Page 3 | Could someone please help me to understand my blood test results - concerned about cholesterol and thyroid

itsahealthone · 2022-10-01T19:52:24+00:00

I had a range of blood tests done and I am unsure as to how to read the results (despite lots of googling!). If there is anyone here who could explain both the cholesterol result and the thyroid result for me that would be immensely helpful. And if there is anything else to note in the results then I would gladly hear about that too! TIA

DeedIDo · 02/10/2022 19:59

Cholesterol is high because thyroid is out of kilter.

TSH in low normal range plus FT4 below range could be indicative of secondary hypothyroidism, but iron is less than optimal and ferritin is only just at the cut off for deficiency. So two potential causes of fatigue there OP.

Whether you can get an NHS doctor interested in all this is another matter.

The good people at ThyroidUK may be able to advise.

Original poster

itsahealthone · 02/10/2022 20:00

fishonabicycle · 02/10/2022 09:54

Results slightly outside normal range - would usually retest in 4-6 weeks - then assess to see if results were part of a trend or one off outliers. But obviously book appt with GP to discuss (and send copy to GP for their records).

Okay - I will do both of these things. Thank you!

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Original poster

itsahealthone · 02/10/2022 20:10

Angelinflipflops · 02/10/2022 12:16

Keeping a track of your health through private testing will become more common as the prices come down, its a good thing, especially since doctors appointments are like hens teeth

I quite agree.

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Original poster

itsahealthone · 02/10/2022 20:12

KvotheTheBloodless · 02/10/2022 12:35

Your ferritin level is low, still just about within normal range but low enough to potentially cause symptoms - every body is different though so it's hard to know whether this is causing your fatigue. I'd take an iron supplement for 4 weeks and see if that helps - no longer, though, without medical supervision as it can make you constipated and upset your tummy.

If the iron supplement helps, go to your GP with your blood test results and explain you've been taking iron supplements and feel a lot better, they'll advise on dose etc going forwards.

If you went to the GP now with those results you'd not be prescribed iron as you're just within the cutoff for 'normal'.

Re: thyroid, as PPs have said you should see your GP about it, it's a complex area and very patient-specific. It's not possible to diagnose you over the internet based on those test results.

Your cholesterol numbers are borderline high, but given your age and ratio you're very likely fine - talk to your GP who should be able to put your mind at rest.

I was actually toying with the idea of doing exactly this. I have been anaemic before, and I felt similarly to the way I feel now. Will purchase an iron supplement to try and address the low ferritin and see if a short course helps.

Thanks for the info.

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Original poster

itsahealthone · 02/10/2022 20:17

Iheartmysmart · 02/10/2022 17:16

Private blood tests are a good thing in my view. I’d been going to see my GP for 7 years suffering from utter exhaustion, hair loss, palpitations etc and was repeatedly fobbed off with ‘there’s nothing wrong with you’. Had private bloods done which found under range ferritin, Vitamin D deficiency, very low B12 and central hypothyroidism. My GP would happily have left me barely functioning for all eternity. I now buy everything I need online and, apart from HRT which she spouted a load of nonsense about, I no longer involve my GP in my health at all. I feel much better now.

This is awful, I am so sorry to hear it. And glad that you are feeling so much better now! 💐

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Original poster

itsahealthone · 02/10/2022 20:18

caringcarer · 02/10/2022 17:30

Your Thyroid is fine. They won't medicate you for that, but might recall you for another test in 6 months. Your cholesterol is raised and you could try cutting back on foods with high cholesterol such as cheese. Try to lower it below 5. You can buy little yoghurt with plant stenils to lower cholesterol naturally. I would try this first.

Thank you! I will have a look at getting some of the yoghurts.

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Original poster

itsahealthone · 02/10/2022 20:19

DeedIDo · 02/10/2022 19:59

Cholesterol is high because thyroid is out of kilter.

TSH in low normal range plus FT4 below range could be indicative of secondary hypothyroidism, but iron is less than optimal and ferritin is only just at the cut off for deficiency. So two potential causes of fatigue there OP.

Whether you can get an NHS doctor interested in all this is another matter.

The good people at ThyroidUK may be able to advise.

Much appreciated. Thank you! I do think that one or both of these things may be the cause of my fatigue, yes.

OP posts:

Original poster

itsahealthone · 02/10/2022 20:19

DeedIDo · 02/10/2022 19:59

Cholesterol is high because thyroid is out of kilter.

TSH in low normal range plus FT4 below range could be indicative of secondary hypothyroidism, but iron is less than optimal and ferritin is only just at the cut off for deficiency. So two potential causes of fatigue there OP.

Whether you can get an NHS doctor interested in all this is another matter.

The good people at ThyroidUK may be able to advise.

But does one point out of range count as 'out of kilter'?

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MytummydontjigglejiggleItfolds · 02/10/2022 22:07

You need someone to take a thorough history to understand it all.
Have you had a baby recently?
Short course of ferritin replacement - you might feel better in month or so but it takes at least 3 months to replenish stores for your RBCs etc so would need a repeat blood test then.
Thyroid antibodies and T3 would give you a better picture, but honestly if you're just one point out it would probably be worth just repeating in a few weeks and in the mean time trying the ferritin to see if it helps

Original poster

itsahealthone · 03/10/2022 10:46

MytummydontjigglejiggleItfolds · 02/10/2022 22:07

You need someone to take a thorough history to understand it all.
Have you had a baby recently?
Short course of ferritin replacement - you might feel better in month or so but it takes at least 3 months to replenish stores for your RBCs etc so would need a repeat blood test then.
Thyroid antibodies and T3 would give you a better picture, but honestly if you're just one point out it would probably be worth just repeating in a few weeks and in the mean time trying the ferritin to see if it helps

No I haven't had a baby recently (or ever). I am off to buy ferritin today - thank you and thank also to the PPs who recommended this.

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Waynettaaa · 03/10/2022 11:34

itsahealthone · 02/10/2022 20:19

But does one point out of range count as 'out of kilter'?

Show quote history

OP, it's so difficult to be treated properly with Thyroid problems. Gp goals seem to get you within range and feel their job is done. To be well, you need to be optimal.

Definitely look at ThyroidUK and there are a lot of good groups on Facebook, too.

I've been dx with UAT for 33yrs and I'm still not fully "well".

Good luck!

Thegroaninggurner · 07/10/2022 21:56

I can't see what the ops ferritin level is but can anyone tell me is a ferritin level of 10 really bad?

DeedIDo · 07/10/2022 22:01

Yes it is. The guidelines say that anything under 30 confirms iron deficiency