January Experiment Blood Test Results
Dragonwolf
Posts: 5,600 Member
As I mentioned at the beginning of January, I did a gluten challenge to verify or rule out Celiac and try again to pinpoint what my issues are. Well, after about 6 weeks eating roughly 3 servings of gluten grain per day, my bloodwork's back. According to the bloodwork, I don't have Celiac, which is good...but does kind of leave me back at square one (because a Celiac diagnosis would be far too convenient for me). However, I got a bunch of other bloodwork done, too, since I have PCOS and I'm still having issues, and the only way I've been able to make progress is carnivore (which I'm okay with, though I'd like some flexibility options). I tried to keep my carbs low, save for the intentional gluten stuff, to mitigate issues.
So, here's my bloodwork results for this experiment:
Total Cholesterol: 174 mg/dL (I'm pretty sure this is the lowest I've seen measured for me)
Triglycerides: 57 mg/dL (!! I was not expecting it to be that low)
HDL: 52 mg/dL (\o/)
LDL: 111 mg/dL
Total/HDL: 3.3
C-Peptide (insulin resistance): 2.6 ng/mL (high end cutoff is 2.7; this is up from my previous test, but below my peak)
Glucose: 102 mg/dL (not surprising in the slightest)
Testosterone: 64 ng/dL
Free T: 1.69 ng/dL
% Free T: 2.64% (upper cutoff 2.5%)
Sex hormone binding globulin: 15.2 nmol/L (low cutoff is 18)
TSH (high sensitivity): 3.161 uIU/mL (high cutoff 4.78, so endo hasn't made any notes in the results)
T4 Free: 0.91 ng/dL (range 0.89-1.76, so low-normal)
T3 Free: 3.3 pg/nL (range is 2.3-4.2, putting this one pretty squarely middle)
So...this means that I'm going to have to emphasize the symptoms I experienced during this to try to guide us. I was definitely experiencing several inflammation issues (chronic, easily-triggered headaches, increase in back and hip pain to the point of needing meds to deal with it), as well as iron deficiency symptoms.
If nothing else, this experiment clinches the fact that keeping carbs low, and keeping gluten out of my diet, is the best thing for me (regardless of the test results). What I found most interesting was that I was dealing with adjustment stuff akin to going low carb, except...in reverse. By the end of it, I was pretty much clawing my way back to low carb/gluten-free. Regardless of the tests, I just feel better eating this way, which is nice.
So, here's my bloodwork results for this experiment:
Total Cholesterol: 174 mg/dL (I'm pretty sure this is the lowest I've seen measured for me)
Triglycerides: 57 mg/dL (!! I was not expecting it to be that low)
HDL: 52 mg/dL (\o/)
LDL: 111 mg/dL
Total/HDL: 3.3
C-Peptide (insulin resistance): 2.6 ng/mL (high end cutoff is 2.7; this is up from my previous test, but below my peak)
Glucose: 102 mg/dL (not surprising in the slightest)
Testosterone: 64 ng/dL
Free T: 1.69 ng/dL
% Free T: 2.64% (upper cutoff 2.5%)
Sex hormone binding globulin: 15.2 nmol/L (low cutoff is 18)
TSH (high sensitivity): 3.161 uIU/mL (high cutoff 4.78, so endo hasn't made any notes in the results)
T4 Free: 0.91 ng/dL (range 0.89-1.76, so low-normal)
T3 Free: 3.3 pg/nL (range is 2.3-4.2, putting this one pretty squarely middle)
So...this means that I'm going to have to emphasize the symptoms I experienced during this to try to guide us. I was definitely experiencing several inflammation issues (chronic, easily-triggered headaches, increase in back and hip pain to the point of needing meds to deal with it), as well as iron deficiency symptoms.
If nothing else, this experiment clinches the fact that keeping carbs low, and keeping gluten out of my diet, is the best thing for me (regardless of the test results). What I found most interesting was that I was dealing with adjustment stuff akin to going low carb, except...in reverse. By the end of it, I was pretty much clawing my way back to low carb/gluten-free. Regardless of the tests, I just feel better eating this way, which is nice.
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Dragonwolf wrote: »If nothing else, this experiment clinches the fact that keeping carbs low, and keeping gluten out of my diet, is the best thing for me (regardless of the test results). What I found most interesting was that I was dealing with adjustment stuff akin to going low carb, except...in reverse. By the end of it, I was pretty much clawing my way back to low carb/gluten-free. Regardless of the tests, I just feel better eating this way, which is nice.
It's good to have that reinforcement that your woe is right for you. That's a bonus.
Your lipids look good. Do you have a "before" panel to compare to? I wouldn't expect them to change a lot in only a month. Perhaps more of a change if you had radically changed your macros and caloric intake (up or down).
Your thyroid numbers look... okay-ish. They look like the type of numbers that could cause symptoms, or not. It could point either way. FT3 is nice, FT4 is lowish and TSH looks high-ish.
Do you have thyroid numbers from before your gluten challenge? Some with hashi's find gluten affects their numbers.
What were your celiac test results? Did they give you multiple tests (DGP IgA and IgG, tTG IgA and IGG, EMA IgA, total serum IgA) to account for the high (25%) false negative rate? Did you get the biopsy, and if so did they take at least six samples? Are you assuming non-celiac gluten sensitivity?1 -
Your lipids look good. Do you have a "before" panel to compare to? I wouldn't expect them to change a lot in only a month. Perhaps more of a change if you had radically changed your macros and caloric intake (up or down).
No "before" panel exact numbers anymore, unfortunately. It's been a few years since they'd been run at this point. I might be able to dig them up either in the paperwork or in past postings here, but I do remember something like TC 210, HDL 48, LDL 107, and TG 98 or some such (I remember, because I was prepared to challenge my doctor regarding the "high" LDL, but everything else was pristine that she agreed there was no issue).Your thyroid numbers look... okay-ish. They look like the type of numbers that could cause symptoms, or not. It could point either way. FT3 is nice, FT4 is lowish and TSH looks high-ish.
Yeah, that's my thought, too. This wouldn't be the first time I've encountered "borderline" readings that are "bad" for me. I'm hoping that because it wasn't mentioned in the notes, she might want to talk more about it (erring on the side that it's "bad" news and therefore should be broached in person). Either way, I'll be bringing it up if she doesn't, because I'm not keen on them, and if she won't help, I'll probably start looking into ways to remedy it without the need for prescriptions.Do you have thyroid numbers from before your gluten challenge? Some with hashi's find gluten affects their numbers.
Nope. That's the first time I've been able to get anyone to run anything more than TSH, which has always been in the upper half of the range, but never over, so no one's ever been inclined to dig deeper.What were your celiac test results? Did they give you multiple tests (DGP IgA and IgG, tTG IgA and IGG, EMA IgA, total serum IgA) to account for the high (25%) false negative rate? Did you get the biopsy, and if so did they take at least six samples? Are you assuming non-celiac gluten sensitivity?
No biopsy. She ordered Tissue TG IgA and IgG, as well as Endomysial Antibodies IgA. The last was negative (literally, no numbers), and the other two were 1 U/mL (anything under 4 for the first one and 6 for the second is considered negative). Given the symptoms, I'd assume NCGS, which I'll also be talking to her about.0 -
Dragonwolf wrote: »No "before" panel exact numbers anymore, unfortunately. It's been a few years since they'd been run at this point. I might be able to dig them up either in the paperwork or in past postings here, but I do remember something like TC 210, HDL 48, LDL 107, and TG 98 or some such (I remember, because I was prepared to challenge my doctor regarding the "high" LDL, but everything else was pristine that she agreed there was no issue).
Your old panel was pretty good to begin with. Even better now. Very nice.
Yeah, that's my thought, too. This wouldn't be the first time I've encountered "borderline" readings that are "bad" for me. I'm hoping that because it wasn't mentioned in the notes, she might want to talk more about it (erring on the side that it's "bad" news and therefore should be broached in person). Either way, I'll be bringing it up if she doesn't, because I'm not keen on them, and if she won't help, I'll probably start looking into ways to remedy it without the need for prescriptions.
Thyroid numbers can vary so much. I have my records from 20 odd years ago. I had my TSH tested and it was a 6 something (6 was "normal" back then) so she had me retested. Within a week my TSH dropped to 4 something. A normal. LOL That happened to me quite a few times before my TSH finally rose into the teens. It doesn't seem high but I'm now on a full replacement dose of natural desiccated thyroid. I get suspicious by normal-ish labs if someone is not feeling right.
My oldest is in this situation too. I suspect there is something off but it isn't off enough for the doctors to do anything. He takes a few thyroid friendly supplements, and that's it.Nope. That's the first time I've been able to get anyone to run anything more than TSH, which has always been in the upper half of the range, but never over, so no one's ever been inclined to dig deeper.
Your FT3 is good and that is usually the one to worry about. It's funny that your TSH is high-ish with good FT3 numbers. That seems a bit unusual.
My FT3 is kept in the 50-75% of the normal range, but because I take NDT my TSH is suppressed. I think it was last a 0.01. LOLNo biopsy. She ordered Tissue TG IgA and IgG, as well as Endomysial Antibodies IgA. The last was negative (literally, no numbers), and the other two were 1 U/mL (anything under 4 for the first one and 6 for the second is considered negative). Given the symptoms, I'd assume NCGS, which I'll also be talking to her about.
TTG IgA and tTG IgG are good tests, but they do miss up to 25% of celiacs.
The EMA IgA is a LOT like the tTG but it tends to be positive in only more advanced celiacs. It is done as a titre. I can't remember the exact ratios. I think some are positive at 1:80, but all are by 1:160... could be way off on those numbers and mixing them up with another titre test. One can have celiac and be negative in this test too. I think it misses about 20%.
You missed the DGP IgA and IgG (deaminated gliadin peptides). They're good tests. The DGP IgG especially is the most sensitive of all tests. They'd be good ones to get done if you haven't been GF again for very long. I know of a few celiacs who had positive DGP tests but negative tTG tests.
I'd agree that NCGS is a good diagnosis to go with. Same treatment anyways, right?
I had positive tTG IIgA and EMA IgA. My kids were all negative but 2/3 have definite issues with gluten. One has BM issues and the other has concentration and energy problems. They are GF. It may be NCGS but they are just as strictly GF as a celiac.
Hope you are feeling better from your gluten challenge really soon.1 -
Oops. Forgot to add a link on testing ETA info on testing: http://www.worldgastroenterology.org/guidelines/global-guidelines/celiac-disease/celiac-disease-english
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Ugh, I just had a whole post that disappeared. Your TSH is way too high, to my understanding. More info below.
Here's some info from another post where I included thyroid info...
There is a HUGE difference between "normal" and "optimal" ranges for thyroid function. My endocrinologist told me that at 25-50+ years old, my TSH should be under 2, and most feel best between 1.0-1.5. 0.5-1.5 is considered optimal. My last TSH had gone up from 2.04 uIU/mL - where I'd started to feel somewhat normal, to 2.87 uIU/mL - which was definitely well above where he wants it to be.
My last Free T4 was 1.0 ng/DL. Optimal range is supposed to be 75%-100% of the allowable range, which my lab report says is: 0.8-1.8 ng/dL.
My last Free T3 was 2.9 pg/mL. Again, my understanding, and I can look this up, but optimal is supposed to be around 75% of acceptable range: 2.3-4.2 pg/mL.
My endo, with these numbers, increased both my T4 AND T3 medications. Just to share some perspective.
And as a weird side note, I was listening to a podcast the other day that talked about NOT being a fan of bone broth due to the higher levels of sulfur. He was a fan of organ meats, though. I don't remember the whole podcast, but it was Chris Masterjohn, PhD.
For helping thyroid support - I've found that increasing Iodine/iodide, selenium, and zinc to be crucial - as well as digestive enzymes/bile acids to be able to properly absorb them. Making sure your D3 and B12 levels are in the upper portion as well is very important. I'm still on the fence as to Ashawagandha, but it doesn't seem to be harmful. I found a thyroid support blend (NOW brand) that has most of the optional supplements in it that Maria Emmerich and others recommend. I did stop taking extra l-tyrosine aside from this formula, as I had been doing... But the main ones were iodine,, selenium, and zinc that really made me have fewer symptoms.
I was finally able to increase my iron/ferritin, etc., D3, and B12 once adding in the digestive supplements...
EDITED TO ADD: Oddly, preventing insulin from dropping too low is also critical when thyroid low-function is present.0 -
You can also become T4 and T3 resistant, which can cause your free numbers to look decent, and even your TSH to look decent, R numbers good or bad, but still have all the symptoms, which is a rare-ish condition, so I'd have to dig to remember all the details.
But again, so much comes back to gut health. Without enough stomach acids and digestive enzymes, you can't convert T4 to usable T3, and can't use T3 properly. Since the NCGS issue may be at hand, it's likely your gut health is highly compromised, which could possibly be the root cause of nearly everything else.0 -
So, I had my appointment. Doctor's pretty convinced that I'm at least gluten sensitive, despite the tests, based on symptoms. She ordered the genetic marker test for that. I don't remember the name off hand.
She also ordered the DHEA test, on the PCOS front, as sort of a last-ditch effort there, and for one more piece of information to send to the referral endocrinologist that specializes in weight and metabolism.
No notes on the thyroid stuff, but she's also going to do some homework and see if there's something we may be missing.
My iron is low right now, but that's because of the gluten trial. That should bounce back in a couple of weeks.0 -
So, in PCOS, DHEA is normally elevated (according to online). According to the only time I had it run, my result was low end of range, but I don't know what optimal is...
May 17, 2014 - it was 163 mcg/dL - reference range shows as 40-325.
This was my initial work with my endo. I know he put me on Spirolactone or whatever it is then...but it dehydrated me insanely and didn't seem to help... Now I'm going to have to investigate this one... I know we did cortisol tests (suppression and 24-hour urine collection) because cortisol and insulin levels were elevated at that same test period...
And that's awesome that they're going to do the genetic marker test. I'd love to do that full workup, like @cstehansen got done!
Even on keto when I cut out nearly all grains (periodically would have something with flax that had wheat in it, but high fiber, etc.), my iron never improved noticeably until I started using the digestive enzymes regularly. It's nice that you don't have that issue.0 -
OPTIMAL RANGE OF DHEA IN MEN*
Standard Reference Range: 280-640 µg/dL
Optimal Range: 400-500 µg/dL
OPTIMAL RANGE OF DHEA IN WOMEN*
Standard Reference Range: 65-380 µg/dL
Optimal Range: 350-430 µg/dL
*Measured as DHEA Sulfate
lifeextension.com/magazine/2006/5/report_blood/Page-02
According to this set of tests, my adrenals were far below optimal ranges. I think I'll ask my Endo to retest in April when I have 6 month blood work...
Interesting this note about thyroid: Natural therapies may help to support thyroid health and optimize TSH levels. You may wish to discuss with your doctor the use of L-tyrosine, iodine, and selenium. (this is optimal according to it: Optimal Range: 0.35-2.1 mU/L).0 -
KnitOrMiss wrote: »OPTIMAL RANGE OF DHEA IN MEN*
Standard Reference Range: 280-640 µg/dL
Optimal Range: 400-500 µg/dL
OPTIMAL RANGE OF DHEA IN WOMEN*
Standard Reference Range: 65-380 µg/dL
Optimal Range: 350-430 µg/dL
*Measured as DHEA Sulfate
lifeextension.com/magazine/2006/5/report_blood/Page-02
According to this set of tests, my adrenals were far below optimal ranges. I think I'll ask my Endo to retest in April when I have 6 month blood work...
Interesting this note about thyroid: Natural therapies may help to support thyroid health and optimize TSH levels. You may wish to discuss with your doctor the use of L-tyrosine, iodine, and selenium. (this is optimal according to it: Optimal Range: 0.35-2.1 mU/L).
Sorry to hijack, @KnitOrMiss , but do you remember the names of the tests for adrenals your dr did. I want to know what he used so I can browbeat my dearest Dr. Nerd to do the tests I want on Thursday.0 -
baconslave wrote: »KnitOrMiss wrote: »OPTIMAL RANGE OF DHEA IN MEN*
Standard Reference Range: 280-640 µg/dL
Optimal Range: 400-500 µg/dL
OPTIMAL RANGE OF DHEA IN WOMEN*
Standard Reference Range: 65-380 µg/dL
Optimal Range: 350-430 µg/dL
*Measured as DHEA Sulfate
lifeextension.com/magazine/2006/5/report_blood/Page-02
According to this set of tests, my adrenals were far below optimal ranges. I think I'll ask my Endo to retest in April when I have 6 month blood work...
Interesting this note about thyroid: Natural therapies may help to support thyroid health and optimize TSH levels. You may wish to discuss with your doctor the use of L-tyrosine, iodine, and selenium. (this is optimal according to it: Optimal Range: 0.35-2.1 mU/L).
Sorry to hijack, @KnitOrMiss , but do you remember the names of the tests for adrenals your dr did. I want to know what he used so I can browbeat my dearest Dr. Nerd to do the tests I want on Thursday.
I did the DHEA-S test, Cortisol AM Sample (which I don't know how that is different than the fasting cortisol test, but it is, as the ranges and values are very different - 0.6 mcg/dL vs. 23.0 mcg/dL...which are L and H respectively)...., the suppression one is where you take a pill at night, then do a blood test at a specific time in the AM (Overnight Dexamethasone Suppression Test), then the ones that go together with the 24 hour urine collection test that have to be done several days after the suppression test are: Urine Free Cortisol 24 Hour, Urine Creatinine 24 Hour, Urine Creatinine, Urine Total Volume, Cortisol AM Sample (I guess that's the one I was thinking about before).
https://adrenalfatiguesolution.com/testing-for-adrenal-fatigue/
healthcommunities.com/blood-tests/adrenal-hormone-tests.shtml
pro2services.com/lectures/spring/adrenal/adrenal.htm
adrenalfatiguesociety.com/best-test-for-adrenal-fatigue/
Have no idea if this helps at all, @baconslave...maybe someone else will have better suggestions.2 -
DHEA-S is back, 376 mcg/dL, so pretty spot on, it looks.
I've got an appointment in a month with the weight management endo, so we'll see how that goes.1 -
@Dragonwolf - I'm really hoping you get some answers soon. At this point, I'm frustrated and confused enough to have half a mind to mortgage my soul to be able to afford DNA testing and a functional medicine doctor. Borderline losing it over here... *sigh*0
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KnitOrMiss wrote: »@Dragonwolf - I'm really hoping you get some answers soon. At this point, I'm frustrated and confused enough to have half a mind to mortgage my soul to be able to afford DNA testing and a functional medicine doctor. Borderline losing it over here... *sigh*
Trust me, I know the feeling. I've been alternating between determination and giving up, because something's clearly going on, but even after years, I've yet to pinpoint anything.1 -
Dragonwolf wrote: »KnitOrMiss wrote: »@Dragonwolf - I'm really hoping you get some answers soon. At this point, I'm frustrated and confused enough to have half a mind to mortgage my soul to be able to afford DNA testing and a functional medicine doctor. Borderline losing it over here... *sigh*
Trust me, I know the feeling. I've been alternating between determination and giving up, because something's clearly going on, but even after years, I've yet to pinpoint anything.
You just put into thoughts my existence in this moment.
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