Lowering T4 dose....

[Tigreg]

Total Thyroidectomy benign nodule 2 years ago.

For three months now I have been on 75 mcg T4 and 50 mcg T3 with very little improvement.   Here are results of my blood test 2 days ago:

TSH  0.01 (0.27 - 4.20)

FT4 10.8  (12.00 - 22.00)

FT3   6.3  (3.80 - 6.80)

Saw the endo yesterday, told him I still felt hypo, cold extremities, hoarse, low energy, stiff and painful muscles/joints etc.  He suggested lowering the T4 to 50 mcg and leaving the T3 unchanged.  Possible swamping of T4 in my body?  Could it be that the T4 is doing more harm than good?  Any particular recommendations for lowering Levo by 25 mcg?

I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions from any kind members.  With thanks.

[adin]

Hm, strange. I think you need add some levo and decrease the T3 (say 125T4+30T3) but I'm not sure.

[Clutter]

Tigreg,

I suspect your endo is trying to raise your TSH.  FT4 is below range so I can't see how you can be swamped with T4.  Your FT3 is close to top of range so it is surprising you feel so hypo.  Have ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate been checked?

[Tigreg in reply to Clutter]

Thanks Clutter for your response.  I also can't understand.  All my levels are good.

B12.  551. (197-771)

D3 106 nmol 

Calcium  94 mg/l  (86-102)

Magnesium. 20.7  (16-26)

Iron.  108. (16-157)

Ferritin. 160  (30-400)

Folate >20. (3.79-16)

I took my last 12.5 mcg T3 at 9pm and had blood test at 8am fasting.  I am 77 yrs old and I can understand that endo doesn't want to push the T3 too far.  I have no cardiac problems so far.  Is there such a thing as Levo blocking progress?  Maybe I will have to do "T3 only"?  I really don't understand anymore!  Any advice will be greatly appreciated...

[Clutter]

Tigreg,

It's all trial and error.  Perhaps you could try your endo's suggestion for 3-4 weeks and see whether there is any improvement.  If you feel you are becoming more hypo try 50/75mcg alternate days or go back on 75mcg.

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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.

[Tigreg in reply to Clutter]

Thanks again Clutter.  I think that's good advice.  I'll give it a try!