Could I have some help with understanding blood test results?

[M777]

I went to see a private GP the other day after being told it was weight causing all my symptoms by a GP at my surgery- never seen her before, possibly a locum, telephone appointment only.

Of course I will be going back to tbe private GP for a follow up, but haven’t another appointment until early May as I have to wait for a TV scan, and need to take pills to induce a bleed first.

I am peri menopausal, 49, overweight. And have one autoimmune skin condition

Private GP has suggested I ask my regular GP for a coeliac screening, repeat platelet count, and take iron tablets for 6 months.

is there anything else I should ask?

These marked as abnormal

Ferritin
30-150
ng/mL 15.5

Platelets
150-410
1019 cells/L
488.9

Red Cell Distribution Width
Coefficient of Variation
11.6-14.0
CV% 15.4

these below marked as normal but at the lower end.

Vitamin B12 (Active)
24.1-165
pmol/L 42

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
0.4-4.05
mU/L 1.155

According to Med student nephew so take with a grain of salt ...
The ferritin is low and that makes platelets and red cell distribution increase, it’s definitely not because she’s over weight

She should also get a T3, T4 subtype of thyroid hormone
Platelets can be increase by low ferritin, if she feels flat an iron transfusion could be done

I hope you feel better soon.

Is TSH 1.155 or 11.55? 1.155 would in range and normal, 11.55 could indicate underactive thyroid, possibly autoimmune. What is the skin condition?

Your TSH is really good! Around 1 is very positive. People tend to feel awful as it approaches 3/4. Though a full thyroid panel would give a fuller picture, this is a great TSH reading.

Your ferritin is very low and that could be causing many symptoms. How was your vitamin D?

Thank you

vitamin D wasn’t checked, nor were other other thyroid levels. She said TSH would give a full enough picture, even though she suspected it may be thyroid as well as peri. ultrasound is to check for a fibroid. And I didn’t push for full T3, T4 etc.

I have lost 1/2 my hair in last 5 years, although I started with a huge amount so it isn’t very noticeable, but can now use regular hair bands and clips, and don’t have to buy special ones for big hair . My eyebrows are virtually non existent now. They weren’t massive to start with.

I have lichen sclerosus.

TSH was 1.155 not 11.55 - glad to hear that is good.

Ferritin that low will cause hair loss amongst other symptoms - it should be over 100. B12 is way too low also, can also cause some horrible symptoms. I’d start a good iron and B12 supplementation straight away.

What symptoms did you go to your GP with? Could it be possible that those symptoms you told them about are linked to being overweight, or that being overweight could be exacerbating them?

I went with peri symptoms, long cycles and long periods, cramping without bleeding, and asked for a Mirena and estriol cream.
locum gp said I was too fat for any HRT, and should sign up to weight loss injections. private gp said yes, but lets run some blood tests and an ultrasound first.

I am fat. But have been losing steadily for last 7 months after stopping antidepressants that worked, but made me put on and then retain weight. I was on those to help me cope when my only parent was dying and I was caring for them.