Advice T3/T4

[AliF]

Posted a couple of weeks ago and Seaside Susie replied about ferritin levels. i’m trying to eat more iron rich foods ( but not liver i’m afraid - just can’t bring myself to do it ! ).

I wondered if anyone ( Greygoose?) could advise on my most recent bloods. I take 20mcg T3 and was taking 75mcg T4. Felt a bit better for a while but now have even worse palpitations than I had before I started on T4 ( thrumming is the best way I can describe it) and have gone very dizzy with worse tinnitus and variable fatigue. Endo said to push levo back up to 100 which is what I was taking before I started T3 at the beginning of May. Tempted to stop everything and start again. I no longer know if the symptoms are from Hashis or side effects of synthetic T4/T3. I’ve also had lots of other blood tests and all are normal. Weak positive for antinuclear antibody but normal complement and immunoglobulin levels so considered insignificant.

NHS results

T4 12.8 range 10.8-25.5

T3 5.7 range 3.1-6.8

TSH 0.04

[greygoose]

That ferritin is a bit low. Have you had iron tested at all? An iron panel? Because low iron can cause headaches, due to the low levels of oxygen being carried to the brain. I think that might be something to look into.

But, no reason why you shouldn't try increasing your T4, some people do need it quite high in range, even when taking T3.

Plus, your B12 and folate could be higher.

[AliF in reply to greygoose]

Thanks Greygoose. Seaside Susie also recommended a B12/Folate supplement. Last bloods showed b12 was ok so I was only taking a tablet once or twice a week.

The Blue Horixons Dr thought I was taking too much T3.

I wish I knew what was going on. I feel terrible every morning. Dizzy all the time. Sometimes better in the evening. But a couple of small glasses of wine helps. It’s the only thing which gives me a couple of hours of respite. I appreciate your advice. If it wasn’t for this site, I think I may have gone under by now.

[greygoose in reply to AliF]

The Blue Horizon's doctor is just an ordinary NHS-trained doctor. You would get an revolutionary insight from him. He will just say much the same as any average GP. He's only looking at the TSH, like most GPs. So, I wouldn't take any notice of that.

You could, of course, if you wished, try lowering your dose of T3 to see if it helps, then put it back up again if it doesn't. But, my money's on the iron. That should be the first thing to check out.

[AliF in reply to greygoose]

Thanks GG. He at least worked out I was taking T3 without being told which I thought was something. But i’ll persevere with the iron. I started feeling rubbish a while back. The dizziness was more recent. Your advice is always so calming and measured. Much appreciated.

[greygoose in reply to AliF]

Well, given your FT4 and FT3 levels, it's a safe bet to say you're taking T3. lol

[AliF in reply to greygoose]

Quite ! But they can be quite dense sometimes so it fractionally restored my diminishing faith in Drs.

[HughH]

T3 is the active thyroid hormone and your free T3 is good. At this level there is probably not much point adding more T4 as it is unlikely to convert to T3. This conversion is regulated by the body to keep within what the body thinks is the right limits.

If you need higher free T3 then increasing T3 dosage is best.

Your basal temperatire is a good indicator as to whether you are over or under medicated.

[AliF in reply to HughH]

Thanks HughH. Good idea. I could take my temperature in the morning and see if it is higher than normal. Think I am usually about 36 degrees, although I know it fluctuates throughout the day.

[HughH in reply to AliF]

A basal temperature test should be done as soon as you wake up and before you get out of bed. In women who are menstruating, their body temperature varies with the cycle; creating errors which can be avoided if the basal temperature is taken on days 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the cycle.

It doesn't really matter which kind of thermometer you use , although it is important to be consistent in how you do it.

1) Note the reading and do it for several mornings so the results can be averaged out, since they may vary slightly day by day.

2) If you have taken your temperature under the tongue the normal temperature is 36.5ºC to 37.2ºC (97.7ºF to 99.0ºF).

If your temperature is below 36.5ºC (97.7ºF), hypothyroidism/too little meds should be considered if symptoms are present.

If your temperature is above 37.4ºC (99.2ºF) hyperthyroidism/too much meds is possible if symptoms are present and if there is no other illness present to cause a fever.

This test is a guide only as some temperature variations could be due to infection, virus, etc. This test should be used in conjunction with the signs and symptoms.

[HocusPocus]

Iron deficiency anaemia goes hand in hand with Hashimotos. My cousin and I have both. We also need to have ferritin infusions in hospital, as iron is not absorbed in the stomach. My ferritin level was 9, and I regularly suffered from anaemia. The transfusions were life changing ! As your ferritin is 54, you may be absorbing some iron, it will be worth keeping an eye on how you progress. My ferritin levels are kept above 100, as below this I am unwell, though not anaemic.

[AliF]

Thanks HP . How do you manage to keep your levels above 100? Repeated infusions or diet ? I can’t face liver !! I am a bit veggie !