Bloods worse so why do I feel better?

Hello again,

I've just had my results back after 6 weeks on 75mcg levo and 45mg erfa. (I had been on 30mg erfa for 3.5 weeks before that, so I've been on NDT for 7.5 weeks)

Results are:

TSH - 2.83 - (0.27 - 4.2)

FT4 - 19.4 - (12 - 22)

FT3 - 4.6 - (3.1 - 6.8)

My last blood on levo only were:

TSH - 1.36 - (0.27 - 4.2)

FT4 - 19.8 - (12 - 22)

FT3 - 4.4 - (3.1 - 6.8)

I don't get it! I feel SO much better than I did. I'm not there yet but the difference has been life-changing. I was utterly surprised by these results.

Is it something to do with the T3? Now that my body isn't working so hard to convert the T4 maybe?

I'm curious to hear opinions.

Thank you!

[shaws Administrator]

I believe you feel better as your body seems to have taken to Erfa (also called a 'natural dessicated thyrid hormone' )as it contains all of the hormones a healthy gland would provide and Erfa is one of them

Before levothyroxine was introduced (which is T4 alone - supposed to convert to T3) we were given NDTs - no blood tests then - just the skill of doctors and their knowledge of how to restore the health of those who had hypo.

[RedSonja]

It's interesting that some people still dont feel great when taking separate T3 plus levo, even if the 'numbers' appear good, but feel better on NDT when the numbers aren't as good. As Shaws says it might be the effect of the other minute amount of hormones it contains.

[pennyannie]

Hello Witchinghour ;

NDT does not need blood tests to prove anything and was successfully used for over 100 years to treat hypothyroidism way before we knew about the science of blood tests and the surrounding bureaucracy.

However we can use the blood tests, as a guide to see " what's happening " when starting off to assure us we are going in the right direction.

With NDT it's all about the T3 level increasing from when on T4 monotherapy and yours is slowly moving but you're not there yet and would suggest you drop the T4 you are still taking and replace with more NDT to better balance your T3/T4 ratio :

With NDT you dose to relieve symptoms and not fit in a blood test range as these ranges and guidelines were introduced to be used with Big Pharmas synthetic T3 and T4 medications.

With T4 you dose and monitor to be in these ranges and guidelines :

So you have a foot in each camp and think you'll be better placed choosing the camp that suits you best and just see the ranges as a guide and listen to your body.

However if you are being " managed " by a doctor I understand you may not have the autonomy to do so.

[Gingernut44]

I would suggest that an increase to 1 grain (60mg) Erfa and a drop in Levo, perhaps to 50mcg or 75/50 alternating might improve how you feel. Retest in 6/8 weeks. Unfortunately, it’s all trial and error at this stage. Only you will know if it works.