Thoughts on test results?

[milkwoman]

I need a little help understanding my most recent test results.

05/09/2018

Vit D 25-OH: 73 ng/mL (20 - 60)

TSH: 0.22 uIU/mL (0.30 - 4.50)

FT4: 1.2 ng/dL (0.6 - 1.5)

FT3: 3.3 pg/mL (2.4 - 4.2)

RT3: 15.2 ng/dL (9.0 - 27)

At the time, I believe I was taking 109 mcg Tirosint (levo)/daily. I was also doing a trial of compounded T3 cream - very small amount. I *think* the small addition of T3 explains the low TSH, but, how do the other numbers look? My endo thought I was slightly over-medicated so we reduced levo to 100 mcg/daily and I tapered off of T3 cream and didn't refill the script when it was done (at the time, I didn't really think it was doing anything for me. But, perhaps it was?) All I know is I don't feel great lately.

I did try going back to the 109 mcg/daily and seemed to start feeling even worse. So now, I am just confused.

Thoughts?

[helvella Administrator]

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[milkwoman in reply to helvella]

Thanks helvella. Lots have changed since I posted this question.

Funny - even today I’m still trying to raise my FT3 level. Getting blood tests at the end of the month. If I have questions, I will create a new post.

Take care.

[Missy789 in reply to milkwoman]

HI am curious. I am currently trying to dose a small amount of T3 along with my levo. Trying to follow Dr Blanchard's way of dosing. Do you check your labs after taking medications? Or do you check them before medications for the day? I am curious how Dr Blanchard would have instructed as far as labs.

[milkwoman in reply to Missy789]

I don’t recall having any specific instructions from Dr. Blanchard regarding blood draws - he just liked consistency. Same goes for his predecessor, Dr. Katz.

As for me, on the day I’m to draw blood, I go early in the morning (before I eat/drink anything) and don’t take any meds or supps prior to the draw.

Important to note that I take my Levo (Tirosint) every day at 5 pm and I am using a custom compounded transdermal liothyronine (T3) cream which I apply every morning, typically around 8 am. On days that I am drawing blood, I apply my cream after the blood draw.

[Missy789 in reply to milkwoman]

Thanks. Good to know. I have such a hard time with T3. But never seem to make enough of my own either. I appreciate the info.

[Missy789 in reply to milkwoman]

I have never had a t3 level to reach 3 even. But can't seem to tolerate taking more. I feel doomed.

[milkwoman in reply to Missy789]

What kind of T3 are you taking? When I was taking compounded Thyroid Extract (in capsules) I couldn't tolerate it either but learnt after the fact that it was due to the binding agent and not T3. I could go back to capsules but I rather like the cream. Avoids the whole GI thing and I can control how little or how much I use (the cream is dispensed in plunger-type syringes where CC (or mls) are easily measured for consistency).

I also find that with me, I don't need to reduce my levo when I add in T3. It could be because I am very active and use up the T3 due to my workouts. I don't know. I also find that my blood results mean little to me as they don't change all that much. I now go by how I feel.

I'm trying to raise my FT3 as well. At last testing on 5/29, it was at 3.1 pg/ml (2.4 - 4.2). I think it would have been higher but I had also (mistakenly) decreased my levo a bit which I've corrected. I also just increased my T3 cream dosage and will continue to do slight increases if I find I feel better when I do so.

Try not to feel doomed. This thyroid process is no easy task. I've been at it for 5 years now and still feel like it is such a crap shoot at times. I envy those here who seem to have it all under control! I'm lucky to have a good func med doc who allows me the freedom to play with dosages and also, to get blood tests as often as I desire. For now, I'm going to go with how I feel.

Hang in there!

~hugs~