What else can I do to raise my T3 to optimise it to 70% in range?

[mindyhoward10]

My values are:

TSH .20 * range is .27-4.2

FT4 21 and range is 10- 26

FT3 is 3.3 and range is 2.6-6.0

Vitamin B1 97 and range is 85-175

Vit B6 is 187 * and range is 59-179

Vit B12 is 535 and range is 130-700

25-OH Vit D 109 and range is 50-150

Hemoglobin, Hematocriet, Ertryocyten, Trombocyten, Leucocyten and Folic Acid, and Iron, all are in range but MCV is 82 and the range is 83-100

and MCH is 1.7 and the range is 1.7-2.1

and RDW 13.5 and range is 12-15

My question is that Free T4 seems to be optimized, while T3 is too low and TSH is already a bit too low. Any suggestions as to what I can do to raise my T3? Is it safe to take a bit more Euthyrox even though my TSH will probably decrease even more? I am already taking a multi vitamin (costco), additional D3 K2, a B12 Folic Acid supplement, B1 supplement, Calcium and D3, MCT, Magnesium, and Selenium/Zink. I have Hashimotos and am just entering menopause.

many thanks!

Mindy

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Was test done as early as possible in morning before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Ft4 is 68% through range Ft3 only 20% through range

Multivitamins not recommended on here

Folic acid and B1, may be better to take good quality vitamin B complex with folate in not folic acid

As you have Hashimoto’s are you on strictly gluten free diet

[mindyhoward10 in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes, to the early morning test in the way you suggested it. Yes to gluten free. Any more suggestions (I meant folate and not folic acid).

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to mindyhoward10]

I would agree with jimh111

Trying small increase in levothyroxine first

But if that doesn’t help, you will need addition of small doses of T3 prescribed alongside levothyroxine

As you’re gluten intolerant, conversion of Ft4 to Ft3 is almost always poor

[mindyhoward10 in reply to SlowDragon]

start at 5 mcg T3 and go to...? 10? Take at the same time as Eurthrox in morning?

[jimh111 in reply to mindyhoward10]

I would start at 10 mcg with half at breakfast time and half at bedtime. I don’t think 5 mcg is enough to notice a difference.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to mindyhoward10]

Start with 5mcg in morning (alongside levothyroxine if you take levothyroxine in morning)

Assuming that goes ok....after 1-2 weeks add 2nd 5mcg dose roughly 12 hours later

Wait 6-8 weeks and retest bloods

[jimh111]

You will need to take some T3. I would question your assumption that 70% though the reference interval is 'optimal', mid-interval is typical although some patients need a different level.

[mindyhoward10 in reply to jimh111]

I hear you and understand mid level would be ok as well. But still, is that possible without taking T3, but by doing something else?

[jimh111 in reply to mindyhoward10]

You could increase your levothyroxine just a little but this will push your TSH down and I suspect you won't get much benefit. The only way to find out if this helps is to try it.

[humanbean]

MCV is 82 and the range is 83-100

Having low mean cell volume is something that doctors would expect to find in low iron and/or low ferritin and/or low hemoglobin.

Do you have results for any of the tests listed on these links?

labtestsonline.org/tests/co...

labtestsonline.org/tests/ir...

You need to click on the + signs on each link for more information. The first + sign takes you back to the menu, so avoid clicking that one.

[mindyhoward10 in reply to humanbean]

Both Iron and Ferritin are within range (iron is 16 and range is 10-25) and Ferritine is 108 and range is 13-150)

[mindyhoward10 in reply to mindyhoward10]

and hemoglobin is 8.5 and range is 7.2-9.5