difficulty regulating thyroid medication

By Anonymous August 3, 2012 - 10:03pm

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I had a thyroidectomy for nodules , the gland was completely removed 41 years ago. I have never had a problem with regulating the thyroid dosage untill recently for the past six months I have been having my TSH level checked every six weeks and levothyroxine adjusted,with each test it remains either too high or too low. My blood work also shows anemia, and one test with a low white blood cell count. I have had both iron and B12 levels tested and iron and B12 are at the low end of normal range. Internal bleeding has been ruled out.
I am 65 years old. Could the anemia be pernicious anemia? Do you have any recommendations.

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Anonymous

HI Anon,

Welcome to EmpowHER. Pernicious anemia is a type of vitamin B12 anemia. The body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells. You get this vitamin from eating foods such as meat, poultry, shellfish, eggs, and dairy products.

A special protein, called intrinsic factor, helps your intestines absorb vitamin B12. This protein is released by cells in the stomach. When the stomach does not make enough intrinsic factor, the intestine cannot properly absorb vitamin B12.

Common causes of pernicious anemia include:

Weakened stomach lining (atrophic gastritis)
An autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks intrinsic factor protein or the cells that make it.

This is something you will have to discuss with your healthcare provider.

Here are some resources for you

Thyroid - Women's Health Group

Anemia

Best,

Daisy

August 6, 2012 - 9:13am