Afternoon all

[johndoe49]

I am now off Carbimazole and my TSH is lowering steadily. My FT4 and FT3 are fluctuating though and wondered if there is anything i can ascertain from that or is it quite normal. I have adopted a gluten and dairy free diet in the last 4 months and feel like the brain fog has lifted. Last 3 results were.

TSH range 0.38-5.33

2.27, 1.96, 1.72

FT4 range 7.9-20

11.2, 11.9, 10

FT3 range 4-6.6

5.7, 5.8, 5.3

Many thanks

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Minor fluctuations are expected, these look like “normal” variations.

How far apart were tests? Do to retest regularly eg every 8 weeks?

Were tests undertaken as recommended? Early morning draw, fasting overnight cease biotin supplements 3/7 prior?

[johndoe49 in reply to PurpleNails]

Hi Purple

I don't take any supplements and the last 2 tests were 6 months apart the 2nd test was 3 months from the 1st. The draws were all between 09.00 and 09.30 but i dont recall if fasting occured. I just noticed that both the T3 and T4 had come done when i thought optimal was 75% through range.

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to johndoe49]

For those on replacement, many feel best if FT4 around 75% & FT3 at least 50%.

If needing medication to lower high levels, the aim is to take the lowest effective dose to lower levels into range. if doctors go by TSH the levels are often lowered too much.

If however you are looking at natural levels your normal % through range & FT4:FT3 balance might be very different.

Doctors will want to monitor for abnormal results & won’t want to introduce treatments until levels approach very low or very high.

Optimal nutrients can help. Have folate,ferritin, B12 & vitamin D been tested recently?

Was your thyroid ever scanned of any explanation for cause of hyper ever found?

[jez84]

I was on Carbimazole for over two years. Came off it and was fine for a few months after which my levels changed and I am now back on it. I was hoping to be one of the 50% who were cured of Graves but it seems not. Not sure if this is of any help.