Reverse T3 issues

[Tiredmum75]

Hi had a blood test recently and my reverse T3 was 499 ( 170 - 450) which is high just wondering what this means. My free t4 was 14 (10-20) and free T3 was 3.5 ( 2.8 to 6.8). Any answers would be appreciated

[Judithdalston]

Just some questions: what dose Levothyroxin are you on ( presume no T3 'meds'), you are undermedicated ; are your Vit D, B12, folate, ferritin levels optimum, is your body under stress eg dieting or doing excessive exercise? All these factors can create high RT3.

[Tiredmum75 in reply to Judithdalston]

Hi 100mcg I’m anemic, low iron,b12 is good folate is good and vitamin was 74 at last test around 4 months ago. Have a disabled son so you could call that stress

[Judithdalston in reply to Tiredmum75]

Have you got actual numbers for Vit/ mins? What you doctor says is 'normal' or even 'good' might not be optimum. Your Vit D at 74 is low , better over 100 if not 140-150. What are you doing re anemia? Presume looking after your disabled son creates a constant stress unless there was a specific episode that was worse. Do you have Hashimoto's ie thyroid autoimmune antibodies? Ever had stress hormones tested? You need to up your levothyroxin, and see if it increases FT3 ( or you may need T3 'meds'). You will see many forum members don't bother with Reverse T3 tests ( it is an expensive test) and it often doesn't add information that can't be seen with TSH, FT4 and FT3, Total T4 numbers eg a waste product as taking too much T4, and access is flushed away in blood as RT3. Your post heading re RT3 might have in itself not attracted members to read or answer your post; suggest you concentrate on your FT3 ( and vits/ mins)!

[greygoose]

rT3 is one of those tests that tells you there's a problem, but doesn't tell you where it is. So very many things can cause high rT3 that it's really not worth doing the test. You could have a virus, or not be eating enough calories or have high/low cortisol. A common cause is poor conversion - having high FT4 and low FT3. But your FT4 is not high enough to cause high rT3. But, you say your iron is low, so that could certainly be the cause of your high rT3.

[Tiredmum75 in reply to greygoose]

Thanks greygoose

[greygoose in reply to Tiredmum75]

You're welcome.