Latest results

Hello, I've just received my latest results. The reverse T3 seems high which may cause the lack of absorbtion of my thyroid meds. I have a double mutation on DIO1 and DIO2. What are your thoughts of these results?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Your results suggest you are EXTREMELY over medicated

Looking at previous posts you are on 700mcg levothyroxine?

Who increased your dose to this?

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .

Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood test. (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

Is this how you did this test?

You need to discuss reducing dose (slowly)

When were vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 last tested?

These need to be optimal and frequently require supplementing

[Hidden in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes 700mcg for over 12 months. I have undercative symptoms still, unable to lose weight, constipation, tiredness.

My heart rate is 70, stable hands, not hot or clammy hands so zero overactive symptoms.

The test was done midday. Will redo Monday at your suggestion of time without having a dose of meds until the test is done.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

What does the reverse T3 mean?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Hidden]

You would need to stay on exactly same dose if retesting....but seems a little pointless....

you are on a huge dose of levothyroxine and results clearly show it’s far too much

When Ft4 is too high, body converts it to reverse T3 as defence mechanism.

Who increased the levothyroxine dose ?

How much were you taking a year ago....what were results then?

What you do need is vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested

[Hidden in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks will do.

My endochronolgist has me that dose for my DIO1 and DIO2 mutation

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Then you probably need a new endocrinologist, they don’t seem to understand the issues

Taking too much levothyroxine will almost certainly not be helping

Many of us have DIo2 gene variation.

Email Dionne at Thyroid UK for list of recommend thyroid specialist endocrinologists

thyroiduk.org/tuk/About_Us/...

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Vitamin levels must be optimal. Important to test these regularly.

[greygoose]

The reverse T3 seems high which may cause the lack of absorbtion of my thyroid meds.

Your reverse T3 is high, but that's to be expected with the huge dose of levo you're taking. But, it does not affect the absorption of your thyroid hormone. It used to be thought that rT3 blocked T3 receptors, but now we know that rT3 has its own receptors.

Your FT3 is also very over-range, so you are very over-medicated. I don't think your endo has the slightest idea what he's doing. You may have a conversion problem but that does not mean you need these sort of levels. They are both too high.

[Hidden in reply to greygoose]

I'm beginning to think so.

☹️

[jjkeurope in reply to Hidden]

hi sammy im on high dose t4 300 -400mg as got both Dio2 gene mutationsand recommended by specialist but its working for me practically no anxiety etc has your symtoms improved on this high dose ? if not maybe you need a small dose of T3 alongside a smaller dose of T4