Low t3: Hi. I have hypothyroidism since I was... - Thyroid UK

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Low t3

Nellies47 profile image
8 Replies

Hi.

I have hypothyroidism since I was 14.

I'm on eltroxin 100mcg od and extra 25mcg 2 days a week.

Had bloods pre op in private hospital and they tested t3.My gp never tested t3.

Ive been telling gp that for the last yr my constipation has got worse,my feet are almost numb/painful they are so cold, extreme fatigue...I have to nap daily.

I also have 2 other autoimmune diseases, Primary billary cholangitis and autoimmune inflammatory arthritis.

 June 22= tsh:2.19 0(.27-.42)

 t4:1 7.3 (12.0-22)

 t3: 3 (3.1-6.8)

Aug 22= tsh: 1.98 (0.33-.48)

 t4: 16.6 (9.8-23)

 t3: 3.5 (4.7-7.2) note different ref ranges.

gp referred me to endocrinologist who emailed her to say no treatment needed.

I'm not sure what to think.

should I get a second opinion.

thank you

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Nellies47
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8 Replies
Kit_Monster profile image
Kit_Monster

I am so sorry to hear that you are feeling so poorly.

Whilst I'm not an expert and there are lovely people on this forum who are able to give you better info, even I can see that your T3 (the energy giving hormone!) is woeful.

I'm even more surprised that the endocrinologist said no treatment needed. That is shocking.

Sending lots of hope that things will get better and you'll get the treatment you need.

PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator

Welcome to thyroid forum

Sorry your specialist has not been helpful.

Your FT4 is good but it’s not top of range so you could ask for a slight increase.

Most feel well if TSH around 1. FT4 top 3rd or range FT3 at least half.

Your main issue is your are not converting FT4 to FT3 very well. Your FT3 being very low is causing hypothyroid symptoms.

You might be able to improve this by ensuring key nutrient are optimal. Optimal mean good in range not just within range. Doctors are happy if results any where in range.

Have you had Folate, ferritin, B12 & vitamin D tested?

Doctors look at TSH & FT4 - if in range doctors think that’s all that important.

An endocrinologist can issue T3 but has a highly restricted criteria. So by refusing to accept referral with low FT3 it prevents having to investigate & offer treatment.

I think I’d be complaining - but it might be easier to see a private endocrinologist.

You can email thyroid UK admin to ask for a list of private endocrinologists.

Nellies47 profile image
Nellies47 in reply toPurpleNails

Hi.Thank you. I live in Ireland and that was a private endocrinologist 🤨. I had my iron studies done and are v good, I had an iron infusion last March, ferriton was 20 then, now 300. Folate and b12 and vit d v good too.

Anyone know an endocrinologist in ireland that is interested in thyroid. I known the one my gp referred me to specialised in diabetes.

Charlie-Farley profile image
Charlie-Farley in reply toNellies47

Hi Nellies47 😊

It’s amazing how an Endo can be a specialist in just diabetes and ignorant to anything else. Somewhat like a mechanic only being familiar with wing mirrors and oil filters 🤔

Find a thyroid endo first and get some help (then complain about the other one).

Have you had the test to see if you have the gene mutation that causes thyroid hormone resistance?

originalText

As PurpleNails says, high FT4 low FT3 suggests poor conversion. Start reading, you are going to have to fight your own corner!

I found information that primary biliary cholangitis and hypothyroidism could be linked a while ago - have you joined the health unlocked group for this condition?

If you go to my profile and then click on posts and scroll down you will see I looked into this a while ago. There are a few references that you might want to read this might strengthen your argument for T3 which it sounds like you need.

Nellies47 profile image
Nellies47 in reply toCharlie-Farley

Hi. Thank you very much all of you. It's great to get support. I'm on pbc health unlocked and joined the foundation. Thankyou Charlie Farley I will read your links. Re thyroid hormone resistance, never heard of it. Where can I get that test please.Thanks again. Nellies

Charlie-Farley profile image
Charlie-Farley in reply toNellies47

Hi Nellies47

Good question - you need to see what is available in Ireland. All can do is suggest to start a new post with the question in the title or have a Google for private test - I believe it is a genetic 🧬 test. Thyroid hormone resistance.

Keep my fingers crossed for you. ❤️

Charlie-Farley profile image
Charlie-Farley

If you need to find stuff the search bit works quite well on this site too. 😊👍

Nellies47 profile image
Nellies47 in reply toCharlie-Farley

Great thanks again, you have a lot of knowledge .

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