Could I please have some feedback on my blood test results.

[Caze]

After 8 wks on 50mcg Thyroxine and 20mcg T3 my blood test results were

TSH <0.03 (0.34- 5.6)

FT4 7.9. (7.50-21.1)

FT3. 4.9. (3.80- 6.8)

I took meds 24 hrs before test.

My Endo had reduced my T4 only regime of 100mcg to 75 MCG T4 because my TSH was suppressed. On this reduced dose I felt v tired and bloods after 1 mth were

TSH 1.58

FT4 12.5

FT3 4.7

so my endo suggested the T3 regime. I initially felt better on this but it did not last and I had days when I felt v tired. My feeling was that I was still under medicated.

However my Endo said that as my TSH was so suppressed my thyroxine she be lowered.

I did not agree with this and as my GP had decided she was no longer going to prescribe T3 (thanks fr that). I asked to go on Armour. I started at 1.5 grains split into 3 but I have developed a h/ache in the middle of my forehead. I intend to stick with the Armour and follow the dosing regime as per STTM bk hoping that side effects will be temporary.

So questions

Looking at my bloods on the T3 regime what do u think the next step shd have been - a raise of meds, a reduction per my Endo or something else?

Have I started my Armour at the right dose?. As I was already on a higher dose of T3 and T4 I am surprised that I am having the headaches as I have tolerated the synthetic T3 well. Any suggestions why this shd be and what I can do about it?

Any help wd be gratefully received.

Thanks C.

[shaws Administrator]

There is absolutely no scientific evidence, other than too much medication, for reducing a dose due to the TSH alone.

Even Dr Toft of the BTA says some of us need a suppressed TSH to feel better.

This is a link and read the first and second question/answer

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

[Caze]

Thanks fr yr reply and the link. I think I shd have raised my meds slightly rather than reducing them based on how I felt and the low Ft4 reading. As I am now on Armour I am going to try and get my dose up to nearly 3 grains based on my symptoms and then have a blood test after holding the dose fr 6 wks. If NDT does not suit me I will go back on the T4/3 combo but increase meds if tolerated until T4/3 are in top quartile of rge.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Caze]

When you add T3 to T4, the tests the GP does is based, I am sure, on taking levothyroxine only so, personally, the GP cannot use these as a guide. The best way to know if the medication is doing its work is by 'how the patient feels'.

[Hidden]

I think the headache may be because you need more than 1.5 grains of Armour. You were on 20mcg of T3 and 75mcg of T4. 1.5 grains gives you 57mcg of T4 and 13.5mcg of T3. (There's 9mcg of T3 and 38mcg of T4 in a grain).

Try upping to 2 grains. I think you're right in that you will probably need at least 3 grains.

[Caze]

Thks fr yr reply. I am going to increase to 2 grains on Sunday and thereafter increase as per STTM info.