DIO2, T3 and pregnancy

[Sodo]

Hi,

I've just received my DIO2 gene test results and have heterozygous variant genotype TA. Which was explained to me that this means I have a reduced ability to convert T4 to T3. This isn't as bad as having the homozygous varient which reduces this ability further still. I saw an endocrinologist back in September and based on my blood tests, they increased my thyroxine by 25mcgs to 225mcgs per day to try and bump up my T3. I'm assuming because of this DIO2 that the increase in T4 won't do anything for me? It hasn't so far, and I feel no better for it? My problem is that I'm waiting for IVF so in a bit of a catch 22 where the Dr/endocrinologist won't prescribe T3 because there isn't enough research to say it's safe during pregnancy. In the meantime I feel like crap anyway. Has anyone who has been in the same scenario got any advice for me? I've just had more private bloods done, been taking the recommended supplements and doing everything else I can to try and help my conversion issue. The only next step im going to take is to go gluten free. I've attached my DIO2 test results for info.

[marigold22]

If your T4/levo is not being converted into the usable thyroid hormone T3, then you will get Reverse T4 in your blood. You are on a very high dose of T4 and still feel krap. Your endo does not know what he is talking about and I suggest you email Louise Roberts at TUK [e-mail]

for her list of Endo's who have been recommended from members of this forum. I too have heterozygous DIO2 variant, and have known even before confirmation by that private test, that I could only feel really well on T3. My view is that you should only be taking T3. I found the print out of my results to be extremely useful to wave in front of every doctor/endo I encountered. Their eyes roll, they don't understand it, but won't admit it. You will need to be ready to explain what it means. It's a form of Polymorphism britannica.com/science/poly...

You need to be really well and have good blood results before embarking upon IVF. T3 (liothyronine) is the usable thyroid hormone by the body, it's not a drug, it's a thyroid hormone replacement. You will no doubt need to do research yourself to find written proof that T3 is safe during pregnancy in order to convince your Endo. Or write another post asking for help. I have seen one of the regular contributors on here talk about how T3 compares to T4 in its use by the body.

[Sodo in reply to marigold22]

Thanks for your advice. I haven't seen the endo since I got these DIO2 results, so hopefully it will lend some weight to getting some proper treatment when I go back. I'm sure that with still feeling rubbish, I'm not in optimum health for IVF anyway. I certainly don't feel well. I've read the patient info leaflet online for cytomel T3 and it does say that it is safe during pregnancy, but thorough research doesn't seem to have been done from what I can see. I'll push my GP/endo for at least a trial on T3 if nothing else. 😊

[Clutter]

Sodo,

If you post your recent TSH, FT4 and FT3 results and ranges we will be able to see whether you are a good or poor converter. If you are a poor converter then you will benefit from the addition of some T3 to Levothyroxine to raise your FT3.

You will be pressured not to take T3 while you are pregnant. It is up to you whether you comply. Absence of safety information does not mean it is unsafe to take T3 during pregnancy.

[Sodo in reply to Clutter]

Thanks, I will do. I've just had some further tests done privately to see how the increase in my thyroxine has affected my levels and it includes the vitamin levels as well. Once they come through, I will repost. I'm of the mind at the moment that I will try anything to feel better. I'd rather be monitored if I end up taking T3, so I'll see how things go.