They tested me only for Free T4 which is 21.3 pmol/L 12- 22
TCH 1.0mu/L 0.3- 4.2
I noticed that T4 is on the high range border.
T3 was requested and the NHS lab did not do it . I am making a formal complaint now due to thes .
When I had this test I was on 75 mcg Levothyroxine. I was very symptomatic- constipated, dry skin, loss of hair, abdominal bloating, cold feet and hands, tiredness.
Ten days ago I have started to self-medicate as my endocrinologist only offered me laxative to elevate my constipation , which I did not accept.
I have started to take T3 _12.5 mcg and reduced Levothyroxine to 50 mg
I still have the above symptoms feeling very sluggish.
I ordered a comprehensive private test through blue horizon which I will do so.
If someone makes suggestions and comments please It would be highly appreciated.
Written by
daniela15
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There's no problem with FT4 being slightly over range. Some people need high FT4 to deliver good FT3. Read Treatment Options in thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
It's best to wait and do the BH test 6 weeks after you reduced Levothyroxine to 50mcg and added 12.5mcg T3 as it takes a few weeks for thyroid levels to adjust to dose changes. Symptoms can lag a few months behind good biochemistry.
Do you have Hashimoto's (high antibodies) if so are you strictly gluten free?
Also we need very good levels of vitamin D, folate, B12 & ferritin. Have these been tested- if so post the results. If not get them tested asap (via Blue Horizon if GP won't). If they are below good levels we will struggle to use T4 or T3
Constipation may improve if try magnesium, and magnesium is recommended when we take vitamin D anyway
How long did you take just 12.5mcg T3? Also did you take it in divided dose of 2 x 6.25mcg?
We need at least 6 weeks to get use to dose, and then retest. Very tempting to increase too quick.
I am on week four of starting T3, under advice of endo (Been a bit of a roller coaster, so far). 2 x 6.25mcg, on empty stomach. I take Levo at bedtime.
Have you had vitamin D levels checked- very important. Needs to be at least 70nmol/L, or ideally around 100nmol/L. Vitamin D is oil based, therefore we can not get rid of excess so important to check doesn't go too high, twice a year, if supplementing.
If not been checked, get done via vitamindtest.org.uk - £28
Did you try Magnesium to help with constipation
Have you considered dairy or nightshades (tomato, potato, peppers, aubergines) as possible food intolerances. See The Thyroid Pharmacist website for masses of info about Hashimoto's
Going gluten free free may still reduce antibodies, even if you don't notice any obvious improvements
Vitamin B complex & B12 might help. Make sure B complex has folate, not folic acid. B vitamins are water soluble so we pee out excess apparently
Also if B complex has biotin in (most do) need to stop taking 4-5 days before any future thyroid tests as biotin can falsely affects test results
Only change one thing at a time, or you have no idea which works & try to be patient, waiting to see result of each change (not easy I know!)
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