My latest results

[MaidofKent64]

My latest results showed abnormal and I have to have retest. I'm on 150mg Levo and have been for about 10 years now. Over all I've been on medication for about 17 years.

I've never felt fully well in all that time but get the same response from my GP that my thyroid is within range etc. I really struggle with my weight and I'm currently at the heaviest I've ever been.

I'm interested in finding out more about T3. Does anyone take it and how does one find out the best dose.

These are my latest results:

Serum TSH level 0.18 miu/L [0.27 - 4.2]

Below low reference limit

Serum free T4 level 18.0 pmol/L [12.0 - 22.0]

Thank you.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

MaidofKent

What have you been told is abnormal about your latest results? Your TSH is below range but not suppressed. Your FT4 is 60% through it's range. The aim of a treated hypo patient generally is for TSH to be 1 or lower with FT4 and FT3 in the upper part of their ranges if that is where you feel well.

To know if you need T3 then you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 all tested at the same time from the same blood draw.

[MaidofKent64 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks for your response. The abnormal is what was reported on my test result which I can view online. The surgery then rang me and left a message to say I need a retest. This has happened in the past and usually the retest comes back normal range and I continue on feeling lousy.

[TaraJR in reply to SeasideSusie]

Quick query SeasideSusie .. what's the difference between a 'below range' and a 'suppressed' TSH? Mine is always around 0.01, and I'd assumed that meant 'suppressed'? My endo says results show I'm slightly over replaced with thyroxine, though I'm sure he's wrong, as I feel I need a bit more.

Eg my latest results on 125 Levo and 25 T3. Am I under range, or suppressed?

FT4: 16.0 (8.0 - 21.0)

FT3: 4.9 (3.8 - 6.0)

TSH: <0.01 (0.35 - 3.5)

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to TaraJR]

Tara

My understanding is that suppressed is <0.01

My endo says results show I'm slightly over replaced with thyroxine

Thyroxine is T4. Your FT4 result doesn't show you are over replaced with thyroxine (Levo) as it is only 61% through range.

Your FT3 is 50% through range so you're not over replaced with T3 either.

If you feel symptomatic, then with your results I would be raising T3 to get it higher in range (my opinion only, I am not medically qualified but take Levo plus T3).

[silverfox7]

Sadly neither doctors or the people in the labs appreciate the importance of T3 and that it cannot be ignored. Your FT4 is a little on the low side so an increase in medication would help but you may also have a conversion problem. Sometimes the inactive T4 isn't converted well to T3 which is the active hormone that every cell in our body needs and you can't tell that without the FT3 reading. So we never really get the full picture unless that is tested. Sadly in many cases even if your GP requests it the lab refuses!!!! So often many of us have to pay for private tests or see an endocrinologist.

4 things help your thyroid work better and and also help conversion as well as getting rid of some of your symptoms. These are Vit D, B12, folate and ferritin. But they need to be optimal and not just in range. SeasiseSusie who has already left you a reply is an expert on this so search her posts to find what levels you are working towards and how to do it.

Also have a look at the Thyroid Uk site who run this forum. Lots of good advice on there and useful things to show your doctor if he's not willing to let you try things out. You can also point out the HealthUnlocked is also recommended by NHS Choices for dysfunction of the thyroid gland.

[MaidofKent64 in reply to silverfox7]

Thank you for your reply. I shall have a look around.