Bloods on lower dose + Intermittent Fasting

[GlowCoach]

Latest bloods on 125mcgs liquid Levo (random brands due to supply issues!!). Dose was reduced 6 weeks ago from 140mcgs due to IF pushing up FT4 and dropping TSH. Levo stopped 24hrs before test. Test was at 8.45am. B Complex stopped 7 days before test and B12 spray + 1mg Methylfolate taken in replacement. Totally gluten, dairy and soy free.

TSH 0.64 (.27 - 4.2)

FT3 3.53 (3.1-6.8) 11.6%

FT4 19.9 (12-22) 79%

Previous TFTs on 140mcgs (also took Levo day of test as didn't realise test was happening, was afternoon too!)

TSH 0.03 (.27- 4.2)

FT3: 5.2 pmol/l (Range 3.1 - 6.8) 56.76%

FT4: 25.8 pmol/l (Range 12 - 22) 138.00%

Folate 9.9 ug/L (Range 3.89 - 19.45) 38.62%

B12 Active - >150 (37.5 - 150)

D3 200 (50-200)

Ferritin 178 (13-150) Had IV infusion 3 years ago

CRP 16.83 (0-5)

Supplements:

Thorne Basic B, Selenium 200mcgs, D3+K2 in oil 4,000, Magnesium spray

So my GP will probably love the new results on lower dose but I've definitely lost energy. As it is I'm always on the sofa all day every day pretty much. These are Medichecks results and GP not retesting for another 2 weeks as couldn't book a test with them til then. I need a way to keep my FT3 up whilst I'm dieting as otherwise I'll always be a whale. 🐳

Re supplements. I've probably OD'D on D3 as I am using a liquid with dropper and up until recently couldn't feel the drops properly under my tongue. That has improved now, so I will be more careful and cut back to 2,000? Maybe I need to use the calculator!

This test was only 5 weeks after starting supplements and I'm not sure how long folate levels take to level off? Other than FT3 I think this may be my main issue as 55% affected by MTHFR. Have been told it can take up to a year with supplementing, detoxing etc to regain energy. Should I top up a few times a week with the 1mg methylfolate?

[greygoose]

I need a way to keep my FT3 up whilst I'm dieting as otherwise I'll always be a whale. 🐳

It's probably the dieting stopping you losing weight! Low calorie diets reduce conversion of T4 to T3, and your conversion is pretty bad. It's low T3 that causes symptoms like weight-gain and difficulty losing it. Eat more, and you'll probably lose weight.

[GlowCoach Administrator in reply to greygoose]

That may be the case, however this has been going on for 25 odd years since I became hypo. If I don't diet then weight either goes up or stays the same. Most of those 25 years has been Levo only treatment with a short time of Armour which helped me feel better but was being overseen by an Endo who wnted my TSH within normal range.

If I bought and added a small amount of T3 then would that help? Ideally I would need lactose free T3 which I assume would make it more complicated. Totally CBA even trying NHS for this following previous experiences.

[greygoose in reply to GlowCoach]

I think that, if you can't get it prescribed, then buying your own T3 is the only way to progress. Because if this has been going on for 25 years, and your conversion has never improved in all that time, I think we can take it that it never will. And that is the root of your problem. Your doctor having reduced your levo hasn't helped, either. Obviously the poor man has so little understanding of thyroid that he doesn't realise that if the FT4 comes down, so will the FT3. And it wasn't high enough to begin with.

[GlowCoach Administrator]

I'll post separately about buying meds, but how much levo should I drop? Also, how do people square this with their GP? I really don't want them to stop my liquid levo prescription if I begin self medicating.

[Esmielola]

Hi Jaydee 1507, I find weight loss weighs heavily on my mind too! With A BM of 26 I am on the cusp of obese. In addition I have a terrible addiction to sugar which rears it's ugly head whenever I make some headway with my weight loss.

Like you I am hoping that T3 tablets might assist with weight control.just by regulating those pesky little 'hunger pangs' when I know I've already had a goodly amount of nosh. Could this be wishful thinking? I don't know anyone who has compelling answers to this question. Maybe the sugar thing is a separate issue to the T3?

If anyone knows where to source T3 in the UK that would be a great help! Good luck in your searches too.

[GlowCoach Administrator in reply to Esmielola]

Just this most recent reduction of 15mcgs has made quite a difference to my appetite and sugar cravings. Really wasn't an issue before but really is now. I think T3 level is the answer. and no not wishful thinking at all. I hope you can get hold of some and it helps you like me. I think if you want suggestions for sources you need to write a post and people will message you. Good luck!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

as far as I am aware it’s not possible to get lactose free T3 without a prescription

[SlowDragon Administrator]

roughly where in U.K. are you

If you need lactose free T3 you need a prescription

Email Thyroid U.K. for list of recommended thyroid specialist endocrinologist and doctors who will prescribe T3

[e-mail]

[GlowCoach Administrator in reply to SlowDragon]

I'm in West Sussex. Have seen the T UK list and not really inspired. There are a few online doctors now I might try for ease of access. Really don't want to get stuck with a TSH slave though!

What sort of cost am I looking at for the T3 - obviously ball park as no clue what dose i will need.