Thyroid blood tests

[Baggieswidow]

I had my thyroid removed 3 years ago but have never managed to have satisfactory results since and it was found I needed T3 which I was given but taken off last September because it costs too much. I had tests which proved I needed it and was given it back in April. I have consistently had a suppressed Tsh level and therefore my Levothyroxine was reduced to 100 and I have the Liothyroine 20. I have now had my test results which read TSH*<0.05 min/L 0.3-4.2 FT3 Free T3 *3.3 pmol/L 4-6.8 and FT4 Free T4 *11.5 pmol/L 12-22. I have also had a positive Rheumatoid factor of >13 in/mL = positive. What does this all mean and what do I need to make me feel normal again, I have gained loads of weight, I’m tired, have headaches and can’t control my temperature?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Baggieswidow

TSH*<0.05 min/L 0.3-4.2

Free T3 *3.3 pmol/L 4-6.8

Free T4 *11.5 pmol/L 12-22

my Levothyroxine was reduced to 100 and I have the Liothyroine 20

What does this all mean and what do I need to make me feel normal again, I have gained loads of weight, I’m tired, have headaches and can’t control my temperature?

Both your FT4 andFT3 are below range and this means that you are undermedicated and the reason you are still symptomatic.

I take a combination of Levo and T3 and through trial and error I have found that I feel best when both my FT4 and FT3 are around 75% through their ranges. Everyone is different and need their levels to suit themselves, but below range is not acceptable for a patient on thyroid hormone replacement.

We can only change dose of one at a time so you either need to increase your Levo or your T3, then gradually increase them until your levels are where they need to be for you to feel well.

Are you seeing an endo or just under your GP's care now? Whichever, what have they said about these results.

[Baggieswidow in reply to SeasideSusie]

My GP ordered the bloods because I am due to see the endocrinologist soon and as it’s a different area the Endocrinologist won’t be able to access the results. They keep saying I’m over medicated because my TSH is suppressed so really my T3 and T4 should be high but they are not! I’m so fed up with it all and putting up with the joint pain as well is really getting me down.