T3 and suppressed TSH plus bone density - Thyroid UK

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T3 and suppressed TSH plus bone density

Spangle15 profile image
7 Replies

Hi. I have recently changed to a combination of thyroxine and synthetic T3, having been on ERFA for a couple of years, and prior to that just thyroxine. (I had Graves 30 years ago and a thyroidectomy aged 21, approximately 25 years ago).

Three years ago I was diagnosed with low bone density.

Since being on the ERFA my TSH has been suppressed, anything between 0.01 to 0.1. My endocrinologist says that this is absolutely fine, and is because I am being medicated with T3. I am however, extremely concerned about the Impact of a suppressed TSH on my already low bone density.

Can anyone advise whether a suppressed TSH is a problem in this case, or whether it is just because I am taking T3 in the form of ERFA and now synthetic T3.

Many thanks

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Spangle15
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7 Replies
greygoose profile image
greygoose

Your endo is right (never thought I hear myself say that! lol), the TSH has nothing to do with bones. And, taking T3 is not going to lower bone density, either, as long as the FT3 is within range. It would be far worse for your bones to have low FT3. :)

Spangle15 profile image
Spangle15 in reply togreygoose

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply, so it really doesn't matter at all if my TSH level is way below the lower limit?

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toSpangle15

As you're taking T3, no, it doesn't matter at all. :)

Spangle15 profile image
Spangle15 in reply togreygoose

Thank you, you've really helped put my mind at ease.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toSpangle15

You're welcome. :)

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Most important thing is good levels of Ft3....not too much and not too little

Often on just levothyroxine, Ft3 is far too low, this can lead to osteoporosis

thyroidpatients.ca/2018/07/...

When taking any form of T3, synthetic or NDT ...TSH will almost always be suppressed (how wonderful to have an endocrinologist who understands this)

Spangle15 profile image
Spangle15 in reply toSlowDragon

Thank you for replying, I really appreciate it. Google is a confusing minefield, and my thyroid knowledge is embarrassingly limited considering.

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