Most recent blood test on T3

[Traceydg]

Hi guys, my latest blood results are showing my T4 has dropped even further when there has been no change to my T3 dosage. Do you think I need to start thyroxine again as well as liothyronine. Thanks

TSH 0.02. (0.27-4.20)

Free T4 2. (11-22)

Free T3. 4.1. (3.1-6.8)

Folate. 3.7. (>3.9)

Ferritin. 125. (30-150)

GP not concerned about folate being below range, it’s been low now for 6 months and has said there’s no need to routinely check folate again.

[Judithdalston]

Some of us don’t need any FT4 if on T3 only, others like both FT3 and FT4 at 75% in ranges...so it’s how you feel that’s important. What about vit D and B12 levels? B12 and Folate work together, so I would get your folate up to at least halfway thru range, so not sure why your dr.seems to be neglecting this!

[Traceydg in reply to Judithdalston]

I feel tired and achy most days with not much energy to do any exercise. My last Vit D was 77 >51 and B12 391 (197-771). I’ve booked in to see a different GP to see what they can advise

[Judithdalston in reply to Traceydg]

You probably need all ferritin, folate, b12 and vit D optimal (as Seasidesusie suggests).. ..that is likely to be much higher than the figures your gp thinks acceptable or ‘normal’. You can get symptoms that are just from low vit/ min levels, while lower levels also do not support good thyroid health. So if your new gp doesn’t help go down private route with lab tests and self supplement( unless so low need further investigation for various anemias/ injections etc).

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Folate. 3.7. (>3.9)

GP not concerned about folate being below range

Well your GP should be concerned. Shame on him/her. You are folate deficient.

bestpractice.bmj.com/topics...

nhs.uk/conditions/vitamin-b...

See another GP.

My last Vit D was 77 >51 and B12 391 (197-771

You will be told these are fine because they are in range, but they are too low. The Vit D Council recommends a level of 125nmol/L (50ng/ml) and the Vit D Society recommends a level of 100-150nmol/L (40-60ng/ml). According to an extract from the book, "Could it be B12?" by Sally M. Pacholok:

"We believe that the 'normal' serum B12 threshold needs to be raised from 200 pg/ml to at least 450 pg/ml because deficiencies begin to appear in the cerebrospinal fluid below 550".

"For brain and nervous system health and prevention of disease in older adults, serum B12 levels should be maintained near or above 1000 pg/ml."

[SlowDragon Administrator]

How much T3 are you taking?

Why did you stop taking Levothyroxine?

Why not try adding in 25mcg Levothyroxine and retesting bloods 6-8 weeks later

Many of us need good FT4 and good FT3

All four vitamins need to be optimal

Folate is deficient

Vitamin D and B12 not brilliant in last post either

Supplementing a good quality daily vitamin B complex, one with folate in not folic acid may be more beneficial than folic acid

chriskresser.com/folate-vs-...

B vitamins best taken in the morning after breakfast

Recommended brands on here are Igennus Super B complex. (Often only need one tablet per day, not two. Certainly only start with one tablet per day after breakfast. Retesting levels in 6-8 weeks ).

Or Jarrow B-right is popular choice, but is large capsule

If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before any blood tests, as biotin can falsely affect test results

endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

Doubtful any GP has experience of dosing Levothyroxine and T3

[Traceydg]

Consultant told me to stop taking thyroxine. I’ve still got some left over so will start taking it again.