I have recently had a full thyroid panel blood test and the results were:
Free T3 2.37 pg/ml
TSH 1.29 ml
Total T3 0.87
Thyroid antibodies 60.17 *
Free T4. 1.25 by/dl
T4 Thyroxine. 8 ug/dl
These blood tests were done in Spain but I think markers across the EU including U.K. are similar?
I’m also on HRT - Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone to managed post menopause symptoms. I only restarted this following my total hysterectomy in January 2019 as I was feeling yuck after this op. Depression, joint pain and uncontrollable weight gain. I follow a lo carb diet and struggle to lose any weight at all.
My GP shrugged his shoulders when the results came in as he sees them all within range except the thyroid antibodies which he says he will follow up with another blood test in a couple of months. My feeling is that my thyroid is borderline autoimmune disease and would I benefit from T3 and T4 therapy? I have ALL the symptoms of an under active thyroid. Unexplained weight gain, and I’m now morbidly obese BMI 33. I have lost a lot of hair and have very brittle nails, very dry skin especially on my feet. I’ve lived on antidepressants for years and years but have chosen to stop them as they can cause weight changes. My energy levels are very low and I’m now diagnosed with high blood pressure, osteoarthritis in knees and hips and yes, still feel depressed!
Any advice for me???
Written by
Sezela
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
These blood tests were done in Spain but I think markers across the EU including U.K. are similar?
Unfortunately not. For example, Free T4 ranges in the UK are quite wide and vary from lab to lab, for example here on the forum we see 7-17,9-19,12-22, 11-23, plus others. So the UK FT4 range bears no resemblance to the one that would come with your results considering that your result is 1.25. So we need the reference ranges that came with your results to be able to interpret them. We have no idea whether or not they are in range other than the antibodies test which is marked with an asterisk.
If your antibodies are over range then this suggests autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) and because antibodies fluctuate then even when tested again they could be lower or higher, but you'll still have Hashi's.
My feeling is that my thyroid is borderline autoimmune disease and would I benefit from T3 and T4 therapy? I have ALL the symptoms of an under active thyroid.
The symptoms you have listed do suggest this and your raised antibodies suggest Hashi's. However, here in the UK thyroid hormone replacement can be prescribed when raised antibodies are present along with an over range TSH. There probably aren't many members who know what the criteria is for starting Levo in Spain.
My feeling is that my thyroid is borderline autoimmune disease and would I benefit from T3 and T4 therapy?
Nobody, at least here in the UK, will be started on a combination of Levo and T3. Many people do very well on Levo and it's those with poor conversion or possibly the faulty DIO2 gene who further down the line, after trying and not doing well on Levo, who may be offered the addition of T3 - but even that is very rare in the UK as it's very expensive and doctors don't like prescribing it due to the cost.
Total T4 and Total T3 are outdated tests and it's the Free T4 and Free T3 that tell us what we need to know.
Your TSH, FT4 and FT3 are all within range. Hashi's is where the immune system attacks the thyroid and gradually destroys it and at the moment not enough damage has been done to your thyroid to cause out of range results so I assume that Spain is like the UK in that respect and you won't get a diagnosis until your TSH goes out of range.
Some members with Hashi's have found that a gluten free diet helps although there is no guarantee, also supplementing with selenium l-selenomethionine 200mcg daily is said to help.
Along with all of the comments below I would like to give you the link to an online endocrinologist who has a very good website with lots of information for self help and guidance. He is very much into backing up his information with science and also very practical. I can message you privately with this if you like.
Hi, there is not much else I can add. I too have Hashimotos along with fibromyalgia. And I did find that being gluten free has helped me. I believe that you do need to be on thyroxine. I hope you find a solution for the weight gain. Good luck. Regards filenada
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
T3 and weight. Anyone else struggling to lose weight or even gaining weight on T3?
my results, please help as I’m struggling. 
Which T3 to buy and struggling w weight and temperature on T3 only protocol 
Struggling to get my dosage correct.
