Need help with labs, figuring out dosaging from here

[Queenofwands1212]

it won’t let me attach multiple photos. :/

My TSH went from 1.7 last month to 3.89 this month

T3 is marked low at 69

Free t4 is low 0.8

All of my numbers got worse. I told my endocrinologist that I have symptoms and last appt was mid December and she said it was all in my head.

I am currently on 30 mg of Armour. And I know I need an Increase. My endocrinologist is ignorant and gaslights me so now that my declining thyroid health is literally ON PAPER, I hope she will give me an increase. I’ve asked her for T3 and she refuses. I don’t know what to do anymore. Should I go from 30mg of Armour to 45? Or 60? I have a lot of Armour so I don’t have to worry about running out. My friend sent me a lot of Armour because she doesn’t take it anymore. I’m worried about my T3 and my symptoms.

• depression, hair is falling out, I’m sleeping in until 11 Am and still tired, weight gain, sluggish, feeling horrible.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Queenofwands

If you can please add the reference ranges for your results then members should be able to help. Without ranges the numbers are meaningless because ranges vary from lab to lab.

Do you always do your thyroid tests as we advise:

* No later than 9am

* Nothing to eat or drink except water before the test

* Last dose of NDT 8-12 hours before the test, splitting dose and adjusting tie the day before if necessary

[Queenofwands1212 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Why do reference range numbers matter ? It clearly is low and my ranges are off, what difference does it make?

[helvella in reply to Queenofwands1212]

You posted:

Free t4 is low 0.8

In the UK, a typical reference interval could be 12 to 22. Against which 0.8 isn't just low, it is extremely low.

In the USA, a typical reference interval could be 0.7 to 19. Against which 0.8 is low within the interval but not below it.

Two very different interpretations depending on the reference interval (also called range) and, of course, the units.

That is why they matter. Nothing is obvious without the reference intervals. Words like "Low" are not very helpful on theior own.

[Queenofwands1212 in reply to Queenofwands1212]

Ranges here

Photo of lab ranges t4

[greygoose in reply to Queenofwands1212]

Also, giving the ranges will tell us which test was done. You had a Free FT4 and a Total T3, which is useless, and we would have known that by the reference interval.

[Queenofwands1212 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Here ya go

[Queenofwands1212 in reply to SeasideSusie]

T4

T4 ranges

[Queenofwands1212 in reply to SeasideSusie]

T3 range

T3 range

[Queenofwands1212 in reply to SeasideSusie]

I attached the 3 photos within the comments that show the ranges and my levels

[Jazzw]

Half a grain of Armour (30mg) is very much a starter dose. That’s 19mcg of T4 and 4.5mcg of T3. That’s never going to be enough in the longer term, as your results clearly show.

Your doctor doesn’t seem to understand that you can’t “top up” thyroid levels. It doesn’t work like that. You need to be working towards a replacement dose, which will be a much higher dosage than you’re currently on. My replacement dosage is 180mg (3 grains), for example. Most people on NDT need upwards of 90mg daily, and I’ve seen people here take higher dosages than I do (exactly how much you need depends on what your body requires). Is there any chance of firing your Endo and finding one who has a clue?

[Gingernut44]

If your Endo can’t see how under medicated you are with those results, it’s time to find a new one.

[Queenofwands1212 in reply to Gingernut44]

I increased to 45mg today. Do you think I should just increase to 60 right away? Or slowly gradually go from 45 then to 60?

[Gingernut44 in reply to Queenofwands1212]

See how you feel on 45 for a week or two and then increase to 60. That’s still a low dose. Do you have it prescribed- you don’t want to run out. If she doesn’t recognise that your dose is too low, you really need to find someone who knows what they’re doing.

[Queenofwands1212 in reply to Gingernut44]

Yes I have an rx but for only less than 30mg from my endo. But I have an entire bottle of 60mg Armour from a friend because she doesn’t take it anymore, I have about 3 months worth of Armour so atleast there’s that. Yes if my endo doesn’t see how under medicated I am, I’m already starting tk look for another endo. It’s so challenging because everyone has super long waits

[Gingernut44 in reply to Queenofwands1212]

If you’ve got plenty, just go for it and get tested in 6/8 weeks. Good luck.

[Queenofwands1212]

Even if she agrees to Increade me, I’ve already increased my dose myself to 45mg today. She thinks I’m taking 15 mg and HALF of a 15, like she wouldn’t even increase me to 30 last appt. But you’re absolutely right, with these levels, I need a legitimate increase. It’s in plain writing that my levels are extremely low