I am a bit confused! Why if its ok for TSH and t4 to go outside the blood test ranges is it not ok for T3 to be over the range also?

I understand they say its damaging to be out of range but they say that about TSH and t4 as well but it seems a lot of people are happy to have suppressed TSH and over range t4. just a bit confused!

[shaws Administrator]

This is Dr Lowe's explanation and he says the Endocrinologists are not using scientific language when the say T3 is dangerous:-

The problem I'm facing is that my TSH is very low and my T3 is high. On occasion, I feel that my heart is pounding or I feel anxious. Other than these symptoms every once in a while, I don't feel overstimulated. But because of these symptoms and the lab results, my doctor wants to take me totally off T3 and send me to a local endocrinologist. I've inquired at the endocrinologist's office and learned that he doesn't believe in using Cytomel or your protocol. What can I do? There must be other options than just taking the Cytomel away completely. I feel good now and live an active lifestyle. I don't want that taken away. Please help. I'm desperate not to go back to the way I was before.

Dr. Lowe: The improvements you describe are typical of what we hear from patients using high-enough doses of Cytomel. Because of your improvements, and because your symptoms of possible overstimulation are occasional, taking you completely off Cytomel seems to me radically improper.

For someone taking 100 mcg of T3, we expect your pattern of lab results—a low TSH and high T3. However, your TSH and T3 levels are irrelevant to whether you're overstimulated or not. Two studies we just completed confirm other researchers findings: these tests are not reliable gauges of a patient's metabolic status. Many patients taking T3 have TSH and T3 levels like yours but still have severely low metabolic rates. Their metabolic rates become normal only when they increase their dosages further. Their metabolic rates become normal and they have no detectable overstimulation.

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[Hidden in reply to shaws]

Thanks shaws I was just wondering cos not sure what to do really... I only take 62.5mcg of levo daily have no feeling of being overcooked, in fact uneven heartbeats and pounding have stopped completely and I feel really well but as per normal am told reduce because over ranges on TSH t4 and t3 on blood tests. Think I might just leave it as it is and grab feeling good and worry if and when problems arise from it!, thanks again.

[bantam12 in reply to Hidden]

Do be careful about keeping your levels outside the ranges, it can/does cause problems further down the line, it may take a few years for things to show up by which time it's too late, the damage is done !

[shaws Administrator in reply to Hidden]

How you feel is the best way to judge whether your need to lower or up the dose of thyroid gland medications.

[howlyn in reply to shaws]

I think you can tell by your own body if you take a bit to much drop it back that is what i have done then you know when you need more you are the only one can know that. I do not think your body could take to much anyway it will soon tell you then just drop back a bit.

[Jackie]

Hi It really is true that FT3 over range is especially harmful to the heart and can even cause cardiac arrests, good drug but very potent. Personally and in agreement with my good Endo I would definitely not want my T4 too high either. I was on armour years ago and saw a private doc for 2 years. He did not believe in many blood test, I was overdosed and very ill, certainly contributed to my cardiac arrests, although I disagreed with the Cardio who said that it was the cause. A lot more known now, , TUK, WEB and on line bloods, so easy to be careful.When I was overdosed I felt exactly the same as under dosed and I am very sensitive to anything in my body.

Best wishes,

Jackie