low T3

[suekit]

just returned from doctors TSH 2.60 Free T4 18.5 T3 1.8 so no need to increase thyroxine even though the symptoms i have indicate they may be due to low thyroid levels would low T3 indicate this does anyone know?

[Clutter]

We;come to the forum, Suekit.

It helps members to comment/advise if you include the lab ref ranges with your results (the figures in brackets after your result).

Your TSH is high for someone on medication. Most people are comfortable with TSH just above or below 1.0 although some need it lower 0.2-0.5 or even suppressed 0.03 to feel well.

Dr A Toft, consultant physician and endocrinologist at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, has recently written in Pulse Magazine, ""The appropriate dose of levothyroxine is that which restores euthyroidism and serum TSH to the lower part of the reference range - 0.2-0.5mU/l.

In this case, free thyroxine is likely to be in the upper part of its reference range or even slightly elevated – 18-22pmol/l. Most patients will feel well in that circumstance.

But some need a higher dose of levothyroxine to suppress serum TSH and then the serum-free T4 concentration will be elevated at around 24-28pmol/l.

This 'exogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism' is not dangerous as long as serum T3 is unequivocally normal – that is, serum total around T3 1.7nmol/l (reference range 1.0-2.2nmol/l)."

email [e-mail] for a copy of the article if you wish to show your GP.

[greygoose]

Even without the ranges, that T3 looks very low. And, yes, low T3 would account for a lot of hypo symptoms. And, as Clutter said, your TSH is too high. Not surprising you don't feel well. You need an increase and your doctor is an idiot! How much are you currently taking?

Hugs, Grey