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Could A Low B12 Level Be Symptomatic Of Any Illness?

Posted on Mon, 22 May 2023

Question: Hi, I am a 40 year old female. For the past couple of months I have had significant hair loss, I have been fatigued, occasionally cobstipated, my periods are irregular, and often heavy. I also have night sweats most nights. I have had blood work done and my dr never contacted me to tell me anything was off. I requested a copy of it and I took it to my obgyn last appt, she said everything was normal. Everything is in “normal range” but I noticed my vitamin b12 is only 241. Could a level that low cause me to be symptomatic even though it is in “normal range”?

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possible hypothyroidism

Detailed Answer:
Hello Ma'am

I can certainly understand your concern

I have worked through your attached query in detail

Many of your symptoms point to underlying Thyroid hormonal Abnormality.

Hence it's important to rule out possible hypothyroidism by appropriate tests.

These symptoms are not related to vitamin B12 deficiency. It's within normal limits.

Further management if any is largely based on test results.

Constipation and irregularities in menstrual cycle along with hair loss are serious pointers of hypothyroidism.

Based on test results, oral thyroxine supplementation may be required.

Please check with your physician if he shares my view and if can prescribe these tests to determine further course of action.

Review with reports to determine further course of action.

Post your further queries if any
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (2 hours later)

What tests should I ask for? I was told my thyroid levels are normal. My TSH was 1.65 and my T4free was 1.20 on 3/8/18. My TSH was 2.02 and T4 free was 1.10 on 3/20/18. I understand that those are in normal range?

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The following tests are recommended

Detailed Answer:
Hello Ma'am

I can certainly understand your concern

Yes, indeed your earlier reports of Thyroid profile are well within normal limits.

But it's advisable to repeat the following tests

1.Free T3, rT3( reverse T3), Free T4 and TSH
2. Ultrasound abdomen
3. Serum LH and FSH

Review with reports to determine further course of action.

Post your further queries if any
Thank you

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana