Help interpreting dads results

[Daisybellerose]

Hi there could somebody knowledgable please have a quick look at my dads results. (He’s currently on 25ug Levothyroxine but still very symptomatic. Doctor keeps saying all fine so finally convinced my dad to pay and get his T3 tested)

TSH 4.07 (0.27-4.2)

Free T4 17.1 (12-22)

Free T3. 4.2 (3.1-6.8)

TSH could possibly suggest needs a slight dose increase but then his T4 is spot on and it’s the T3 that’s low. Do you think this suggests a conversion issue and if so what would be the next step?

Thanks in advance! X

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Daisybellerose

TSH 4.07 (0.27-4.2)

Too high, the aim of a treated hypo patient generally is for TSH to be 1 or below or wherever it needs to be for FT4 and FT3 to be in the upper part of their reference ranges, if that is where you feel well. Dose increase suggested.

Free T4 17.1 (12-22)

- but then his T4 is spot on

51% through it's range, so plenty of room for an increase.

Free T3. 4.2 (3.1-6.8)

the T3 that’s low. Do you think this suggests a conversion issue and if so what would be the next step?

29.73% through range

FT4 and FT3 are not in balance. However, you need TSH down to 1 or lower to see how well you convert. So increasing Levo is the next step.

Also test Vit D, B12, Folate, Ferritin - all need to be optimal for thyroid hormone to work properly.

What are these "fine" results that his GP is basing his opinion on? 25mcg is a low starter dose, normally starter dose for adults is 50mcg unless elderly or heart problems exist.

[Daisybellerose in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you for your reply. Yes I thought he was probably is a bit under medicated. I also need him to push for all the other relevant tests like but D, folate etc. I’ll print the NICE guidelines off to show him and he can ask the doctor next time he goes.

Thanks again! X