T3 and review with endo

[bevlah]

I’ve been really poorly lately really hypo had bloods done on 5 th September and tsh 15.7 range .27-4.2 my free t4 was normal 14 range 12.0-22.0 free T3 low 2.7 range 3.1-6.8 . Levo has been increased to 150 . Gp mentioned t3 and I’ve managed to get some 25 mcg . The question is do I start taking it if so how much or wait when I see endo on Nov 6 th ?. I am feeling a bit better . I am due to have bloods done again on 3 weeks time . I am still showing signs of being confused memory loss etc. But physically not as tired . I have however just returned from a long weekend in Spain and my body just loves the heat and the sunshine . I’m a bit scared I’m going to crash and burn again. I know I feel better when “ I’m over medicated “ I’ve never taken t3 should I give it a go now ? Thanks for any advice . My mean corpuscular volume / haemoglobin is abnormal too and serum inorganic phosphate?

[greygoose]

You are very, very under-medicated to have a TSH of over 15. And yet your dose isn't low. So, how do you take your levo? Do you take it on an empty stomach, leaving at least one hour before eating or drinking anything other than water? Do you take any other supplements or medication at the same time as your levo? Your FT4 is quite low, so it's more a problem of absorption than poor conversion. I would hold off on the T3 for the moment, until you find out why you're not absorbing your levo - because if you can't absorb levo, you probably won't be able to absorb T3, either.

[bevlah in reply to greygoose]

Thanks very much I have changed the time I am taking my Levo I used to take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach but realised I was quite often having coffee within the hour now I’ve set my alarm take it about 6 am and am up at 7.30 so ensuring there is the hour gap . I will wait and see what next bloods reveal . Thanks

[greygoose in reply to bevlah]

You're welcome.

[jimh111 in reply to bevlah]

That's good, coffee can have a large effect on levothyroxine absorption. I would wait until after your endo appointment before introducing L-T3, it takes some time for the new dose and regime to take effect. If you find it a pain waking up at 6 am you can take the levothyroxine before bedtime.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Re-reading you previous post your Levothyroxine has only been increased by 12.5mcg, from 125/150 alternate days, to 150mcg daily

Have you had a change in brand? Are you taking Teva Levothyroxine

Teva does not agree with many, many patients

You need to insist GP test vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin too. Have you ever had thyroid antibodies tested? If not request they are done

Have you had full iron panel tested as you know heamaglobin is out of range?

Add results and ranges if you have them

When you have been 6-8 weeks on 150mcg you need full Thyroid re-evaluation

TSH, FT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. When on Levothyroxine, take last dose 24 hours prior to test, and take next dose straight after test. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

Are you on any other medication, e.g. PPI for gut issues, like omeprazole or Lansoprazole?

[bevlah in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi

i am going to request additional tests when i return in three weeks, feeling lousy again now been in tears most of the day and still trying to work. Just checked brand of thyroxine its not teva , but 100mcg and 50 mcg are different brands would this make a difference? Don't think i've ever had antibodies tested? no other meds taken

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to bevlah]

Yes different brands can affect some people

What brands are they?

You need vitamins and antibodies tested