Reverse T3

[Gcart]

Please can you help me understand this rT3

Free T 3. 3.63. 3.1-6.8

RT3 23.0. 10-24

RT3 ratio L10.28. >20

Can you explain what that means. It was a Blue Horizen test

[Kell-E]

It means that for every inactive rT3 molecule you have floating around in your blood, you have 10.28 active T3 molecules. Some feel that the ratio should be at least 20:1. 20 good guys to 1 bad guy.

Oh, and your fT3 is somewhat low...that is contributing to your ratio being less.

[Gcart in reply to Kell-E]

I see , so it could be better? Do I understand , sorry I do get confused .

[Kell-E in reply to Gcart]

You have asked this question in other posts. What do you not understand?

[Gcart]

Seems that I’m a bit thick

[EbonyEvans in reply to Gcart]

Gcart, Scottbnk is trying to help you. This nebulous response imho is quite rude. If you could clarify what you don’t understand so maybe we can help you with a different explanation? That is if you do want help still?

[greygoose in reply to Gcart]

No, you're not thick. In an ideal world, you wouldn't have to be concerned with all this - unless, of course, it's particularly interested you - because doctors would be dealing with it. After all, as they're always telling us, they're the ones that have been to med school! It is a lot to get your head round, and when you're not feeling well, and you have a hypo foggy head, it's difficult to sort out all the conflicting information.

Basically, I wouldn't bother about rT3 at all - and ratios are for healthy people, not us hypos. All that you really need to know is that your FT3 is too low, and that's why you have symptoms. Presumably, your FT4 is high, and you're not converting well. So, in order to feel better, you're probably going to need to add some T3, one way or another. But, I promise you, when you do manage to raise your FT3 level, you brain will clear and you will understand all this more easily. But, in the meantime, just forget the rT3, the ratio and all the rest.

[sue_b in reply to greygoose]

Hi GG,

could you clarify your comment above about rT3? I thought it was an issue because it blocks receptor sites that your T3 would otherwise be occupying, or have I got that wrong?

Thanks

sue_b

[Gcart in reply to sue_b]

Yes sue b. That’s how I understand it. I believe it’s better to have little rT3 . I think that mine is 1 to 10 good guys so I shall not worry as GG advised. The more good guys you have the better! On the range I had I th8nk above 20 good guys would be better 🙂

[Gcart in reply to sue_b]

Just noticed you addressed GG. Hope I haven’t confused you

[sue_b in reply to Gcart]

hi, it's ok but I believe GG will respond too

[greygoose in reply to sue_b]

That's what used to be thought, but recent research has shown that rT3 has its own receptors, so does not try to go through the T3 receptors. In any case, it has a very short half life, before it is converted into T2.

[sue_b in reply to greygoose]

Thanks GG. So the levels of rT3 are not an issue. Do you happen to know what numbers you should be aiming for if you are taking T4 and T3? Thank you

[greygoose in reply to sue_b]

The numbers that make you feel well. Wherever that might be. We're all different, so all need different levels of T3. Some people might feel well with it just over mid-range, others might need it over the top of the range. Blood tests are just a rough guide and should always be secondary to the way you feel.

[DeeD123 in reply to Gcart]

No your not thick. I to find it difficult to grasp all info. Even when I print it out I loose it. Hopefully your fog will lift soon. X

[Gcart]

Ok thank you GG. I will do that x

[silverfox7]

Have you had your Vit D, B12, folate and ferritin tested? If recently please post your results and ranges. These help your thyroid to function better but they need to be optimal, not just in range but in time, supplements will help a lot to improve conversion and your general well being.

[Gcart]

I had them done by blue horizen 18 months ago, GP has never done them . I do have a kit to redo soon. I have been supplementing having been helped by SUsie S .

I would like to post then for comments . Thankyou for helping . My consultant for another complaint told me that I am anaemic but not iron anaemic, so not to supplement.?

Its the red blood cell , hemacrit and white cell below range. I am waiting for letter so hope to have more understanding .

I have read its about treating underlying illness .

So all a bit difficult

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Gcart]

Gcart,

There are many types of anaemia. Trouble is, all too many (doctors and patients) simply assume iron deficiency whenever they see the word anaemia. I assume that is why your doctor said not to supplement - meaning not to supplement with iron. (Excess iron is a very bad thing. So that is probably the right advice.)

But you do need to find out what type of anaemia you actually have. Otherwise you cannot know what to do!

[Hidden in reply to Gcart]

It's all difficult but with the help on this site you can recover and feel well, I did and only after 18 months I have sorted my life out.

Just keep going OK?

[Gcart]

Oh ok. Will it be on here I get help ? Or my GP when consultants letter arrives . Thanks again

[LAHs]

Gcart, you are neither thick nor rude! Given that FT3 = 3.63 and RT3 = 23.0, in what universe does a ratio of these two numbers = 10.28?

I happen to know, but I wonder if EbonyE would care to explain.