Anyone suffering from RT3. Who would be interested writing symptoms, treatments and there experiences ect. Have a evaluated test result of 25 range from 20 to 24.
I would like to keep feed back specifically relating to RT3.
Reverse T3 : Anyone suffering from RT3. Who would... - Thyroid UK
Reverse T3
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Karen154
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No-one 'suffers' from rT3, because rT3 doesn't cause symptoms. It is inert. If you have high rT3, I would imagine you have a conversion problem, and it is the low T3 causing your suffering - low FT3, high FT4?
When the FT4 is elevated to a certain point and not being converted into T3, it is automatically converted into rT3, then the rT3 is converted into T2. This is done so as not to waste the T4. rT3 is only in the body for a couple of hours before being converted to T2.
If you want to lower your rT3, the only thing you can do is lower your FT4 - lower your dose of levo, and add in some T3 to raise the FT3 level, and then you should feel better. 
Thank you but I am experiencing symptoms and would like other people's experiences.
greygoose It amazes me that you continue to insist that rT3 causes no problems, that it is totally inert. Even diogenes has told you that it can potentially inhibit T3 through some yet unknown mechanism.
Yes Karen154 , I have experience with rT3. Symptoms are exactly the same as low fT3. Treatment is basically as outlined above. Reduce or eliminateT4 and add T3. Which would make no sense if rT3 did nothing. If rT3 did nothing, you could simply add T4 until your fT3 level came up, or simply add T3 to your T4 and live happily ever after. But those approaches don't work because rT3 evidently slows metabolism, whether through competing for receptors or through some cellular mechanism.
What is your fT3/rT3 ratio Karen?
No, diogenes said that there was no proof either. And, it was he who said rT3 was inert, in the first place. Save your amazement for something more worthy off it. Insisting on chasing after rT3, when there are more important issues, is a waste of time. It's far more likely to be the low FT3 that is causing problems.
greygoose
So, we don't really know if high rT3 is a problem or not? Right?
diogenes
What we do know is that it is a symbol of disturbance in T4-T3 conversion either by nonthyroidal illness or overdosing on T4. Exactly what its effects are is not known; if there are any its not interference in receptor binding but interference in internal biochemistry of the cell.
That's what diogenes said. But he also said that rT3 does not block T3 receptors because it has it's own receptors, and it's only in the body a short time before it's converted into T2. So, hardly likely to be much of a problem. He said that no-one knows what it does in the cells.
rT3 may or may not reduce conversion. We don't know. But, if it does, that's perfectly logical, and serves a useful purpose. But, even if it does reduce conversion, that doesn't mean it causes symptoms. The two do not automatically go together.
The point is, we know why it happens, and we know what to do about it, so why spend so much time worrying about having it?
rT3 does inhibit conversion. That part is not being debated. It is whether rT3 inhibits T3 via a cellular mechanism.
Really, who said that was what was being debated? And how do you know that rT3 inhibits conversion when even diogenes doesn't know?
Are you sure you aren't confusing rT3 inhibiting conversion with rT3 blocking T3 receptors? Those are two totally different things. I can find no comment by diogenes regarding the inhibitory effects of rT3 on T4 conversion. Do you have a reference?
And here is a study showing rT3 to be a potent inhibitor of conversion.
academic.oup.com/endo/artic...
No, I'm not confusing one with the other. And if you read what I said you'd see that I know the difference.
And I know that study, of course. It's what everybody trots out to prove their point. But one study on rat tissue doesn't prove anything in humans. But, as I said above, it would make perfect sense if rT3 blocked conversion. But that has nothing to do with it blocking receptors and causing symptoms.
Let's look at this logically. rT3 is a natural response to several situations, for various reasons. Why would Mother Nature give us a response, intended to preserve the body and keep it alive, that would cause bad symptoms? It doesn't make any evolutionary sense.
In answer to my question
"Clutter, do you have any links to show that rT3 blocks conversion, and isn't just the result of a conversion problem?
diogenes, do you have any information on this? If so, how does this work?"
Diogenes said
"I don't think there is any evidence for or against."
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Perhaps you would like to take the matter up with him, and tell him he's wrong.
So, one study on rat tissue doesn't prove anything? Isn't the 1982 study on rT3 receptors a study on rat and pork liver? So, that one proves your point, but another one is unacceptable to you?
As to your question, would Mother Nature give us a response that would give us bad symptoms? Yes, inflammation is a prime example.
And I am in no way saying diogenes is wrong. He is balanced and logical. Saying something doesn't have proof either way doesn't rule out one of the ways. But you do. You say no one can have a problem with rT3. So, you are saying there is proof. So you are saying he is wrong.
If you want to continue this, please go ahead, but I'm out. You don't really want a logical discussion, you just want a squabble. I don't do squabbles. So, when people start getting personal - and you will notice I haven't made it personal about you - I'm out.
Sure I'll continue. The only way it's personal is that you are the one who keeps proclaiming that rT3 causes no problems in anyone. While saying at other times that no one knows for sure. It cannot be both ways. And it is a potential disservice to people if you are wrong. And you could be wrong.
Also, the rat study you derided was done by the same researcher that did the rT3 receptor study, IJ Chopra, five years before.
Sorry you took this so personally. I have confidence that you are really trying to be helpful to people. You give much good advice and encouragement on this forum. I read it every day. It is just in this one area that you seem to want to disprove anything to do with rT3. I don't know if it comes from a loathing of competing web sites like STTM or where it comes from. But it seems emotional rather than logical. Please think about it.
Perhaps you should think about the condescending way you talk to people, too. You're just as much emotional about this as you say I am - although I don't feel particularly emotional about rT3, I just object to the way you've been talking to me.
What on earth is the point in arguing about whether rT3 causes symptoms. Nobody knows if it does or not. Diogenes has said the same things - although apparently he's allowed to, but I'm not! And Clutter is saying the same thing below - why don't you have a go at her?
Or, perhaps, you could just talk about the whole thing rationally, putting forward any proof you have, instead of making this all sound like a personal attack by talking down to me. But, no, you've pushed and pushed until, finally, you have got me riled. I hope you're satisfied now. But this isn't about me - not as far as I'm concerned, anyway. It's about trying to reassure people that they're no in some sort of danger because they have rT3 - something which is out of the body in a very short time, and easy to deal with, anyway. It's not something to make a huge to-do about and get upset. It's easily dealt with, so why all this making mountains out of molehills? I can only construe that it's personal. And if you really want to know, I don't give two hoots about rT3! You're the one that seems obsessed with it!
And, now I've descended to your level, I'll say good night, and it's this last thing I will say on this or any other subject.
@greygoose
I may have read your last words incorrectly but please, please keep helping / commenting on this amazing forum. Rude and negative comments don’t usually affect you. And I’ve seen 9/10 people with these types of attitudes leave the forum. Please don’t let this stop you.
You are greatly admired - proof in the hundreds of followers you have.
You give great advice and unfortunately some people feel the need to belittle others out of frustration for our condition (as I’m sure you’ll know) or other pathetic reasons.
I guarantee I’m not the only one who needs you and a few other mods. We value you and are grateful for ALL the help/ research and advice that you share. I hope you’ve slept on it and recognise the majority of our community appreciate you.
TUK are a supportive family. Hugs 🤗 Ebony xox
Thank you, Ebony. xxx
I was very angry when I wrote that. I just cannot stand people who don't read what I've written correctly, and then say I've said things I haven't. I shall have to sleep on it. But, at this moment, I don't feel much like sticking my neck out again.
I didn't like to see the rather ill-tempered argument above as it should be quickly nipped by TUK before it gets out of hand. I'll simply repeat what little I know - rT3 does not block T3 receptors but has some of its own. It may have at high levels some interfering biochemical effects on T4-T3 conversion but the details seem to be completely lacking to make a convincing story about what rT3 actually does if anything. rT3 studies are fairly few because of lack of interest in what the field believes is merely a drain to remove excess T4.
Hi, thank you for your reply. I'm so tired now but please keep in touch. There are so many people like ourselves who are suffering but there isn't help for us.
Hi, I've had 3 private blood tests and a Drs
review for them.
RT3 25. Range 10 24
T3 1.8 1.3 3.1
FT3 4.9. 3.1 6.8
Interestingly TSH is very low at 0.05 may be lower but test range doesn't account for this.
Conventional NHS blood tests have been unable to find what is wrong with me but the RT3 is evaluated.
My symptoms are very real!!
I believe there will be a high number of thyroid patients like myself who's symptoms are being over looked, purely because of the cost of a drug.
I truly feel this is the case.
Many thanks
XXX
You can source T3 yourself and see if it helps.
Hi, I see your American. I can thinking about trying to consult an American Dr and have T3 shipped over. But wouldn't know where to start.
One thing is for sure. The NHS are washing their hands of anything which require expensive treatment.
My GP practice asked me to pass in the RT3 test. So I did they changed the evaluated to negative result. I questioned why this was and it removed from my records.
When I asked why I was ill if everything was mine with my bloods I was told to clear my mind and to for walk.ll!
Like it's in my mind.
Go for a walk and get mugged or raped while we clear your records.
Honestly the arrogance and stupidity in my country which is driven by cost which changes policies which directly effects people health.
I've given up. I would to jump ship.
Xx
Well, it's pretty bad here too. I don't know if a doctor here can prescribe anything without physically examining the patient. Maybe by video? Who knows. But you can order T3 from countries where is is not a prescription med. I had to order some from Mexico a few months back. Now that I have a better GP I shouldn't have to do that.
Karen154,
What are your TSH, FT4 and FT3 results and ranges? Symptoms are usually due to low T3 not rT3.
We all have rT3. T4 converts into T3 and rT3. rT3 is a way of clearing excessive T4 and acts as a brake on overconverting T4 to T3 to prevent hyperthyroidism.
rT3 25 was mildly over range at the time you tested. It fluctuates throughout the day and was probably within range an hour later. There's no need to do anything about rT3 25.
Hi clutter, I'm so tired now but I will get with all of them. The RT3 range is 10 to 24 and result is 25 evaluated. My T3 abortion is good but the RT3 is blocking it.
I have terrible burning in my hands and then hair comes out.
I'm convinced the test and burning is linked.
Many Thanks clutter. You always give great information. Xx
Hi clutter, I have posted the ranges which are a bit higher up in this blog. My T3 1.8 which is normal but in my option low and free FT3 mid range normal.
How can I higher my T3?
Also RT3 is there and needs to come down so I want to reduce my T4 which s high range of normal to over normal. If I reduce T4 tune RT3 will take care of itself.
I've suffered for over 3 yes the NHS aren't helping me. I can't continue like this.
Xxx
Karen154,
FT3 is the most important evaluation. T3 is usually total T3 which is bound to proteins and not so useful.
You can raise FT3 by increasing Levothyroxine dose which will also increase FT4 and rT3 or you can add some Liothyronine (T3) to your Levothyroxine dose.
If you post your FT4 result and range I can advise whether to reduce Levothyroxine dose when you add T3.
Oh right, how come. So this why Dr don't have any value to the test. Would you know where u can read about it please. Bought a thyroid book and everything I've read so far is very negative about RT3. Haven't found anything to the contrary as yet. Xxx
Dr. Kent Holtorf is a Thyroid UK advisor. Here is what he says:
Burning in hands can be vit B 12 deficiency.....
Hi thank you that's interesting. I've NHS lab test for B12 was normal. So they refuse to treat.
Result was 525. Range from 181 to 190 so really don't understand how my result was normal. Xxx
Karen154 Had you taken any B vitimins in a multi or on own as that will skew the blood results? Go to sister site of pernicious anaemia for excellence advice.
Karen154,
That range looks improbable. Could it have been 180 to 910? In which case 525 is not far off the middle of the range.
Possibly, I don't have the test to hand. I don't understand how this is normal when the range is so high? Xx
Karen154,
The B12 range is, as you say, huge. The reason is partly because many perfectly healthy people, with no hint of inadequate B12, have been tested and have results in that range.
It is sometimes suggested that anyone with a result lower than 500 should be looked at as if they could be low in B12. Possibly doing further tests. But above 500 is very unlikely to be an issue.
Not everyone will have a result at the top end.
(Mind, I would argue that the bottom end of the range is far too low. Anyone with a result of 180 is almost certainly suffering from B12 deficiency. Results anywhere near that end indicate a problem with diet or absorption. On a decent diet and without absorption problems, no-one should be close to bottom of range.)
Yes, take 1 multi Vit B one a day. It's only daily recommend dose though. Xxx
Wow that's a long time. I was planning on doing the opposite and try to get Back vits as high as possible. Xx
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