T3 issues

[Thyroidgone]

Hello there !

It seems since I've added T3 I have weight gain and can't lose it and it's gotten worse over the years .. it seems to be getting worse every time my doctor increases T3... it also has a tendency to cause me to feel not myself , makes me grumby ....anyone have this experience with T3 ? I've been on thyroid replacement Synthyroid for 38 years I'm currently on 125mcg Synthroid with the addition of compound T3 dose of 25mcg for the last 10 years or so ( I've tried numerous times to switch to Armour thyroid but it's been a disaster) and had a thyroidectomy due to thyroid cancer 17 years ago.....the doctors don't listen to me complain about the T3 issues I've always experienced, they insist I need more when my blood work gets off ( not been stable levels for years always adjusting it . Any input would be most appreciated. I am an exercise enthusiast for many years and I'm currently eating 1200 calorie or less some days ... The scale is stuck and I'm over weight very frustrated and searching for answers or thoughts....

Thanking you in advance

[shaws Administrator]

I am not medically qualified but maybe you'd feel better if you tried T3 only. Some people cannot improve on levothyroxine and if you've already tried NDT, maybe trial for a few months T3 alone. Some people have a condition called Thyroid Hormone Resistance which means they cannot convert T4 to T3. T3 is the only Active Thyroid Hormone required in our T3 receptor cells and maybe that's what you have. They only improve on T3 alone when they reach a dose which suits them.

[Thyroidgone in reply to shaws]

Thank you Shaws for you imput ...I have tried T3 on it's own and I even get worse ... symptoms increase...I have trouble with the T3 more than the T4.

Once again thank you!

[Clutter]

Thyroidgone,

Can you post your recent TSH, FT4 and FT3 results and ranges to help members advise?

Constantly adjusting dose is why your thyroid levels are never stable. Sounds like your doctors are trying to force TSH or FT3 to a certain level.

[Thyroidgone]

Absolutely ! Here they are ...all within normal....

Component Your ValueStandard Range

TSH - Thyroid Stimulating Hormone1.73 µIU/mL0.45 - 5.33 µIU/mL

ComponentYour ValueStandard Range

T4, Free1.0 ng/dL0.6 - 1.2 ng/dL

ComponentYour ValueStandard Range

T3, Free2.7 pg/mL2.5 - 3.9 pg/mL

Thank you !

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to Thyroidgone]

Your Free t3 seems too low (right at the bottom of the range) and TSH too high (on T3 you'd expect 0.45 or less). I'd increase T3.

[Marz]

For thyroid hormones to work well in the body you need GOOD levels of B12 - Folate - Ferritin - VitD. Have you had them tested and can you post the results ? Are you taking any other medication that could be affecting absorption of Levo ?

[Thyroidgone in reply to Marz]

Thank you Marz for replying..yes they watch my B12 D and all hormones regularly I'm on HR had a complete hysterectomy years ago in the early 80's just a young woman...they are all normal ...I am very exacting with my thyroid medication I make sure nothing does or will interfere with my dosing ! No coffee or anything for at least two hours after ingestion . I will have to find my last results to post them for you but they were all excellent.

I have recently been put on gabapentin for brain aneurysm that has not ruptured...I normally won't take medications but my symptoms have been causing me to be up all night and feeling blue ...the gabapentin has helped...I'm sleeping most nights and body/nerve pain has decreased also can function to better degree during the day....they are aware of my thyroid condition ....I space my dosing as stated above religiously. I absolutely do not like not being up on my game !!

[Marz in reply to Thyroidgone]

Good - so how much B12 are you taking ?. You have a very LOW T3 - so that could mean you are either not absorbing or not converting the T4 into T4. That is why you need optimal levels of Folate - Ferritin - VitD - as well as B12 - to help you feel well and for the thyroid hormones to work well that you are taking ....

Have you had Homocysteine tested ?