Does anyone know about reverse T3 and how to interpret results?

[Scoobylou]

I've had a BH 12 test that included a reverse t3. I was just on 100mcg of levothyroxine only at the time of test. I've since added 6.25mg of T3.

I had some really great informative replies to the tests but no one has been able to interpret the T3 results yet

Any advice gratefully received.

[humanbean]

There are quite a few reasons for having a high reverse T3 level. This is a good link on the basics of the subject :

stopthethyroidmadness.com/r...

Your ferritin level is too low, and that will increase your reverse T3. Your B12 and folate are also too low and, in my opinion, any low nutrients will cause stress to the body. And any form of stress could make your cortisol levels go wrong.

Have you ever done a saliva adrenal stress profile? It will give you some information on how good or bad your cortisol levels are.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

gdx.net/uk/product/adrenal-...

Note that the NHS "doesn't believe in" saliva testing for cortisol under most circumstances, so you will have to deal with any problems yourself. Your GP won't help.

[Scoobylou in reply to humanbean]

That's really informative thank you, there are many of my symptoms on there. I can't believe it. My GP would not help anyway. Even though I feel so awful he still reduced my levo!

I have ordered all my vitamins. fingers crossed that will help. I have had stress, above and beyond life's normal stress for over 18 months so that tied up with the vit and mineral deficiencies really all make sense to what I have just read. I think I will try all the supplements for a period of time then have the tests again. That way I can see if everything has settled and helped the reverse t3. If not then I can have the saliva testing. I am on a budget sadly so want to use the tests wisely. Thank you again for your help.

[radd in reply to Scoobylou]

Scoobylou,

I agree with HB and would say optimising iron and nutrients will help thyroid meds to work better.

Selenium is known for aiding conversion. Antioxidants such as Vit C, milk thistle, etc will help the body rid of the excess RT3.

This RT3 could be hindering further meds from working but eating well and optimising nutrients and especially iron should all help. Iron is key for conversion of T4-T3 and low levels may decrease deiodinase activity resulting in conversion of further reverse T3 ( rather than the active hormone).

You have no thyroid antibodies which is a great advantage and good vit D levels.