Low T3 results - T3 prescribed after 12 years on Levothyroxine

[McPammy]

Hi

For many months I’ve been struggling

I was on Levothyroxine for 11 years with problems of weakness throughout. I collapsed several times and ended up in hospital on 3 occasions last year

I was put on NDT by an Endocrinologist back in Aug 18 after discussion with my GP who requested a change from Levothyroxine. But I still wasn’t right. I changed my Endocrinologist who said NDT was not physiological and would cause harm used long term. He advised I go on liquid Levothyroxine. Since changing I became quite unwell and Once again legs buckling and severe headaches with complete weakness

I am now 7 weeks in with the liquid Levothyroxine. I got my bloods this week

T4 14.1 (7.86-14.41)

TSH 4.39 (0.35-5.50)

T3 3.9 (3.7-6.0)

Cholesterol 5.1 non HDL 3.6 high

My Endocrinologist called this week. He has said that I need T3. And will write to my GP to prescribe this week.

I feel I do need T3 as I’m so weak maybe I’m a poor converter ?

My question is:

Does a person lose the ability to not convert T4 to T3 as years go by. Or is it a condition that you would have all along. I’ve been diagnosed with Hashimoto for 12 years and been on Levothyroxine T4 only until my 5 months on NDT last year. I’ve always had spells of weakness and never knew why.

I had B12 def but good now on 3 month loading plan 1500

My ferritin was also low at 15 I also had tablets to increase

My folate is above 9 normal along with my vit D is repleat at 88

Your thoughts and comments would be greatly received on the T3 situation.

Thank you!

Pam

[Kalicocat]

My belief is that taking Levo only will eventually make everyone low on T3, it seems our body's thyroid thresholds change on T4 only treatment. I watched my T3 go from the high 5s down to the high 2's and it never goes any higher even with 12 mcg T3 per day, but i feel better than I did when on levo only.

[McPammy in reply to Kalicocat]

Hi.

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post.

I think this maybe be my case although I’m not entirely sure.

Ido hope when I get my T3 that I improve and can get my life back.

Many thanks and have a good day.

Pam

[Hidden]

Yes I belive a DR lowe noticed having treated thousand of thyroid patients that over time levo becomes less affective and there is a need for t3. It sound as if though your treatment has been below par for a long time. Some people have a gentic condition that means that they are unable to convert T4 to T3 very well and looking at your results with the high T4 and low T3 this may be true of yourself. Your endo sounds reasonable and hopfully the addition of T3 will help. It all take time though. Most endos know very little about NDT and we hear all sort of myths. It has an excellent safety record and is used very widely in America and is also the longest serving type of hormone replacement but you might do better with the T3 addition instead. It does all take time so be patient and keep coming back here with updates and hiccups so we can support you having the best treatment.

[McPammy in reply to Hidden]

Hi.

Thank you very much for your reply. This does make sense. Maybe I should get my genes tested for the conversion issues. My sister also struggles but her Endocrinologist won’t test T3 even.

Many thanks and have a pleasurable day.

Pam

[pennyannie]

Hello McPammy

Your mention your ferritin was low at 15, and this needs to be up at around 80 for thyroid hormones to work.

As you have been supplementing, would it be an idea to get these vitamins and minerals retested, to ensure your levels are optimum and to give you the best chance of finding a level of medication that works for you.

[McPammy in reply to pennyannie]

Hi.

Thank you for taking time out to respond.

My ferritin was low at 15. I’ve since been on tablets to bring it up. It’s now 44. Think I need some more to get it better.

Thank you!

P.

[McPammy]

Hi.

I hear you. I’m fed up this past year also of my medication being changed. It causes such a roller coaster ride with my health. Next I have to see how I go with adding in T3 to my Liquid Levothyroxine too. I’m hoping upon hope this is my answer. I’ve been in a terrible state changing from Levothyroxine to NDT back to liquid Levothyroxine now about to add in T3 in 10 months.

Hope your husband is at least stable now.

P.