TSH/FT3/FT4 Test Results

[Girlslovescifi]

Hi,

Hope everyone is doing okay. I just had these results back:

TSH 0.05 (0.2 to 4.2)

FT3 4.17 (3.1 to 6.8)

FT4 13.6 (11 to 22)

I've been on 2.5 grains of WP Thyroid NDT for about 6 months I think).

I stopped NDT for 24 hours and test was at 7.30am.

I have been having some increased hypo symptoms lately but not all. I was putting it down to adrenals but now wonder if I should try 3 grains. Opinions greatly appreciated. I did ask my lovely GP for a reverse T3 test but he showed me all the thyroid tests he was allowed to do. Not really supposed to do the FT3 & FT4 but he does them because I'm on NDT and the TSH tells him nothing.

[Girlslovescifi]

I'm now wondering if I should've taken my afternoon dose and just missed the morning dose before the test.

[Clutter in reply to Girlslovescifi]

Gilslovescifi,

8-12 hours between last dose and blood draw is sufficient. Most people taking NDT do better with FT3 in the upper range 5.5 - 6.8 so there is scope to increase to 3 grains.

rT3 isn't tested on the NHS and as your FT4 is low in range it's unlikely you have high rT3.

[Girlslovescifi in reply to Clutter]

Thank you. Do you think the fact that I didn't take my afternoon dose has made them seem much worse than they are?

[Clutter in reply to Girlslovescifi]

Girlslovescifi,

Leaving 24 hours between last dose and blood draw means FT3 is a little lower. You can extrapolate +20% to estimate FT3 normal circulating level is 5.0 so there is still scope to increase dose.

[Girlslovescifi in reply to Clutter]

Thank you! You're a font of useful information! 👏🏻

[Girlslovescifi in reply to Clutter]

Incidentally, my results in Jan/Feb were Blood tests tsh: 0.05, T3 5.62 and T4 15.2. I just omitted the morning dose that time. I wonder why the T4 has dropped? I have been stressing a lot. My anxiety has been getting progressively worse. I don't know if it's levels making it worse or the other way around.

[Clutter in reply to Girlslovescifi]

Girlslovescifi,

Both FT4 and FT3 have dropped, probably due to declining thyroid function so a dose increase will help.

[Girlslovescifi in reply to Clutter]

Thanks again. Sometimes I feel like I'm going nuts. I cry all the time and get so tired. You've given me hope! I hope you're doing well.

[shaws Administrator]

If you're on NDT and symptoms arise you should increase dose by 1/4 tablet and I shall give you a link which might be helpful. Our symptoms can tell us a lot i.e. we're not on sufficient hormones - or on too much - or need an increase.

web.archive.org/web/2010112...

[Girlslovescifi in reply to shaws]

Thank you