Need for T3

[mistygrey]

I am waiting on new updated thyroid results - Medichecks kit arrives tomorrow, however these were done on 22 March below. Can anybody tell me if it looks like I would benefit from T3. I am currently trialling T3 but struggling with doses - only on 5mg but taking half the pill at the moment until I build up and also until I get my Iron/vitamins up. I was still very symptomatic & exhausted on T4 alone hence Endo giving me T3 along it's my T4 and I also have Hashimotos. I can update new results next week - My Iron/b12 I am still building up with supplementing.

Thank you for looking - medichecks will have more detailed results including FT3 etc etc..

T3 1.5 ranges 0.9 - 2.4

T4 16 ranges 9-21

TSH 1.3 ranges 0.2-4.5

[shaws Administrator]

Are you adding T3 to T4? or Taking T3 alone?

[mistygrey in reply to shaws]

Hi Shaws

I am on T4 and T3, T3 is what I have added in

[shaws Administrator in reply to mistygrey]

5mcg halved is so extremely small it may not make much difference.

There's no need to be nervous of T3 as it is the only Active thyroid hormone. Too low a dose of any thyroid hormones can backfire as our body needs them to function.

If 20mcg of T3 (UK) it's action is around 60mcg of T4. So 5mcg

is around 15mcg of levo so half of 5mcg is 7.5 of T4 approx.

T4 is inactive. It has to convert to T3. T3 is the only active thyroid hormone and is needed in all of our T3 receptor cells and we have millions.

The following is from a doctor who was also an Adviser to Thyroiduk.org.uk before his death.

web.archive.org/web/2010112...

[mistygrey in reply to shaws]

You are right, it is very little I need to definitely be upping it to at least the full 5mg. Do you suggest I try a half at lunch and half at 4pm? Currently I don't take any T3 in the morning just my T4. I am definitely needing more meds having not been well for weeks now I need to try get better!

[shaws Administrator in reply to mistygrey]

There's no reason you cannot take a combined dose with one full glass of water. I'd add 5mcg to your T4. and wait an hour before eating.

Take Pulse/Temp too before you begin because sometimes we feel hot but temp hasn't changed.

The following is from a doctor who was an adviser to TUK before his death.

web.archive.org/web/2010112...

If we take NDT (natural dessicated thyroid hormones) all the hormones are in it, i.e. T4,T3, T2, T1 and calcitonin. They're not split.

[mistygrey in reply to shaws]

Thank you Shaws. That might be best as I am having to fit Iron in also and other vitamins.

I did notice when I do take my t3 I go hot easily, and feel clammy, I thought this was just in my head but now you mentioned the temperature thing that makes sense. Does T3 affect your temperature? My blood pressure always seems low also and I sometimes get light headed in the morning that's why I didn't add the T3 to the T4 initially together at the same time 🤔

[shaws Administrator in reply to mistygrey]

If hypo our temp is usually below normal.

The purpose of taking thyroid hormones is to raise our temp back to normal, so we may feel warmer than before.

It might also help your blood pressure too. This is a past post.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[mistygrey in reply to shaws]

Thanks Shaws, I just had a read. Is it normal to feel clammy and hot flushes after taking T3? I am on a minimal dose so shouldn't be noticing it, unless my body is just getting used to it. I think we will have a better picture when I get these results as soon as the kit comes I will get stabbing my finger 😅 thanks for your help again

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

T3 1.5 ranges 0.9 - 2.4

Is that a Total T3 test?

Free T3 is the one needed to see how well you are converting T4 to T3.

I'm assuming the T4 test is Free T4 as the range looks like it might be.

[mistygrey in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi Susie

Yes I think that's just the bog standard NHS ones the Gp does, I am waiting on the medichecks kit coming to test the FT3 as they don't ever test that for me, I am guessing I might have to wait until I get these results so I can post them for advice? Then that way know how I am converting!

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to mistygrey]

I've never had total T3 done by NHS in over 40 years, strange how different areas do different things.

Yes, post your Medichecks results when you get them and we will interpret them

[mistygrey in reply to SeasideSusie]

I know it is such a strange inconsistent system 🤔😅 thank you Susie I will do it will be next week sometime hopefully!!