Help with test results

[Mollybob]

I need help understanding why my TSH is high. Should I even be concerned with it as it appears to me that my t3 and t4 seem okay?T3 Free 3.4 (2.3-4.2)

T4 Free 1.00 (0.80-1.80)

TSH 5.880 (0.400-4.500)

I take compounded extended release t4 and t3.

[greygoose]

Well, apparently, your pituitary disagrees with you about your Free levels, and I don't blame it. Your FT4 is only 20.00% through the range, and your FT3 is 57.89%. Hypos usually need it higher than that.

How much T4 and T3 is in your compounded pill?

[Mollybob in reply to greygoose]

T4 1.88.5 mcgT3 17.75 mcg

I have been on this medication for about 4 yrs. With this dosage I'm having anxiety and not sleeping well. Fatigue in the afternoon.

[greygoose in reply to Mollybob]

T4 1.88.5 mcg

There's one too many decimal points in that number. Is it 1.885? 18.85? Or 188.5 mcg?

That's not a very high dose of T3. I think you could do with an increase. Anxiety is a hypo symptom.

[Mollybob in reply to greygoose]

It is 188.5 mcg. I agree I need an increase but I have to go to a new doctor and she isn't as good as my past doctor at working with dosage changes so I want to be knowledgeable about my ranges before my appt. Thank you for your advice.

[greygoose in reply to Mollybob]

OK, well, your FT3 is too low.

Problem is with raising the compounded stuff, you'll get more T4 than T3 and your FT4 is already quite high. You probably don't need any more of that. It's more T3 you need.

[helvella Administrator]

Extended release medicines often do not deliver the entire dose that would be expected from standard release versions.

The very mechanism that slows release can end up failing to release all the active ingredient that was in the product.

Also. depending on the combination of the exact extended release ingredient(s) used and your body, and time between dosing and tests, you might see FT4 and FT3 seeming higher in a blood test than with the same doses in a standard release version.

[Mollybob in reply to helvella]

Thank You. I have been contemplating going back to Armour because my TSH goes from high to very low with any small dosage change.