Boood results after 4 weeks on T3

[Wired123]

Hi all, please see below my bloods after 4 weeks on Sigma Liothyronin 10 mcg (taken 5 mcg in the morning with 150 mcg T4 and another 5 mcg T3 at 2.30pm). Also included the previous set of tests before starting T3.

I took the bloods at 1pm, 5 hours after taking 5mcg T3 that morning at 8am - this was the doctor's protocol. I think this is giving a slightly elevated T3 result.

I had T4 at 8am the day before, so 29 hours prior to blood draw.

Advice welcome.

My first 2 weeks on T3 were a dream (after the uncomfortable first few days), I had more energy, a buzz, great mood, and my muscles were not as stiff and tight as they usually are (confirmed by my physiotherapist).

Since then the buzz has sadly gone but my energy is still better than before T3, the muscles are tight again which is annoying. I get a lot of pain from computer usage (RSI).

The best benefit of T3 has been reduction in brain fog. I feel for the first time in 15 years my brain has woken up and started to function normally. I no longer have to drag myself out of bed nor do I struggle with work (I work in an office job so it's all computers and data for which you need a working brain!).

I see my endo next week to discuss results, I presume T4 will need to come down a touch.

My heart rate is generally a lot higher since starting T3, usually around 80, now consistently between 90 and 95 which probably isn’t great for my ticker!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Looking at this post

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

You need to get ferritin levels higher

Possibly look at reducing levothyroxine by 25mcg and (possibly) after next test in 6-8 weeks look at adding 3rd 5mcg dose T3

[Wired123 in reply to SlowDragon]

My ferritin is a red herring as it cannot get higher due to alpha thallesemia. It’s a generic mitigation designed to prevent malaria, prevalent in certain populations from Asia and Caribbean.

Even a diet of red meat, liver and supps cannot raise my iron and I have seen two private Haematologists.

Any other thoughts?

I’m reluctant to go down to 125mcg T4, may try to compromise at halfway in between as I’ve tried 125mcg in the past and did not do well, although there was no T3 in the mix at that point.

Is a high heart rate caused by the T3 or the T4?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Wired123]

Perhaps consider reducing levothyroxine a tiny bit

25mcg or 50mcg per week

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Wired123]

Are you gluten/dairy free?

Are you Dio2 positive?

[Wired123 in reply to SlowDragon]

Awaiting DIO 2 results, been waiting 6 weeks!

Rarely eat gluten containing foods, do eat some cheese throughout the week.

[Wired123 in reply to Wired123]

Biggest concern right now is the elevated heart rate since starting T3.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Wired123]

Strictly gluten free diet does need to be strictly gluten free to be effective as explained here

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

High heart rate not something I have experienced.

Wearing a Fitbit or equivalent to record resting heart rate recommended

My resting heart rate is 52-56 (And I am NOT a fit athlete)

[Wired123 in reply to SlowDragon]

I’m wearing an Apple Watch which is how I know my HR is higher after starting T3.

I have mixed views on Chris Kresser, a lot of his recent stuff has been very poor and conjecture as opposed to backed by science and his decision to endorse various products has really shot his credibility.

Will try to go completely gluten free after Xmas is over