I don't think T3 is working.

[beaton]

I know I have been lucky to be on T3 for the last few years but I don't think my body is absorbing it.

Ten years ago started T4 the combo T3/T4 and have been on T3 only for the last few years. Big side effects with T4, high blood pressure and balance issues, which have gone since on T3 only. But I'm not getting any better. Still tired having lots of digestive issues and weight issues.

So if I am not absorbing T3 does it mean I can't convert the T3 to T2, hence weight and energy issues ? If this is the case would NDT or T2 be the best option ?

On 80 mcg. T3

Last bloods :-

TSH 0.019 (0.35 - 4.5 )

T4 <5.2 ( 10.5 - 26.00 )

T3 3.6 ( 3.9 - 6.8 )

[Clutter]

Beaton,

You do appear to have an absorption issue because 80mcg is a high dose of T3 but your FT3 is below range. It is low FT3 which causes hypothyroid symptoms and weight gain. I would increase to 100mcg to raise FT3 but ask your GP to do a coeliac screen to rule out gluten intolerance causing malabsorption and if coeliac screen is negative, referral to gastroenterology for investigation.

You would have to try NDT to see whether there is any improvement over T3 but I suspect you will need to take very high doses to overcome what appears to be some sort of malabsorption. There is no T2 medication.

[beaton in reply to Clutter]

Thanks Clutter, will do. (Did see T2 under bodybuilding, but that scared me too.) xx

[Clutter in reply to beaton]

Beaton,

There may be supplements and stuff called T2 but they are not thyroid meds.

[beaton in reply to Clutter]

Thanks, what I thought. x

[greygoose]

Do you take your T3 on an empty stomach, one hour before food and drink other than water, two hours before other medication or supplements, four hours before calcium, iron, vit D, estrogen?

[beaton in reply to greygoose]

Yes Greygoose. Before getting up. Hour before breakfast. Take sups at lunch time.

[greygoose in reply to beaton]

OK

[crimple]

Marz has posed a question on today's blog, see higher up screen. She was on T3 but has now added a little T4. Have you had tests for thyroid antibodies. Coeliac test is not reliable. Many people are sensitive to gluten and test negative! Gluten should be avoided if you have anitbodies.

[beaton in reply to crimple]

Hi Crimple, for ten, or more years I have been fighting to get off T4, the side effects so bad I was bedridden. Think my Thyroid antibodies were tested years ago (not to hand.) I have been gluten free for most of the last ten years. Doctor would not test before I stopped gluten, since then tests have come back negative. Hoping to see my GP when he comes back from leave. x