T4 rising but not T3. Can someone help with explanations please.

[shambles]

I am on 100/125mcg, Graves, no thyroid since 2010 and TED.

Below are blood tests from my visit to the Endo last Nov when he wanted me to reduce my meds but I felt more hypo than hyper. Then my new bloods test done last week ready for my return to the Endo showing I am overmedicated and I feel it. I don't understand. When I had my thyroid removed 3 years ago and 2 stone lighter I was initially put on 150mcg and 18 months later I had to beg to reduce to 125mcg and I then reduced to 100/125mcg myself without consultation in July last year.

I was feeling as good as I've been since the operation until July then I stopped my B12 to see if I had PA and also stopped Vit D because it was the summer. So having stopped all vitamins I thought I might as well have a complete blood count which show me over range in calcium, iron, B12 plus a few other eye openers. Posted a few weeks ago:-

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

I am going through a rough time as my father is seriously ill and my brother only just told me he has mouth cancer and neither live in the UK. But I eat very health, don't drink or smoke and although I have managed to gain 2 stone since starting the levo, I am still not over weight (yet) as I was too thin before having my thyroid removed.

November 2012

Free T4 22 9-23

TSH 0.24 0.55-4.79 abnormal

Free T3 4.7 3.5-6.5

September 2013

Free T4 *29.9 12.0 - 22.0 abnormal

TSH *0.01 0.27 - 4.2 abnormal

FREE T3 4.8 3.1 - 6.8

So my T4 is too high and my TSH probably too low but T3 is not rising. Do I have a conversion problem? Is that the got any link to why all my other functions are too high?

I am not receiving any support from the GP who is nice but not educated enough on thyroid matters and the Endo not much better.

Any advice on how to get the best out of my appointment with Endo would be greatly appreciated.

[Muffy]

Does sound as though there could be a conversion problem.

[Marz]

..have you read about the Gene Test D102 ? - on the main Thyroid UK website you will find information. It is the gene that prevents efficient conversion of T4 into T3. Something else to throw into the mix !

[shambles in reply to Marz]

Hi Marz

Thanks for the reply. I did indeed see it.

[Jackie]

Hi Not sure specifically about Graves but normally if T4 high and FT3 too low then you need less T4 and some T3, this also lowers the TSH and other symptoms.

Best wishes,

Jackie

[shambles in reply to Jackie]

Hi Jackie

Thanks for the reply.

I am concerned TSH would be lowered. That's not good is it? I'm not sure. And would that then help with all the other out of range issues? I am sure the GP and Endo will just get cross with me about my levels and tell I should have reduced last Nov and send me off with a flea in my ear

Keep well.

Michelle

[Jackie in reply to shambles]

Hi You could go a little lower on your tSh, if the Endo is good. The buck stops with them, if they have not looked after you properly that is their fault, not yours.Also as you know Graves is complicated and can swing.I am not sure what your other post says. However, the main electrolytes are Potassium, corrected calcium,sodium and magnesium. If there is a problem these should all be tested. You must not take any vit D if corrected calcium is above range. Ideally potassium should be about 4, if low, supplements only safe with weekly test, food is fine, if magnesium low then that will cause low Potassium, important to have plenty Potassium and and magnesium in food, that is safe. all K is contra indicated with any cardiac problems, especially electrolytes.

I hope that covers both posts?

best wishes,

Jackie

[Hidden]

Looking at your other post, If other electrolytes are out of sync (eg. high sodium, Potassium lowish) then testing them, and looking at Magnesium too might be an idea. (One electrolyte too high or low can often mean others are high or low as a result) Parathyroid definitely needs looking at for this reason too.

Certainly Vit D is too low... to be honest summer has little effect, we are living very FAR north here, so unless you live naked and outdoors, it's often not enough!

As for supplementing Vit D3, I would not use supplements if you do not ALSO supplement vitamin K2 (NOT K) as this helps prevent calcium moving out of bones into arteries, the last thing you want.

With your hypoglycaemia, then I would also be looking urgently into Adrenal issues... blood cortisol and probably a salivary 24 hour test too. This was happening to me and it certainly doesn't help you convert T4 to T3 either! You mention a rough time, and this stress does not help this

[shambles in reply to Hidden]

Hi picton

Thanks for the detailed and helpful reply.

Yes the words parathyroid keeps popping up The surgeon said they struggled to get my thyroid out because it was very swollen, so I guess damage may have occurred.

I have stopped all vitamins now but miss the magnesium and B12. I'm going to have to google K2 because I know nothing about it but thanks for the heads up.

Adrenal issues, don't know anything about this either but will have read. My mother had a pituitary problem, I wonder?

It never rains but it pours.. darn.... I liked your Vit D comment.

Keep well

Michelle