Optimum FT3 Result

[pogo_patterson]

My latest results are TSH 0.76 (previously 0.2 a record low for me), T4 15.9 (this is low for me, its normally 22 or 23 on the rare occasions the lab does it, perhaps an anomaly) and my t3 is 4.9

I'm still symptomatic. Always have been since my diagnosis in 2017. I can't lose any weight, always tired and cant concentrate, muscle weakness, joint pains, dry skin etc.

So my question is this. Does my T3 and T4 results suggest a conversion problem? Or is that a fairly decent T3 result? Lab range is 3.5 to 7.8 for reference.

I've tried pushing for a trial of T3 combination but got told No by some endo i never even spoke with so I never got the chance to ask him about my results and my GP is non the wiser..

[pogo_patterson]

Let me just add the lab ranges if it will help people answer my question :-

TSH 0.4 - 4.0

FT4 9 - 25

FT3 3.5 - 7.8

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Welcome to the forum

First step is to get FULL thyroid and vitamin testing done together

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine

Was test done early morning before 9am and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested.

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis) usually diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies

Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s

Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis. Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.

In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally before 9am last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options and money off codes

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3

£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

monitormyhealth.org.uk/

NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £29 via

vitamindtest.org.uk

About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto’s.

Low vitamin levels are particularly common with Hashimoto’s.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org/if-you-are-un...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

FT4: 15.9 pmol/l (Range 9 - 25)

Ft4 only 43.13% through range

FT3: 4.9 pmol/l (Range 3.5 - 7.8)

Ft3 only 32.56% through range

Helpful calculator for working out percentage through range

thyroid.dopiaza.org

Most people when adequately treated will have Ft4 at least 60-70% through range

Ft3 at least 50-60% through range

Shows you are likely under medicated and in need of dose increase

Low vitamin levels likely with low Ft3

Improving low vitamin levels can help improve conversion of Ft4 to Ft3

Come back with new post once you get vitamin results

Have you ever had thyroid antibodies tested previously