can i reduce levo safely ?

[Cup-cake7]

to say a big hello as been so long-

after years of subclinical results , meaning TSH around 3,4 5,6 with always a healthy level of T4 and T3 in low range (bottom third) so appeared to be a poor converter

I was TSH 2.9 in 2006 and 4.6 by 2016 and literally crawling up the stairs until i increased vits but still quite poorly generally for all these years since

So I am absolutely 'gobsmacked' at my latest panel!!!! Of .....

TSH 0.5 WOW

T4 over range at 25. (12-22)

T3 5.3. (3.1-6.8) was always at 4

i taken 150mg levo for a few months from 125, but the other main difference is that

had a constant regime with bio identical hrt hormones for a few months so i can only assume this is my key to these more appropriate thyroid levels! And feeling more of my old self especially

Im sure the over range T4 isnt too relevant? I just wonder if theres any evidence anywhere please that your thyroid can regain its own output without Levo🤔.

I debate this as feel upset that my T4 was on every testing 'naturally high in range ' this was before being given Levo in 2016 and its never brought me increase of T3 or a wellness feeling, i still really dislike taking 150 levo daily knowing that maybe it isnt good for me ? And can it damage heart ?

Any thoughts/knowledge please to at least try to see if I can reduce levo - what is the worst?

i know of course it takes ages to get to correct doses Im convinced the ostregen gel progesterone and tiny totesterone dose is the key for me it was agreeable from the start. - went via Louise Newson website and they advise the gp to prescribe on nhs which is fantastic

Very best wishes 🩷

[SlowDragon Administrator]

FT3: 5.3 pmol/l (Range 3.1 - 6.8)

Ft3 is only 59.46% through range

If you reduce levothyroxine…..Ft3 will drop

You likely need slightly less Levothyroxine and addition of small doses of T3

if you reduce dose levothyroxine, don’t reduce by much

Perhaps by 50mcg per WEEK

So 150mcg x 3 days a week and 137.5mcg x 4 days

Retest in 8 weeks including vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

[Cup-cake7 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thankyou Slow Dragon thats brilliant very helpful

What is equation please to work out the F3 is it prefered at top third?

[Cup-cake7 in reply to SlowDragon]

...how much t3 to work up to do you think please?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Cup-cake7]

Over range Ft4 can reduce Ft3

So first step is to reduce levothyroxine a LITTLE

Retest in 8-10 weeks

If Ft3 dropped…..look at getting T3 prescribed alongside levothyroxine

[Cup-cake7 in reply to SlowDragon]

Is there evidence anywhere please that thyroid can reboot itself after taking levothyroxine?

I ask as its evident my T4 level was top of range before ever being prescribed Levo due to the fact my tsh was sub clinical. 🤔 knowing now the tsh number wasnt so relevant!

I dint want ti take 125 levo if my thyroid works ok ad it evidently did previously

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Cup-cake7]

Very unlikely

Have you had ultrasound scan of thyroid

Increasing numbers of thyroid patients are getting prescribed T3

Almost 64,000 prescriptions on NHS in England in last year

openprescribing.net/analyse...

List of thyroid specialists and NHS and private endocrinologists who will prescribe T3

Choosing an endocrinologist who’s both private and NHS

See privately initially and then transfer

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Cup-cake7 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks. Iv been considering asking for scan. Seeing gp Fri.

I wrote to Endo Chester as my appointment cancelled again and for last 21/2 years

He replied there is 'only one thyroid medication' I mean i ask you!!.....🤷‍♀️ so poor

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Cup-cake7]

You will need to see someone privately

[Cup-cake7 in reply to SlowDragon]

Were the 64000 put through to nhs from private Endos🤔

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Cup-cake7]

64,000 prescriptions not people

So typically 6 prescriptions per person per year

But yes …..I would expect the majority would have had to go private initially to eventually get T3 on NHS

T3 prescriptions on NHS are much higher in affluent areas.

[Cup-cake7]

thanks. Sadly wont be prescribed