New/old test results

[Coachgeorge]

Test results are back this morning. I'm a little concerned as I asked for FT3 and didn't get it. I'll have to call tomorrow to see if it's feasible.

Folate Old 20.0 New 15.2 >5.4 is normal range. Dr. stopped folic acid supplement. I've since learned I need to be supplementing with folate not folic acid.

Free T4 Old 1.32 New 1.19 range .80-1.8

TSH Old 4.49 New 4.84 range .4-4.5

Free T3 Old 3.32 No New-UGH range 2.3-4.2

I'm going to guess at what you all might say. I currently take 50mcg of levo. I think I need more as my TSH is elevated and my T4 is below range. Without the T3 it's hard to tell if I'm converting better on 7.5 mcg of T3.

I need updated Ferritin, D, and B.

Am I close?? Thank you!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

As you say...you need full testing

TSH is far too high

FT4 has room for increase

You only want to increase Levothyroxine or T3 at any one time

So perhaps try 50mcg and 75mcg Levothyroxine alternate days. Retesting FULL Thyroid and vitamins 6 weeks later

[Coachgeorge in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you! I know my lab keeps the blood as we had to add FT3 the last time. If I catch it early enough tomorrow, I may not need to retest and we can make the adjustments. Fingers crossed.

[Coachgeorge in reply to SlowDragon]

Should I be feeling better? Is it still too soon?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Coachgeorge]

Difficult to say. Everyone is different

I was on high dose Levothyroxine for 20 years......before going strictly gluten free diet for 2 years before T3 add, and a year improving vitamins BEFORE T3 was added. It was still difficult. Feeling better (much more energy) and worse (adrenals struggling) in equal measure for several weeks

I always feel rough about 5-9 weeks into any dose change

[Coachgeorge in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you. Are you able to get out and participate in activities?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Coachgeorge]

Fully recovered. Walking 4-5 miles easily.

Only made progress when joined here and saw just how common gluten intolerance was and low vitamin levels

More on my profile

I suspect I have MTHFR, but not tested (yet)

[Coachgeorge in reply to SlowDragon]

Happy for you. You do so much to help us. It is appreciated.

[greygoose]

You cannot tell how well you are converting when taking T3. You can only tell that on T4 only. But, of course, as you're taking T3, you do need to have the FT3 tested.

Personally, I would not increase T4 at this time. It has dropped because you've started the T3. And, it's the T3 you need to concentrate on for the moment. Wait until you've seen an FT3 level before you change anything, that's my advice. Your TSH is still pretty high - especially for someone taking T3. So, my guess is, you're going to need to increase the T3.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

and my T4 is below range

No it isn't, it's within range but a bit lower than last time:

Free T4 Old 1.32 New 1.19 range .80-1.8

[Coachgeorge in reply to SeasideSusie]

Good catch, brain fog

[Coachgeorge in reply to Coachgeorge]

I spoke with my internist this morning and asked for the additional tests to look at T3 and vitamins. She isn’t opposed but would like to up my T3 from 7.5 mcg to 10 mcg and do the full panel in 2 to 3 weeks. At that time, she may increase my levo from 50 to 75. Thoughts?