Getting to the top of FT4 range with suppressed TSH

[CornishChick]

My recent bloods were:-

Ft4 14.5 (9-19)

TSH 0.004 (0.35-4.94)

I am on levothyroxine and take a small amount of liothyronine, as previous tests show I’m consistently at the top of FT3 range, but I feel a small amount helps.

I believe I function better when my FT4 as at the top of the range, and I’d like to nudge it up. My GP understands my TSH is suppressed due to me taking liothyronine, but I think would struggle to understand my request to increase my FT4 bloods.

My question is, how do I convince my GP to increase my levothyroxine dose a fraction, given my TSH readings? Or is there anything else recommended?

I am 30 years a sufferer and been on here years, so know all about the optimum vitamins and supplements and when to take my meds, it’s just this specific question I’d like help with please.

Many thanks

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Did you test FT3 CornishChick, as it would be good to have the ‘full picture’ of your thyroid health?

I believe it’s very much trial and error to work out what is best to alleviate your symptoms. For me (on combination treatment) I feel best with FT3 high in range but FT4 mid range. Hopefully your GP will support a trial increase of Levo if you feel better with FT4 higher. I always go ‘low and slow’ with increases, adding 12.5mcg alternate days at first.

[CornishChick in reply to Buddy195]

I’ve paid for FT3 bloods many times and the GP had persuaded the lab too several times and it’s consistently top of the range. It still was last time, but I didn’t test it again this quarter due to costs. I’d be surprised if it’s suddenly dropped.

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to CornishChick]

Definitely worth you asking your GP for a slight Levo increase for a couple of months, to see if it helps. 🤞your GP is supportive!

[Brightness14]

You require your FT3 result which is the important one.

[Darty3]

I agree with what has been suggested. I just tried experimenting myself with a pill cutter, altering by very small dose changes, giving a 2 week period to settle, before any change. I always try to have a few pills in hand to enable this; so once I felt I was on a balanced dose saw the GP and asked for the dosage to be changed. But over all once I thought I had the correct dose it took 6 months for me to feel settled and properly balanced.

Good luck. You are the best person to know your body, just give it time.

[CornishChick in reply to Darty3]

thank you