Is your increased TSH levels a THYROID issue or FOLATE (vitamin B9) deficiency ?

A CASE STUDY

A young person at uni suddenly has extremely high levels of TSH with no previous history nor symptoms of thyroid. Physically slender built, good hair growth, glowing skin and properly the only symptom was tiredness which could be put down to late nights, lack of sleep and exam study of a typical uni teenager. It was also noted the RBCs were borderline high. Alongside, T4 showed good levels of thyroxine levels. Though the GP suggested immediate medication however we decided to request a retest.

The retest showed stabilised levels of TSH with a drop from 18 to 6 bringing much relief and no immediate medication was needed. With no symptoms of thyroid, antibody test normal and nothing more to do on the medical side it was decided to take a more holistic approach trying to resolve the issue. Started Bach flower remedies, 3 weeks of EFT tapping focusing on supportive diet, breathing exercises, sleep and visualisation affirmations too.

Another retest after a few months had indicated the body was recovering with over all blood test levels improving however still not okay. When the patient showed me test results I wasn’t convinced it was a thyroid issue since very good thyroxine T4 levels. On comparing previous years blood test results I actually noticed a big fall in folate that caught my attention and indicated a possible reason for increase in TSH and RBCs. Low levels of folate can cause folate anaemia, a condition that would increase the size of red blood cells.

The patient upon confirming with the GP has now started folate supplements to increase levels focusing on diet rich in folate alongside. Often in reports the moment TSH increase is seen it gets assumed it is a thyroid issue. Awareness is a blessing. If the body is producing good thyroxine levels, it may possibly be a folate issue. Focusing on your diet to increase folates would be the way forward. The holistic methods we used help strengthen the body helping better absorption of nutrients and recovery. Folate via folic acid known to most women and a must during pregnancy but yes, it is definitely possible men can get deficient in this vitamin too.

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