T4 and t3

[Gyms]

Hi I'm currently on levo 150mcg now adding t3 25mcg 25mcg plus an extra 1/2,should I be reducing t4 please ?😕

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Gyms

We need to see results for TSH, FT4 amd FT3, all tested at the same time,with their referemce ranges, before your question can be answered

[SlowDragon Administrator]

T3 should only be considered once Levothyroxine dose is high enough to bring TSH down to around one and FT4 towards top of range

Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 first as well. If these are too low they will need improving before considering adding any T3.

If you have Hashimoto's (autoimmune thyroid disease) diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies, low vitamin levels are especially common, as is gluten intolerance

If FT4 is towards top of range, vitamin levels all optimal and food intolerances dealt with, if FT3 remains low then possibly adding small dose of T3 is next step

Initial dose of T3 is only 5mcg, sometimes even less, never start with large dose. Depending on current FT4 test result, depends on wether you just add T3 or reduce Levothyroxine a small amount first

If you add your most recent blood test results and ranges members can advise

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, delay and take straight after test. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

If also on T3, make sure to take last dose 12 hours prior to test