Low FT3 high RT3 ratio

[Baggiebod]

I had hoped to get T3, because the blood test results showed too low/normaL a TSH and a normal T4, this prompted me to get my FT3 tested privately because the GP thought all was fine due to the blood tests despite the symptoms. My FT3 was near the bottom of the normal range. I was referred to the Endo and because I still had a lot of Hypo symptoms he increased my Levo from 50 to 75mg per day. Within a few weeks on this new dose I gained nearly a stone in weight and I am increasingly tired and lethargic. I have now had my RT3 tested (privately ofcourse) and it turns out to be high at 35 ng/dl and my latest FT3 test showed a slight dip in that from 4.17 to 3.9 . The Endo said the increase in Levo should increase the FT3. I have done the RT3 to FT3 ration and it comes out at 11.1 which is significantly lower than the normal range of >20. As the Endo referred me back to the GP, I will have to go back to her and ask for help. Any suggestions/advice?

[Pamela0106]

I'm sorry you're in that situation I.e. Having to take care of your own health and test requirements. I personally have got nowhere with the NHS in prescribing me T3 due to the cost and the Consultation document they've released to CCG's telling them to stop prescribing it.

Stop the removal of T3 from the NHS ... sign the petition 👇🏼

change.org/p/itt-campaign-g...

[Baggiebod in reply to Pamela0106]

I had already signed this petition. Do you buy your own T3? And if so please can you PM details of your supplier? Just in case I am unable to get treatment on the NHS, which I think will probably be the outcome 😖

[Pamela0106 in reply to Baggiebod]

I will send you a PM. X

[diogenes Remembering]

Several things stand out here. First, you have FT3 near the bottom of the normal range. Second when you were given a bigger T4 dose it didn't help your FT3 but increased your rT3 significantly. Third, this means that giving you more T4 is fruitless, because it gets turned into rT3 which is useless and has no benefit. Fourth, therefore you are demonstrably a poor T4-T3 converter. If upping your T4 dose has no effect on FT3, then obviously your T4-T3 conversion enzymes are working as hard as they can but not enough for your health. Since they can work no harder then more T4 gets diverted to rT3 to get rid of it. Looks like you are a candidate for added T3 in therapy.

[BirgitteG]

Hi Baggiebod - just saw your post! Wondering if you are taking selenium? Your high Rt3 could be caused by a selenium deficiency?

Or maybe you solved your problem? Hope so!

[Baggiebod in reply to BirgitteG]

Hi there, I am already taking Selenium, I am awaiting an appointment with Annice Mukherjee at Salford royal hospital. Unfortunately it is not until January 2018...