Blood Results very different to last

[mainam]

I take Armour, one and a quarter grain daily, and recent blood tests are as follows:

TSH 6.61 (0.3-5.0) in July it was 3.58

FREE T4 8.7 (7.9-16.0) was 8.4

FREE T3 4.9 (3.8-6.0) was 5.8

I've no one medically qualified who can tell me if this is ok or not. Obviously my TSH is very different.

My GP has no idea about Armour and is at least open about not knowing. They think its probably ok.

Your thoughts would be gratefully received. Many thanks

[greygoose]

It's never ok to have a TSH over 6. It means you're either very hypo, or there was a mistake with the test.

FREE T4 8.7 (7.9-16.0) 9.88%

FREE T3 4.9 (3.8-6.0) 50.00%

Looking at your Frees, the FT4 is very low. It's expected to drop when taking T3, and whether or not that is a bad thing depends on the person. Some need it higher than others.

But, your FT3 is just mid-range. Most hypos need it higher than that. So, the big question is: how do you feel?

I'm amazed that your doctor thinks these results are 'probably ok'. He many not know much about NDT, but it's only thyroid hormones, after all. And, if he knew anything about blood test results he should know that they're 'probably not ok.

I would suggest getting a new test sometime soon with a different lab, to see if that TSH is really that high. It shouldn't be as you're taking T3, despite the low FT4. And interferrence in the tests can occur.

[mainam in reply to greygoose]

So does that mean I am under medicated?

I am so worried about all of this. I feel that no one is prepared to look after my health despite my introduction to Armour being from the NHS.

I feel ok I think with just a couple spells of slight dizziness. Not usual for me.

What can I do, or where can I go to get a really good assessment of my thyroid results and health? Any ideas would be so welcome.

[greygoose in reply to mainam]

Personally, I would say that you are under-medicated, yes. Although not based on the TSH, because that has to be an error, but based on the FT3 only being 50% through the range. I think it would be good to try an increase or two of 1/4 grain Armour to see if you feel even better.

What can I do, or where can I go to get a really good assessment of my thyroid results and health?

I wish I knew! But I've never found anywhere yet. I'm afraid you have to see a lot of endos to find one that's any good, and I haven't, although I've seen five or six. I self-treat, now. It's easier.