Jump to content
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Recent Lab Work - Most Tests Low


stilltired07

Recommended Posts

stilltired07 Rookie

Hi everyone. I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease a couple years ago and in May of this year I was diagnosed with autoimmune adrenal insufficiency. I recently saw my Endocrinologist due to feeling weak and tired. He sent me for a whole wack of blood work to make sure my adrenal insufficiency was under controls and to check my thyroid/pituitary glands or any other cause for the way I feel. Here they are below. My endocrinologist told me everything looks great and he didn't think there was anything else wrong. He increased my Florinef medication and said maybe that will help. I have highlighted some lines that are low or are on the low end. My concerns are:

- TSH is normal but why are free`s on the low end. I have two autoimmune diseases, so I always worry about Thyroid issues.

- How can LH be low and FSH be borderline low, yet he says it is great, why bother checking then. I am a 25 year old male, I`d think my LH FSH would be higher.

- My RBC and WBC are both low which worries me. Again how is this normal?

Anyways, I know nobody here is a doctor, but I just wondered if anybody else experienced results like these. Thanks a lot!

Thyroid

-------

TSH - 1.4 (range 0.35 - 5.00)

Free T4 - 15 (range 12 - 22) <-- LOWISH

Free T3 - 3.7 (range 2.6 - 5.7) <-- LOWISH

Thyroid Antibodies - all came back negative (ones for hashi, graves)

Hormone - Adrenal/Pituitary

----------

LH - 1 (range 2 - 10) <-- LOW

FSH - 3 (range 2 - 12) <-- LOWISH

Cortisol - 238 (range 80 - 600)

Prolactin - 6 (range < 18)

Free Test: Pending...not complete yet

Hematology

------------

Hemoglobin: 120 (range 140 - 170) <-- LOW

Hematocrit: 0.36 (range 0.39 - 0.49) <-- LOW

RBC: 3.99 (range 4.30 - 5.70) <-- LOW

MCV: 89 (range 80-97)

MCH: 30 (range 27-32)

MCHC: 342 (range 320 - 360)

RDW: 12 (range 11.5 - 15)

WBC: 3.8 (4.2 - 11.0) <-- LOW

Platelets: 170 (range 150 -400) <-- LOWISH

MPV: 9 (7 - 11)

ABS Neutrophils: 2.09 (range 1.80 - 7.00)

ABS LYmphocytes: 0.99 (range 1.00 - 4.00) <-- LOW

ABS Monocytes: 0.42 (range 0.00 - 0.80)

ABS Eosinophils: 0.27 (range 0.00 - 0.40)

ABS BAsophils: 0.04 (range 0.00 - 0.20)

Chemistry

-------------

Fasting Glucose: 3.9 (range 3.6 - 6.0) <-- LOWISH

Calcium: 2.31 (range 2.20 - 2.65) <-- LOWISH

Sodium: 136 (range 135 - 145) <-- LOWISH

Potasium: 4.5 (range 3.3 - 5.1)

Alkaline Phosphatase: 40 (range 40 -120) <-- LOWISH

B12: 148 (range 150 - 900) <-- LOW

Ferritin: 45 (range 16 - 300)


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



ravenwoodglass Mentor

I am not a medical professional but it does look like you are anemic. Your B12 is also low so you may want to supplement the B12 with some gluten-free sublinguals and prehaps do a multi with iron for a bit and then get the iron levels rechecked as you don't want the iron to get to high. It also might be a good idea to take copies of your labs and get a second opinion from your GP or another endocrinologist to find out for sure what you should be supplementing. Hopefully someone who is more knowledgeable about the thyroid will chime in on those results.

stilltired07 Rookie

Thanks for the response Ravenwood.

I have been supplementing with B12 for the last couple years, with no luck unfortunately. I'm going to do what you said and bring my lab results to my GP, to get her opinion. Thanks for the help, I appreciate it!

ravenwoodglass Mentor

Thanks for the response Ravenwood.

I have been supplementing with B12 for the last couple years, with no luck unfortunately. I'm going to do what you said and bring my lab results to my GP, to get her opinion. Thanks for the help, I appreciate it!

If the B12 isn't sublingual then your body wouldn't be able to absorb it. Glad to hear you are going to follow up with your GP.

Gemini Experienced

All of your test results are normal for someone with Celiac Disease. Anemia may take awhile to resolve and low white cell counts are perfectly normal for someone with autoimmune diseases. It's only a problem if you are sick a lot.

I have had low white cell counts for most of my adult life and I am 52 years old. I have 4 autoimmune diseases, including Celiac. White cell counts have never risen into the normal range but I am NEVER sick any more so don't give it a second thought.

I also have Hashi's thyroid disease and it's not uncommon to have a normal TSH and lower than optimal T3 and T4. You may see these rise as you heal but if not and you are symptomatic (fatigue especially), it might be prudent to supplement with thyroid hormone down the road.

stilltired07 Rookie

All of your test results are normal for someone with Celiac Disease. Anemia may take awhile to resolve and low white cell counts are perfectly normal for someone with autoimmune diseases. It's only a problem if you are sick a lot.

I have had low white cell counts for most of my adult life and I am 52 years old. I have 4 autoimmune diseases, including Celiac. White cell counts have never risen into the normal range but I am NEVER sick any more so don't give it a second thought.

I also have Hashi's thyroid disease and it's not uncommon to have a normal TSH and lower than optimal T3 and T4. You may see these rise as you heal but if not and you are symptomatic (fatigue especially), it might be prudent to supplement with thyroid hormone down the road.

Thanks to both of you!

Raven: I have been taking a double dose of B12 pills, but just regular ones. My Gastro said they were good enough, great advice lol Thanks for the help!

Gemini: Thanks for letting me know about the blood work. My doctor called me yesterday afternoon and let me know my Absolute Reticulocytes(red cells from bone marrow) were at 7 (range 25 - 85) and that it was concerning since my red cells were low. Who knows there, but Celiac has caused weird stuff with my before. She is trying to find me a hematologist now with little luck as most only take people diagnosed with Cancer.

My WBC has been around 2.5 - 5.0 since I was diagnosed, so I am used to it sitting low and I'm glad to know it is normal. I have Addison's Disease as well, so Thyroid was always a concern of mine. Fatigue has been my worst symtpom, but my ENdo always blames Addison's or Celiac. My low end Free T3/T4 do no concern him because my antibodies were negative. I'm worried it is a bad sign as over the last two years my Free's were always at top end of range. No point is worrying if my Endo isn't worried, so I'll just keep an eye on it.

Thanks again!!!

stilltired07 Rookie

Hi all.

My doctor just called me with the Free Testosterone results:

LH: 1 (range 1-9)

FSH: 3 (range 2 - 12)

Free Testosterone: 3 (range 50 - 200)

Looks like that explains why I am so tired. He has sent me a script for Androgel or something like that. He never said what would of caused this, does anybody have experience with this? He did say it was the lowest he has ever seen for man my age (so nice haha). Oh well, I hope this helps me feel better. Does anybody know if this is common with Celiac or Addison's, or should I have my pituitary checked out. Anyways, thanks to everyone for their help!


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



frieze Community Regular

Low Testosterone Causes

Low testosterone levels occur due to many reasons; major low testosterone causes are following:

Obesity

Testicle injury

Infectious diseases

Excess of blood iron

Inflammatory diseases

Natural process of aging

Chemo/radiation treatment

Performance boosting drugs

Pain or hormonal medication

Skylark Collaborator

Hi all.

My doctor just called me with the Free Testosterone results:

LH: 1 (range 1-9)

FSH: 3 (range 2 - 12)

Free Testosterone: 3 (range 50 - 200)

Looks like that explains why I am so tired. He has sent me a script for Androgel or something like that. He never said what would of caused this, does anybody have experience with this? He did say it was the lowest he has ever seen for man my age (so nice haha). Oh well, I hope this helps me feel better. Does anybody know if this is common with Celiac or Addison's, or should I have my pituitary checked out. Anyways, thanks to everyone for their help!

Are you on Lipitor, Crestor, or any other cholesterol-lowering drug?

stilltired07 Rookie

Thanks for the list, I called back the doctor and ask his assistant if she could talk to him for me. I'll probably get an answer of what can cause this next week. I just found out my insurance wont cover any Testosterone Therapy and it's $200 a month. He gave me a years worth, but I'm assuming I wont need to take it that long.

No, I am not on any medication like that. All I take is Cortisone and Florinef for my Addison's.

Thanks a lot.

frieze Community Regular

Thanks for the list, I called back the doctor and ask his assistant if she could talk to him for me. I'll probably get an answer of what can cause this next week. I just found out my insurance wont cover any Testosterone Therapy and it's $200 a month. He gave me a years worth, but I'm assuming I wont need to take it that long.

No, I am not on any medication like that. All I take is Cortisone and Florinef for my Addison's.

The cortisone may well be you issue, it is a hormone med.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Recent Activity

    1. - xxnonamexx posted a topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      0

      FDA looking for input on Celiac Gluten sensitivity labeling PLEASE READ and submit your suggestions

    2. - cristiana replied to Atl222's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      2

      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

    3. - trents replied to Atl222's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      2

      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

    4. - Scott Adams replied to Aretaeus Cappadocia's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      1

      Brown Rice Vinegar (organic) from Eden Foods is likely gluten free

    5. - Scott Adams replied to wellthatsfun's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      1

      nothing has changed

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,190
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Atl222
    Newest Member
    Atl222
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):
  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • xxnonamexx
      Please read: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-improve-gluten-ingredient-disclosure-foods?fbclid=IwY2xjawPeXhJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzaDc3NWRaYzlJOFJ4R0Fic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrwuSsw8Be7VNGOrKKWFVbrjmf59SGht05nIALwnjQ0DoGkDDK1doRBDzeeX_aem_GZcRcbhisMTyFUp3YMUU9Q
    • cristiana
      Hi @Atl222 As @trents points out, there could be many reasons for this biopsy result.  I am interested to know, is your gastroenterologist concerned?  Also, are your blood tests showing steady improvement over the years? I remember when I had my last biopsy, several years after diagnosis, mine came back with with raised lymphocytes but no villous damage, too! In my own case, my consultant wasn't remotely concerned - in fact, he said I might still get this result even if all I ever did was eat nothing but rice and water.   My coeliac blood tests were still steadily improving, albeit slowly, which was reassuring.
    • trents
      Welcome to the celiac.com community, @Atl222! Yes, your increased lymphocytes could be in response to oats or it could possibly be cross contamination from gluten that is getting into your diet from some unexpected source but not enough to damage the villi. And I'm certain that increased lymphocytes can be caused by other things besides celiac disease or gluten/oats exposure. See attachment. But you might try eliminating oats to start with and possibly dairy for a few months and then seek another endoscopy/biopsy to see if there was a reduction in lymphocyte counts. 
    • Scott Adams
      This is a solid, well-reasoned approach. You’re right that “koji” by itself doesn’t indicate gluten status, and the risk really does come down to which grain is used to culture it. The fact that you directly contacted Eden Foods and received a clear statement that their koji is made from rice only, with no wheat or barley, is meaningful due diligence—especially since Eden has a long-standing reputation for transparency. While the lack of gluten labeling can understandably give pause, manufacturer confirmation like this is often what people rely on for traditionally fermented products. As always, trusting your body after trying it is reasonable, but based on the information you gathered, your conclusion makes sense.
    • Scott Adams
      Seven months can still be early in celiac healing, especially if you were mostly asymptomatic to begin with—symptoms like low iron, vitamin D deficiency, nail changes, and hair issues often take much longer to improve because the gut needs time to recover before absorption normalizes. A tTG-IgA of 69 is not “low” in terms of immune activity, and it can take 12–24 months (sometimes longer) for antibodies and the intestinal lining to fully heal, particularly in teens and young adults. Eating gluten again to “test” things isn’t recommended and won’t give you clear answers—it’s far more likely to cause harm than clarity. Weight not changing is also very common in celiac and doesn’t rule anything out. Please know that your frustration and sadness matter; this adjustment is hard, and feeling stuck can really affect mental health. You deserve support, and if you can, reaching out to a GI dietitian or mental health professional familiar with chronic illness could really help you through this phase. This study indicates that a majority of celiacs don't recover until 5 years after diagnosis and starting a gluten-free diet: Mucosal recovery and mortality in adults with celiac disease after treatment with a gluten-free diet However, it's also possible that what the study really shows is the difficulty in maintaining a 100% gluten-free diet. I suspect that if you looked closely at the diets of those who did not recover within 2 years might be that their diets were not 100% gluten-free. Perhaps they ate out more often, or didn't understand all of the hidden ingredients where gluten can hide. Either way, it shows how difficult recovery from celiac disease can be for most people. According to this study: This article explores other causes of flattened villi:    
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.