Posts by Nicholas Myers

Kimberly Edwards2 said:For four months now, my eosinophils have been elevated. They were at 26%, and now they've hit 29%.
Parasitology tests came back negative.
I don't have any allergies.
On my latest blood work, everything was within range except for
NEU 30.0
MCV 81.3
(K) HB 118
HCT 0.350
Bilirubin 26

In what scenarios would eosinophils be this high—around 29%—and what could be happening here?
Please help...

Hello,

If memory serves, you posted a similar inquiry with comparable lab values on this sub-forum back in April 2011.

I wrote something then, and I can summarize it again here. There are several major categories that cause eosinophilia: parasitic infections (specifically tissue parasites, which aren't caught by stool samples but require serological blood tests), allergies, autoimmune disorders, or malignant conditions.

Therefore, your diagnostic path should follow this direction: 1. A full infectious disease workup (this must include serology for tissue parasites, not just stool analysis); 2. An evaluation by an internist specializing in immunology or allergy (simply ruling out asthma isn't enough). Once a thorough investigation is complete and the cause of the eosinophilia remains unidentified, the next step is seeing an internist who specializes in hematology.

Naturally, if specialists at secondary care facilities (like a general hospital) haven't reached a conclusion, I’d recommend consulting those same specialists (infectious disease experts, immunologists, hematologists, etc.) at a tertiary facility (such as a major university medical center or a large clinical hospital).

Best regards and all the best to you. 🙂

jadetrucker43 said:Which browser are you running? You might have an extension active that's stripping parts of the page—something like uBlock Origin. Just whitelist this site and the issue should resolve itself.

I was worried there might be some underlying issue with my system. 😢

I'm using Microsoft Edge. I'll admit, tech troubleshooting isn't exactly my forte, so if anyone could point me in the right direction: how do I check for extensions and how do I "allow" this forum?

My apologies for the off-topic nature of this post. If you can't help, just let me know where the appropriate place to ask would be.

Thanks again. 🙂

I’m running into an issue with the multi-quote feature.

When I click the Multi-quote button(s), they turn red, but when I finally hit Quote on the last post, the result isn't what I'm looking for—it just pulls in the very last post.

I’ve tried this repeatedly, but the outcome is always the same: only the final quote actually shows up. I think I managed to get it to work once, a long time ago, but since then, it hasn't worked a single time.

Whenever I need to cite multiple people, my only workaround is to manually copy and paste each post, adding the

author;26389169 said: tag before and the

tag after every single one. It's tedious, but it's the only way to get it done.

Does anyone have any insight into what might be causing this?

Thanks in advance. 🙂

Hi there,

Based on your description, you might be looking at ectopic sebaceous glands. It’s known as Fordyce disease—or Fordyce's spots—so feel free to run a quick search to see if they match what you're seeing. Here are a few visual examples:

http://dermatlas.med.jhmi.edu/derm/i...eID=1149472491

http://dermatlas.med.jhmi.edu/derm/i...eID=1041632725

Essentially, these are just sebaceous glands that happen to be more numerous or prominent in certain individuals. They are generally present from birth, though they tend to become more noticeable around puberty and through adulthood.

They aren't painful or problematic; it's strictly a cosmetic matter.

They typically show up as tiny, yellowish-tan bumps or spots on the lips, and sometimes on the inner lining of the cheeks as well.

Medical literature suggests treatment isn't necessary. While options like certain topical applications or lasers exist, their success rates can be hit-or-miss, and they may carry their own set of side effects.

You should definitely consult a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis. We can only speculate about common causes here on Reddit. A specialist can give you a definitive answer and walk you through any potential treatment paths and expected outcomes.

Best regards. 🙂

Sam Hall69 said:Hello!
I’m thinking about getting on birth control, so I went to have my coagulation profile checked. It turns out my PV is 0.65 L (normal should be >0.7).
PV-INR at 1.33 L. Note says target range is 2.0–3.5.
Can anyone make sense of this?😕

Dear gentlepilot28,

The PV values show a slight deviation. Essentially, the PV measurement—which represents the percentage of activity relative to normal plasma—is somewhat low at 0.65, or 65%. Since the standard range sits between 0.7 and 1.3, this indicates a slightly prolonged PV.

Since PV refers to how blood clots, your results suggest yours might be clotting just a bit slower than average. It’s worth noting, though, that this is only a marginal decrease.

The real question here is whether this specific value holds any clinical significance for you—meaning, what comes next and if more testing is actually necessary. Honestly, it’s impossible to give a straight answer without a full physical exam, a deep dive into your medical history, and a look at your other lab results.

Consult with your doctors.

Greetings. 🙂

Sam Hall69 said:I would really appreciate some clarification on these hormone levels. This is part of a follow-up for long-term PCOS. After being on Diane for a long time, I switched over to Yaz about two months ago. During my last ultrasound, both ovaries still looked polycystic. These are my recent results from day five or six of my period.

I'm also managing Hashimoto's. The prescribed dose is 88 mcg of Synthroid, but I've been sticking to 75 mcg. I'm 22.

Cortisol 623 nmol/L.
TSH 0.99 mIU/L. Within the normal range. Everything looks steady here.
LH 3.78 IU/L.
FSH 3.3 IU/L.
Testosterone at 1.1 nmol/L. That's essentially running on empty. It’s like trying to drive a car with no fuel in the tank—you might turn the key, but you aren't going anywhere.
Estradiol L
Prolactin 236 mIU/L.
DHEA-S 3.9 micromol/L
Androstenedione 6.6 nmol/l.
SHBG >240 nmol/L.

Is it just me, or is this FSH/LH ratio actually showing progress? Back when I was on Diana, my LH was consistently three to four times higher than my FSH. It feels like things are finally shifting. 🙂
Given that I'm currently taking Yaz and Synthroid 50, can the other irregularities in my results—like this SHBG level, for example—be interpreted in light of those medications?

Thanks a lot!

Dear Sam Hall69,

I think you’ve hit the nail on the head regarding how stabilizing the LH and FSH ratio—specifically seeing that rise in SHBG after starting hormone therapy—serves as a clear indicator that the treatment is actually working.

In this particular scenario, an increase in SHBG is actually desirable and expected.

As for the rest of the results, they look steady—basically right in line with your current treatment plan.

Still, that’s just my take. Since I’m no gynecologist, you really need to have the final word come from your own doctor. Definitely run these results by them before making any moves.

Greetings. 🙂

bluegull18 said:Could someone please explain this coagulation panel to me:
1. Prothrombin Time (PT) 11 (reference interval 10-15 s)
1.13 (reference interval 0.70-1.30 ratio)
0.94 (reference interval 0.90-1.20 INR)

2. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) 23 * (reference interval 25 - 33 s)
3. Fibrinogen 4.0 (ref. interval 2.1 - 4.0 g/l)
4. Thrombin Time 16 * (reference interval 17 - 21 s)

NOTE: PT INR is used to monitor oral anticoagulant therapy.
The recommended therapeutic value is 2.00 - 3.50.

The patient was referred for these tests because a capillary burst in the eye occurred spontaneously (no heavy lifting, physical exertion, sneezing, or coughing triggered it; there was no pain, but blood spread across the entire white of the eye). High blood pressure has been ruled out. The individual has been on oral contraceptives for years and takes thyroid hormone replacement for hypothyroidism.
Do these two values that fall below "normal" suggest any specific potential issues?
Thanks.

Dear bluegull18,

These results from the hemostasis system testing are quite interesting and can be difficult to interpret unless one specializes in this field (to be clear, I am not a hematologist and don't specialize in clotting disorders, so this response represents only my own thoughts and modest understanding of the subject matter).

First off, the deviations in aPTT and TT are quite minor.

Interestingly, clinical attention is usually focused on prolonged aPTT and TT—values that exceed the upper limit.

A shortened aPTT (as seen in the report above) is rarely the primary focus.

It is understood that a shortened aPTT can sometimes be part of an "acute phase response" (essentially the blood reacting to inflammation or injury). In such cases, it is typically transient; once the factor causing the acute phase reaction resolves, the aPTT values normalize. Additionally, poor sample collection is often cited as a possible cause for such findings.

What makes these results particularly interesting, and why I mentioned them as such, is that a shortened aPTT doesn't logically align with bleeding symptoms. If spontaneous bleeding occurs, one would generally expect aPTT values to be above the upper limit (prolonged aPTT) or, at the very least, within the normal range.

However, since there are clotting disorders where patients present with normal baseline results, and given that this individual has only undergone a few tests with values that deviate only slightly (albeit in an unexpected direction), I believe nothing definitive can be concluded here. It’s impossible to both confirm and rule out a hemostasis disorder based solely on this. This likely means further investigation will follow, guided by the clinical picture and a hematologist's assessment.

Best regards. 🙂

Elizabeth Gomez3 said:Hi. I went to get some stitches this past Sunday after cutting myself. The surgeon at the hospital put me on this treatment plan:

toilette 😕, revision, sutures 😕, check tetanus prophylaxis 😕, dress wound SDD 😕

The wound was cleaned out, dead tissue removed, and closed with stitches.

I was given a referral for my family doctor to check my tetanus vaccination status (standard protocol: if you’ve had three or more doses of the vaccine, minor low-risk wounds don't require a booster unless it's been over 10 years since your last shot).

They recommended dressing the wound SDD (every other day?????, not entirely sure what that acronym stands for here).

Best. 🙂

Nicole Jackson33 said:Does anyone have experience with this... the upper limit is 3.5, but mine is at 4.5?
What could the issue be...

Dear Douglas Mendoza8,

An elevated fibrinogen level doesn't tell us much on its own. It can indicate inflammation, but that isn't a certainty. What matters is whether you're experiencing any symptoms that prompted the test, and what your other results look like—things like your CBC, CRP, or a coagulation profile if one was performed.

It’s worth noting that the value you mentioned is only slightly elevated, so there is no immediate reason to panic.

To figure out why this happened, you should have the fibrinogen retested and potentially check other parameters as recommended by your doctor.

Fibrinogen levels can fluctuate; it might just be a temporary spike. You need to monitor the trend—whether it’s rising or falling. Elevated levels are common in smokers, people carrying extra weight, during pregnancy, or when taking oral contraceptives. It can also show up in certain medical conditions, though sometimes perfectly healthy people see a bump too.

It could also stem from a minor inflammation, an infection, or even a lingering low-grade infectious source.

Unfortunately, without a physical exam, it's impossible to pinpoint the cause.

Best regards. 🙂

Susan Morales66 said:Hepatitis markers came back negative!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

What else should we have him tested for?

Dear Bradley Walker,

It looks like your husband will need a series of tests to pinpoint why his liver enzymes remain persistently elevated.

Beyond a thorough medical history and physical exam—alongside assessing liver function (ALT, AST, GGT, AF, Bilirubin, albumin, PV, etc.), a complete blood count, blood glucose, lipid panel, sedimentation rate, CRP, and the liver ultrasound (which has already been completed), plus those negative hepatitis serology results—the workup will likely include, if it hasn't already, testing for antibodies used to screen for autoimmune liver diseases, iron, Ferritin, transferrin, copper, ceruloplasmin, and AAT...

Furthermore, if the aminotransferase levels stay high, your gastroenterologist might recommend a liver biopsy.

As you can see, and as my colleague wiredcanyon2 pointed out, there is a wide spectrum of potential causes behind the kind of diffuse liver lesions identified via ultrasound.

To put it simply: when patients present with elevated aminotransferases (ALT, AST) who don't consume alcohol or certain medications, test negative for hepatitis viruses, and test negative for autoimmune markers, but *do* have elevated lipids, blood sugar, or excess body weight, there is a very strong possibility they are dealing with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

NAFLD is one of the most frequent culprits for long-term elevated liver enzymes. This progression can move from simple fatty liver (steatosis) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and ultimately, if damage persists, to advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis.

If it turns out to be fatty liver, losing weight through a balanced, healthy diet and increasing physical activity—while avoiding alcohol and unnecessary medications whenever possible—should ideally improve the liver tests and reverse some of the changes.

The catch is that to officially diagnose NAFLD, you first have to rule out all other reasons for high liver enzymes—the ones wiredcanyon2 mentioned earlier (viral hepatitis, drug-induced or toxic injury, autoimmune diseases, hemochromatosis, Wilson disease, etc.). Consequently, your husband has quite a diagnostic journey ahead.

Your best course of action is to consult with a gastroenterologist and proceed with the necessary testing.

Best regards. 🙂

Elizabeth Hill48 said:I had slightly low potassium: 3.77 (3.9-5.1) and sodium: 136 (137-146). My doctor suggested eating more bananas and tomatoes, but I suspect the deficiency isn't just dietary. Just to be safe, I checked a few other things like aldosterone, magnesium, cortisol, PTH, Vitamin D3, and calcium... everything looks fine except for calcium: 2.63 (2.14-2.53). Since my potassium, sodium, and calcium are all slightly outside the normal range, I'm wondering if this is something to worry about. Should I bring this calcium result back to my doctor, since they didn't check it and might not realize it's elevated🤷? Does high calcium combined with slightly low potassium and sodium warrant further investigation?😕

Dear Douglas Ramos2,

The deviations in your sodium, potassium, and calcium levels are very minor. Your sodium is essentially normal, while the potassium and calcium levels show only negligible shifts.

Regarding the slightly low potassium and—potentially—sodium, it is possible you experienced a transient dip in electrolyte concentration. This can happen due to insufficient intake or perhaps losses from something like vomiting or diarrhea shortly before your blood draw.

To determine if there truly was a temporary drop in potassium (and sodium), the best course is to have them retested. If the follow-up results come back within the normal range, then it was likely just a passing fluctuation.

It would also be helpful to know how long ago these tests were taken, why the sodium and potassium were ordered in the first place, and whether you were experiencing any symptoms at the time. From your description and your doctor's advice, it seems these were incidental findings discovered without specific symptoms, leading your physician to suggest increasing potassium through diet.

As for the calcium, it is also slightly elevated, but not to a degree that typically warrants concern. Generally, hypercalcemia—elevated plasma calcium—is considered clinically significant when it exceeds 2.7 mmol/l.

That said, you should mention this slightly elevated calcium level to your doctor. Even though the deviation is discrete, it is worth noting alongside any symptoms you may be having. Re-testing the calcium will help determine if there is a trend toward higher levels, which would indicate a need for further workup.

To put it bluntly: there is no immediate cause for alarm, but repeating these electrolyte tests will provide a clearer picture of why these small deviations occurred. Once you provide your doctor with a thorough history and updated labs, things should become much clearer and you'll have more peace of mind.

Please consult with your physician.

Best regards. 🙂

Susan Morales66 said:Regarding motility, leukocytes, and morphology, everything looks fine. But I'm wondering if it's an issue that my zinc is at the upper limit (3.5) and my citrate levels are quite high at 58.8, when the normal range is 10.4-41.6?

Thanks!

Dear Elizabeth Cooper2,

Zinc is within the reference range, so that is perfectly fine. Motility is, as you noted, normal. The most critical parameters of the semen analysis, as you pointed out yourself, are all within range, which is very important and a positive sign.

I am unsure if elevated citrate carries any clinical significance, especially if that is the only parameter in the entire analysis deviating from the norm while everything else remains standard. You will need to consult with a urologist specializing in this field to be certain.

Best regards. 🙂

Susan Morales66 said:Thanks for the reply.

The liver can regenerate, right? Can these diffuse lesions and other findings be improved or cured through medication, a proper diet, lifestyle changes, etc.????

Please answer!

Dear Bradley Walker,

As my colleague mentioned in his response, the prognosis for liver disease varies wildly depending on the specific condition. Even with the same diagnosis—for instance, chronic Hepatitis B or C—different patient groups will face different outcomes.

At this stage, we don't have enough data to determine exactly what your husband is dealing with or what his specific prognosis might be.

What can be advised right now is that regular physical activity is recommended and beneficial. Staying in bed isn't ideal, though exercise should always be adjusted to one's current capacity.

Dietary habits should be modified to include more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day (perhaps four to six). It is best to avoid processed foods, fatty or fried dishes, grilled meats, and carbonated drinks. Alcohol is strictly prohibited. Reducing fat intake and using plant-based oils, like olive oil, is recommended. Fresh or cooked fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are good choices. For protein, stick to lean meats, poultry, low-fat dairy, eggs, and fish. These dietary guidelines change based on the specific type of liver disease—some foods may be restricted depending on the diagnosis—but we won't know that until a precise diagnosis is made.

Be a pillar of support for your husband and try, as much as possible, to maintain a positive outlook.

Follow your doctors' instructions closely.

Best regards, wishing you and your husband all the best. 🙂

Typically, we’re looking at a minor, straightforward outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. It's quick. No overnight hospital stay required—you head straight home once it's done.

Smaller cysts can sometimes be drained by puncturing the wall with a needle after numbing the area, which allows the fluid to escape. However, there's always a risk they'll just come right back. For a permanent fix, excision—completely removing the cyst along with its entire sac—is the way to go.

If you have lingering doubts or want to weigh your treatment options, sit down with an ophthalmologist.

Best regards. 🙂

Karen Nelson17 said:Could someone please explain what elevated CCP antibodies mean? (The limit should be 17, but mine is at 113)

My bones ache occasionally, nothing major, but my doctor gave me a preliminary diagnosis of reactive arthritis. Honestly, I’m hoping she's wrong—I really don't want it to be rheumatoid, given how chronic that is.

This isn't my specialty and you absolutely need to consult a rheumatologist. That said, from what I understand, positive anti-CCP antibodies typically point toward rheumatoid arthritis rather than other joint issues.

However, rheumatology isn't black and white. You can't interpret isolated lab results in a vacuum. The only person qualified to answer your question is a specialist.

Best regards and wishing you all the best. 🙂

swiftviper30 said:T3 - 2.27 (1.5-2.6)
TSH - 4.09 (0.46-4.68)
T4 - 93.3 (71-141)

So, is everything normal or what?? 🙂

Dear Zachary Gomez,

The values listed fall within the reference ranges.

Please consult with your physician.

Best regards. 🙂

swiftviper30 said:Blood work (hormones), male, 24 years old. Dealing with low libido, fatigue, and hot flashes...
Everything except E2 is within the reference ranges.
FT4 12.52 (10-22)

FT3 5.17 (1.9-5.7)

TSH 2.5 (0.4-4)

LH 3.2 (1-5.3)

FSH 3.19 (1.3-8.1)

PROLACTIN 185 (38-337)

E2 260 (55-173)

FTESTO (31-147)

TESTO 20.9 (9.3-35)

Any thoughts..?

Dear swiftviper30,

Based on these results alone, it isn't possible to determine the cause of the elevated estradiol level, nor the cause of your symptoms.

You should see an endocrinologist for a thorough evaluation. Beyond the hormonal tests already completed, this would likely include testing adrenal hormones, a detailed clinical exam, a full medical history (current medications, lifestyle habits), and other necessary diagnostics.

Best regards. 🙂

Megan Ross36 said:I went in for a prostate test. My PSA was elevated (5.77). I took some antibiotics and then went back for a follow-up.
The results are:
t-PSA 4.31
fPSA 0.732
f/t PSA 16.98
Can someone comment on this? How long should pass after taking antibiotics before testing again? I'm 49. I haven't had any issues or symptoms until now. Now, following the test, I’m feeling some discomfort in the perineal area. I suspect it's psychosomatic due to the results.
Thanks

Dear Frank White,

Based on what you've provided, it's clear that the antibiotic therapy helped lower the PSA levels. However, they remain somewhat elevated, and the f/t PSA ratio has dropped slightly. You should definitely consult with your urologist.

Best regards. 🙂

Megan Ross36 said:Because I'm worried about my sperm quality, I provided a sample for analysis. Does anyone here know how to read a semen analysis?
Most things look fine, but there are details I don't understand—whether they are okay or not. For example:
MOTILITY-SLOW PROGRESSIVE 10%
MOTILITY-NON-PROGRESSIVE 2%
MOTILITY-IMMOBILE 28%
ZINC 3.5 mmol/l (normal range 1.2-3.5)
CITRATE 58.8 H mmol/l (range listed as 10.4-41.6)
It also mentions "ADDITIONAL TESTS—something regarding young forms and spermatogenesis cells" at the end!

For context, I'm 21!

Dear Elizabeth Cooper2,

As I mentioned in a previous post, some of the key parameters for a semen analysis are:

volume ---------- normally over 2.0 ml
concentration ----- normally over 20 million/ml
motility ------ normally over 50%, with rapid motility over 25%
morphology ------- normally over 30% normal forms
viability------------normally over 75%
leukocytes ----------- normally less than 1 million/ml

Regarding motility, the crucial metrics are progressive motility (combined progressive + slow progressive >50%) and rapid progressive motility (>25%). Based on your numbers, even though you didn't provide the total, it seems like it should be within a good range.

You didn't list the other major parameters, but you can easily compare them against the guidelines above. It looks like you've already deduced from the report that they are acceptable.

I believe the WHO recently released new (more lenient) criteria for defining a normal semen analysis, but since I don't specialize in urology, I'm not sure if those have been fully adopted in clinical practice yet.

Best regards. 🙂

Gary Hernandez4 said:So, I've got a question... My mom noticed these two tiny, clear, bubble-looking things on her left sclera. It was really bothering her. She went to see her doctor and they diagnosed it as a cyst on the eye. Now she’s stuck using some drops and an ointment around the area. Anyone here dealt with this before? Or maybe someone actually knows if this is dangerous or how the treatment usually goes? Thanks in advance

Dear Gary Hernandez4,

Based on your description, your mother might be dealing with a conjunctival cyst. These usually show up as small, clear, fluid-filled bumps, and patients often report the sensation of having something stuck in their eye.

These cysts can be congenital, or they can develop later due to things like ocular surgery, physical trauma, or various types of inflammation.

Sometimes they resolve on their own; other times, they don't.

They aren't generally dangerous and are typically only treated if they cause actual discomfort or vision issues.

Treatment often involves lubricants to soothe the eye, and occasionally anti-inflammatory medications. If they become truly problematic, surgical removal is an option.

Keep consulting with her ophthalmologist.

Best regards, and wishing you and your mother all the best. 🙂

Brian Cox5 said:Thanks so much for the explanation. 🙂
I have a few more questions regarding the thyroid. If TSH is elevated but T3 and T4 are within range, or if only T3 is up or only T4 is up while TSH remains normal, what’s actually happening there? Every time I get my thyroid levels checked, something seems to be off. What does hyperthyroidism actually look like on lab results? Also, what is the distinction between fT3 and T3, and fT4 and T4?

I hope the colleague won't mind me jumping in here.

Building on what the colleague already explained, a situation where TSH levels are high but T4 and T3 values fall within the reference range is classified as subclinical hypothyroidism.

It’s essentially a form of "hidden" or latent hypothyroidism—a state where the thyroid is working overtime just to manage to produce enough hormones. Opinions on treating this vary, but in many instances, hormone therapy is prescribed.

Regarding T4 versus fT4: the term T4 refers to total thyroxine, whereas fT4 represents the free version. In certain scenarios, measuring total T4 isn't a reliable indicator of thyroid function.

For instance, T4 levels can sometimes be falsely elevated due to various factors, such as taking oral contraceptives or estrogen supplements, pregnancy, liver issues, or genetic predispositions.

In those specific cases, testing for free thyroid hormones provides a much more accurate picture than testing for total hormones.

There are also opposite scenarios where certain medications might artificially inflate free hormone levels, making the total hormone measurement the more dependable metric.

To summarize: primary hypothyroidism—reduced thyroid function, which is by far the most common type—is marked by high TSH and low fT4 (T4). Subclinical (latent) hypothyroidism shows slightly elevated TSH alongside normal fT4 (T4). Central hypothyroidism, which is quite rare, presents with low or normal TSH paired with low fT4.

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is typically characterized by low TSH accompanied by high fT4 (T4). There is also T3 thyrotoxicosis, identified by high fT3 (T3) with normal fT4 (T4) and low TSH. Finally, there is subclinical hyperthyroidism, where TSH is low but both fT4 (T4) and fT3 (T3) remain within the normal range.

As you can see, interpreting thyroid function results is quite complex.

Furthermore, as the colleague pointed out, we cannot make any definitive conclusions about a thyroid disorder based solely on TSH levels.

Best regards. 🙂

Carol White18 said:Need some advice. My lab results just came back showing elevated triglycerides. I remember hearing a long time ago about natural remedies—things like fresh beet juice mixed with lemon or similar concoctions—that can help bring those numbers down. If anyone here knows anything about this, please share your knowledge. Thanks in advance! 🙂)))))))))))))

In response to your question, I think it’s best to quote a portion of Oscar Wilde's post.

Carol White18 said:(...)
Recommendations for hypertriglyceridemia:
http://i53.tinypic.com/euettc.jpg
http://i51.tinypic.com/zmy55h.jpg

The full post can be found over in the thyroid discussion thread:

As you can see, both beets and lemons made the list of recommended foods. You've clearly done your homework.

Don't forget that if you want to see real results, you need more than just one fix. It’s about the whole chain: eating right, staying active—I mean at least 30 minutes of movement every single day—keeping your weight in check, and finally, kicking the smoking habit. Everything is connected.

Greetings. 🙂

Carol White18 said:Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for this response.
It was definitely a false positive. Regardless, I went back for more testing. They included my fT4 this time, and here are the results:
TSH 1.64 (0.27-4.20). Within the normal range.
T3 1.7 (1.3 - 3.1)
T4 88 (66-181)
FT4 15 (12-22)

I'm hoping the FSH levels follow the same pattern. I'll be checking that as well.

Immune function is normal, just as I suspected.

T4 levels can sometimes be falsely elevated for several reasons. It’s not always a direct reflection of thyroid function. For instance, taking oral contraceptives or estrogen supplements can skew the results. Pregnancy, certain liver diseases, or even just genetic factors can play a role too.

However, looking at your follow-up measurements, your T4 levels came back perfectly normal. It’s unlikely that the factors mentioned above played a role here. It seems more probable that there was a hiccup during the lab process itself—essentially just a technical error in the testing procedure.

Greetings. 🙂

Carol White18 said:I was hoping for some clarification regarding the ANCA and NFL lab results.

ANCA stands for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. These markers are primarily used to help diagnose vascular diseases (vasculitis), kidney issues (certain types of glomerulonephritis), and various other conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or certain liver and bile duct disorders.

NFL (aPL) refers to antiphospholipid antibodies. These can be detected in the blood of patients with Antiphospholipid Syndrome, a condition characterized by frequent blood clots (thrombosis) in both veins and arteries, recurrent miscarriages, and pregnancy complications.

A few points to keep in mind: interpreting these antibody tests is highly complex. It isn’t something for a general practitioner to handle alone; it falls squarely within the expertise of subspecialists like immunologists or rheumatologists. Simply having a positive result for one of these—especially since there are many different subtypes—isn't enough to confirm a diagnosis. You really need to consult with a specialist to make sense of these findings.

Best regards. 🙂

Kimberly Edwards2 said:Neutrophils 42
Eosinophils 26
MCV 81.3

Bilirubin 26
Cholesterol 1.3
LDL cholesterol 4.0

Everything else is within range.

I need help interpreting these blood and chemistry results...
The eosinophil count (26, when the normal range is 0-7) is what worries me most. From what I've read, it relates to parasites or bacteria. How can I get this back to normal?

Dear Joe Rogan,

Looking at your CBC, the primary issue is eosinophilia—essentially an elevated eosinophil count. There isn't just one cause; it’s often tied to allergic conditions (think asthma, hives, or drug sensitivities) or parasitic infections. Skin issues like atopic dermatitis are also common culprits. Once those possibilities are ruled out, other causes can be explored.

Essentially, you need to identify why the count is high first. Once the underlying issue is treated, the levels should normalize.

Pinpointing the cause depends heavily on your actual symptoms—things like changes in bowel movements, abdominal pain, respiratory issues, or skin irritation. Follow-up tests, such as total IgE or stool samples for parasites, will be necessary.

Regarding your other numbers, take note of the elevated LDL cholesterol. You'll likely want to address that through regular exercise and diet, following whatever guidance your primary care physician provides.

Please discuss these findings directly with your doctor.

Best regards. 🙂

Kate Newman2 said:I had my hormone levels checked on day 3 of my cycle because I've been trying to conceive for a while now. Here are the results:

LH 8.0
FSH 28.8
PROGESTERONE 0.4
PROLACTIN 223
TESTOSTERONE 0.28
ESTRADIOL 35.4
CORTISOL 155

Thyroid hormones

TSH 1.56
T3 1.6
T4 320

Can anyone interpret this for me? Could any of this be a potential reason for infertility?

Dear Kate Newman2,

It’s difficult to provide a definitive answer based on a single set of hormone levels alone. If fertility issues are suspected, it will clearly require a thorough medical evaluation of both partners.

What stands out in these results is that the baseline FSH is somewhat elevated. Testing FSH on day 3 of the cycle is typically used to assess ovarian reserve—essentially one way to gauge how the ovaries respond to hormonal stimulation.

However, this single data point doesn't tell the whole story. FSH levels can fluctuate significantly from one cycle to the next, so drawing any firm conclusions based solely on one measurement would be premature.

Regarding the thyroid function, there appears to be a discrepancy between the TSH and the total T4. Normally, standard TSH levels suggest healthy thyroid function, but an elevated total T4 might suggest overactivity. In a situation like this, determining fT4 (free thyroxine) is necessary, as total T4 isn't always a reliable indicator of thyroid function; various factors can cause it to appear falsely high.

All signs point toward thyroid function likely being normal, but checking fT4 is still a necessary step.

In short, these specific numbers aren't enough to pinpoint a cause for infertility or decreased fertility.

Further investigation is required.

I wish you the very best in your journey toward starting a family.

Best regards. 🙂