Fluctuating Between Hypothyroid and Hyperthyroid?

[matahari]

My doctor informed me I am fluctuating between hypothyroid and hyperthyroid. I am on Synthroid 137mcg and he recently added liothyronine 5mcg. How long will it take for the liothyronine to make a difference in the way I am feeling? I am depressed, having hot and cold flashes, unmotivated, tired, not sleeping, having muscle and joint pains just to name a few symptoms. I am on Synthroid 137 mcg and my latest test results are as follows:

TSH: 0.46 (range 0.40-4.50 mlU/L)

T4, Free: 1.4 (range 0.8-1.8 ng/dl)

T3, Free: 2.8 (range 2.3-4.2 pg/mL)

Thyroglobulin Antibodies: <1 (range < or =1 IU/mL)

Thyroid Periodase Antibodies: <1 (range <9 IU/mL)

Is it also possible I still may have Hashimoto's as I have been hypothyroid for over 20 years? I also am purchasing some selenium, B12, vitamin D and zinc to add to my diet. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[shaws Administrator]

You don't have hashimoto's because you don't have thyroid antibodies. 5mcg of T3 added to T4 is a drop in the ocean and it would seem to me, (and am not medically qualified) that you are a poor converter of T4 to T3, as your FT3 is extremely low. On this link you will note the interpretation of blood tests:-

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Also your dose of T3 with T4 is too low, research has shown that a T3/T4 in a 1:3 basis is best, as you will read at the top of page 80 on the following link:

tpauk.com/images/docs/reduc...

T4 is inactive. It has to convert to T3 but sometimes we cannot do so effectively. T3 is the only Active thyroid hormone and is required in our T3 receptor cells and we have millions.

Blood tests always have to be at the very earliest, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24hours between last dose and test and take afterwards. This helps keep the TSH at its highest as it drops throughout the day or if we've eaten.

You must also have B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate tested. All have to be optimum.

Get copies of your blood test results with the ranges for your own records. If you have a query you can post them.