retesting the thyroid

[deeddee582]

I saw the renal doctor today and all the tests were good except she thought my iron was a little low and prescribed ferrous gluconate to take. Also tsh was lower and I am 100mcg of synthroid. That is all my pcp would do is the tsh. I am looking for a new doctor.

[gimel]

Before taking iron supplements it is always a good idea to test for ferritin and a full iron test panel (serum iron, TIBC, and % saturation).   If already taking iron supplements you don't need to guess about symptoms, just do the iron related tests and you will know.

[deeddee582]

I did have blood work done 2 weeks ago. PTH Intact was done 40.4  Reference range PG/ML ( 12.0 - 88.0 ) This is always checked along with the calcium and vitamin. So low vitamin D can cause problems, as well as low iron saturation . So if you are taking iron if you happen to develop side effects how do you know if it is from too much iron or having low vitamin D sympthoms. Plus you  are dealing with your thyroid. lots of things to think about.

[deeddee582]

PTH INTACT was done 40.4 Reference range  PG/ML (12.0-88.0 ) They always check this along with the 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 and the calcium.

[gimel]

Yes, ferritin/iron is very important for properly metabolizing thyroid hormone.

As for your Vitamin D, I did some reading about it and noted that the sole purpose of Vitamin  D is to help the intestines absorb calcium from the food we eat.  Thus increasing Vitamin D would increase your calcium level, which is near the top of the range already.  I do think that from looking at the pictorial in this link, it would be worthwhile to have a PTH test done just to make sure there is no hyperparathyroidism, contributing to your  low D/high calcium.

http://www.parathyroid.com/low-vitamin-d.htm

[deeddee582]

Sorry I posted wrong.I posted the calcium  levels you requested and also the last two vitamin D levels.

[deeddee582]

I posted the results for my calcium levels. I don't know if you noticed the post.

[deeddee582]

They have been checking the calcium level since August of 2012 when I started seeing the renal specialist.On Oct 25 2013 calcium 9.8  range (8.6-10.3) calcium-ionized 1.33  range (1.10-1.35). Vitamin D 25-OH TOTAL 44  range(20-100).
Dec /11/2013 calcium 9.9  range (8.6-10.3) calcium-ionized 1.33  range (1.10-1.35). VITAMIN D 25-OH TOTAL 22  range (20-100) . note says levels between 20 ng/ml and 30 ng/ml suggest insufficiency. She is aware of that but as I said I can take 200 mg daily because it affects the calcium level. I know at one time the calcium was at 10. I am  wondering if beside having the problem with the thyroid dose if this could be causing some of my problems. I read the iron affects the way the thyroid functions.

[gimel]

Your doctor is right about the need to supplement iron.  Recommended range for ferritin for women is 70-80.  Vitamin D is low as you mentioned.  What is your calcium level and how long have you had high calcium?

[deeddee582]

I received my copy of the report today
Iron 59       reference range 50-212
iron binding capacity 393   reference range  262-474
% saturation   15L       reference 20-55
ferritin  35.2        reference range 11.0-307.0
vitamin d 25-oh total 22       reference range 20-100 ( I am only allowed to take 200 mg vitamin D because my calcium level is high .
Tsh 2.46      reference range 0.44-4.21 As I posted before doctor would only order tsh.

[deeddee582]

I am waiting for my copy to come in the mail. We were going over so many things I forgot to ask. I live I Wilkes Barre, Pa 18702

[gimel]

What were the results of your iron tests?  

If you will tell us your location perhaps we can recommend a good thyroid doctor for you.