I finally got my dr to do a free T3 test. what do these results mean

[sja11]

Free T4 17.8 normal range 11.9 - 21,6

Free T3 3.5 normal range 3.1 - 6.8

TSH. 0.92. Normal range 0.27 - 4.2

I feel like I’m not converting thyroxine but is this what the results are saying?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

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)

Is this how you did your test

For good conversion of Ft4 to Ft3 we need GOOD vitamin levels

When were vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 last tested

What vitamin supplements are you taking

Is your hypothyroidism autoimmune

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Assuming tested as recommended

FT4: 17.8 pmol/l (Range 11.9 - 21.6)

Ft4 60.82% through range

FT3: 3.5 pmol/l (Range 3.1 - 6.8)

Ft3 only 10.81% through range

Suggests you have room to increase dose Levo

Currently very poor conversion rate

With such low Ft3 likely to have low vitamin levels

Many thyroid patients find they need Ft3 at least 60% through range……usually Ft4 might need to be higher at 70-80% through range

How much levothyroxine are you taking

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

You are right fT3 is very low with fT4 around 60% so you have room for an increase in levo but it is unlikely to get your levels of fT3 up enough

Have you had your ferritin, folate, Vit D and B12 levels checked recently as they are all need to be above mid range to aid conversion

[sja11]

Blood test very early morning, fasting.

Vitamin levels when last tested were ok though not optimum. I’m taking very high levels of vitamin D though struggling to get levels higher than just in range. Also struggling to get folate in range even though I’m overdosing on both and have been for over a year.

Vit D & K betteryou 1000iu 5 sprays plus 3 drops nutri vit D 1000iu daily

Betteryou B complex plus berocca daily

Plus folic acid drops, zinc and magnesium

I’m also mainly gluten free. The occasional slip.

I had antibiotic resistant helicobacter pilori for 10 years and massive amounts of ineffective antibiotics which I think have destroyed my gut health.

[sja11 in reply to sja11]

Taking 125mg Levi. Same brand every month.