Low T4, high T3 on NDT - should I consider some Levo?

[healthkiwi]

Hi, I’m hoping to get some clarity and advice from all the knowledge and understanding available here.

Since it came back on the market last year I have resumed taking Thyroid-S, which I started again around last April/May after trying so many alternatives which didn’t keep me well.

I got up to 3.5 grains several weeks before testing.

I tried to get vitamins optimal (although as they were not too bad I've been a bit sporadic about taking them lately )

Last results were

Vit D 71 [50-150] in Nov 2020, started supplementing after that result, not tested since. Currently getting out in the garden.

B12 330 [133 – 675] Jan 2022 still take a high dose supplement B12/multi Bs/folate a couple of times a week

Folate 8.8 [3.10-19.90] Jan 2022 - see above

Ferritin 77 [11 – 306.8] Jan 2022

Here are the test results since going back on Thyroid-S

I’m just going on the % within ranges

28.07.21 – on 3.5 grains

TSH <0.01

T417.252%

T36.386.49%

As I felt a bit over (fast pulse, etc) I modified my dose according to results, in 2 stages down to 2 grains but that felt too low.

November 2021 I went back to 2.5 grains which I stayed on.

20.12.2021 – on 2.5 grains

TSH<0.01

T414.121%

T35.462.16%

14.06.22 – on 2.5 grains

TSH0.01

T413.313%

T35.872.97%

It seems my T4 is always near bottom of range, even when my T3 is good.

I have been feeling a bit cold even if indoor temperature is 21C so on 2 July I have increased again to 3 grains, and will test again in around Sept.

I'm feeling 'ok'. Sooooooo much better than I have done. But still some residual symptoms. Nothing too bad - somewhat cold, can't lose weight, swollen ankles /fluid retention, itchy skin, hair wild and coarse.

I’m starting to wonder whether the low T4 is the problem. I don’t really know enough - is it normal on a NDT to have such low T4?

So I therefore have 2 questions:

i)Should I consider taking a small amount of Levo?

ii)I’ve never had any prescribed thyroid meds, don’t know whether to bother a GP to get some or source privately, and if so how?

Thanks in advance.

[sheenah]

Hi healthkiwi - I have just responded to your PMShhena

[sheenah]

Hello againJust sitting here gazing at my screen and munching on my crispbread,

I was wondering if it would make a difference if you split your dose as I do - half first thing in the morning and last thing at night on an empty stomach - just a thought - you might be able to avoid the palps etc!

Sheena

[healthkiwi]

Seems something went wrong in the formatting so the numbers make no sense. Will try again:28.07.21 – on 3.5 grains

TSH <0.01

T4 -17.2 - 52% through range

T3 - 6.3 - 86.49% through range

20.12.2021 – on 2.5 grains

TSH <0.01

T4 - 14.1 - 21% through range

T3 - 5.4 - 62.16% through range

14.06.22 – still on 2.5 grains

TSH 0.01

T4 - 13.3 - 13% through range

T3 - 5.8 - 72.97% through range