceeds, the gland produces less thyroid hormone and the pituitary produces more TSH, in order to try and stimulate thyroid hormone production. Your high TSH test results are consistent with that possibility also.
Hashi's (primary hypothyroidism) is the main cause for diagnosed hypothyroidism. The most important thing for you is to have a good thyroid doctor that will treat clinically by testing and adjusting Free T4 and Free T3 levels as needed to relieve symptoms. Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results, and especially not TSH results after starting on thyroid medication. You can get some good insight from this link written by a good thyroid doctor.
http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html
Many members say that symptom relief required Free T4 at the middle of its range, at minimum, and Free T3 in the upper third of its range, or as needed to relieve symptoms. In addition it is very important to optimize Vitamin d, B12 and ferritin. D should be about 55 min., B12 in the upper end of its range, and ferritin should be about 70 minimum.
Hashi's is a disorder in which the autoimmune system erroneously determines that the thyroid gland is foreign to the body and produces antibodies to attack and eventually destroy the gland. As this proceeds, the gland produces less thyroid hormone and the pituitary produces more TSH, in order to try and stimulate thyroid hormone production. Your high TSH test results are consistent with that possibility also.
Hashi's (primary hypothyroidism) is the main cause for diagnosed hypothyroidism. The most important thing for you is to have a good thyroid doctor that will treat clinically by testing and adjusting Free T4 and Free T3 levels as needed to relieve symptoms. Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results, and especially not TSH results after starting on thyroid medication. You can get some good insight from this link written by a good thyroid doctor.
http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html
Many members say that symptom relief required Free T4 at the middle of its range, at minimum, and Free T3 in the upper third of its range, or as needed to relieve symptoms. In addition it is very important to optimize Vitamin d, B12 and ferritin. D should be about 55 min., B12 in the upper end of its range, and ferritin should be about 70 minimum.
3 Comments
Hi Gimel, thanks again for the detailed response and I must say it is quite informative. I will get back with my test results. I look forward to your review and thereafter please share your opinion on my test results.
Dear Gimel, Apart from FT3, FT4 TPO-ab & TG-ab, should I also get Total T3 & Total T4 test before Doctor visit. Please advise.
The following link about Hashimoto's thyroid suggest Total T3 with FT3. Link:
https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/hashimoto/start/2
https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/hashimoto/start/2
I disagree with des900 because thyroid hormone deficiency itself is a frequent cause for low Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin due to the effect of low stomach acid from the hypothyroidism, resulting in oor absorption of vitamins and nutrients. So if anything is to deferred, it is the D, B12 and ferritin supplementation; however, there is no reason to address these actions sequentially. that only delays getting symptom relief for the patient. It is better to work on both in parallel, with thyroid med and supplements for D, B12 and ferritin.
With those high TSH results, you need to get two tests done to determine if the cause is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Those two tests are Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies and Thyroglobulin antibodies, commonly listed as TPO ab and TG ab. You also need to be tested for the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T4 and Free T3 (not the same as Total T4 and Total T3) every time you go for tests.
Restless leg syndrome, is sometimes associated with hypothyroidism, but you might also want to test for potassium and magnesium levels. Frequent urination like you mention can also be related to hypothyroidism, but it might also be wise to ask your doctor to screen for the possibility of early onset diabetes.
With those high TSH results, you need to get two tests done to determine if the cause is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Those two tests are Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies and Thyroglobulin antibodies, commonly listed as TPO ab and TG ab. You also need to be tested for the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T4 and Free T3 (not the same as Total T4 and Total T3) every time you go for tests.
Restless leg syndrome, is sometimes associated with hypothyroidism, but you might also want to test for potassium and magnesium levels. Frequent urination like you mention can also be related to hypothyroidism, but it might also be wise to ask your doctor to screen for the possibility of early onset diabetes.
2 Comments
Thank you des900 for your suggestion. I have already started Vitamin D & B12 medication/supplements. Now, I will start Iron supplement also. thank you.
Thank you Gimel for your suggestions. I will now go for further examination i.e. TPO ab and TG ab and FT3 & FT4. After that I will consult my mom's thyroid doctor. But honestly, I am a bit reluctant to take thyroid medication unless I am totally satisfied that it is not becos of vitamin deficiency. Is it normal to young people (28 yrs) to get thyroid problem. What could be the possible reason that I got this problem. I am fit, sometimes I overeat, but no junk food atall. I am lean, weight according to height. And what is Hashimoto's thyroid ?
also its important that thyroid medicines should be started only after correcting above deficiencies to some level as it might make symptoms get even worse.
2 Comments
Thank you des900 for your suggestion. I have already started Vitamin D & B12 medication/supplements. Now, I will start Iron supplement also. thank you.
Hi DES900, I was searching for Iron supplement online. Came across Amway Tri-Iron Folic capsules, it also has calcium for absorption. What is your opinion about this supplement.
vitamin d, b12 and ferritin deficiency need to be corrected by supplementing.
concerning thyroid need to recheck thyroid levels after correcting above as low thyroid function can result from deficiencies alone.
concerning thyroid need to recheck thyroid levels after correcting above as low thyroid function can result from deficiencies alone.
1 Comments
Kindly also suggest ferritin supplement available in india or any food item which will help to increase iron & vitamins.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Disorders Community
We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure
Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
