Recent results - T3 / T4

[Bristol1965]

I have just got my latest results through after a few months of not having them done - think some of my results are a bit out still - I have put the in range results next to my results in brackets. I am going on holiday soon to Mexico where I understand I can get T3 over the counter at Pharmacy so am planning on bringing back as looks like I may need it.

Here are the results:

T3 = 0.857 - (0.84 - 2.02)

RT3 = 0.21 - (0.10 - 0.35)

T3/RT3 = 4 (no range given)

T4 = 7.06 - (5.13 - 14.06)

TSH = 3.09 - (0.270 - 4.20)

B12 = 618.3 - (200 - 950)

Ferritin = 50.75 - (13 - 150)

Iron Serum = 56 - (37 - 145)

Thanks in advance and any advice very welcome

[puncturedbicycle]

Wow, poor you, do you feel terrible? Your t3 and t4 are barely scraping by. Are you being treated or no? Your iron and b12 could be improved but the best thing you can do for yourself (in my humble layperson's opinion) is take more thyroid meds. Any idea of your vit d?

[Bristol1965]

Hi Puncturedbicycle - thanks for reply.

I have not been feeling great for ages, can´t remember when I felt ´normal´and beginning to forget what normal is anymore.

I have been on 100 Levo for about 2.5 years now. I am seeing an Endo but have not seen one now for about 9 months after banging my head against a brick wall with 3 of them so far Am making an appointment when I come back from holiday and am going to ask for her to put me on T3 which I am hoping to buy when I am on holiday as from reading up think this might help me.

I don´t know my Vit D levels, however have been taking a supplement each day which includes some Vit D but maybe not enough? Also take a B complex and fish oil capsule for cholesterol.

I know as the results are in the range of the blood tests the Endo will look at them and think all is ok. I showed them to my GP here yesterday and he said they looked fine -again all in range but I still feel rubbish :(!

[Clutter]

Bristol1965, The goal of Levothyroxine is to restore the patient to euthyroid status and for most people this will be when TSH is just above or below 1.0 with FT4 in the upper range and FT3 in the top third of range. You need a dose increase! Read Treatment Options in thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_... Email [e-mail] for a copy of the Pulse article if you would like to show it to your GP when you request a dose increase.

Ferritin is optimal halfway through range to around 100. Supplement iron and take each tablet with 500mg-1,000mg vitamin C to aid absorption and minimise constipation. Take iron 4 hours away from Levothyroxine.

_______________________________________________________________________________

I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

[Bristol1965 in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter - thanks for the reply and very helpful information - I will read up on the link and also email Louise for a copy of the Pulse article as I do think it is going to be a struggle for my Endo to agree from my results that I am under medicated.

For the Iron tablets is there any particular dosage I should take? I was unsure about Iron tablets and I have not taken Vitamin C - I only take a general Vitamin supplement which included Vit C, D etc so will get some high dose Vit C tomorrow.

I am going on holiday next week so no time to see Endo or GP prior to going - I was thinking of upping my Levo to 125 until I get back from Holiday is 25 a big increase to make without seeing a GP or Endo?

Thanks again for your advice and for this site which I do not know what I would have done without all of the support and advise it gives.

[Clutter in reply to Bristol1965]

Bristol1965, 25mcg is the usual dose increase given by GPs and endos.

If you buy T3 over the counter in Mexico make sure you buy 25mcg tablets which can be cut down to smaller doses with a pill cutter and don't accept 75mcg Triyotex capsules.

_____________________________________________________________________

I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

[Bristol1965 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks Clutter will do. I have been out and bought the following supplements: Vit C 1000mg, Vit D 800, B12 1000 (sublingual) and 20 mg (gentle) iron capsules so am starting these straight away.

If I manage to track down the T3 there I will wait until I return to start taking them as don't want to start on holiday. Will definitely start with an increase of Levo of 25 mcg and see if this makes a difference.

Thanks again for your help

[Glynisrose]

If I were you I would order my T3 and pick it up rather than try buying over the counter.

[Bristol1965 in reply to Glynisrose]

Thanks Glyisrose - not sure what the pharmacy will be so will check when I am there and if I have no luck will order when I return from holiday.

Thanks for the reply.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

You might very well be able to buy some T3 at a pharmacy in Mexico. However, the make that was so popular, Grossman Cynomel, is not available at present. (Lots of discussion over whether or not it will ever again become available.)

The Mexican sources have been sending Triyotex (nominally a huge 75 microgram dose in capsule form) or, sometimes Abdi Ibrahim Tiromel from Turkey.

[Bristol1965 in reply to helvella]

Thanks Helvella - I will go into one of the pharmacy´s when I am there and see what they have but good to know the names otherwise would not have clue what to ask for.

I think in the meantime I will take 25 extra of Levo whilst I am away on holiday as a few of the posts indicate I am under medicated at the moment and by the way I feel at the moment that makes sense.

Thanks again for reply.

[Bristol1965]

Thanks rowan-1 - will give it a go and see if I can get it over the counter. Its worth a try as I will be there.

Have never tried T3 as Endo where I am will not prescribe it and really know nothing about it so only prescribe T4.

Thanks for the reply.

[Clutter]

Mina_, Triyotex 75mcg is the only T3 available in the whole of Mexico? If that's the case Bristol1965 should pass and buy 25mcg online.

[Bristol1965 in reply to Clutter]

Will see what I can get over there and if not will order online if this is the best option.

[Clutter in reply to Bristol1965]

Bristol1965, please don't buy 75mcg Triyotex. It's far too high a dose for someone wanting to add a little T3 to Levothyroxine.

I hope you have a lovely holiday. I had a great time in Mexico and am licking my lips at the memory of some of Margherita cocktails we enjoyed.

[Bristol1965 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks Clutter - will take your advice, I don´t want to risk feeling worse than I do already. I am so looking forward to chilling out and relaxing for 2 weeks - it has been a manic year so really need this holiday - can´t wait.

Will have a couple of Maghertia´s too!

Thanks again for the advice much appreciated

[Bristol1965]

Thanks Mina - will see what I can get, it all seems very confusing and I won´t start taking until I return - good to know the name of what I am going to be asking for in the pharmacy alot of people have said that Cynomel you cannot get now.