How soon test after lowering t3?

[Clara9]

My endo want to have med blood tests taken. The thing is I only reduced my t3 a week ago (which he doesn't know). How soon can I have this test taken to show true levels? He won't let me wait 6 weeks.

[Hidden]

From your previous post it seems your FT3 level might have been 'too high' for your Endo and so he wants you to reduce your T3 somewhat, is that right? Your FT3 level will drop swiftly if you reduce it, as T3's half life is just hours compared to that of T4. Mine went from over range at 6.8 to below range after one week of taking none as an experiment. However your TSH will likely stay suppressed, mine didn't budge after a week, so if that is his issue I'm afraid a week's lower dose won't do the job (I don't know how long would be required).

Really it's not good to go strictly by blood test values, it should always be about how you feel. If your Endo is just chasing the labs then it doesn't bode well for you.

[Clara9 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, he wants to reduce levo. So am I racing you right that my ft3 level after a weeks decrease will show accurate results?

[Clutter]

Clara9,

What is it you want your endo to see?

[Clara9 in reply to Clutter]

Nothing really, he just said I need to have tests done as he's not quite happy with my Tsh. I know that it will be low since it's been under range since on 50mcg levo (on 112 + 12.5 t3 now).

So basically for me as a guide to see if I can increase my t3 dose. Will 1 week be enough to show real t3 level?

[Clutter in reply to Clara9]

Clara9,

Thyroid tests are a snapshot in time. They always show the 'real' level. If TSH was low on 50mcg don't let your endo start reducing dose to push TSH up. That will just make you ill. My TSH didn't budge after 3 dose reductions over 2 years. I think the only way it will rise is if I stop meds for a few weeks and I'm not about to do that to please my endo.

Reducing T3 dose for a week will show a lower FT3 level than if you had continued on the higher dose but if FT3 was high it may still be high in range. 6 weeks is usually the time required between dose adjustment and blood test to show the 'real' level.

[Clara9 in reply to Clutter]

Ok, ha won't let me wait 6 weeks though...

[Clutter in reply to Clara9]

Clara9,

Delay it as long as you can and make sure it is early in the morning when TSH is highest and fast (water only) as TSH drops after eating and drinking.