FT3 at bottom of range

[66olives]

Hi,

so 6 weeks on 75mcg levo (50mcg Accord 25mcg Workhardt) and I have got some test results. I had no choice but to have two different brands and risk risk the migraine, as that was all they would give me. Weight still piling on, no energy, joints aching, insomnia and depressed!

FT3 3.1 pmol/L (range 3.1 - 6.8 pmol/L) 0%

FT4 15.3 pmol/L (range 12 - 22 pmol/L) 33%

TSH 1.5mu/L (range 0.27 - 4.2 mu/L)

Vit D 64 nmol/L

No other results, as there was an issue with the Anaemia Hb test. They are going to send me another test kit. I will post these when I get them. I was a little surprised by my vit D with all the sunshine plus supplements I expected it to be higher. I believe the percentages are correctly calulated.

Should I be concerned that my FT3 is right at the bottom of the range?

Unfortunately FT3 was not tested when GP lowered my meds because my FT4 was over range and TSH was supressed.

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

Hmm... well your GP has done the standard dropping you too low based on the TSH / fT4 numbers when you are obviously a bad converter but they don't know that because they don't check... your fT3 being bottom of range means you aren't converting enough to the active form so you will feel horrific!

I'd get on and see the Endo asap and show these results with a plea to trial T3 🤗

[66olives in reply to TiggerMe]

Thank you, I have an appointment with one at the end of the month, so fingers crossed something changes.

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to 66olives]

I'd also add in a little more T4 in the mean time if you have it as it has dropped too low, what were you taking before the reduction? Maybe go for something in between🤗

[McPammy]

you definitely need help with your T3. That’s very low. Mine was at 8% conversion from T4. I was in a really bad way. So many symptoms I’d be here forever listing them. I piled on 4st too. NHS was dreadful. I got nowhere. I went private only. Finally diagnosed as a very poor converter from levothyroxine to the most important T3 hormone. I was put on a private trial of T3 liothyronine along with T4 liquid levothyroxine. Oh boy it has been a miracle. It took a bit of time but the NHS now prescribe. I’d suggest you go private. It’s the quickest route to finding your well-being again. I was scared of going private thinking it’d be too expensive. It wasn’t. I was advised on here to see a particular private only endocrinologist. He is my saviour. Private message me if you’d like his details.

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to McPammy]

I thought it was early onset dementia when mine was this low, ready for a nursing home... which I now know in a way it was wasn't it, brain starved of T3 😧 thankfully remarkably reversible when you get the right stuff 😅

[McPammy in reply to TiggerMe]

Brain fog I’d imagine not dementia. It’s so bad how we are treated or not treated. Hope you’re much better now. When I was in a bad way the only thing working was my brain I felt. I couldn’t even stand up without someone holding me up. God it was dreadful. Just had a consultation with my NHS Endo and he is amazed how good my levels are - all in range which pleases him. I’ve honestly never felt so good in years. As long as my supply of liquid levothyroxine is fluid and my liothyronine also regular I feel great. Hope you do too.

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to McPammy]

I'm getting there 🤗 seems to afflict our brains just as much in my family, brother still a walking goldfish as wife resistant to my wisdom... he's been tested for all sorts... I took him in for his B12 jab and got a copy of his results... top end fT4 bottom fT3... told her to get him to an Endo if she didn't believe me! Gave her the Bianco book and a box of supplements 🤞😩

[66olives in reply to McPammy]

I have booked a private appointment with a NHS endo who has prescribed T3 liothyronine. I know the NHS one I am booked to see refused my friend liothyrine until she explained that another endo had prescribed it. Then she said 'well if my esteemed colleague has already prescribed it, we'll just continue'. Not the same private endo, but hopefully if necessary same result.

[66olives]

You know it is a relief to come on here and here other people voice concerns/suspicions of early onset dementia, and know it is not dementia and there is a solution.

Thank you.

[pennyannie in reply to 66olives]

Yes - I too thought I was dealing with the onset of dementia -

it is too low a T3 for you - that gives you all these symptoms -

and understand the brain and heart take the lion's share of T3 in order to keep you alive.

Hopefully now you will start to find your way back to your ' you ' :

No thyroid hormone replacement works well until your core strength vitamins and minerals are up and maintained at optimal -

I now aim for a ferritin of around 100 - folate around 20- active B12 75++ ( serum B12 500 ++) and vitamin D around 100.