Low total T3 but FT3 is normal. Help with results!

[Mamahealthy]

Hello All.

I am as of yet undiagnosed but have been experiencing symtoms that coincide with hypothyroidism so doctor has run some tests.

Results are in and the doctor immeditely wanted to put me on thyroid medication. I am not convinced, here are the results, I hope someone can help me interpret them

Total T3. 56.0 (80 - 179ng/dL) *(LOW)

Free T3. 3.05 (1.5 - 4.1 pg/mL)

Total T4. 5.78 (5.2 - 12.5ug/dL)

Free T4. 1.07 (0.8 - 1.9 ng/dL)

TSH. 1.28 (0.4 - 4.0ulU/mL)

T3 uptake. 28.5% (24 - 35%)

Iodine. 3.76. (3.4 - 8.1)

Thyroid antibodies both negative.

Symtoms include fatigue, brain fog, low energy, mild hair loss, low mood, anxiety, weight gain.

Currently on no medication. Post results have started supplementing with selenium and magnesium as per doctors instructions.

Thanks for your help!

[Hidden]

You have a good doctor. I presume not NHS. Your health by the look of your results would be very likely to improve with some additional thyroid hormones. Did you doctor also take your ferretin, folate, B12 and vitamin D? as these are also relevant.What is your temperature and pulse.

[Mamahealthy in reply to Hidden]

Yes private doctor (Mexico). He did general bloods but not vitamin deficiencies which I could request. I am a little hesitant to start on thyroid hormone as it feels like I will then be permanently dependant on that. I am early 30's and have no health insurance that would cover the expense. Is it permanent or temporary support?

[Mamahealthy in reply to Hidden]

Sorry temp normal, pulse raised and blood pressure slightly low (could be the heat?)

[Hidden in reply to Mamahealthy]

difficault if you have no health provision. Thyroids hormones are a life long nessesity and it is a very bad idea to stop them once you have started. However without them you are unlikely to be able to function long term enough to hold down a job or live a normal life. What do you call a normal temperature and a raised pulse? apologies but there are lots of misunderstandings. It is possible to obtain some cheaper thyroid hormones such as thyroid S.

[Mamahealthy in reply to Hidden]

Sorry I can't give the precise measurements of pulse and temp. Doc did take them, he didn't metion exactly what they were other than pulse was elevated and temp normal. Sorry I don't have more than that.

[Hidden in reply to Mamahealthy]

He is an excellent doctor so I will take his word for it. It might be an idea to get someone to show you how to take your pulse and temp. It is a really good way to monitor treatment for thyroid issues especially if you dont want to be paying out for lots of blood tests. I rarely have blood tests now and the last few tests I have had I have had a very accurate idea of the results based on my pulse and temp.

[diogenes Remembering]

Low total T3 combined with normal FT3 has a simple answer. You have low concentrations of the transport proteins that carry T4 and T3 round the circulation and deliver small amounts of T4 or T3 (FT4 or FT3) to the tissues as they require them. This means your reservoirs of T3 on your proteins are small, and this means the T3 on them will be less than the average. This does not have any effect on the FT4 and FT3 that is drawn off them by the tissues.

[Mamahealthy in reply to diogenes]

Thanks diogenes! Ok low protein transporters but has no effect on FT3/4 uptake. Does that mean I am hypo or not? Sorry if that is a dumb question. 😬

[diogenes Remembering in reply to Mamahealthy]

Low levels of transport proteins have nothing to do with hypo or hyperthyroidism. From your results you are neither. All the proteins do is carry a reservoir of T4 and T3 round your blood for the tissues to dip into as they want. The levels you have are genetically controlled but have no effect on thyroid function..

[Mamahealthy in reply to diogenes]

Thanks!

[Mamahealthy in reply to Mamahealthy]

So are we looking at a different cause of the symtoms?

[Mamahealthy]

Thanks for the vitamin suggestions!

[FancyPants54]

Personally, given how hard getting right on exogenous hormones can be, and given those results, I wouldn't touch thyroid hormone at this stage.

Your symptoms could easily be something else. I know you are young, but has your doctor tested your female hormones to rule out early perimenopause? Because your symptoms are the same as many of those in perimenopause find.

Thyroid isn't the easy fix some would have you think. diogenes has a medical background. He says you are low on transport proteins. Try optimising your vitamins and minerals first and get those sex hormones tested by an expert that understands menopause.

[Mamahealthy in reply to FancyPants54]

Thanks for the advice. I'll look into it