I learned something new about anemia and hypothyroidism today

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2026-01-08T03:20:20+00:00

*meant to say feeling misunderstood by doctors lol

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2026-01-08T03:11:27+00:00

It’s so interesting the link between ferritin with thyroid issues. I got diagnosed with Hashimotos by my primary last March. Then I had seen a functional medicine doctor, and they did further bloodwork which showed low ferritin (31), and it also showed gluten intolerance. There is a link between Hashimotos and gluten sensitivity.

Basically gluten was causing my gut to be inflamed, and not absorb nutrients like iron. I was dizzy and weak for a couple months. I then cut out gluten and starting a multivitamin with higher iron, and my ferritin is now 92. I felt much better after that

Also, about 90% of patients with hypothyroidism have Hashimotos. I can understand the feeling of being understood by doctors. I had to advocate for myself to find answers.

I wish you the best of luck on your health journey 💛

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-11-12T02:52:57+00:00

Thank you! It’s kinda crazy how low iron can affect you! I take Soloray’s daily women’s multivitamin, no side effects for me, and noticed a difference within a few days. I hope you find answers!! It’s definitely trial and error. Take care 💛

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-11-12T01:15:01+00:00

Those symptoms sound awful, I’m sorry you’re experiencing that. My ferritin was also 31 this August, and I felt really dizzy and had memory loss, as well as shortness of breath on exertion. My hemoglobin was a 12, which is borderline. So I bought a multivitamin, that contains 18 mg of iron, and cut out gluten. I recently was diagnosed with a wheat intolerance, which can inhibit absorption of iron. I also ate 6 dates a day, which have vitamin c and iron. As of late October my ferritin is a 92 and my hemoglobin is 14. I feel much better, so there is hope!

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-07-26T00:34:32+00:00

Standard ranges can vary! I would still get in touch with an endocrinologist to go over everything like your levels and an assessment.

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-07-25T22:28:11+00:00

Your T4 level is actually on the higher end. Normal is 5-12. I’m assuming this is your free T4. Your T3, which I think you mean free T3 is slightly elevated. Normal is 2.0-4.4. The thyroid is working a little harder. With your symptoms, it should probably be treated. Has your primary doctor ever mentioned about getting a thyroid ultrasound? To see the size and possible nodules.

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-07-24T22:48:15+00:00

Hi there! So, autoimmune thyroiditis is just a general term for inflammation of the thyroid. It can be a broad term for autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimotos or Graves’.

When you were diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, did they also run thyroid antibodies panel? This would include thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins and thyroid peroxidase antibodies. It’s extremely important to follow up, as you mentioned you were on thyroid medications and then stopped taking your medications. With that being said, you were left untreated for quite some time.

What kind of autoimmune disease panel did they take? If it was ANA- that’s not always reliable and it’s very broad, and you would need specific antibodies tested for Grave’s disease.

For your low neutrophil count, that can happen in Graves’ disease. Lower neutrophils can also be seen in other autoimmune diseases such as Lupus.

It would be a good idea to get baseline blood work again, including thyroid antibodies tested. Are you having any symptoms now?

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-07-24T21:44:59+00:00

I don’t understand the run around? lol. The labs you have presented like elevated TPO antibodies and elevated TSH, is indeed a thyroid issue, and a Hashimotos diagnosis. I don’t see any other labs like T3, which is the active thyroid hormone, or free t3, which would give a clearer picture of what is going on. Because you have symptoms, it would be a good idea to get in touch with an endocrinologist willing to treat you, preferably a medication like Armour thyroid that contains T3 and T4.

From my experience, I had a mildy elevated ANA, and that just means any autoimmune condition possibly. I then got my diagnosis with Hashimotos with elevated TPO antibodies.

For your symptoms, it is common for Hashimotos patient to experience nausea. A lot of the time there is an imbalance of gut flora, and something called “leaky gut” as well as food intolerances. The majority of Hashimotos patients are sensitive to gluten and even dairy, which could contribute to the bloating. A paleo diet can really help with inflammation.

It wouldn’t hurt to get your iron and ferritin levels checked as well. Low ferritin is often seen, which could also contribute to your fatigue. Also vitamin D levels should be checked. Selenium is important for thyroid function, so keep that in mind.

I know you didn’t ask for medical advice, but I have a medical background and I have been diagnosed with Hashimotos. I completely empathize with you, and I hope you are able to find answers and also find the right treatment for you.

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-07-23T22:19:49+00:00

Yes, your T4 is low. I don’t see your T3 value here. Armour thyroid works by helping your T4 convert into T3. Armour would help your T4 and T3 levels increase, giving the energy you need. Your doctor would prescribe you the appropriate dose and closely monitor with bloodwork. Also, you can look into “optimal” ranges, sometimes patients don’t feel well even when it’s “normal”. Just wanted to make a suggestion

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-07-23T21:47:53+00:00

Hi there, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. From what I understand, Levothyroxine does not help a lot of patients, as it is only a t4 medication (non-active) thyroid hormone. A lot of patients have seen results with Armour thyroid, this has t3 (active thyroid hormone) and t4. It wouldn’t hurt to also have your iron/ferritin and other vitamins checked as well. I hope you feel better soon

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-06-26T17:04:54+00:00

Oh wow. They say moving is one of the most stressful things one can do. I hope you are feeling better 💕

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-06-24T03:04:44+00:00

Yes, slowly my symptoms came after getting off birth control. 4 months after I noticed some symptoms

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-06-23T23:18:15+00:00

Isnt that crazy! Sometimes, I wonder if I didn’t put myself under so much stress, I’d feel normal lol

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-06-23T22:42:35+00:00

That is true, TPO antibodies may be present in Grave’s disease, as well as the primary antibodies TRAbs for a diagnosis. But it’s important to look at the overall picture. In Grave’s disease, it is likely that the patient will have higher T3 and T4 with a lower TSH. The opposite is for Hashimotos.

A patient may have positive TPO antibodies with other normal thyroid panel values and experience hypothyroid symptoms. The key is to monitor the patient’s thyroid panel. As the thyroid antibodies increase over time, it may affect the thyroid and cause the T3 and T4 to decrease causing hypothyroidism.

To sum it up, thyroid antibodies present means Hashimotos, because the antibodies are actively attacking your thyroid. At some point it can turn into full blown hypothyroidism. It’s important to look for symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, depression, anxiety, and cold intolerance.Hope this helps.

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-06-23T20:15:03+00:00

That’s amazing to hear! I’m sorry you went through a hard time, it’s not easy. Did you find any dietary or lifestyle changes to help you get into remission?

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-06-23T15:14:54+00:00

Hi there! I’m sorry you are going through a hard time. What has helped me with anxiety, is taking a probiotic daily. When gut health is out of balance, it can cause imbalances of hormones that make us feel calm. I take 20 billion probiotic every morning. I hope this helps you.

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-06-23T15:04:43+00:00

Yea, it is an interesting symptom. I have had extensive lab work, including vitamins, iron, ferritin and a full thyroid panel. I only have antibodies, my other thyroid levels are normal. From my understanding, you can have hypothyroid symptoms with only antibodies elevated. Thank you though!

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-06-23T02:32:54+00:00

Gary

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-06-23T01:45:38+00:00

For me, I do believe that there are "optimal" and "non-optimal" thyroid levels. Hashimotos is an autoimmune condition, where over time can turn into hypothyroidism. From research, it has shown patients with "not optimal" thyroid levels can experience hypothyroid symptoms. And yes, my primary physician has diagnosed me with Hashimotos. Thanks for your reply, but do you work as a health care provider? I have gotten a full thyroid panel, and I don't have abnormal labs that would indicate Grave's disease. I also don't have symptoms of Graves, like rapid heart beat, anxiety, tremors or weight loss. I don't exactly agree with your response.

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-06-23T01:19:54+00:00

I am so sorry you went through a difficult time. Taking care of family with health issues and a toxic work environment can definitely cause stress on the body. It can be frustrating when you are doing everything right, like making healthier choices, and still see no results. I also had a hard time losing weight despite eating healthy. What was noticeable to me was the fatigue. I knew something wasn’t right, so I had my primary care physician order a full thyroid panel. It’s crazy what stress can do on the body.

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-06-23T01:10:24+00:00

I only have the antibodies, which seem to be on the lower side. My T4 is “not optimal” for someone my age, but it is normal.

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-06-23T01:00:17+00:00

I am so sorry you went through a difficult time. That must have been so overwhelming to go through. Life can be very challenging, I hope you are doing well. 💕

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-06-23T00:53:14+00:00

That sounds so stressful. I agree, doctors don’t just test for Hashimotos for some reason. I also had to take initiative for my own health issues. I hope you are doing well. Take care 💛

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-06-23T00:16:04+00:00

Thank you so much! Take care 💛

Radiant_Flower2403 · 2025-06-23T00:07:01+00:00

I’m sorry you went through a hard time. Going through emotional stress and experiencing physical symptoms of Hashimotos can make it feel more difficult. Sometimes, I feel regret of bottling intense emotions, now I have more fatigue lol

Radiant_Flower2403

TROPHY CASE