6 weeks on Nature-Throid and...

[Snevey]

I wanted to share an update with everyone, and some lab results. My first lab results were on 137.5 mcg (for the last 10ish years) and my latest lab results are on 3.0 grains of Nature-Throid. I started Nature-Throid at .75 grains, then 1.5 grain, then 2.25 grain, and then the "full" dose at 3 grains for about 4 weeks. I also added 400 mg of selenium daily.

Test_______________________06-22-2017_______09-11-2017_______Range

TSH_______________________1.250_____________**0.086**________.45 - 4.5

Thyroxine_________________8.5_______________5.6________________4.5 - 12

T3 uptake_________________35%______________27%_______________24 - 39%

Free Thyroxine Index_____3.0________________1.5________________1.2 - 4.9

Free T4___________________1.83_______________1.12_______________0.82 - 1.77

Reverse T3_______________33.2__________Forgot to test this!!!_____9.2 - 24.1

Thyroid Antibodies TPO__172_______________146_________________0 - 34

Thyroglobulin Antibody__5.0________________1.8__________________0.0 - 0.9

Free Triiodothyronine____2.5________________2.8__________________2.0 - 4.4

I can't believe, of all tests, I forgot to add reverse T3!

I'm doing these tests and the Nature-Throid out of my own pocket, as my endo will not even try NDT. Based on these results, I think 3.0 grains is a bit much as my TSH seems too low to me. My only symptom of being hyper is insomnia. My body temp is still low at 98.2 degrees instead of 98.6, and I don't know why.

So, in anyone who understands labs, would you agree that going down to 2 grains of Nature-Throid a day for 6 weeks and retesting would be a good idea?

I was extremely happy to see both Thyroid Antibody tests come down. I haven't altered my diet just yet though, but that will be my next big change...

[startagaingirl]

Hi - why are you thinking of dosing by tsh? That is the mistake that doctors make all the time. When taking any form of t3 - incl ndt - tsh will become very low regardless. Your ft3 is only 33% through range, so if anything you are still under-medicated. So do not decrease your dose, increase it.

I haven't looked back through any earlier posts - how are your nutrients? Vit d, vit b12, folate and ferritin?

Gilllian

[Snevey in reply to startagaingirl]

I do take an iron supplement, as in the past my iron was low, and I was diagnosed as anemic. So I ran that test on my Sept 11, 2017 blood test. I didn't do vitamin tests just yet. I believe I may need to alter how often I take that supplement, as it appears that I'm high in a couple of those categories.

Iron Bind. Cap. TIBC 267 ud/dL (250-450)

UIBC 72 ug/dL (111-343) LOW

Iron, Serum 195 ug/dL (38-169) HIGH

Iron Saturation 73% (15-55) HIGH

Ferritin, Serum 307 ng/mL (30-400)

Transferrin 226 mg/dL (200 - 370)

Hemoglobin 15.3 g/dL (12.6 - 17.7)

When I get a little more money, I will be doing the vitamin B12, D3, Magnesium, zinc and folate tests done to see where I am.

Any other tests I should have done?

[startagaingirl in reply to Snevey]

Hi - you need to talk to your GP about the iron/ferritin measures, as too high is as bad as too low and you may need some supplementary treatment to balance that out.

You do need b12, d3 and folate tests. No point in testing magnesium as even serious deficiencies typically don't show in testing due to the way the body handles it, preferring to maintain blood levels at the expense of bone. Zinc would be a lower priority test so if resources are limited, focus on the others.

Hashimotos is strongly linked to food intolerances and malabsorption in the gut, so until you do change to strict gluten free, you will not be getting the full benefit from any supplements you do take. That really should be a priority.

Good luck

Gillian