Please could you interpret my blood test results?

[Iphoenix]

Today I saw an endocrinologist after 3 months on T3 and I would really appreciate your

interpretation of my results to see if they agree with what he told me.

TSH 0.03

FT4 23.01

FT3 10.5

Thanks and wishing you all good health.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Iphoenix Have you got the reference ranges please (usually in brackets).

I'm guessing TSH is below range, FT4 might be either just over or just within the top of the range, but if it was my hospital lab it would be way over as it's 7-17. I'm guessing that FT3 is quite a way over range to.

As you're on T3 only that's quite a surprising result, usually FT4 goes quite low.

[Iphoenix in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks SeasideSusie,

I haven't got the ranges as this came straight from the hospital computer.

The endocrinologist told me that he is not prepared to prescribe T3 as the GMC don't like it and if I want to continue with it I will need to find another consultant to

prescribe it.

He also told me that my fatigue, weight gain and sweating are not due to hypothyroidism, what planet is he on? He believes I am hyperthyroid now but for the first time in years I feel human.

As soon as he told me this my heart sank and I really don't see the point of carrying on.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Iphoenix]

Iphoenix Are you on T3 only, or a combination of Levo/T3? That result would make more sense if it was a combo.

[Iphoenix in reply to SeasideSusie]

I was prescribed 20mcg T3 and 75mcg levothyroxine, what is the effect of that?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Iphoenix]

Well, now your results make a lot more sense.

What is the effect of 20mcg T3 and 75mcg Levo? Impossible to say because everyone needs a different dose. I would be very under medicated on that, obviously you're not.

Without the ranges it is impossible to know exactly where your results lie but I would say FT3 is more than likely over range, that is the one that is most important to be in range.

You're not hyperthyroid but I think you're over medicated and some tweaking is necessary but until you have the ranges that's not possible to comment on. More than likely a bit of a reduction in your T3 is needed, no idea about your Levo until we see the range.

[Iphoenix in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks I will get that info today.

[greygoose]

If your endo won't play ball, buy your own and self-treat. But, first, I would make sure there isn't something else going on. Have you had your antibodies tested - both TPOab and TgAB? Have you had your vit d, vit B12, folate and ferritin tested?

What were your levels when you were first tested?

The hospital must have the ranges. They cannot interpret the results either, without the ranges. Ring them and ask. It is important to know.

[Iphoenix in reply to greygoose]

Hi greygoose,

To my knowledge I have only had a vitamin D test and was prescribed 3200 units, none of the others have been tested. If they tested me for Vit. B12 I would need to stop taking them for a certain period wouldn't I? I have been taking 5000 units per day for the best part of a year. I will contact the hospital today, thank you for the advice.

[greygoose in reply to Iphoenix]

Yes, you would have to stop the B12 for at least four months, so it's not worth it. Did you have it tested before you started supplementing? Do you take a B complex to keep the Bs balanced?

[Iphoenix in reply to greygoose]

No I was never told I needed testing, I take many supplements Vit. B complex being one of them.

[greygoose in reply to Iphoenix]

Well, without testing, how do you know you're taking the right amount? 5000 for a year is a lot. I should think you could come down to 1000, now. No point in flushing money down the loo!

If I were you, I would ask to have my ferritin tested.

[Iphoenix in reply to greygoose]

Thank you for the advice. Do you think it is likely that I am now hyperthyroid? What I don't understand is that my brain fog had disappeared and my memory was improving, life seemed to have some pleasure!

[greygoose in reply to Iphoenix]

No, that's a physical impossibility. But, I do think you are possibly over-medicated. Can't say for sure without the ranges, but the Frees do look a bit high. Why not go back to the dose on which you felt good?

[Iphoenix]

This is the only time I have felt good since diagnosis 6 years ago.

[Angel_of_the_North]

How much time did you leave between taking your last dose of meds and the blood test?