Was diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis following the birth of my firstborn in 2010. High TPO antibodies, TSH 46, low T/T3. Started on levothyroxine, titrated currently to 125 µg daily.
I’ve been fine for over 9 years, but have been experiencing gradual hypothyroid symptoms including mild fatigue, weight gain, patches of dry skin, loss of lateral third of eyebrow hair, etc. Also approaching perimenopause at age 43 but with relatively normal cycles q 24-27 days.
TSH and T4 always test normal (TSH usually < 1.0, T4 high normal) But just had a more detailed thyroid assessment (photo attached) that shows low T3 but normal free T3. Wondering opinions on addition of T3 ? Anyone else see improvement in symptoms?
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turningthepage
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Your Free T3 is below what would be considered optimal, even though it is in the reference range. "Normal" doesn't mean "optimal." People that are on T4 monotherapy generally have suboptimal Total T3 and Free T3 levels, because the T4 they are taking lowers the TSH, which reduces the thyroid's own output, including the output of T3. Adding T3 will increase T3 and Free T3 levels in the body, by replacing the T3 that the thyroid gland is no longer producing, because of the TSH that has been lowered. Your doctor may not understand this or be willing to try T3. If not, find one that will.
B12/folate were both high normal last year (can’t find results currently). Neither gluten nor dairy free now (was both while BFing 2nd baby and added both back after a year without noticeable change). Was doing fine until age 41 (now 43). Change has been very gradual.
Also, first time poster from US -yes, in range can be far from optimal as cardsnut said. The important lab #s are the Free T4 & Free T3. The Free T3 is what is biologically available in your body. This little floating hormone from the conversion regulates just about everything in your body, temp, heart, respiration, etc. I didn't see a lab result for rT3.I was on Naturethroid for 9 years & felt superb - FDA gave them option to pull their product (due to subpotency) or be pulled. I spent 15mos w/synthetics and even though labs looked good, did not feel well. Moved back to NDT (NP thyroid) early June. Have had to titrate a bit, but felt the difference w/in a couple of weeks. And, if your dr. is unwilling to run the rT3, FT3+FT4 run to one who will. I have "fired" a couple in the past. In my opinion those drs. don't know how to interpret & treat, and are unwilling to learn. Your optimal may be mid-range, high end; takes time.
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I’m going Carnivore with some added T3 need some advice please. 
About to start adding t3
Need advice on getting some t3 added to thyroxine please
Adding t3 - high cortisol
Why even adding T3 is not helping?
