Post Thyroidectomy

[jls1409]

I had a total thyroidectomy 5 weeks ago. I have been on levothyroxine since last October. Do you typically need to add T3 when your thyroid has been removed?

[bantam12]

No, many people do really well on Levo alone.

[shaws Administrator]

I am not medically qualified but I would definitely say that a person needs a T3/T4 combination especially if they've had a thyroidectomy.

I have my gland and couldn't get well on levothyroxine (T4) but did on liothyronine (T3) .

Levothyroxine (T4) is an inactive hormone. It has to convert to liothyronine (T3) and sometimes we cannot do so effectively so need T3.

There is also the original thyroid hormone replacement, in use since 1892 and contains all of the hormones a healthy gland would produce, i.e. T3, T4, T2, T1 and calcitonin.

It is made from pigs' thyroid glands and is called NDT (natural dessicated thyroid hormones) and many members have got well on it. Members who've had the same op as you will respond.

NDT was prescribed by the NHS but through False Statements from those who should know better it was withdrawn and members now source their own. They have also recently withdrawn T3 and there's a case before the House of Lords at present but Endocrinologists can prescribe T3.

Before 1892 people died an awful death and since then we have been able to have a normal life and be well with relief of clinical symptoms.

Levothyroxine is an inactive hormone (T4) and its job is to convert to liothyronine (T3) but we do not always do so effectively.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

You certainly need full Thyroid testing and that includes vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 as well as TSH, FT4 and FT3

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

You should have bloods retested 6-8 weeks after your operation.

How much Levothyroxine are you on?

Do you take any supplements already?

Have you had both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested?

[jls1409 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks for your reply. I am on 112 mcg., and the supplements are B12, B6 Folate, Selenium, and D3. My calcium dropped after the surgery so I am currently on that as well.

Yes I had TPO an Tg tested months ago before the total thyroidectomy. I see my Endocrinologist next week and wanted to see if there was anything else I should be asking. I had TSH and Free T4 tested on July 12th, and they came back good. I asked for them early because I wasn't feeling well and my energy was real low. I probably was over reacting and should have waited for the tests until next week because I understand that my own hormone wasn't completely metabolized for 4 weeks.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to jls1409]

Results were "good" .....do you have the actual results and ranges ?

Essential to test FT3 as well, but likely to have to do that privately

[jls1409]

TSH = 0.735 - Standard range (0.340 - 4.820 mIU/L) But I was on 112 mcg. for a month before surgery. I'v never been that low before. It was the best I felt in 2 years.

Free T4 = 0.99 - Standard range (0.6 - 1.6 ng/dL)

My insurance will cover the FT3. I just have to ask the doctor for it.

I think my levels will probably raise now that I'm not making any hormone. I should probably wait another 4 weeks before blood work. I rushed it because I didn't feel well and didn't want to go backwards.

Thank you for your help. This site was a great find.

[Gcart]

I had TT 2 yrs ago, you will be advised here after bloodtests to show how well you convert T 4 to T 3.

Mine was poor and after adding the T3 hormone I am doing better.

It varies with each individual but with advised blood tests the guidance on this forum is the very best you will get , good luck