Advice on test results...

[Wrayofsunshine]

I've finally managed to get my GP to test T3 and T4 and would be grateful on any comments on the results. I'm currently on 75mcg of Levo and am definitely starting to feel a little more energy, almost back to my normal self just with occasional energy crashes. We are in the process of moving house though so life is not normal at the moment. Do these results look ok? I plan to get vitamins done next privately to see how those levels are doing. Any advice gratefully received. All tests were done following guidelines etc.

Tests from 21 Aug 23

Serum free T4 level (XaERr) 18.2 pmol/L [12 - 22]

Serum free triiodothyronine level (XaERq) 3.9 pmol/L [3.1 - 6.8] (presume this is T3!)

TSH from July 17th

Serum TSH level (XaELV) 1.86 miu/L [0.27 - 4.2]

Thank you!

[Kacey12]

Hi Wrayof sunshine

Your T4 is quite high in the range but your T3 is relatively low. This could indicate that you have a conversion problem which can have a genetic component. There is a test for this which others on here can advise you about. It is likely that the low T3 is what is causing the tiredness, as it is the more active hormone, which your body has to convert from the storage form, T4.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Was test done early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drinking water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Ft3 currently terrible

ESSENTIAL to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Optimal vitamin levels improves conversion rate

[Wrayofsunshine in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes, test was done at 9am, only water and last Levo 24 hours before. Will get Vitamins tested next and see if there is anything to work on with vitamins to improve things. As far as the GP is concerned I'm fine now. At my last telephone appointment her only advice was antidepressants and counselling (which I refused)! Thanks for the reply!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Wrayofsunshine]

Previous post with vitamin levels from 7 months ago

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Have you retested since

Exactly what vitamin supplements are you taking

As you have Hashimoto’s are you on gluten free or dairy free diet

[Wrayofsunshine in reply to SlowDragon]

No, I haven't retested vitamins since, am going to get that sorted very soon. I've managed about 4 months of dairy and gluten free, but am struggling to keep it going long term. Haven't been sure whether I've noticed a difference. Had a lot going on in life so hard to tell what is stress and what is thyroid symptoms. Hoping life will settle once soon so I can work out what's going on! Thanks since again for the reply.

[Wrayofsunshine in reply to SlowDragon]

In regard to vitamin supplements I take the lipsomal b vitamins recommended here, selenium, vit d (4000iu), magnesium and zinc.

[DippyDame]

High FT4 in conjunction with low FT3 is indicitive of poor T4 to T3 conversion

Given that you followed advised testing protocol your labs suggest poor conversion.

T3 is the active thyroid hormone and for good health must reach the nuclei of the cells/ the T3 receptors by way of a constant and adequate dose.

Low cellular T3 = poor health

This may be improved by optimising vit D, vitB12, folate and ferritin

You have room to increase your levo dose to 100mcg....this may raise FT3 enough to help and if not 125mcg may help

But...don't exceed reference ranges. Excess FT4 can come with risks.

If 125mcg and optimised essential nutrients fail to raise FT3 and resolve symptoms then you may need to add a little T3

In the meantime try to be kind to yourself until life settles in your new home and stress is reduced

No need to worry about this, a few small tweaks to your thyroid medication should have you back in form....but be patient it can take time!

Well done for refusing antidepressants and counselling....your GP needs to understand that undermedication/ lowFT3 can cause anxiety and stress!