T4 use

[cazlooks]

hi, I've got massive high T4 scores, TSH or 0.01 (ie the pituitary gland is not working due to a previous adenoma) and medium T3 scores. Why am I still taking levothyroxine (T4) is it wasted and should I only have T3 (liothyronine)?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Suggest you add your actual results including ranges for TSH, FT4 and FT3

Also have you had vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested. If so add these results and ranges too

Plus how do you feel

[cazlooks in reply to SlowDragon]

I'm always low on Vit D, but theoretically, within range, I'm fine for ferritin and B12 too; T4 19.7 (range 12.3-20.2)

; TSH 0.01 (.3-3.94); Full labs not available but T3 is allegedly 'within range'.

I had a pituitary adenoma, which has 'cleared', but left me with secondary thyroidism.

I was on 125mg thyroxine, but my blood pressure is too high so I've cut to approx 100mg. But T4 rates are still high.

[marsaday]

What dose of T4 do you take and how much do you weight ?

What about the actual blood results.

[Clutter]

Cazlooks,

If your FT4 is over range you are overmedicated and need to reduce Levothyroxine dose. Levothyroxine T4 converts to T3 so I'm not sure why you think you shouldn't be taking Levothyroxine. nCan you post your recent FT4 and FT3 results and ranges. It is hard to advise without them.

[cazlooks]

T4 19.7 (range 12.3-20.2)

TSH 0.01 (.3-3.94)

Full labs not available but T3 is allegedly 'within range')

Essentially I'm fine on the T3 because I take liothyronine. However, I'm not sure why I'm taking levothyroxine at all as my TSH indicates I can't convert - why do I need to continue taking it?

[Clutter in reply to cazlooks]

Cazlooks,

TSH is nothing to do with converting. As you have secondary hypothyroidism TSH may not be reliable and should be ignored and FT4 and FT3 measured. Your FT4 was high within range but will drop now you've reduced dose which means FT3 will drop too. As FT3 is within range you are converting T4 to T3. We would need to see FT3 result and where in range it is to tell whether you are a good or poor converter.

[marsaday]

What dose of T3 do you take then ?

so you take 125 T4 and some T3.

Your FT4 is not massively high. It is towards the top of the range, so in a good place.

TSH is suppressed because you use T3.

Many people take T4/T3 because this is a natural state for the body to be in and use. some people find T3 only to be more effective, but they are a minority of people.