Do I need to take extra T3?

[patrabu25]

Hi,

I am baffled as to why my T3 won't rise with levothyroxine. It has been quite low prior to starting on levothyroxine but it hasn't really risen since commencing the treatment. I have managed to reduce my antibodies by going gluten and dairy free but T3 is still low. Any ideas? Has anyone experienced anything like this? Do I need perhaps swap levothyroxine for T3 medication only? My results are below.

October 2016 (not medicated)

TSH - 6.25

FT3 - 3.8

FT4 - 12.4

TP Abs - 649.4

December 2016

TSH - 3.9

FT3 - 2.8

FT4 - 14.8

TP Abs - 254.28

February 2017

TSH - 2.65

FT3 - 2.6

FT4 - 16.4

TP Abs - 199.78

Many thanks in advance!

[Marz]

Ranges ? How much T4 are you taking ? Without ranges I can see the FT3 is low .... as is the FT4. Perhaps a dose increase would help

[patrabu25 in reply to Marz]

Hi Marz,

Thank you for your comment. Please see ranges below. It looks like FT4 is within range but FT3 is low.

October 2016 (not medicated)

TSH - 6.25

(0.35-4.94)

FT3 - 3.8

(2.63-5.70)

FT4 - 12.4

(9.01-19.05)

TP Abs - 649.4

December 2016

TSH - 3.9

(0.35-4.5)

FT3 - 2.8

(3.1-6.8)

FT4 - 14.8

(11-26)

TP Abs - 254.28

February 2017

TSH - 2.65

(0.35-4.5)

FT3 - 2.6

(3.9-6.8)

FT4 - 16.4

(11-26)

TP Abs - 199.78

[Marz in reply to patrabu25]

How much T4 are you taking ? - what was your starter dose ??

[patrabu25 in reply to Marz]

I'm on levothyroxine 50mcg. Starter with 25mcg.

[Marz in reply to patrabu25]

Ah - then that is why your levels are LOW. You need an increase of Levo 😊 50mcg is a starter dose unless you are ancient and have a poorly heart ....

[patrabu25 in reply to Marz]

I was just trying to keep to the lowest dose possible and manage mainly with diet and supplements. I've been having some gut issues along the way and feel that the fillers in my medication can impact it. I guess I will have to increase it to 75mcg and see how it goes.

Thanks for your reply. 😊

[Marz in reply to patrabu25]

Yes increase and then re-test after another 6/8 weeks ....

[HEA72]

Are you taking nutritional supplements to help with conversion of T4 to T3? selenium is particularly needed for this conversion, along with some zinc.

[patrabu25 in reply to HEA72]

Hi there,

Thanks for your comment. I have started taking selenium this week. I had a serum selenium test done last month which showed my levels as 1.40 (0.89-1.65), but have heard that serum tests are not very reliant so started taking a supplement anyway. I have also been taking zinc for the last month.

[HEA72 in reply to patrabu25]

Having a good chemical clean up can help some people. Synthetic chemicals and toxic metals are hormone disruptors and can affect endocrine glands and the body's chemical pathways. Being mindful of what toiletries, cosmetics, household cleaning agents and cookware we use and swapping to as many natural alternatives as possible can potentially be a good thing for us.