My recent thyroid test has stated that I am over treated and consequently my Levothyroxine has been reduced from 100mcg to 75mcg. I have had an underactive thyroid for over 30 years. The reason that I do not understand this diagnosis is that I have no symptoms of being over treated, in fact the opposite. The results are as follows:
TSH - 0.03
3T4 - 24.2
3T3 - 4.4
I would really appreciate some advice as my GP is not even discussing this with me!
Thanks
Hi Gym4me, welcome to the forum.
Your doctor is making the mistake that most doctors make, because they don't know any better. They know nothing about symptoms, and care less. All they care about is the TSH, and yours is very low. They believe that this mean you are over-medicated, but thing are rarely that simple.
You haven't given any ranges - please, always, always give ranges when giving results - but your FT4 looks high and your FT3 looks low. You possibly are taking a little too much levo BUT the low FT3 says that that is because you aren't converting it very well, and that's why you still have hypo symptoms. It's T3 that gets rid of the symptoms, not levo.
There's not a lot you can do about poor conversion, except take some T3 added to your levo. Now, you can talk to your doctor about that. But, he doesn't sound as if he's very clued up on hypo, so that might not get you anywhere. Would you consider buying your own?
Thank you for your advice. How would I go about buying T3?
Where would I get the ranges because the results that I have given are all that the receptionist said were in the results?
Did you specifically ask for the ranges? She could have meant there were no other results. It's best to ask for a print-out, rather than just getting the receptionist to read them out. I'm pretty sure the ranges must be on the computer.
To find T3, start another question, asking just that, and people will PM you links to their trusted sources. 
Yoyr FT3 is already low and likely to drop further with dose reduction in Levothyroxine
Do you have Hashimoto's? Also called autoimmune thyroid disease diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies?
Have you had vitamin levels tested recently.
Both Hashimoto's and low vitamins can cause poor conversion of FT4 to FT3 and then low TSH
Essential to test vitamins BEFORE considering adding T3
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or vitamins
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...
Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.
All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. When on Levothyroxine, don't take in the 24 hours prior to test, and if/when on T3 don't take in 12 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)
If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).
About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .
Link about thyroid blood tests
thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...
Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
In the past I had severe Vit D deficiency and ferritin deficiency but this was resolved with supplements. I take Vit D 3, calcium, magnesium and zinc daily as well as other supplements. I have type 2 diet controlled diabetes and have had my annual review two weeks ago with full blood count, showing normal.
Do you have Hashimoto's?
Ever had TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested?
Before considering adding T3
Vitamin D should be around 100nmol
B12 and folate towards top of range
Ferritin at least half way in range
I have not been tested for those antibodies. I do not know the levels of vitamin D, B12 or ferritin as GP does not give it, only states that the levels are normal.
You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and the ranges
UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.
In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet
Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up. They can no longer charge for printing out, rules changed after May 25th 2018
You can probably assume they are not at high enough levels
They may just be in range, but very often not at adequate levels
Literally thousands on here forced to get private testing in order to make progress
If your antibodies are high, vitamins likely low. If vitamins are low then gluten intolerance is likely
Thank you, much appreciated!
Assuming high antibodies....
Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower Thyroid antibodies
Ideally ask GP for coeliac blood test first
amymyersmd.com/2017/02/3-im...
chriskresser.com/the-gluten...
thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...
scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...
drknews.com/changing-your-d...
thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...
But don't be surprised that GP or endo never mention gut, gluten or low vitamins. Hashimoto's is very poorly understood
I was advised by a therapist to go gluten free several years ago, which I did for two years. I have had a history of food intolerances since childhood , most have lasted for a while and then disappear. The only one that has remained through life is that of tomato but only some and I never no which until I have eaten it. I am allergic to penicillin, co-codamol and insect bites and stings. I do not have any gut problems.
Tomatoes & peppers is common with many Hashimoto's patients
You don't need any gut symptoms to benefit from strictly gluten free if you have Hashimoto's
Thanks. I am going to try to get more detailed testing st my next blood test in two months time. Just started my reduced dose of Levothyroxine last night, so shall see how that works out. After reading the advice here and other replies to posts, I think that I have a better understanding of what I should be looking for so appreciate the advice and information very much!
Would expect with drop in dose of Levothyroxine that your FT3 will drop lower and vitamins too
Getting full private testing of thyroid and vitamins after 6-8 weeks on reduced dose
Testing should be as early as possible in morning and fasting and do not take Levo in 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after blood draw
Thanks for all your advice!
I have been on 75mcg levoxyl and 5mcg liiothyronine (t3), after tt 1 year ago , at such point was started on 137t4 only and was zipping around like a mad women I felt great then after test was reduced 112, then 88 , and now 75, I thought adding t3 might help with the crushing lethargy, and hair loss ,it did at first then came along high lab results , and eye symptoms , this started with the 88mcg, which was why dose was reduced to 75mcg. Doc suggested the t3 5mcg 2xaday, but I haven't been able to tolerate, then after 3 months 75mcd/5 mcg per day regimen , I woke up, thought I had the flu , b/p hr, up dizzy , balance problems, so I dropped down the t3 to half tab, 2.5mcg , and finally , bp pulse are wnl. Waiting on lab results done last Friday. Don't know if any of this will help any one , I thought adding t3 would be my answer, now I'm thinking t4 mono may be the way to go... good luck.
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