Do I have a Conversion problem ?

[whatevs]

Please see the attached lab results .

Ft4 at top of the range but low middle FT3. I don't feel terrible but I don't feel 100 percent either .

On 150mcg levothyroxine atm.

Many thanks as always.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Whatevs

Good conversion takes place when the FT4:FT3 ratio is between 3:1 and 4:1, yours is 4.41 : 1

What are your current nutrient levels like?

Are you addressing the Hashi's with a strict gluten free diet and supplementing with selenium l-selenomethionine 200mcg daily? Selenium can help with conversion, as can zinc so if your level of zinc is low you could supplement that (but also check copper, they need to be balanced).

[whatevs in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks Susie

I was under the impression that FT3 had to be higher in the range for you to feel 100 percent ? So if it's not a conversion problem is it just a case of me needing a little more levo ?

I've had a few things tested but not zinc . Could always supplement with that

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to whatevs]

Whatevs

No, you do have a bit of a conversion problem, your ratio is 4.41 : 1 and good conversion takes place when ratio is between 3:1 and 4:1

If you add more Levo you will most likely push your FT4 over range and push your FT3 up by a smallish amount. The conversion rate will still be the same.

I was asking about your nutrient levels because they need to be optimal for thyroid hormone to work, and particularly ferritin must be over 70 to aid conversion. If they're not optimal then you may benefit from supplementing. So if you post your results with ranges we can see if you need any help there.

Also, Hashi's complicates things (and very often leads to poor nutrient levels), so I asked if you were addressing the Hashi's with a gluten free diet and supplementing with selenium.

[whatevs in reply to SeasideSusie]

I'll be honest - gluten free I can't do . I also take a ppi which probably causes problems with nutrient levels - although ferritin has always come back ok , only folate has been a problem historically and I take 5mg folic acid for that (prescribed) and b12.

So from the sounds of it I need to look at nutrition or ultimately failing that perhaps the addition of some T3 ?

Thanks so much for your help !!

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to whatevs]

Whatevs

Have you tried gluten free? Many members have found it helps enormously and brings their antibodies down, although it doesn't help everyone you can't know until you try.

The PPI wont be helping. Most of us hypos have low stomach acid so if it was prescribed for acid reflux, etc, it may not be the right thing to be taking.

Gut problems are extremely common when Hashi's is present and SlowDragon has lots of information and links to help there.

So what are your nutrient levels, and what supplements do you take. Let's start with the basics.

[whatevs in reply to SeasideSusie]

Sue - I tried gluten free for a brief period but it's just not something I can commit to atm. Like coffee it'd be very hard to give up.

Supplement wise I take

Folic acid

B12 (jarrows)

Vitamin d3

Magnesium

I've had b12, ferritin, folate , b12 and others tested and all came back fine bar folate but I think that was due to supplementing large amounts of b12 initially without folic acid .

I don't have access to the results atm but again only folate has been a problem.

I have selenium in the cupboard (200) but when I tried taking it it gave me a headache for some reason so stopped after a few days .