Reducing ft4 without reducing ft3?

[liaratsoni]

Had a quick question about reducing levothyroxine dose. Been feeling good on my t4/t3 combo dose for a while with an ft3 75% of range and an ft4 70% and seen big improvements in gut health which I think has affected my thyroxine absorption as recently started feeling a bit alert, more sweaty at times, trouble sleeping and more frequent bowel movements and periods of feeling quite warm and just had a blood test come back showing my ft3 still at my optimal but ft4 now slightly over range. If I reduce the levothyroxine is it likely to reduce my ft3 too even though I have a lot of extra?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

liaratsoni

Depending on how much natural conversion you have, you may find that your FT3 reduces. How much over range is your FT4? You may only need to reduce Levo by 12.5mcg.

[liaratsoni in reply to SeasideSusie]

My ft4 is currently 110% of ft4 range so not massively over but clearly not right for me. I was thinking it might be a good idea to try a 12.5mcg decrease and see how much effect that has so I don't change anything too drastically

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to liaratsoni]

This is the situation I’m in too, as my T4 is currently over range. I’m aiming to reduce Levo by 12.5mcg (from 100mcg) although am starting doing this alternate days as I need to increase or decrease very slowly. For me, changes always bring increased heart rate/ palpitations too.. Other members seem to be able to make larger changes with no ill effect.

[liaratsoni in reply to Buddy195]

Very weirdly I am in the exact same situation! I have to make incredibly gentle changes - t3 I have to do a literal crumb at a time. I was actually considering doing a 6.25mcg decrease instead because I know how sensitive my body is and I think I might be being ambitious with 12.5. If I try to do normal increases I get wired, thrumming and insomnia and feel like I'm going to burst out my body haha! Are you also in the same situation with not wanting your t3 to move?

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Yes we experience the same symptoms. Even a slight reduction in Levo has affected my sleep, raised my resting heart rate& caused a whooshing feeling in my head. I’m hoping when I retest in 6 weeks my T3 will stay roughly where it is and I don’t need to tweak my Lio dose as well.It’s all trial and error……but the great thing about this forum is that there are other members in a similar boat!