Blood results - poor conversion - help

[StarFlower2]

History:

Started self medicating T3 only over two years ago for poor conversion and high RT3. Adrenals suffering at end of last year.. saw private endo who took me off meds for 2 months. Blood tests after that showed high TSH 10.4 and high in range FT4 (no FT3 tested). 9am blood cortisol showed no adrenal insufficiency. End of Feb ‘18 Prescribed 25mcg liquid levothyroxine, told absorption of this is better than tablet form. Gp tests 8wks later TSH 2.6 upped levo on my request to 50mcg as was feeling hypo constantly. No other levels tested at that time. 4 weeks ago gp informed me she could not prescribe liquid levo so went on to tablet form.

2weeks ago did ultra Vit with Medichecks. Results as follows:

TSH 1.61 (0.27-4.20)

Free thyroxine *24.100 (12.00-22.00)

FT3 4.65 (3.10-6.80)

RT3 *50 (10.00-24.00)

RT3 Ratio *6.05 (15.01-75.00)

Thyroglobulin Antibody <10 (0.00-115)

Thyroid peroxidase antibody <9.0 (0.00-34.00)

B12 *187 (25.10-165.00)

Folate serum 10.43 (2.91-50-00)

25 OH Vit D 115 (50.00-200.00)

Supplementing Vit D3 caps 2,000 alternate days.

Daily:

K2-MK7 100mg

B12 1000mg

Iron 54mg

Magnesium 200/400mg

Vit C 1000

I need help! I understand that T3 is what I need to suppress RT3. Feedback from anyone here with knowledge or experience to guide me would be most welcome. I’m concerned my adrenals will suffer again.

Private saliva test 3 months ago showed low morning cortisol and high nighttime!

Thank you.

[greygoose]

No, taking T3 does not suppress rT3. To reduce the rT3, you need to reduce your levo, which is too high. And, as reducing your levo will reduce your FT3 - especially as you don't convert well - you need to take T3 to bring your FT3 level up.

What makes you think that taking T3 will make your adrenals suffer?

[StarFlower2 in reply to greygoose]

When I was on T3 I really felt my adrenals were struggling. I had what I thought was adrenal pain, breathlessness along with nausea. I was possibly on too much T3 as my FT3 was well over range at that time.

I’ve put a stone in weight on since being back on Levo and my hair is a shocking mess, like straw and thinning. My temps have dropped too. However, it’s taken 3 months for these symptoms to get to where they are.

I will take less levo and add T3... do you think this is a better option than just reducing my levo dose.

I appreciate your help GG.

[greygoose in reply to StarFlower2]

Well, it depends how well you convert, and the level of your FT3.

[StarFlower2 in reply to greygoose]

This is my latest ft3

FT3 4.65 (3.10-6.80)

It looks low low and T3 would help. I will lower my Levo by 25mcg and add 6.25mcg Cytomel daily and see how I feel.

[greygoose in reply to StarFlower2]

Good idea.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Your folate is not brilliant. Adding a good quality vitamin B complex, one with folate in not folic acid. Eg Igennus Super B complex or Jarrow B right.

If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 3-5 days before any blood tests, as biotin can falsely affect test results

endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

[StarFlower2 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you slowDragon

I’m taking 54mg iron with Folate by Blue Bonnet. I wonder if I should increase? My ferritin has been high in the past but is now back in range.. its possibly I can up iron suppliments now.

I take biotin but was off it for 2 weeks prior to tests.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to StarFlower2]

You didn't add ferritin result

We should not supplement iron unless deficient

Why not supplement a vitamin B complex. Thyroid patients are often low in other B vitamins, thiamine and B5 for example. B complex keeps them all balanced

[StarFlower2 in reply to SlowDragon]

SlowDragon I’ll get back to you with latest ferritin results done be my gp a month ago. Medichecks ultravit I did test it.

I’m out of Uk at the moment but will post it ASAP.

Do you have a recommendation for a good B complex?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to StarFlower2]

Either Igennus Super B complex (small tablets, easy to swallow) or Jarrow B right - but is large capsule

[StarFlower2 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you so much SlowDragon...really appreciated it

[StarFlower2 in reply to SlowDragon]

SlowDragon I’ve just found my ferritin results from 7/6/18

Ferritin 112 (15-204)

Folate 10.43 (2.91-50.00)

Can you advice how much iron I should take daily?

Thanks.

L