Help with latest results and possible taking T3

[Doubleelephant]

Hi there

These are my latest results with a private test through Monitor my health.

I had recently done a GP test the week before with TSH of 1.34

Both tests in the morning around 8am No Meds.

I had been trialling some extra T4 for about 8 weeks.

Originally I had been on 75 for a while, over a year and then I noticed my TSH creeping up.

The doctor agreed to me making a slight increase so I have just been taking 100 x 2 and 75 x 5 per week for eight weeks.

FT3: 4.1 pmol/l (Range 3.1 - 6.8) 27.03%

TSH: 1.31 mU/l (Range 0.27 - 4.2) 26.46%

FT4: 17.4 pmol/l (Range 12 - 22) 54.00%

These results all fall in range but just wondering if taking T3 would generally improve things. From using the dopiaza converter tool my T3 is just 27%.

I may have to lower back down to 75 to take daily T3?

All my vits are fine and I am regularly taking supplements of Magnesium, Selenium, Vit D (100) and B12, Zinc and Omega 3 .

I had been going through a good patch and was improving strength with squats and arm workouts but the last week, ten days I have just felt shattered. Maybe a bug/virus but nothing obvious just exhausted again. I wonder whether T3 helps with feeling more energised?

Any thoughts most welcome.

Thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Next step is to increase levothyroxine again - eg 100mcg 5 days and 75mcg two days

Retest in 6-8 weeks

All my vits are fine and I am regularly taking supplements of Magnesium, Selenium, Vit D (100) and B12, Zinc and Omega 3 .

Please add actual results and ranges

No vitamin B complex?

Meanwhile get Vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 levels tested

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

Are 100mcg and 75mcg doses same brand of levothyroxine

[Doubleelephant in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi Slow Dragon

Ok, yes I will add the extra 100mg so I will be taking 100 x3 and 75 x 4 as that is what my prescription is at the moment. Maybe see how that works out. I am a little worried about being suppressed as I had originally been on 100/75 back in 2018 when I was on that dose. TSh 0.09.

I just don't know if I have fluctuating Oestrogen at the moment. I am 55 and not on Hrt.

My most recent tests

Folate 14.4 ng/ml >2.9

Ferritin 41 ng/ml (13-150)

B12 494 ng/l

I am taking Zipvit B12 1100mcg

Vit D 103 nmol/L >50nmol/L

I am taking Vit D Better You spray 3000

I did take a B complex for a bit but my urine was bright yellow/green so I wasn/t sure whether that meant I was taking too much.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Doubleelephant]

Everyone has bright yellow/green urine on vitamin B complex

B12 is surprisingly under 500 considering you’re supplementing

Ferritin level needs improving

TSH at 0.09 is low but not suppressed

academic.oup.com/jcem/artic...

Interestingly, patients with a serum TSH below the reference range, but not suppressed (0.04–0.4 mU/liter), had no increased risk of cardiovascular disease, dysrhythmias, or fractures. It is unfortunate that we did not have access to serum free T4 concentrations in these patients to ascertain whether they were above or within the laboratory reference range. However, our data indicate that it may be safe for patients to be on a dose of T4 that results in a low serum TSH concentration, as long as it is not suppressed at less than 0.03 mU/liter. Many patients report that they prefer such T4 doses (9, 10). Figure 2 indicates that the best outcomes appear to be associated with having a TSH within the lower end of the reference range.

[Doubleelephant in reply to SlowDragon]

ok thanks, I guess i'll try a b complex again, but then should drop the extra B12?

I was only taking the B12 post the blood test of 494 ng/l so it should be higher now.

Yes I know the doctors always worry about suppression.

Thanks

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Your FT4 is still only at 54% through range and TSH above 1. You are ready for another dose increase.

Your FT3 is on the low side but you have plenty of room for more increases at this stage.

Vit D (100) looks like a low amount to be taking. Many need 3-6,000iu a day.

Which B12 are you taking? Just wondering if its the methyl form and how much is in it? Its easy to think you're doing the right thing but not taking enough or the wrong type.

A B complex is usually recommended to keep all the B's in balance. This would also contain folate which it looks like you aren't taking and is important. This B complex has all the right vitamins at a not unreasonable cost for 90 days supply. amazon.co.uk/Liposomal-Soft...

[Doubleelephant in reply to Jaydee1507]

Hi Jaydee

Sorry I meant that my Vit D level was over 100.

I am taking Better You 3000

I am taking Zipvit B12 1100mcg. Last test before taking supplement was 494 ng/L

If I take a B complex I should stop the B12 supplement?

Yes I will slightly increase my T4 and retest.

Thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Post 2 months ago you said you were taking

75mg x4 and 100mg x3 per week

Which is correct

been taking 100 x 2 and 75 x 5 per week for eight weeks.

As you have Hashimoto’s are you gluten free and/or dairy free

[Doubleelephant in reply to SlowDragon]

I stuck with 100 x 2 and 75 x5

Yes I am pretty gluten free just occasionally when there’s nothing else to eat.

I eat a low dairy diet. Just occasionally.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Doubleelephant]

so next step is to increase dose levothyroxine …..100mcg at least 4 days per week

Retest in another 6-8 weeks

Are you always on same brand levothyroxine

Gluten free needs to be strictly gluten free, can take 3-4 months for gut to recover from eating gluten

[Doubleelephant in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes I try to ask for Mercury pharma for 50's and 25's but sometimes get given wockhardt 25's.

[MrPeaPaw]

Is there any reason you can't just take 100 mcg per day and be done with it?

[Doubleelephant in reply to MrPeaPaw]

Just being careful not to suppress TSh as have been on full 100 a few years back. Difficult trying to get sweet spot.

[Gingernut44 in reply to Doubleelephant]

The most important numbers are FT3 followed by FT4 regardless of what level your TSH is. Your “sweet spot” is where you feel good not where your TSH is. I’m sorry if that sounds pedantic but too much emphasis is being put on TSH by GPs, quite possibly because that’s what they’ve been told.

[Doubleelephant in reply to Gingernut44]

I am sure you are right!

[Gingernut44 in reply to Doubleelephant]

Have you signed the petition yet?