adding T3? help with test results please...

[purplejuicy]

I've been on T4 only since march now (up to 75mcg now) with a 3 week attempt of NDT in may but was very ill during that so switched back and been treating iron and adrenals since.

My blood tests are:

T4 - 16 (10-22)

TSH - 3.5 (0.3-5.5)

T3 - 3.7 (3.1-6.8)

I don't feel great most days, very tired, hair coming out in clumps, dry hair, headaches, brain fog so wondering if adding T3 might be a good next step?

any advice is much appreciated

[Clutter]

Purplejuicy,

You are under medicated to have TSH 3.5. If Levothyroxine was increased to 100mcg FT4 and FT3 would rise and TSH would drop. I'd request a dose increase and see how that improves symptoms before adding T3.

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.

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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.

[purplejuicy in reply to Clutter]

Hi clutter

Yes I remember my endo saying he wanted to keep my TSH under 2 in his letter to my GP so maybe I will get a call/letter suggesting an increase soon as I only had the bloods taken on Friday and doubt my GP has looked yet. I was very keen to get the printed and ask for advice straight away.

I just thought as my t4 is optimal but t3 is low then maybe I'm not converting very well so adding t3 would help me feel better. I will wait to hear from GP first and if I don't here anything then I'll use that pulse article you've given. Thank you

[Clutter in reply to purplejuicy]

Purplejuicy,

You won't know how well you are converting until you are optimally medicated. If TSH is low, FT4 high in range, and FT3 low, that indicates poor conversion.

[purplejuicy in reply to Clutter]

Ok, how do I know when I'm optimal? TSH reading or how I feel? Or both?

[Clutter in reply to purplejuicy]

Purplejuicy,

How you feel and TSH, FT4 and FT3 levels.