Latest blood tests for HypoT

[Elliegg]

I was diagnosed in Nov 2013 with HypoT after suffering with fatigue and entire body aches Over the last few years my dose of Levo has increased to 100mg until recently when my constant TSH of around 0.50 to 1.50 jumped back up to 4.3 My dosage was increased to 125mg in Nov 18

Latest tests - no meds taken for 24hrs before

FreeT4 above range 23pmol/L (10-22)

TSH below range 0.19 mu/L (0.3 -5.5)

Serum free triiodothyronine 4.3 pro/L (3.1-6.8)

Serum free peroxidase antibody IgG antibodies >4.00 iU/ml (0.0 -24.9)

Serum free total 25-hydroxy vitamin D level 78.3 >50 is sufficient mmol/L

Serum vitamin B12 379 ng/L (197.0 - 771.0)

Serum Ferritin 124 ug/L (13 - 150.0)

Serum folate 6.3 ug/L (2.1 - 26.8)

They didn’t do any T3 tests and on looking back I can’t seem to see any on my file

Before I react to the below and above range results for the T4 and TSH I thought I’d ask you opinion

Many thanks

Elle

[greygoose]

Serum free triiodothyronine 4.3 pro/L (3.1-6.8)

That's T3 - Free T3 - the test you want. And it's rather low. You're a poor converter.

So, those labs are on 125 mcg levo? Your FT4 is too high, obviously, and not much of it is being converted into T3. You need a reduced dose of Levo and some T3 added. Your TSH is so low because your FT4 is so high. But, if you take T3, it will go lower, and it doesn't matter.

[Elliegg in reply to greygoose]

Thank you grey goose. Getting T3 might be an issue but I’ll try.

Sometimes they say you’re not taking the meds properly so they work well

I try to take mine 125 dose early morning with water on an empty stomach and wait 30 mins before having a cup of tea.

What do you think ?

[greygoose in reply to Elliegg]

I think you should wait an hour at least before your tea.

However, absorption is not the problem. It's conversion, and that isn't affected by tea-drinking, so it's nothing to do with how you take your levo.

There are many, many things that can affect conversion, but it might have something to do with low nutrients. All the above nutrients are low, except your ferritin. So, you could try raising those. But, very often we never find the reason why, we just have to try and get some T3 to feel well.

[Elliegg in reply to greygoose]

Thanks for your prompt response. I’ve made an appointment to see my Dr and insist on a trial of T3

Would you suggest supplements for my low nutrients, B12 injection or increasing my diet in those areas

[greygoose in reply to Elliegg]

I don't think your B12 is low enough to need injections. But, increasing your intake of B12-containing foods probably won't work. So, you really need supplements.

[MaisieGray]

"see my Dr and insist on a trial of T3"

Are you aware of the current RMOC guidelines which state "In very rare situations where patients experience continuing symptoms with levothyroxine (that have a material impact upon normal day to day function), and other potential causes have been investigated and eliminated, a 3 month trial with additional liothyronine may occasionally be appropriate. This is only to be initiated by a consultant NHS endocrinologist. Following this trial the consultant NHS endocrinologist will advise on the need for ongoing liothyronine."

[Elliegg in reply to MaisieGray]

Thanks Masie. That’s what I want a trial. Just looked back. T3 level been like this ages. No one had picked it up. I still ache everywhere and I’ve lost so much hair I found cry. I’ll make a good case I’m sure