Low FTI

[Sdbrooklyn]

Hi guys ...I believe I would be out by my Dr on NATURTHROID....but am interested in an alternative...possibly TR Man?

My FTI is low...1.6

I feel very weak and tired....all other blood work seems good. Any advise or thoughts is appreciated!

[greygoose]

For us to make any sense of those result, you would have to put the ranges. Ranges vary from lab to lab, so results without them are meaningless.

Also, those are not the right tests. TSH, yes, it's high for someone on NDT. But, Thyroxine (T4), T3 Uptake, and Free Thyroxine Index give us no useful information. They are totally out-dated tests. What you need are the Free T4 and Free T3. Are you in the US?

[Sdbrooklyn in reply to greygoose]

I'm in the US yes...the range shown on the lab for the FTI are 1.2-4.9

[greygoose in reply to Sdbrooklyn]

OK, but FT1 is a useless test. It doesn't give you any useful information. You need FT4 and FT3.

[Sdbrooklyn in reply to greygoose]

Why did you ask if I was in the US....were you going to have a suggestion?

[greygoose in reply to Sdbrooklyn]

No, I'm afraid not. It's just that the tests you had done are no-longer done in the rest of the world, I don't think - certainly not in the UK or France, where I live. But, in the US they continue to do them rather than the correct FT4 and FT3. I would be interested to hear any interpretation your doctor might put on them.

[Sdbrooklyn in reply to greygoose]

Where can I get those other tests?

[greygoose in reply to Sdbrooklyn]

Well, you could try asking your doctor. Otherwise, try writing a new post so that other US citizens see it, to ask about private tests. Because I don't know what available in the US.

[rjb112 in reply to greygoose]

greygoose: Free T4 and Free T3 are both readily available in the US.

[greygoose in reply to rjb112]

Yes, I know. But from what we see on here, doctors in the US just don't seem to do them. It's not as bad as it used to be, but far too frequent to see the above tests done rather than the correct Frees. I did tell her to ask her doctor.

[Sdbrooklyn in reply to rjb112]

perhaps you know where? this is what i've asked above esentially

[Katurajo1 in reply to Sdbrooklyn]

I’m guessing from your name that you are in NY? If so then keep in mind it’s not allowed in NY to order your own labs tests. You can drop down to PA or over to MA to have them done at a place like Ulta labs. It’s ridiculous, I’m also in Ny and have made the trip to MA for labs

[Batty1 in reply to Sdbrooklyn]

Where are you located in the US?

[Sdbrooklyn in reply to Batty1]

I'm in a few spots .. but open to tralel or do with a online lab

[Batty1 in reply to Sdbrooklyn]

Go to stop the thyroid madness site and type in blood test

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Sdbrooklyn

TR is no longer produced, they stopped production last year. The only Thai NDT being produced now is Thyroid-S and that is currently out of stock with many suppliers.

Unfortunately there are no reference ranges with your results so it's not possible to comment on them.

Are you diagnosed with hypothyroidism and already on thyroid meds?

[Sdbrooklyn in reply to SeasideSusie]

I'm not yet on meds....

I found the ranges...did the tests they Lab Corp...I'm in the lower end of the ranges...but not below the bottom.

[Sdbrooklyn in reply to SeasideSusie]

I feel like I have hypothy.... Was hoping to try out some medication. I probably should do the consultation with my doctor

[LAHs in reply to Sdbrooklyn]

Get private testing first, your doctor will tell you a pile of codswallop and after a couple of years of frustration and at least one near death experience you will end up ... getting your own tests and your own choice of medication.

[Suzi_]

I recently switched from Armour( previously on Ndt) to Levothyroxine and cytomel combo as I had been feeling very tired. I feel better, recent blood test results not back yet

[Poniesrfun]

Hey Brooklyn - ask your doc to order TSH, Free T4 and Free T3. Sign up on the LabCorp portal so you can keep track.

It sounds like your doc ordered a “thyroid profile” - common error for a GP.

For starters, from LabCorp, they need to order:

Thyroxine (T4) and Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test code 024026 and Triiodothyronine (T3), Free test code 010389.

You should probably also have Thyroid Antibodies Test code 006684

A Reverse T3 test code 070104 can be helpful.

The “frees” are the active hormones which are available for your body to utilize. If you have a decent primary care doc you shouldn’t have any problem getting these ordered. There are also other basics that can affect thyroid and general health that should be checked including a full iron panel, B12 levels and D3 levels, along with the usual CBC and Comprehensive Chemistry plus magnesium.

In the US we use different units of measurement than the rest of the world, plus ranges can vary from lab to lab and different parts of the country, which is why the Ranges are so important.

Although this forum (Thyroid UK) is oriented to the UK and a medical system very different from ours, the information and suggestions from the moderators here is among the best available (i.e. reliable and sane).

Patti in AZ

[Sdbrooklyn in reply to Poniesrfun]

Thanks so much for the clear full answer very helpful