Latest TFT’s

[Bigthensmallthenbig]

daily dose of Levo = 150mcg

T4 = 14.8 (7-18)

T3 = 4.7 (3.5-6.8)

TSH = 0.72 (0.2-4.3)

“All within range so no need for further consideration ”-GP

No comment from me except opinions please. Still “big!”& low.

Thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Looking at previous post you did a dramatic reduction in dose (from 200mcg to 100mcg) and increasing dose back up

How long have you been on 150mcg now

Which brand

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Did you stop vitamin B complex 5-7 days before test

FT4: 14.8 pmol/l (Range 7 - 18)

Ft4 is 70.91% through range

But

FT3: 4.7 pmol/l (Range 3.5 - 6.8)

Ft3 only 36.36% through range

Shows poor conversion rate. Very common with Hashimoto’s

How do you feel?

Suggest you hold at this dose and let things settle

Retest in another 6-8 weeks and definitely include testing vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

See what results show at next test

Are you on strictly gluten free diet and/or dairy free diet

[Bigthensmallthenbig in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks.

24hrs prior. 08:30 blood draw. Accord Levo brand. Keeping the yeast out of the diet where possible and carbs to a minimum.

TBH, I was pleasantly surprised by the results but like you thought conversion was poor. Dr. will not hear of combined treatment. What are your thoughts. GP, whilst saying there is no more he can do, is prepared to refer me to any NHS endo so I was going to try to get a small dose of T3. I feel that’s the missing part of the jigsaw and that I ought to at least eliminate it.

As regards how I feel generally : Low mood, energy and libido most of the time but occasionally feel like me. This usually vanishes when confronted with a reflection! I’m sure that’s partly to do with getting old though. I have difficulty moving for simple tasks.

Thanks again

Paul

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Bigthensmallthenbig]

Are you male or female and approx age ?

Please add to profile…..we tend to assume most posters are female (9 out of 10 thyroid patients are female)

GP can not initiate T3

Has to be via endocrinologist

Vast majority of endocrinologists are diabetes specialists and frequently useless for thyroid

List of thyroid specialists and endocrinologists who will prescribe T3

Some are NHS and Private

NHS referrals currently taking at least a year and if TSH and Ft4 results are within range, referrals often refused

Many members choose an endo who is both NHS and private and go see them privately initially…..then transfer over to NHS, assuming T3 trial goes well

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Exactly what vitamin supplements are you currently taking

we need vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at OPTIMAL levels. Retest at least annually

Suggest you

A) get coeliac blood test via GP (if not already been done)

BEFORE trailing strictly gluten free diet

And in 2-3 months trial dairy free diet

B) retest again including all four vitamins in 6 weeks

Before considering booking any private consultation you need recent FULL thyroid and vitamin test results

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

On T3 - day before test split T3 as 2 or 3 smaller doses spread through the day with last dose 8-12 hours before test

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options and money off codes

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/wp-content/up...

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

[Bigthensmallthenbig]

Male 60.

As I’ve said before, prior to joining this great group, I hadn’t realised the disproportionate affects on women that the general lack of understanding and preparedness on behalf main stream medicine to adapt, has. I feel like an imposter because, in theory the Doc has less “other conditions” on which to blame clear symptoms of thyroid malfunction.

I suppose, by not merely observing but asking for help, I might help myself and maybe others.

My general experience and therefore, opinion is that the way thryroid disorders are diagnosed and treated is a national scandal.

I think it may have been you that encouraged me to read Barry Durrant Peatfields book.

I have the list of TUK endos so I was going to try to find time to make an appointment. Although cost is important, I would gladly pay to be able to function at a higher/previos level.

Supplements:

Selenium 200mcg

Mag 400mg

Calcium 1000mg plus 20mg D3

Vitamin E 180mg

B complex

DHEA 25mg & pregnonolone 100mg

Oregano 56mg x2

Thanks. Paul

[pennyannie]

Hey there again :

When on T4 monotherapy we generally feel at our best when the T4 is up in/ towards the top quadrant of the range as this should, in theory, give a good level of T3 at around - a 1/4 ratio T3 / T4.

Once your T4 is in the top quadrant the conversion ratio is said to be 1 / 3.50 - 4.50 T3/T4 - with most people feeling at their best when they come in this ratio at 4 or under.

Currently your T4 is at around 71% with your T3 at around 36% :

If I divide your T4 reading by your T3 reading I'm getting your conversion coming in at around 3 - so ' looks like ' good conversion - BUT - you just need another dose increase in T4 :

Sorry - I missed these results - and yes - I too have experienced ' pseudo gout ' in my knee -

didn't bother getting a diagnosis and kept going myself - the acute phase was aroud 2 weeks - though at the time I was optimally medicated :

[Bigthensmallthenbig]

ahhhhhhh! Ok, I will up it from 150 to 175. Not on your advice. My own decision with the gp