Low T4 and TSH: Hi All, I am looking for advice... - Thyroid UK

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Low T4 and TSH

jand123 profile image
6 Replies

Hi All,

I am looking for advice. My doctor took me off Eltroxin (levo T4) as it didn't agree with me, and left me on T3 Thybon 20 x3 a day. My bloods attached show my T4 very low, is that ok, or do I need some T4 ?

Can only load one pic , my anti bodies are fine and T3 is ok , Range 3.1 to 6.8 and mine is 6.0

Thank you !

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jand123
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DippyDame profile image
DippyDame

jand123

How do you feel? Important question!!

On T3-only FT3 is the important lab....your TSH and FT4 will fall, that's just how the body works!

T3-only is the last resort. Did you first optimise vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin to support thyroid function?

60mcg T3 is a fairly hefty dose and your labs are almost over range. Aim to stay within range unless you have a form of thyroid hormone resistance and require a supraphysiolgical dose of replacement hormone..... when 'the rules" change and you monitor by signs and symptoms.

I'm high dose T3-only because I have a form of hormone resistance/ cellular hypothyroidism and monitor by symptoms and signs to check for over/under medication because there are no tests to check cellular level of T3. To become active T3 must reach the nuclei of the cells.

No need to worry about low FT4 on your dose UNLESS you are symptomatic and feeling unwell. A review of your medication would then be essential.

jand123 profile image
jand123 in reply to DippyDame

Hi Dippydame, I didn’t get notification of yr reply. I feel ok really, I am on Thorne adrenal cortex as well as my cortisol levels were very low, could that affect it ?

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

Did you try any other brand of Levo? Sometimes one brand doesn't suit but another brand does. I can't function with low FT4 so need both Levo and T3, but low FT4 and taking T3 only is fine for some people.

jand123 profile image
jand123 in reply to SeasideSusie

Hi SeasideSusie I am awaiting doctors view on this but feel ok. Here we can only get Eltroxin but will look at others to import

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

How did you do this test

Always test thyroid levels as early as possible in morning before eating or drinking anything other than water and last 1/3rd of daily T3 dose 8-12 hours before test

When were vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 last tested

Do you have autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto’s diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies

Many people find different brands are of levothyroxine are not the same. Which brands of levothyroxine did you try

Alternatively trying liquid levothyroxine often better tolerated

jand123 profile image
jand123

Thanks SlowDragon, didn’t see notice ! I did test correctly, first thing in morning and left enough time after last T3 dose , about 15 hrs. Not tested vit levels lately . Not sure if Hashimotos! I was taking Eltroxin. Awaiting doctor to get back to me re alternative. I am also on Thorne adrenal cortex for low cortisol levels at the moment

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