Do I need to take a T3 drug ?

[Jetsginger]

I have been on synthroxin meds for years as my thyroid doesn't produce it's own thyroxin. If my thyroid doesn't work will my body need to take T3 ? Has anyone else an answer?

[Jetsginger]

I always have achy joints and shoulder and feel like I have a cold that never gets better lack of energy . My Dr did blood tests and my T4and T3 were low. I also had 2 glands removed in my parathyroid last year as they were enlarged. Thanks for the answer. I go to Dr next week and am going to ask him .

[Jetsginger]

What tests can they do to determine if it is converting T4 to T3 ?

[Clarebear in reply to Jetsginger]

If your T4 was high in range and T3 low, then this might suggest you aren't converting very well. However, you say you have low in range T4 and T3 - this might suggest that you just need an increase in thyroxine, which will hopefully increase FT4 and FT3.

[Jetsginger]

100mcg per day .

[Jetsginger in reply to Jetsginger]

I was on 125mcg daily but he lowered it and I don't feel so foggy thinking or not so much aches.

[Jetsginger]

Well I will try and get referred to a specialist when I see him next week.

[Clutter]

Jetsginger, Ask your GP receptionist or practice manager for a printout of your results with ranges (figures in brackets after results) as it helps members advise. Low FT3 and low FT4 indicates undermedication. It's low TSH, high FT4 and low FT3 which indicates poor conversion.

Hypothyroid patients are often low/deficient in ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate which can cause musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and low mood similar to hypothyroid symptoms. Ask your GP to do blood tests and post the results and ranges in a new question for advice.

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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.

[Jetsginger in reply to Clutter]

Thanks for the advice. I will do that. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Jetsginger]

I was at the GP yesterday and he thinks I have to increase the Levithyroxine so took a blood test. I am to go back in a month but increased my own tablets this morning to 125mcg so I will at least not be so tired and putting weight on and then go back in a month. He said my T3 was normal so doesn't think I need to take T3 . What do you think?