Is my dose too low?

[ConsBananaHam]

Hi everyone

Some background:

Total thyroidectomy 3yrs ago

Current dose: 1grain Armour + 50mcg Levo

Latest bloods:

TSH 0.10 (0.27-4.2)

FT4 14.5 (12-22)

FT3 4.4 (3.1-6.8)

My endo accepts I’m not good at converting FT4>FT3 so had prescribed Armour but on my recent consultation has switched that to Liothyronine as I requested it with the optimistic aim of finding someone on the NHS to continue the prescription.

I feel rubbish but he won’t up my dose as he says my TSH is too low and puts my symptoms down to working in the city and having young kids.

He’s just prescribed me 10mcg Liothyronine and 75mcg Levo but I feel tempted to add a bit more T3... but obviously I don’t have a prescription for that part so would have to buy it online from somewhere. I don’t want to be irresponsible but I feel a bit desperate to feel better.

Does the TSH really mean I shouldn’t do that?

Thanks for your advice, it’s much appreciated 😊

[MissFG]

My TSH is suppressed on T3 but my endo said it was fine. My GP thought it being suppressed wasn’t right but trusted what my endo has advised me,

I had no alternative but to self medicate on T3 and source my own from abroad so my Endo had to discharge me for self medicating.

You could source some extra yourself but first I’d request your Endo increase your dose based on your blood results and symptoms. Your obviously under medicated and bloods aren’t optimal. TSH is irrelevant when on T3 and your Endo should know this. If he’s already prescribed you 10mcg of T3 he could with a push increase. Fingers crossed!

[Nanaedake]

TSH is going to be suppressed or undetectable when taking T3 medication. TSH is a pituitary hormone. The pituitary gland only responds when there is not enough active thyroid hormone available to the thyroid hormone receptors. Therefore, if you have enough thyroid hormone the pituitary gland will not be stimulated and will not release TSH. At least that's my understanding of the situation.