I am hypothyroid following radio iodine therapy for Graves’ disease which was done about 20 years ago. Fed up with feeling ill and putting on weight and not being able to shift it. Also the fact my leg muscles are very weak and very painful feet. I was referred to a female endo who was sympathetic to my cause and agreed to a T3 trial.
I was started on a trial of T3 liothyronine 10mcg and 75mcg Levothyroxine on 10/6/20.
Had a blood test at 8 week point. Results are FT4 12.4 (normal range 9-19), FT3 4.7(normal range 2.9-4.9). TSH 0.82 ( normal range 0.35-4.95)
I also had a lipid profile. My cholesterol is (6.1) and triglycerides (2.0) she has suggested I would benefit from statin therapy.
I also had a 9am cortisol test which was 298, she wanted to check for Addison’s disease but she said that level would make it unlikely. So now she wants me to have a Synacthen test to categorically exclude it. This is because I have had a lot of fatigue.
I did wonder if I could drop my T4 any more?? I am a poor converter would that make a difference?
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Each one of us is different. Some need high FT3 and very little FT4; others need both FT4 and FT3 well over mid range.
You are obviously still symptomatic. (I will add that I have been on a year's trial of combo and am just getting it sorted so early days for you yet) You will need to drop yourT4 levo dose lower if you want to add more lio.
There are folks on here who need T3 only - their FT4 levels very below range. It works for them.
About 5 years ago I had a three month trial of T3. The Endo at the time I think set me up to fail because he was reluctant to do it and said it wouldn’t work. I was on 20mcg a day and my heart rate went up and had palpitations. So not sure if I can raise my T3 any more.
How much levothyroxine were you taking BEFORE T3 was added?
Are you taking T3 as single dose or as 2 x 5mcg 12 hours apart?
Which brand of levothyroxine are you currently taking
Do you always get same brand
When were vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 last tested
What vitamin supplements are you currently taking
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)
If/when also on T3, make sure to take last 5mcg of daily dose 8-12 hours prior to test, even if this means adjusting time or splitting of dose day before test
Is this how you do your tests?
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins
If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), treatment may be delayed until this problem is treated. This is because having an underactive thyroid can lead to an increased cholesterol level, and treating hypothyroidism may cause your cholesterol level to decrease, without the need for statins. Statins are also more likely to cause muscle damage in people with an underactive thyroid.
been tested. Also my digestive system is good. I do not suffer from stomach problems. I am very regular going to the toilet. Haven’t suffered from diarrhoea or constipation. I guess I’m one of the lucky ones.
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