T3 only - results and dosage

[Batchelor23]

I was wondering if anyone could advise re. my consultant's recent comments. I had an appointment with her on Monday and had another blood test prior to my appointment. I am on 40 mcg T3 only and my results were TSH 0.1 (0.3-5), FT3 6 (3.1-6.8). She said she didn't think it would be wise to increase my dosage any further at the moment due to my results and she said there can also be a risk of developing heart problems/stroke/osteoporosis. Although I have some days when I feel reasonable on 40 mcg, I then seem to have several days of feeling extremely tired again for no reason so I was hoping it might be possible to increase to 50 mcg. I'm not sure if she would have agreed had I really pushed for the increase but I agreed to wait for another two months then have another blood test done. Do you agree that it would be unwise to increase or do you think she is just being over cautious?

[Clutter]

Batchelor23,

How long did you leave between last dose and blood draw?

How long have you been taking 40mcg T3?

[Batchelor23 in reply to Clutter]

It was a little over the recommended 12 hours - I took my last T3 dosage at 6.30pm and had the blood test at 8.30am. I increased to 40 mcg on 2nd May.

[Clutter in reply to Batchelor23]

Batchelor23,

If you extrapolate FT3 6.0 by +10% 12 hours after last dose your estimated circulating FT3 will be 6.60 which is top of range. Increasing dose will almost certainly send FT3 over range which does increase the risks of developing atrial fibrillation and osteporosis.

[Clutter in reply to Clutter]

Batchelor23,

Symptoms can lag behind good biochemistry by a couple of months so you may feel better if you continue with 40mcg.

Perhaps you could ask your doctor to check ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate as low/deficient levels are common in hypothyroid patients and can mimic hypothyroid symptoms.

[Batchelor23 in reply to Clutter]

Many thanks for your advice.