In trying to get t3 up through the range and im wondering how alcohol impacts general function and possibly conversion. A realistic - and honest - look at alcohol consumption since lockdown (which is when i was diagnosed as hypo) is that my intake is far too much. I have been alcohol free for 4 weeks and plan to be for 3 months at the very least to gauge general health improvements.
Recent results all on recommended blood test protocols are:
11/05/22
125mcg thyroxine
TSH: 0.6 (0.27 - 4.2)
T4 - 18.4 (12 - 22)
T3 - 4.2 (3.1 - 6.8)
was advised on here to stay on this dose and work on conversion but I upped dose slightly to see if t3 would increase
02/08/22
135 mcg thyroxine
TSH: 0.09 (0.27 - 4.2)
T4 - 22.1 (12 - 22)
T3 - 4.5 (3.1 - 6.8)
I then dropped back to 125mcg and added in 5mcg t3 for 2 weeks and added another 5mcg and I basically feel awful. The only 2 things that have changed recently are restricting calories to 2100 a day (diet has also been appalling since lockdown) and cutting out alcohol over the last 4 weeks.
To compound issues I've had some other tests carried out for pelvic pain - suspect this is peri menopause but having ultrasound to investigate - which included blood tests where they have checked TSH and my GP (who thinks I am on 100mcg) has said my TSH is almost completely suppressed and I need to drop my dose immediately. I did fess up to being on 135 then 125 but not to t3 but I'm not keen on dropping back to 100mcg at all.
With so many moving parts I'm not sure where to go from here but would appreciate any advice.
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Moog77
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I think that it’s best to stay on a given dose for 6-8 weeks before making any adjustments Moog77. Whilst it may be beneficial to have a break from alcohol/ reduce your intake, I would avoid a restrictive calorie controlled diet and instead focus on eliminating processed/ sugary foods which can cause inflammation. Is your GP aware you are taking T3? Suppressed TSH is common when on combination treatment.
Regarding Peri menopause, it may be useful to have a look at Dr Louise Newson’s free Balance App, as I find it really useful for having up to date research articles. There is also an ability to post questions.
I have the Balance app - I think I'm dealing with both trying to get thyroid levels right and the creep of peri so symptoms can blur a lot. Doc isn't aware I'm on t3 but I've only been on it for a couple of weeks. I might revert to 112 levo for 6-8 weeks and look at levels then privately and get GP tests. There's no way round getting repeat tests from GP but of course they only look at TSH.
After the NDT I was taking was pulled off the market (US), I tried for 15 mos. to feel good on synthetics (levo+lio). #s looked good, but I didn't feel well. Started back on NDT as of last June and feel so much better. I do add in 2.5mcg lio in the afternoon. I, also, supplement w/Vt. D, B12, Magnesium, selenium,zinc, & a probiotic. I have a cocktail every night! Your lab #s, are they FreeT3&FreeT4?
Yes free t4 and t3. I have had spells of feeling OK but inevitably end up sliding back into slumps. I have coeliac disease so I'm not sure if I'm suitable for NDT as I thought it had gluten in it. Willing to be told otherwise. I'm not sure how I would source NDT. It would likely be self medicating.
Hi, took the equivalent of my T4/T3 doses and wound up w/the 90mg. I am, still, titrating the liothyronine. Fortunately, the dose efficacy is quick to tell you if you have too much or not enough. From what I saw on the inactive ingredients list, NP is gluten-free
Comment: I have, always, only been able to tolerate 1 drink.....anything over that and I'm a goner. When I was on the synthetic combo I felt like I'd not had a thing to drink after my one drink. Now that I am back on NDT, I am back to one drink --odd. Maybe it was the higher concentration of liothyronine
I think the most common alcohol issue discussed here is reduced tolerance. People who could drink a few glasses having to restrict intake to one glass. Things like that.
Seems very likely that thyroid issues reduce the capacity of the liver to process things.
I think you are right there, if I have a glass of wine I’m ok but spirits make me feel poorly. My eyes are all puffy next day as if my liver can’t cope…shame I love a G&T 😂
I have the odd glass of wine. It helps me wind down in the evening. I may then have another odd glass.... To me it signals stopping work, sitting down, relaxing. I have never considered it had any effect on my thyroid, but I think it helps my arthritis.
By the way, Mwg (pronounced moog) is Welsh for smoke... just in case you dont know.
Ignore the TSH - that is what the T3 does is drop it so low. Mine is 0.02 and the GP has learned not to say anything. I think you may find 100mcg levo and 5mcg for 5 to 6 weeks may give you a starting point. I know it is frustrating to have to wait while you feel crap, but slowly slowly really is the only way in this game. I hope the scans come back negative, and you feel better soon. Hug.
Thank you so much. I'm quite worried about scan and I'm awaiting a smear test result too. It's hard not to worry.
Funnily enough 100mcg of levo and 5mcg of lio has been what I considered a starting point since seeing my labs on 125mcg levo. So it might be an idea to start there and just ride it out. I did feel OK on the 1st 2 weeks of taking 5mcg thinking on it when I added the 2nd 5mcg I started to feel worse 🤔
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just in case you dont know. 
Recent blood results after altering meds
Blood results after adding T3
Thyroid function results
Please Help me :( - updated 19th Sept
