How much t3 should I take : Can anyone help... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

141,188 members166,426 posts

How much t3 should I take

JBL312 profile image
9 Replies

Can anyone help please? I don’t know what to do.

My bloods are:

T3 3.03 range 3.1-6.8

T4 17.4 range 12-22

Tsh 0.616 range 0.27-4.2

I take 125mcg t4 and 25mcg t3. I’ve been feeling tired, cold and extremely depressed. My doctor doesn’t agree that t3 is necessary so I source my own from abroad. Could someone advise me what I need to do please. I’m so sick of fighting with the medical profession just to feel ok.

Written by
JBL312 profile image
JBL312
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
9 Replies
SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

That is an extremely low FT3 result for someone taking 25mcg T3.

How long did you leave between your last doses of Levo and T3 before this test?

JBL312 profile image
JBL312 in reply toSeasideSusie

Hi. I left it was 28 hours after my levo and 19 hours after my t3.

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply toJBL312

The correct time gap for last dose of T3 before a blood test is 8-12 hours. By leaving 19 hours your result shows a false low.

Even allowing for your FT3 to be higher if the time gap had been correct, it's likely that it would still be too low and that is unusual for a dose of 25mcg T3 added to Levo. Maybe something is affecting it's absorption, how are you taking your T3 - with food or on an empty stomach like Levo?

JBL312 profile image
JBL312 in reply toSeasideSusie

I take 12.5mcg t3 with my full dose of t4 a few hours before eating or drinking coffee at 7.30am and then my next 12.5mcg in the afternoon that could be an hour either side of eating lunch. I do take a dose of l-theanine and Pregabalin two hours later.

Dunkenb profile image
Dunkenb

If you’re taking 25mcg of T3 once a day you should be aware it only lasts for 5-6hrs. I take mine 3 or 4 times a (day depending on how long I’m awake )

Victoria2603 profile image
Victoria2603

I wonder if you would benefit from lowering your levothyroxine. If you are not converting anyway, then it seems that you don't need that much. Perhaps you have high reverse T3 that is causing the the symptoms. Try cutting back to 100mcg T4 and 25mcg T3 split into 2 doses - one with T4 before rising and the other dose at midday before food.

JBL312 profile image
JBL312 in reply toVictoria2603

I already spilt my t3 dose. How would reducing my Levo help please?

jacintamoore profile image
jacintamoore

You can take T3 with food. I do it all the time. You should probably take your T3 about 5 hours apart. I take three doses so I can’t really say what are the best times for you as I am on T3 only.

puffyface profile image
puffyface

Please can I ask what time of the day you take your t3? I am also on t3 only...25 twice a day and then half a pill once a day. Doc didn’t say anything about food or what time, so I try to do the smaller dose in the middle of the day. But.. I wonder whether I should take the smaller dose in the evening. I don’t sleep well so wonder whether that might help? Would love your thoughts.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

How much T3 should I add?

Please could somebody help me work out how much T4 to reduce in order to make room for T3? After...
AleB profile image

How much T3 should I take?

Hello, I have finally received my T3 which I ordered online as cannot get where I live and would...
Bristol1965 profile image

How to take T3 liothyrotine

Hi, I have just read yesterday that T3 could be better for me than NDT. Could you please tell me...
Ania22 profile image

How much T3 should you take for reverseT3 and hypothyroidism?

My T3 is at the very bottom of the range at 2.3 and I have been taking 50mcg T3 only for almost a...
Nessiam profile image

How much T3: T4 in blood ?

This is all new to me and there is so much information to take on board. I'm starting on the road...
Wantie profile image

Moderation team

See all
Buddy195 profile image
Buddy195Administrator
RedApple profile image
RedAppleAdministrator
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.