Can anyone help me with reading some blood test results

[rasberrycake]

I have been feeling really fatigued and had a blood test to work out why.

I've attached some results and I honestly think there is something wrong with my thyroid but results say normal and maybe it's just a standard note after the result but I don't understand it for this or the b12 one.

I can literally tick every single symptom of thyroid problems but I understand a lot cross over with other issues so would just like to know what the notes mean so I can say fair enough I don't have any problems. I also don't understand the numbers either and assume I'm supposed to just say it's normal and move on. Can anyone help? Thanks

Nurse here 🙂 I’ll give it a go but you should really make an appointment with your GP to talk about it.

The way that these tests work is that there are a range of results based on the general population that are considered “normal”. Anything outside of these ranges, low or high, needs looking into as it might be caused by a health condition. The thing is, some people have symptoms of conditions while being just inside or just outside of the range, as the ranges are based on the general population rather than you in particular.

Both your TSH and your vitamin b12 are on the lower end of what’s considered normal-that’s why you have those notes, as a blood test alone shouldn’t rule out a condition. That decision has to be made clinically. Your serum folate is a little low too. Generally speaking, most people with your numbers are fine but not everyone iyswim. Did you have a full blood count (FBC) at the same time? I presume those numbers were normal too.

I hope this helps!

Thank you so much for your reply I'm so desperate it's impossible to get an appointment at my GP and they're never face to face only over the phone so I find it difficult to articulate everything especially as I live rurally so my phone just cuts out through the call as well which reduced the time I get to speak with them (which also adds to the stress of trying to book an appointment at the 8am race for an appointment sadly as if my phone cuts out that's it!)
I've attached my FBC (and erased my details) they all say normal.

I am in my 30's and so fatigued and am spending long periods trying to live life around being very tired all the time and really down about it all. Just trying to work out why I feel like this.

Hmmm both your serum folate and haematocrit levels are a little low. Still within normal levels, mind, but if they’re low for you then that might explain the fatigue. That would also square with the lowish b12 as these are all related.
Increasing your folate and b12 intake would probably help (supplements plus leafy green veg, marmite and animal products if you eat them). Do try to talk to your doctor though as, like the note says, they might agree that you have enough b12 deficiency symptoms to want to start prescription supplements.

Thank you so much! I will contact my gp as well and hope I can get somewhere.

Concurring with others that B12 and folate are too low. Ferritin could also do with a boost, but is better than we usually see on here.

More advice re B12 from the Pernicious Anaemia Society forum on HealthUnlocked, but I would be looking for a good B complex supplement containing methylfolate rather than folic acid.

TSH looks spot on, but there is no clue what your thyroid is actually doing.

Thanks @TheOtherHotstepper I had these done months ago but just requested the results on paper as when I rang they told me nothing was wrong.
I asked if the dr would go over them with me but they said not unless I get an app. And I haven't been able to get an appointment since. So desperate now.

Although B12 and folate are low, MCV is at the lower end of the normal range, so it doesn't look like a megaloblastic anaemia (which is how B12 or folate deficiency would affect blood components).

Anaemia isn't the only cause of fatigue, so the fact that your blood counts are normal doesn't mean everything else is. Any symptoms of sleep apnoea (heavy snoring, dry mouth & unpleasant taste when you wake in the morning)? There are loads of other possible causes but these are impossible to work out on an internet forum.

Thanks @NoNotHimTheOtherOne I can't sleep very well but no snoring. Have a dry mouth every morning but assumed that's normal.

I understand it's not possible to actually know what's wrong via the internet but all of this advice has given me more confidence to really try to get an appointment as the GP as they haven't contacted me and with most of the items on the blood tests saying 'normal' I just assumed I'm expected to get on with it. I know they will just say well everything came back normal. They are so busy so I trying to be understanding but the fatigue is really affecting my life.

I have gone from being this lively person who does a million things a day easily to someone who drags themselves about tired all the time, it's a bit of a shock to me and my family that everything is apparently still 'normal'. I do swell up a lot as well especially my face, it just turns really round on any given day.

Have you had your iron stores and vitamin D levels measured too?

@BirminghamNewStreet thanks, yes my vitamin D level was 24.5 nmol/L and a note says to take 1000 units until summer. I have bought D supplements and taken them for a a couple of months but still very tired unfortunately. Unless perhaps they might take longer to help me?

It was the only thing flagged as not 'normal' I've attached the iron studies. I don't know what it all means!

Medic here, seeing those I would advise a good multi- vit and repeat after 3 months. Also make sure you are getting enough sleep. Reduce your alcohol intake to within recommended limits and take 30-60 mins exercise daily. V. Boring advice.

@Dyslexicwonder thank you. I don't drink and already do exercise. Hopefully a multi vitamin will help as I don't take them atm.