T4 to T3 conversion

[hypo_guy]

Hi everyone. A couple of questions from a relative newbie to more experienced hypothyroid members:

1. Can one *feel* conversion of T4 to T3 taking place, and if so

2. Assuming one is a good converter and is taking enough T4, is conversion pretty much continuous or is it intermittent (after meals, for example)?

Cheers.

[greygoose]

No, you can't feel conversion. I've never heard anyone claim that.

Conversion is supposed to take place as and when you need it. And, that might be so in people with no thyroid problems. But, when you become hypo, everything changes, and conversion can become a lot more difficult. Plus, if you are on T4 only, you are at a disadvantage because you don't have the T3 made by the thyroid gland itself, to keep you going. You rely entirely on conversion, and conversion can't always keep up with the body's demands.

[hypo_guy in reply to greygoose]

Thanks Greygoose. Well, can one feel the release of new red blood cells going into the blood stream after suffering from chronic anaemia, because I'm feeling something, and it feels pretty good! It's like my nerves are being soothed and I haven't felt it in years. I'm taking folic acid and B12.

[greygoose in reply to hypo_guy]

I'm afraid I don't know. I've never been in that position. But I would imagine it does feel good, yes.

[Marz in reply to hypo_guy]

hypo_guy - if you feel your nerves being soothed - then if could be the B12. B12 is involved in the Myelin sheath that protects the nerves

[hypo_guy in reply to Marz]

Thanks Marz.

[hypo_guy in reply to Marz]

You're right Marz. I've taken less B12 today and it feels like my nerves are being scraped by a cheese grater. I must get some methylcobalamin. I've only got two 1000mcg cyanocobalamin left!

[Marz in reply to hypo_guy]

Jarrow Methyl from Amazon ....

[Snoddyoddbod in reply to greygoose]

Hi greygoose

I am on 150mcg levothyroxine, am I right in thinking this is T4 only??

I had RAI treatment in April 2016 and my whole system has slowed down to nothing. Sometimes I just run out of energy completely I go to sleep for two days to re charge. Could I be a bad converter?

[greygoose in reply to Snoddyoddbod]

Yes, it's T4 only. And you certainly could be a bad converter, yes. But, the only way to find out, is to have your FT4 and FT3 tested at the same time, to compare them.

[Snoddyoddbod in reply to greygoose]

Thank you greygoose for your reply.

I have just done some medichecks tests. Will post result when I get them.

[greygoose in reply to Snoddyoddbod]

You're welcome.