I did some blood tests last week and noticed that my FT4 and FT3 levels have both dropped. I started taking folate and iron supplements and was expecting these to help with the thyroid levels, but apparently that’s not the case.
My current levels are:
FT4 15.8 (12-22)
FT3 5 (3.1-6.8)
Previous levels:
FT4 18.8 (12-22)
FT3 6.2 (3.1-6.8)
I’m currently taking 125mcg levothyroxine (Novothyral and Accord), 25mcg liothyronine (Novothyral and Tiromel 5mcg), iron 10mg BetterYou spray, methyl folate 400mg.
Should I increase the levothyroxine hoping that it will also increase the FT3?
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Alex_p
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I couldn’t take the last dose of levothyroxine 24h before the test because I’m taking Novothyral (which has both levo and lio) and I’m splitting so that I can take multiple doses of liothyronine. So my last levo dose was around 19 hours before the test).
Thorne Basic B recommended vitamin B complex that contains folate, but they are large capsules.
(You can tip powder out if can’t swallow capsule)
Thorne currently difficult to find at reasonable price, should be around £20
If you want to try a different brand in the meantime, one with virtually identical doses of the ingredients, and bioavailable too, then take a look at Vitablossom Liposomal B Complex. Amazon sometimes has it branded Vitablossom but it's also available there branded as Yipmai, it's the same supplement
IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results
In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate methyl folate supplement
Low ferritin is very likely going to take several months to improve.
Have you increased iron rich foods in your diet
Get full iron panel test done after 2-3 months on iron supplements and retest 3-4 times a year if self supplementing. It’s possible to have low ferritin but high iron
We have received further information the lab about ferritin reference ranges. They confirm that they are sex dependent up to the age of 60, then beyond the age of 60 the reference range is the same for both sexes:
Males 16-60: 30-400 ug/L
Female's: 16-60: 30-150
Both >60: 30-650
The lower limit of 30 ug/L is in accordance with the updated NICE guidance and the upper limits are in accordance with guidance from the Association of Clinical Biochemists. ‘
Thank you for all the details provided. I’ll do a full iron panel after the holidays. I was recommended liver and I try to have it regularly.
Regarding the vitamin B complex, I have tried some in the past but I was getting pimples. Taking B12 alone did not cause them so it was probably from one of the other Bs. I’m a bit weary of starting a B complex again because of this.
My previous results do look pretty good and I’m trying to get back to that I started to look at my vitamin levels because I was still getting pretty tired even with those thyroid levels and I did have anemia in the past. So the combination of good thyroid levels and getting supplements for what I’m lacking (iron and folate) has been the winner for me. I’ve felt like a new person. But lately I started feeling like something was off, which is why I did the tests.
Hi Alex unfortunately im in the same boat so not able to give advice. However there are a great group of people on here have all the advice you need. Good luck!
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I started to look at my vitamin levels because I was still getting pretty tired even with those thyroid levels and I did have anemia in the past. So the combination of good thyroid levels and getting supplements for what I’m lacking (iron and folate) has been the winner for me. I’ve felt like a new person. But lately I started feeling like something was off, which is why I did the tests.
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