Understanding what my test results mean

[RubyTuesday]

On 20 June 2012 my GP told me to reduce my T3 from 20 mcg twice daily, to 20 mcg once daily, even though three times I told him how well I felt on my current regime (taken with T4 100 mcg). My results at that time were:

20 June 2012: TSH 0.02 (0.3-4.2), T4 13.7 ((12-22), T3 5.6 (3.1-6.8) before reduction then the following after:

23 Oct 2012: TSH 0.05, T4 15.9, T3 5.2

28 Mar 2013: THS 0.04, T4 13.8, T3 4

30 July 2013: THS 0.03, T4 15.5, T3 4.2

Do these results look as if some action needs taking, only the GP wants to talk to me about them?

[shaws Administrator]

The main question is 'how do you feel today" - if you feel well with no clinical symptoms your dose must be o.k. I assume you are having some symptoms as you have continued to have thyroid gland blood tests more frequently whereas we would usually have them once a year.

If you feel well don't let your GP alter your dose according to your TSH level. If you felt better before he reduced your T3 in June 2012, ask him to increase the T3 again. Your blood levels are practically the same but some people need a very low or suppressed TSH to feel well.

Some doctors get worried if you have a low TSH as they think it may give you a heart attack etc. These are a couple of excerpts from Dr Lowe:-

Many endocrinologists talk of using the TSH and thyroid hormone levels to "fine tune" hypothyroid patients’ thyroid hormone dosages. Considering how much the hormone levels vary, however, it’s obvious that the concept of fine tuning is mistaken. For the sake of their patients’ health, endocrinologists should promptly abandon the notion.

web.archive.org/web/2010112...

[RubyTuesday]

Thanks Shaws. Initially, when the GP reduced the T3 with immediate effect (!) I felt awful for a few weeks, but gradually adjusted and I have continued to find natural ways to increase my well being. I've maintained my exercise levels while adding K2 in the MK-7 form to the cod liver oil and D3 that I take. A couple of months ago I started the 5/2 fasting and my fitness level/health is much improved and I would be interested to see how my high cholesterol has changed for the better (apparently an improvement happens quite quickly), but I am not due a blood test for this for another two and a half years.

My GP is trying to take me off the T3, this is the reason for the regular blood tests and, I suspect, that is what the conversation will be about.

[Stourie in reply to RubyTuesday]

If I were you I would be seeing another doctor who doesn't know what your usual one is trying to do.. Mention that you feel better with the t3 alongside the t4

and you would like to keep on taking it. Then cross your fingers

Jo xx

[RubyTuesday in reply to Stourie]

Yes, Jo, I am considering this; I could quite easily change area as I am between a couple of local towns. Thanks. xx