Adaptogens lab results

[Xheila]

FT3 4.4 (2.3-4.2 pg/mL) above range

FT4 1.1 (0.8-1.8 ng/dL) highest I've ever had

TSH 0.01 mIU/L

Iron remains high: 187 (40-190 mcg/dL)

Ferritin remains low: 27 (16-232 ng/mL) highest I've ever had

I take 180mg Armour, my last dosage change was May 27, when I increased from 150mg. I began taking Ashwagandha (125 mg) 3+ months ago and 6 weeks ago added extra Ashwagandha (150mg) and Bacopa (300 mg). I did not have any lab tests after increasing my dose or Armour, but had a noticeable amount of hair loss near the end of July/early August, 2 months after my dosage change, which went away until about 3 weeks ago.

In addition to the adaptogens, I take D3 5000 IU with K2, Omega 3's EPA/DHA 680 mg, Methyl-B12 2500 mcg, Methyl Folate 400 mcg, and Vitamin C 1000 mg

I am currently experiencing a massive amount of hair loss, and I've noticed a loud/pounding heartbeat several times, and had some shortness of breath while reading out loud (but not while exercising). And I have an enormous appetite. Otherwise, I feel great, better than I've felt since 2013.

What do you think? Is my dose too high? What will happen when I stop taking the adaptogens? Does the hair loss mean my thyroid levels are still changing? I have noticed a great number of improvements from taking the adaptogens, especially regarding reduction of anxiety and brain fog.

Thank you!

[Lalatoot]

If those were my results I would be thinking that the ft3 result was too high being over range. I personally like ft3 in range. Yes it is only 0.2 over but the range is small and it works out at just over 110%.I would consider a small decrease in dose.

[Xheila in reply to Lalatoot]

That is also what I was thinking, thanks!

[radd]

Xheila,

Where your FT3 lies in the range will be largely dependant upon duration between the blood draw & your last med dose. For an average FT3 level it is recommended an 8-12 hours gap but for my own private tests I often have blood taken 2 hours after med dose to assess the FT3 peak.

Hair loss can be due to low ferritin but you have adequate iron levels so are not anaemic, or insufficient/changes to thyroid hormone but you have sufficient, although even with good biochemistry sometimes a degree of hypothyroidism is still experienced when symptoms may lag behind.

I haven’t tried bacopa but love ashwagandha, but adaptogens can be powerful & not every one agrees with every person. However, because you have seen such positive results in some areas, if this were me I would be waiting another few months to see if hairloss, loud pounding heart and breathlessness improves.

[Xheila in reply to radd]

Thank you for the input! It's helpful to hear both the reassurance and caution when using adaptogens. I'm wondering, how long did you take ashwagandha? This was my first test I took following the directions given to me here on the site, to take 1/2 my NDT 8-12 hours before the test. I've never really considered the daily fluctuations, and previously just tested 24 hours post-meds. I don't think my hair loss is ferritin related, since my ferritin is much higher than ever before. I had terrible results ranging from 13-21 in the past years, so 27 shows improvement for me. x

[Imaaan in reply to Xheila]

Hi,

Ferritin remains low: 27 (16-232 ng/mL) highest I've ever had

^ Those levels are really low and is most likely contributing to your palpitations, hair loss and breathlessness. Hair growth definitely requires ferratin to be above the midway point. Whenever my ferratin drops below 70( range 12-109) I would experience tachycardia, breathlessness and shedding of hair more than usual.

You can give liver a go if you're not vegan/vegetarian. It shoots my levels up in no time but it has a high vitamin A content so beware of how much you consume.

[Xheila in reply to Imaaan]

I'm vegetarian, have been for decades. I've been trying to raise ferritin for a long while, but since I can't take iron with that high serum level I haven't made it very far. yet.

[radd in reply to Xheila]

Xheila,

Lots of members don’t consider daily T3 fluctuations as feel well either taking one daily dose and/or medicating large amounts of T3-only. As I function best on a small T3 amount and previously had adrenal issues & diagnosed osteopenic, I avoid high T3 peaks by multi dosing.

I have iron overload but previously suffered hair loss through hormonal change as happened after introducing T3. It eventually righted itself but took a while. Re your iron levels it is a common phenomenon on this forum to have low ferritin coupled with adequate serum iron, which risks a quick depletion if iron intake were not to be consistently adequate.

I have taken ashwagandha or combos containing ashwagandha for about 6 years. With adaptogens I think you have to find what works for you. If you read Datis Kharrizan's articles on adaptogens working with or against a Hashi immune system the (in)tolerances start making some sense. My other favourite is curcumin.

I am tending to agree with Lalatoot re your FT3 being a little high if blood was drawn 8-12 hours after half of your dose.

[Xheila in reply to radd]

Radd, your reply was very helpful! I had been looking, unsuccessfully, for more clarification about adaptogens and Hashi's so I will read Dr. Kharrizan. Interesting about low ferritin and dietary iron intake, too. I can recall some periods where I was not able to eat very much and how depleted I felt. Now I'm thinking it was not just the calories but it probably affected iron/ferritin levels too. Thanks!