Advice on Adding T3 to Levo

I am seeing an Endo so I will see what avenue that takes me down. I just hope I can get rid of these awful symptoms

I am in a stressful job possibly that’s the cause of the slightly higher Rt3 (new job less stress) 😂😂

If rT3 actually interferes with T3 being used by the cells (which Diogenes and Rudolf Hoermann both indicate that it likely does), then that high rT3 could account for a falsely elevated serum level of fT3.

I’m still not feeling good unfortunately 😭

If you are prediabetes I don't think it's a good idea, T3 rise insulin( and can lead to weight gain, some kg), you results are good. You take metformin?

Adam

Can my higher RT3 be blocking my FT3 from entering my cells?

Your test results don't indicate there is a problem. Your conversion is perfect and your FT4/FT3 in balance.

Your rT3 is 1 point over range, it's not caused by high FT4 creating rT3 rather than FT3, you can see that. Your FT4 isn't high - it would need to be top of range of over range for that. And your FT3 isn't low, it sits very nicely at 64% through range.

rT3 can be caused by other things, here are a couple of articles worth reading:

verywellhealth.com/the-role...

restartmed.com/reverse-t3/

If you want to see tissue exposure to thyroid hormones over a 24-hour period then do a Genova urine thyroid test.

So, Susie gave you a very good reply, there, but no. rT3 does not block your receptors stopping T3 getting into the cells. That's what people used to believe, but it's now been shown that rT3 has its own receptors, so doesn't stop T3 getting into the cells.

So, why do you still feel bad? Could be several things. Something is causing your high rT3, and if it isn't high FT4, it has to be something else. And, it could be that something else that is also causing you to feel bad. Have you had your vit D, vit B12, folate, ferritin tested? How about your cortisol?

Is this the first time you've had rT3 tested? If not, was it high before? Have you had an infection recently? Are you on a low-calorie diet? Lots of avenues to explore. Something is not right, and if it's not your FT3 level, then you need to do more testing to find out what it is.

On the other hand, you might have thyroid hormone resistance. In which case, you would need a higher level of FT3 to feel well. If you feel so inclined, you could procure and add in some T3 - there is room for an increase in level without going over-range - and see if it helps. If you're going to do that, I would suggest you start on 6.25 mcg T3. Stay on it for six weeks, then retest and see how you feel. It might just do the trick. But, you would still need to check out the other things, because there's definitely something else not quite right.

I have recently started the Pre-diabetes programme,which is low-carb and it is slowly beginning to work. My BP and cholesterol have both lowered and my HbA1c is also beginning to lower. I have only lost about 3 kgs since March, but am pleased with other blood results. My FT3 has also risen a bit, but, like you, My rT3 is a little over what it should be.

Hi Adam, I've been reading your threads and it is puzzling. Most people would love those numbers in your results but it's not working for you. One thing about reverse t3 which seem controversial...some think it s not important and others say it is very important. You stand at less than 15 and I think over 20 is the goal.

There is no real test to see if your T3 is working at a cellular level except to take your temperature. We hypos burn fewer calories per hour than most people....18 calories average. I know, it's totally unfair. Have you ever taken your temperature to see if you are under the normal. It's a hint that your metabolism is too low.

I agree with greygoose that adding more T4 is probably not a great idea. If you are insulin resistant you could try to go on a ketogenic diet, high fat\ low carb to see if you break the cycle. I don't like the idea of Metformin unless you are desperate and you shouldn't be.

I'd rather try a little T3 first.

Hi Adam, just so you're aware - when you add a comment to a post rather than reply to someone's reply, noone gets a notification, so it can largely go unread. It's not one of Healthunlocked's best points!

The reply next to the thumbs up is the one you hit before responding. Then you click the Reply button under your message to send.

Hi Adam, I'd be inclined to take a larger dose of D3 for a while to get your vit D up more quickly. I took 5000iu a day. Some people take 10,000iu if their level is very low. You need to be a bit careful with Vit D as it can be toxic if your level gets too high. I think the recommendation is to get it retested after a year. I've also been told to take Vit K2 Mark 7 if you're taking D3 - it helps to direct calcium to the right places. Some people say to take it together but I've also read that it's better to take it 8 hours apart from D3. However, I'm not an expert on this at all!

You might be better posting these results, perhaps with a link to this post, as a new post, as more people will see it that way, and you'll get more feedback. New comments on existing posts don't tend to get seen as much.