FT3 has lowered but TSH and FT4 stayed the same.

[lucylocks]

I posted recently with my results.

I have not been feeling very well and thought I had a virus, but also lots of hypo symptoms as well so decided to have levels checked..

I take 1.5 grains W.P. Thyroid one grain am. and half grain early evening.

Bloods taken 12 hours after last NDT dose and I fasted.

TSH 1.06 range 0.27 - 4.20

Total T4 47.9 range 59.0 - 154.0

FT4 9.74 range 12.00 - 22.00

FT3 3.58 range 3.10 - 6.80 - level was 5.2 range 3.8 - 6.0 in February, 17 hours after NDT. (this would had been higher if I had left 12 hours from last NDT dose)

TPO antibodies 95.77 range 0 - 115.00

TPA antibodies 32.02 range 0 - 34 - this has risen from 27.5 in August 2015

Previous levels in February show TSH and FT4 were approx. the same as recent levels but FT3 was 5.2.

It was suggested that I may have had a hashi's attack because my TPA have risen, although still in range and this resulted in a lower FT3. What I don't understand is how my FT3 has lowered but there is no change in TSH and FT4. As I am rethinking my thyroid meds. I curious to know why this has happened.

Any thoughts anyone.

Thank you.

[lucylocks]

Does anyone know why the FT3 would drop but FT4 and TSH would stay the same?

[Phoenix605 in reply to lucylocks]

The only reason I can think of is something has caused you a conversion or absorption issue, you may not be absorbing the T3 portion very well or something is interfering with T4 conversion. Have you changed the timing of any thyroid or other med doses and inadvertently caused a conflict? Have you had a dietary or lifestyle change?

TSH is slow to react so it could just be a case that a level change hadnt shown up at the time of the test but may well in the next. The last possibility i can think of is have you changed your exercise level, for most people heavy (or heavier than normal) exercise can tank FT3 levels and again it can take a while for TSH to react. cant comment on the hashi flare idea as I am one of the other 10% without it.

[lucylocks in reply to Phoenix605]

Many thanks for your reply,

the only thing that I have done differently is to take an iron tablet. I am now wondering if I may have not left four hours from taking it and taking my NDT.

I know I left a few hours but may not have been four, not sure if this could have had an effect on FT3 but not FT4 and TSH.

[diogenes Remembering]

It's just possible that you had or have a nonthyroidal illness which can lower FT3 for the same dose and at the same time raise reverse T3, which is typical of NTI (e.g. a significant viral attack). Your FT4/FT3 ratio has gone from just below 2 to almost 3 indicating a conversion switch. In this case an rT3 result would help.

[lucylocks in reply to diogenes]

Many Diogenes for your reply,

I have had what I thought was a virus.

Would I need the rT3 test before deciding what to do about my NDT.

Before this latest result I was all set to add a little levo. to my NDT as my previous result showed FT3 was at a good level at 5.2 but FT4 below bottom of the range but I still had some hypo. symptoms.

Not sure what to do now as the FT3 has lowered.

Would the rT3 result show the best way forward regarding what thyroid meds. to take.

My G.P. wants me to go back to levo. as he does not how to read thyroid results whilst I am taking NDT

[diogenes Remembering]

I would personally hang on with current medication until the viral attack has gone away and then remeasure FT3. Then you will know what has happened.

[lucylocks in reply to diogenes]

The strange thing is, one day I feel as if the virus has gone then the next the symptoms are back again, I feel my body is not fighting it off.

That was the reason I had my levels checked as I thought if they were out it may explain why I can't fight the virus off.

[Tile]

One year later but realize that anytime you are.ill the body tries to raise RT3 to slow you down to help recovery. Guess you found this out by now.

[lucylocks in reply to Tile]

Thank you, yes I understand more about it now.