Low FT4

[kirsty1946]

Can someone please remind me what low end normal FT4 could indicate? TSH back to 1.56 FT4 12.5. FT3 never tested doc pretty much laughed at my request...will try again at docs tues.

Thanks

[Clutter]

Kirsty, low FT4 can make it difficult to convert T4 to T3. Your TSH 1.56 should come down and your FT4 improve now your dose has been increased to 75mcg. It will take 4/6 weeks for the increased dose to metabolise and work on your symptoms.

If your GP won't test FT3 you can order a private test but there really isn't much point in doing so until your TSH is lower and your FT4 higher as your FT3 is bound to be low right now. thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[kirsty1946 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks hun! Tryin to get to grips with what everything means. My TSH was 0.96 back in july but TSH was 12.6 just. My ferritin low at mo at 7.2 so thinking it could be cause of most of my ailments? Xx

[Clutter in reply to kirsty1946]

Kirsty, Ferritin 7.2 is very low. I assume you've been prescribed iron? Take each iron tablet with 500mg to 1,000mg vitamin C to aid absorption and mitigate constipation. Improving your ferritin will make it easier to absorb and metabolise Levothyroxine.

[kirsty1946 in reply to Clutter]

I have docs on tues only got ferritin results over phone on thur so assuming I will be given iron but ferrous sulphate kills me...is there anything else that lighter on the stomach?? Xx

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to kirsty1946]

You could investigate haem (also spelled heme) and/or ferritin supplements. Both are available, unfortunately rather more expensive and unlikely to be prescribed.

Rod

[Clutter in reply to kirsty1946]

Kirsty, ask for Ferrous Fumarate. It's not as hard on the gut as FSulphate but may still be problematic if you are sensitive to iron.

[kirsty1946 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks hun...can but try...now to find the energy to blow up a million 4yr old birthday balloons

[sued007]

my ferritin was 4 for a couple of years .was put on ferrous gluconate which didnt seem to upset me as much but ended up having 2 ferritin infusions as wasnt absorbing iron or thyroxene . ferritin is now 122. feel so much better and after a vit d injection also my bones are improving .im 56 and had a total thyroidectomy nearly a year ago and am on 150mg levo

[kirsty1946 in reply to sued007]

Thanks guys for your replies...now I have some background info and choices. Onwards and upwards....hopefully