Low T4 Ok When on T3 and T4? : Hi, My bloods... - Thyroid UK

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Low T4 Ok When on T3 and T4?

MrsBoilie profile image
16 Replies

Hi,

My bloods were taken for something else and they included TSH and T4. It’s come back as follows-

TSH - .44 (.27-4.20)

T4 - 9.9 (12-22)

I will get my full panel inc T3, antibodies and all vitamins done in 2/3 weeks when my new dose has stabilised but I know my doc will have something to say and I don’t know what to tell him! Can someone help pls?

I’m currently on 18.75mcg T3 and 50mcg Levo and feel quite good! No signs of being over-replaced.

Many thanks

😃

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MrsBoilie profile image
MrsBoilie
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16 Replies
greygoose profile image
greygoose

It is usual to have low FT4 when taking T3 - no-one seems to know why, it just is. You could increase your levo, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it. If you feel good, leave your dose as it is. :)

MrsBoilie profile image
MrsBoilie in reply to greygoose

Thank you as always GreyGoose!

Not sure what my doc will say. I’m guessing he’ll want to increase T4 so I’ll just accept the script and not take them I guess.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to MrsBoilie

Strictly speaking, he should know himself that taking T3 reduces T4! It's shameful that he doesn't. Just tell him you like your FT4 where it is!

trelemorele profile image
trelemorele in reply to MrsBoilie

Perfect thinking 👍

Baobabs profile image
Baobabs in reply to greygoose

Yes Greygoose, this has happened to me to the point my T4 was so low I felt ghastly. I know this is not the case for everyone. Why I wonder do medics decide to reduce T4 dose when starting T3 meds?

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Baobabs

Why do they know nothing about treating hypothyroidism in general? Because they didn't 'do' it in med school. If the FT4 is high when you start taking T3, then it's sensible to reduce it. But, if it's not high enough to cause a problem, then it should be left alone. But, they are not capable - or willing - to think outside the box, and work things like that out for themselves. Like some cooks dare not stray from the strict letter of the recipe. :(

Baobabs profile image
Baobabs in reply to greygoose

But surely they should realise there are patterns and trends regarding the responses of folk to medication levels. I have just seen one now that I responded to.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Baobabs

Well, they might if they had nothing but hypo patients. But, when they have so many other things to deal with, I don't suppose they retain much about thyroid, they're not even interested in it. We she it all more clearly because that pretty much all that is discussed on here. And we're interested!

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Baobabs

Some of us seem to still need good levels of FT4 even on T3

I felt terrible with FT4 that low.

Baobabs profile image
Baobabs in reply to SlowDragon

I'm sure you told me this. I increased my T4 another 25mgs 6 weeks ago on your advice and I feel a little better but the bone/muscle pain and stiffness remains. My Endo in Spain thinks it could be something else and has urged me to have additional autoimmune disease screening. More surprises to look forward to.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Baobabs

I keep my FT4 at least above half way in range and FT3 near top of range

Baobabs profile image
Baobabs in reply to SlowDragon

It would be nice to be similar to someone but I have always had this stiffness and pain regardless of levels and I just don't think it's going anywhere soon.

MrsBoilie profile image
MrsBoilie in reply to Baobabs

I always have some pain whether it’s tendon, muscle, joints. I’m not that lucky for it to be completely gone but I’m happy for most of it to be gone! Best of a bad job I suppose.

Have you tried CBD oil? It’s very good but very expensive!

Baobabs profile image
Baobabs in reply to MrsBoilie

Thank you for your response, I will try. I would rather be well and broke than rich and feel rubbish!

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Did you increase your Levothyroxine after these results?

Have you got full FT3 and FT4 testing, not just TSH

MrsBoilie profile image
MrsBoilie in reply to SlowDragon

These were done about 3/4 weeks ago.

TSH - .49 (.27-4.20)

T4 - 11.7 (12-22)

T3 - 5.2 (3,1-6.8)

I am feeling pretty good at the moment. Apart from the strange wheeze from throat and dodgy breathlessness. I’m taking CBD oil too so not sure if this has anything to do with it.

Many thanks for your time SlowDragon

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