T4/T3 levels

[Lottyplum]

Hi. Quick question. I've just had blood test for TSH, T3+T4 after starting T3 in December from private Endo. I read in this forum that when starting T3 your T4 will fall, as will TSH. My TSH has been suppressed for years+no change since T3 added but my T4 hasn't dropped much at all:TSH <0.02

Free T4 21.9 (11.00-23.00)

Free T3 5.9 (3.9 - 6.8)

My T4 has always been at top end just to feel human but T3 was always scraping along the bottom but when T4 reduced by GP cos of suppressed TSH, my body shuts down!!

So, with Endo appt on Thurs, should I have any concerns? Thankyou so much.

[Lottyplum]

175 levo+5x3 times a day T3.

[Lottyplum]

Was on 200 levo prior to addition of T3. First twice a day+then upped to 3x.

[greygoose]

My T4 has always been at top end just to feel human but T3 was always scraping along the bottom but when T4 reduced by GP cos of suppressed TSH, my body shuts down!!

That's not unusual. T4 is basically a storage hormone that doesn't do much until it is converted into T3, the active hormone needed by every single cell in your body to function correctly. So, if you reduce your dose of levo, not only will your FT4 reduce, but so will your FT3, causing symptoms.

Presumably you are a poor converter and that's why you needed your FT4 so high to get a reasonable amount of T3. Now you're taking T3 you don't need as much T4 - if any. So, if it worries you that it's that high, you can reduce the dose without losing T3.

[Lottyplum in reply to greygoose]

I'm not worried at all. As never had T3 before just wondered about the levels. I feel better than I have done in yrs. No constipation issues, sleeping better, hands+feet not as cold. For me, just wonderful result. T3x2 didn't do much for me but X3 has been a game changer.

[greygoose in reply to Lottyplum]

That's great to hear.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Lottyplum]

So don’t change anything

If you feel well that’s the best result

[McPammy]

T4 is too high.

[Lottyplum in reply to McPammy]

I did wonder - but concerned if T4 reduced everything shuts down again!!

[McPammy in reply to Lottyplum]

If you’re feeling well and no symptoms like slowdragon mentioned then change nothing.

[Lottyplum in reply to McPammy]

I feel so well, no constipation, warmer hands+feet, hair not as dry+brittle, and no concerns that my body is shutting down cos of being under medicated. My appt with Prof Wass is on Thursday. Had a real tussle to get my bloods done as some he wanted I couldn't do privately. Got the lipid results week Friday but no Thyroid blood results. When they came through, no T3 was tested. Get onto surgery+tussle to get fresh bloods in time for appt. Had them taken last Friday with promise I could have print out that afternoon to send to Valerie. GP had to see them first, he was too busy so come back Monday! No way ! Finally managed to get them late Friday afternoon before they closed! When results come to my GP app there are no ranges so had to have a printout! I was so cross with them, as well as the nurse who took my 2nd lot of bloods as she left my arm black, blue, purple and green - and I have v good veins. So, I now wait to hear from Prof re my lipid+thyroid results.

[McPammy in reply to Lottyplum]

I’m sorry to hear you’ve had a time of it getting all your blood results in time time for your next private consultation. What a nightmare. You don’t need that stress. In the past I’ve also experienced frustration at getting things done in time. I try to plan well ahead these days. Any bloods I make try to make sure I have a month in advance. Maybe my supply chain job makes me think that way?! I’m glad you got there in the end of hope your consultation goes well for you. What you could do is take screen shots of patients access and email to Valerie. I’ve done that at times. All stress you don’t need. Sending a caring hug x

[Lottyplum in reply to McPammy]

Thanks. I got the earliest blood test (1st 8.40+2nd 8.50) and had to wait a month for the 1st one+argue for the 2nd one+only went through surgery as Prof had asked for other bloods I couldn't get privately. Thought 2 weeks after bloods for my appt would have been sufficient time! Apparently not if they fail to include T3! I had to go down for printout as the ranges were not included on my GP app! Maybe they think I don't need to know! No, I just don't think whoever uploads info onto GP app@the surgery dont understand the importance of ranges!Won't use surgery for bloods if I can possibly help it! Getting a little anxious now for my appt tomorrow! A lot going on in the family, too, so could do with having a hologram of me to do stuff, too!! Will let you know how I get on .x

[McPammy in reply to Lottyplum]

Yes, let me know how things progress. John is so helpful and understanding I’m sure he’ll do his level best to help you.

[Lottyplum in reply to McPammy]

Just had my call with Prof Wass. We chatted re my blood results (+surgery didn't do the antibody test he had requested!)+I can stay on present dose. To see him again in 6 months(bloods in 5 months. Relief!! He was lovely. He will right to GP to that effect. I will do my bloods privately +continue with T3 privately. Thanks so much for your input. Now off for my walk in the rain!!😁

[McPammy in reply to Lottyplum]

Well that’s a good result. Sometimes it depends on your GP surgery about getting bloods done etc. so yes do private. I’m a lucky one as my gp so far does anything within reason I ask now I have John’s backing. Hope you don’t get too wet. It’s just started here too in Chester. I’ve just come back from the gym. I do the gym during winter months.

Take care 👍

[Lottyplum in reply to McPammy]

I only thought after my phone call with Prof as was just pleased as to how it went - but I know levo is a bit high so was thinking of cutting my 25 levo in half+taking instead of 175+ my T3+seeing how I faired+then doing a blood test. Don't want to jump the gun without Prof Wass but maybe it will reduce my Levo level to under 30@least.

[Lottyplum in reply to Lottyplum]

... Under 20 ....