Had hypothyroidism since 2000. Took levothyroxine 150mcg for 14years, felt very unwell, lots of hypo symptoms. Prescribed T3 60mcg on NHS in 2014, felt great for about a year before hypo symptoms returned. GP suggested increasing T3 to 80mcg, said to monitor symptoms, no bloods as I would evidently be over medicated. Felt amazing, been taking this up until recently. Requested HRT and new GP wanted bloods which showed I was over medicated, T3 level was 11.2, reduced T3 to 60mcg. However, been feeling very unwell, pins and needles in my hands returned, feel numb and weak, having frequent dizzy spells, have no energy. Basically have frequent crashes, cant concentrate, mood has gone really low and flat. Recent bloods below, there is no change to my T4 or TSH level but my T3 is now within normal range but I feel awful. Any advice appreciated, thanks...
Serum TSH level
<0.01
mU/L
0.27 - 4.20mU/L
Serum free T4 level
<1.3
pmol/L
11.00 - 25.00pmol/L
Serum free T3 level - (EC8651) - Normal - No Action.
6.2
pmol/L
3.10 - 6.80pmol/L
Written by
cavalli1970
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When was your last dose of T3 before this test. Recommended timing is 8-12 hours before blood draw.
When hypo we get low stomach acid which means we cannot absorb vitamins well from our food, regardless of a great diet. For thyroid hormone to work well we need OPTIMAL levels of vitamins. Have you recently or could you ask your GP to test levels of ferritin, folate, B12 & D3? Private tests are available, see link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...
Thank you for reply, took my last tablet about 16 hours before the blood test. I do take vit B supplements on times but not for a few months will start them again.
Thank you, I try to have a good diet, my ferritin and folic acid levels were fine. But I will start back on my vit B tablets, could explain the periforal neuropathy in my hands. It's just I haven't had this for years and I'm feeling unwell again. Felt so much better on the 80mcg...
Having a good diet is great, BUT, we cannot absorb vitamins well from food which is why we need to supplement.
Results that are 'fine' or OK are not the same as OPTIMAL results to make our thyroid hormone work well. You can use this calculator to work out where your results fall in the range. thyroid.chingkerrs.online/
On supraphysiological does of T3 we have to monitor by signs and symptoms because our well being depends on our cellular level of T3 not our serum level.
it sounds as if you have a form of Thyroid Hormone Resistance (RTH) which basically means 'normal" levels of T3 do not adequately bind to T3 receptors at the nuclei of the cells where the T3 becomes active. This results in low cellular T3.... and symptoms of undermedication.
Like you I need a large dose of T3.....basically, this acts as a battering ram against the cells and helps push at least some of the dose to the cells nuclei. The remainder that is left behind is metabolised and excreted so we don't experience symptoms of over replacement. The T3 in the serum is not active....to do that it must reach the cell's nuclei.
Your former endo knew his stuff....though I doubt poor T4 to T3 conversion is the main issue as he suggested ( ex your old post)
Little wonder you feel unwell you are now undermedicated! We need what we need not what a list of numbers suggest.
T3-only dosing will lower both TSH and FT4...mine are well off the scale. Those are serum levels but what concerns us is cellular levels!! Unfortunately there are no tests for serum T3 so we need to monitor as was done before thyroid tests....by clinical evaluation, which you were doing.
Medics often treat us like machines that can be calibrated to set points ie to set measurable hormone levels! They need to remember that we are human....and as such we are all different with different needs.
You were incredibly lucky to have a medic who understood this....and that you managed to be prescribed a high T3 dose. These medics are as rare as hen's teeth!!
I really don't know how you might persuade this new medic to do the right thing....I don't think they are supposed to consider more than 60mcg T3 which to those of us with RTH is inadequate.
I've been on a similar journey which is explained in my bio...took me nearly 50 years to discover why, eventually, I could hardly function.
You don't need more tests, you need more T3, and I'm afraid you may have to end up buying your own. You have been doing all the right things until this ill informed GP threw a spanner in the works.
First, you can try to educate this wretched GP... but don't hold your breath!
I wonder if he would reduce a diabetic patient's insulin!!
Suggest you read my bio and the following links, see if anything resonates, speak again to your GP, then for further suggestions report back here and we'll see if we can get you back on track
This medical ignorance and neglect is appalling....and all too common.
How you feel is key.
Good luck meantime...hope this rushed explanation makes sense!!
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