need help with labs-still symptomatic - should i take t3?

[marinapet]

Hi all,

This isn't my first time posting about labs but I need some help. I am currently 24 years old and have been diagnosed with hypo/hashi's for 2 years now. I will give you my past lab results to give you a look at how I am doing. I am taking 100mg Levothyroxine. I have gotten all of my basics tested (B12, iron, ferritin, diabetes, insulin, vitamin D, cholesterol, liver function, bone profile, cortisol) and they are all perfect.

March 2018:

Thyroid peroxidase Abs 371 IU/mL normal range 0-34IU/mL

Free T3 3.9pmol/L normal range 3.1-6.8pmol/L

October 2018:

TSH 1.38 mU/L normal range 0.3-4.2mU/L

Free T4 24.8pmol/L normal range 12-22pmol/L

January 2019:

TSH 0.4 mU/L normal range 0.3-4.2mU/L

Free T4 22.9 pmol/L normal range 12-22pmol/L

Free T3 4.4 pmol/L normal range 3.1-6.8pmol/L

Thyroid peroxidase Abs 179 IU/mL normal range 0-34IU/mL

Good news is that my antibodies have lowered (woohoo!). I am doing Izabella’s Wentz’s Autoimmune Protocol for 3 weeks now and have eliminated caffeine, gluten, dairy, grains, soy, nightshades, etc. I have not done the reintroduction phase yet as I am waiting to feel 100%. I try to use organic clean beauty products. I drink 4 L of water a day and do gentle but hard-working (weights for 30 minutes, walking fast for 45 mins- not on the same day) 4x a week. We are eating all organic meats/fish and produce.

My labs are all *normal* however I still have extreme exhaustion (despite sleeping for 8 hours a night), horrible digestion, headaches, extremely dry skin and hair (despite pretty much bathing in argan oil) and a lot of difficulty losing weight (I eat really cleanly and portion/weigh out my food).

Looking at my labs, and correlating it with *optimal* charts (like Izabella’s on her website thyroidpharmacist.com/artic... it seems that my T3 is not where it needs to be. I think having extra T3 will help with still being symptomatic. My GP (NHS) is refusing to give me a prescription but is willing to monitor me if I decide to get a private prescription for Liothyronine from Germany or Greece.

My question is – based on my labs and symptoms, am I crazy to want to try supplementing T3 with my Levo? My instinct tells me it really would benefit me. Any help or experiences is greatly appreciated! Thank you x

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Suggest you email Dionne at Thyroid Uk for list of recommended thyroid specialists. Many will prescribe T3

A private prescription will enable access to cheap T3 from Germany (until Brexit)

Or if you have a recommended NHS endocrinologist on the list, near by ......consider that route

please email Dionne at

[e-mail]

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

marinapet

TSH 0.4 mU/L normal range 0.3-4.2mU/L

Free T4 22.9 pmol/L normal range 12-22pmol/L

Free T3 4.4 pmol/L normal range 3.1-6.8pmol/L

These results suggest poor conversion, with FT4 over range and Ft3 only 35% through range. You would most likely benefit from a lower dose of Levo and the additon of T3.

Rather hypocritical of your GP to be willing to monitor you if you procure T3 elsewhere, but not agreeing to give you a private prescription himself. He could, of course, refer you to an endocrinologist saying that his opinion is that you need T3 and the endo then prescribe on the NHS, but that is extremely difficult now.

You say your nutrient levels are perfect, have they reached optimal levels:

Vit D - 125nmol/L

B12 - top of range for serum B12, over 70 for Active B12

Folate - at least half way through range

Ferritin - half way through range with a minimum of 70 for thyroid hormone to work

[silverfox7]

I reversed mine by getting my nutrients optimal. I was rock bottom with folate and Vit D and 5 months later at my next testing so much better. It does take time to address these things but well worth the effort but also be aware if you need to supplement its usually for life asif you stop they fall like a stone. Once optimal you may be able to find a maintenance dose, many can with Vit D and I know take folate every other day.