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What Causes A Drop In The ESR Levels?
Question: Hi I am 49 year old female, 6ft, 148 lbs, full menopause (0 estrogen/0progesterone), diagnosed with erythrocytosis, low blood oxygen, hashimotos thyroiditis, iron and b12 anemias, low d/mag/potassium, my cholesterol has gone from total 160 to 240 in 2 months (though the 'ratio' is still healthy at 3.2) - i have fibromyalgia and CFS: my ESR is only 2 though my cholesterol as i mentioned above has really skyrocketed. the only meds i take are naturethroid at 32.5g. vitamin deficiencies are now under control via doctor issued supplements, though antibodies TPO/TPA are nearly doubling every 3 months. I read that ESR would be very high in situations of severe inflammation though my ESR is extremely low. I had a sonogram of thyroid: no tumors nor goiter (though 'dots' of inflammation can clearly be seen). Previously had hypercalcemia for several months though result is now down to 9.9 blood calcium. I've made major diet changes: over the last 18 months improved body alkalinity, removed gluten, and foods that cause me to 'react' or feel 'inflamed'. I'm wondering what other AI diseases could be lurking within me re autoimmune diseases especially with such a low/decreasing ESR and a sky rocketing cholesterol reading? thank you.
Brief Answer:
A consultation from an Endocrinologist is the best next choice for you !!!
Detailed Answer:
It's Dr. Hanif with a warm welcome. Thanks for visiting and trusting HCM. I have thoroughly reviewed health query you raised, and well realize all of those concerns.
PROBABLE CAUSES:
Your main concern is ESR that is low. It is all due to your increased red blood cell mass (erythrocytosis). It leads typically to lower ESR.
Your concerns about why you get low ESR when this is an indicator of inflammation and you have a lot of inflammatory conditions. So, there are two major indicators of inflammations. I prefer C-reactive proteins to be measured when suspected inflammation because ESR is influenced by many other factors and can be confusing as in your case. C reactive protein is not so influenced by much factors and remains more specifically related to inflammation.
Doesn't look like you have the Sjogren's syndrome but clinical correlation and physical examination is needed definitely, and you need to consult an ENDOCRINOLOGIST to get an evaluation for your thyroid and to see if there is any other AI disease as you have suspicions for.
You need to look for your Body mass index that should remain between a normal and healthy limit of 18-24.99. This is the key to remain away from heart diseases.
You also need a screening for Diabetes mellitus that is common. Hypertension also needs to be screened for.
Other diseases (AI) that may be lurking in you due to this Hashimoto's may be:-
Vit. B12 deficiency anemia that you already have and seems to be related to this thyroid disease as they are both linked to autoimmune process of evolution.
Addison's and Graves disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus Erythematosus.
Vitiligo.
Thrombocytopenic Purpura (a blood clotting disorder)
NOTE: Not everyone having Hashimoto's will end up in above mentioned diseases. So, don't worry as this is just a list of diseases that may be linked to Hashimoto's and I mentioned as you seem to be curious about this aspect of AI disease.
Your cholesterol can come down with lifestyle modifications and STATINS class of medications that can be prescribed by your Physician after careful evaluation. It is life saving drug for reducing the heart complications like coronary artery disease and other blood abnormalities.
Lifestyle modifications include healthy and more natural, bland diet, no stomach stuffing and least to no fat and high protein diets. Regular physical activity and keeping a balance in input-output calories is the key. Take more drinking water and remain active and vibrant.
FINAL SUGGESTIONS:
ENDOCRINOLOGIST consultation as soon as possible. Management goes according to follow up investigations and condition after start of treatments.
Hope I addressed all the concerns you have. Let me know if you have further questions. I will be more than happy to help. In future for a fast and direct consultation from me use this link ( http://tinyurl.com/drhanifmd ) and I will be with you in no time to solve your health issues.
Regards!
A consultation from an Endocrinologist is the best next choice for you !!!
Detailed Answer:
It's Dr. Hanif with a warm welcome. Thanks for visiting and trusting HCM. I have thoroughly reviewed health query you raised, and well realize all of those concerns.
PROBABLE CAUSES:
Your main concern is ESR that is low. It is all due to your increased red blood cell mass (erythrocytosis). It leads typically to lower ESR.
Your concerns about why you get low ESR when this is an indicator of inflammation and you have a lot of inflammatory conditions. So, there are two major indicators of inflammations. I prefer C-reactive proteins to be measured when suspected inflammation because ESR is influenced by many other factors and can be confusing as in your case. C reactive protein is not so influenced by much factors and remains more specifically related to inflammation.
Doesn't look like you have the Sjogren's syndrome but clinical correlation and physical examination is needed definitely, and you need to consult an ENDOCRINOLOGIST to get an evaluation for your thyroid and to see if there is any other AI disease as you have suspicions for.
You need to look for your Body mass index that should remain between a normal and healthy limit of 18-24.99. This is the key to remain away from heart diseases.
You also need a screening for Diabetes mellitus that is common. Hypertension also needs to be screened for.
Other diseases (AI) that may be lurking in you due to this Hashimoto's may be:-
Vit. B12 deficiency anemia that you already have and seems to be related to this thyroid disease as they are both linked to autoimmune process of evolution.
Addison's and Graves disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus Erythematosus.
Vitiligo.
Thrombocytopenic Purpura (a blood clotting disorder)
NOTE: Not everyone having Hashimoto's will end up in above mentioned diseases. So, don't worry as this is just a list of diseases that may be linked to Hashimoto's and I mentioned as you seem to be curious about this aspect of AI disease.
Your cholesterol can come down with lifestyle modifications and STATINS class of medications that can be prescribed by your Physician after careful evaluation. It is life saving drug for reducing the heart complications like coronary artery disease and other blood abnormalities.
Lifestyle modifications include healthy and more natural, bland diet, no stomach stuffing and least to no fat and high protein diets. Regular physical activity and keeping a balance in input-output calories is the key. Take more drinking water and remain active and vibrant.
FINAL SUGGESTIONS:
ENDOCRINOLOGIST consultation as soon as possible. Management goes according to follow up investigations and condition after start of treatments.
Hope I addressed all the concerns you have. Let me know if you have further questions. I will be more than happy to help. In future for a fast and direct consultation from me use this link ( http://tinyurl.com/drhanifmd ) and I will be with you in no time to solve your health issues.
Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
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