Low free T4

[Heatherfavell]

I was diagnosed with Hashimotos in 2009 and over the years I have managed to lower my antibodies from 1000 down to 200 with a combination of diet, supplements, dessicated thyroid and use of photobiomodulation lamp on the thyroid itself. My TSH and free T3 is in the perfect range but my free T4 is always low and borderline on blood results. I can’t seem to raise it. As I feel ok I am presuming this is just my normal level ? Or does anyone know another reason for this please?

[shaws Administrator]

Blood tests were introduced along with levothyroxine - T4 alone. Therefore if we take or add another thyroid hormone (NDT or T3) blood tests are unimportant (to us). It is all about how 'we feel' on a particular dose and our symptoms are relieved. If we still have symptoms we increase by 1/4 tablet every 2 weeks. I shall give you a link from a doctor who was an Adviser to TUK and he only took one blood test for diagnosing and thereafter it was all about relief of patients' symptoms.

It is good you have reduced your antibodies which attack the thyroid gland (they wax and wane) and also going 'gluten free' can also help reduce them.

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

[Heatherfavell in reply to shaws]

Thank you kindly for your post. I didn’t really want to increase the NDT for the low T4 alone as I seem to be balanced in all other areas. Strangely my Mum had her bloods done recently and I noticed hers was low too and she’s not suffering from any symptoms. Maybe it’s a family trait!

[shaws Administrator in reply to Heatherfavell]

If you feel well with no symptoms there's no reason to increase dose.

[greygoose]

Your FT4 will always be low when taking NDT/T3, because the body only hangs on to as much as it needs, and it doesn't need as much because you're taking T3.

[Heatherfavell]

That’s quite logical. Thank you

[kiki005]

do you mind sharing how you manage to lover the antibodies? thanks