Reverse T3 results

[MCP80]

After waiting ages for the rT3 results to come back I have finally received them today.

Sample taken 8 June 175/150 mcg eltroxin alternate days:

TSH 3.6 (0.27-4.5)

T3 3.6 (3.1-6.8)

T4 24.2 (11-23)

rT3 0.46 (0.12-0.36)

I have not had the rT3 test done before and can't find much out about the results.

THis blood test was taken 4 weeks after I had a huge spike to my TSH on the test before which went up to 59.3 in 3 weeks.

I have just had another test done today as I am now on Morningside Liothyronine 10mcg and 125mcg Eltroxin daily. Results will be back next Tuesday to see what my results are after being on it for 6 weeks.

Any thoughts on the rT3 results please?

Thank you x

[greygoose]

Your FT4 was well over-range, so not surprising your rT3 was also over-range. Reducing the levo should have also reduced the rT3 - unless you have other problems with low ferritin or a starvation diet or something. That's the problem with the rT3 test. It tells you if there's a problem but doesn't tell you where the problem is. Waste of money, really.

[MCP80 in reply to greygoose]

I probably did it at the wrong time because my levels were all over the place but it was kind of more evidence to try and show my consultant that there is a problem. It was done by the NHS so thankfully no cost to me

I am hoping that the addition of T3 has helped my levels this time.

Thank you for your reply

[greygoose in reply to MCP80]

Goodness! I didn't know the NHS ever tested rT3. I would be interested to know what your consultant makes of the result. I would be surprised if he knows the first thing about it.

Adding T3 should raise your FT3, but will reduce your FT4, and possibly suppress your TSH. But, that's ok.

[MCP80 in reply to greygoose]

I am hoping i should have an appointment in the next couple of weeks, so will let you know. However as they are diabetic specialists I am not holding my breath! My case is being discussed at the multi-disciplinary meetings as they didn't know what to do with me so might be discussed at the nest one after my appointment. I have felt a difference being on T3 but the last week the tiredness has crept back in but my skin is better, my hair isn't falling out as much and other symptoms are reducing so definitely a step in the right direction for me but I think I am ready for an increase now.

[greygoose in reply to MCP80]

Well, it seems clear to me that you have a conversion problem. So adding in some T3 is almost bound to help. But, 10 mcg is only a tiny dose. The idea is to increase by 5 mcg every two weeks until you feel well. As your conversion is so very poor, 10 mcg just isn't going to cut it.

Have you had your vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin tested? If these are not optimal, they will be causing problems, too.

Dumb docs! lol

[MCP80 in reply to greygoose]

Yes all my vitamins etc are optimal as I have kept up with supplements with them so they are fine. I unfortunately cannot up my dose myself as I only have a small amount to last me until my next appointment and my instructions were 10mcg daily fro 12 weeks. If I could I would increase it as I have done lots of reading and looked everything up on here so I know I should up it but my hands are tied as it is only a trial and don't want to have it topped for doing my own thing again!

I realised a while ago my conversion was poor but trying to get that across to the Drs is infuriating. Thankfully I am with a GP practise that really listen and have also campaigned on my behalf also pointing out that i require a Thyroid expert and not a diabetic one! I am thinking that my name is probably mud at my hospital even the lead consultant has palmed me off to someone else.

[greygoose in reply to MCP80]

Yes, I know it's difficult. That's why I self-treat. I don't see why I should have to beg and plead and fight to get enough of an essential 'medication' to make me well, just because all the doctors are pig-ignorant! I've cut out the middle man!

[MCP80 in reply to greygoose]

I think if I hadn't had this trial I would do myself but I move around a lot so wanted to have it documented and completed through the NHS as it is easier to keep track then for me anyway. I may see what they say and then decide to self treat anyway and I am sure my GP would assist. It shouldn't be this hard for anyone.

[greygoose in reply to MCP80]

No, it shouldn't. If only the 'specialists' knew something about their special subject? lol

[shaws Administrator in reply to MCP80]

Your surgery doctors sound well informed and at least they are going out of their way to help you.

[MCP80 in reply to shaws]

They are and they listen thankfully. I am not with normal NHS practise though so I think that makes a bit of a difference I am always a pain in the rear end and go with so much information and adamant that I am right they believe me

[shaws Administrator in reply to MCP80]

The more you learn they more informative your doctors become

[Just-keep-going]

Hi, reverse T3 is actually very significant. You see t4 converts to T3 but also converts into reverse T3. As you have high t4, fairly low T3 and high reverse T3 it could be that you have a conversation problem and that the t4 is converting too much into reverse T3. The reverse T3 is inactive and blocks the T3 from entering the cells which causes hypo symptoms. I too have high reverse T3 but haven't been able to find a doc that acknowledges it yet.

Hope this helps!