Increase T4 or stick and natural antidepressants?

[Auders]

Good morning lovely people. Wonder if I could have some advise please? Latest blood results from MMH (eventually!) 4/3/24.

FT3 6 (3.1-6.8)

FT4 13.9 (12-22)

TSH 0.23 (0.27-4.2)

Taking 20mcg Thybon Henning and 75mcg 3 days and 50mcg 4 days of Levo

Medichecks 15/1/24

FT3 5.1 (3.1-6.8)

FT4 12.2 (12-22)

TSH 0.95 (0.27-4.2)

Taking 15mcg TH and 75mcg 3 days 50mcg 4 days of Levo. All bloods done as per protacol.

VIT D slightly high at 109 this time was 97 in January

Vit B12 not ready (will need another test) was 98 in Jan

Folate again not ready but was 13.16 (3.89-26.8) in Jan

Is it worth trying 75mcg 4 times a week, I dont think I have much wriggle room on the T3 level. Dont want to throw it out of range. Still feeling fatigued.

My other question is has anyone got any advise on any herbal antidepressants? Feeling down and blue. Didnt want Drs chemical coshes if I cah help it. Thanking you all for reading, take care everyone XX

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

I'd certainly look at getting your fT4 above 50% as this could be the key, I feel awful if mine drops this low regardless of good fT3 levels

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Your FT4 is too low so no wonder you're not doing well. Can you get that increased? May then need to reduce T3 a little.

Most people on combination therapy need both FT4 & FT3 at around 70% of range.

Omega 3 supplements can help mood. You do need to buy a good quality, high dose one and they take quite a few months to have an effect. Can recommend Bare Biology products.

[Auders in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thank you so much for that. My FT4 dropped from nearly top of range when I reduced Levo whilst increasing Lio. I’ll try taking 75mcg for 5 days a week instead of 3 and retest in 7 weeks or so? Or back down to 15 mcg and 75mcg levo daily? Again many thanks, I’ll look out for the Omega 3 too 🙏

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to Auders]

Most people need 100-125mcgs Levo + 10-15mcgs T3. Thats a very rough guide.

I think the 75mcgs Levo and 15mcgs T3 might be closer to where you need to be, then you can review in 6-8 weeks time.

Too much T3 can be as bad as too little.

[FallingInReverse in reply to Jaydee1507]

Auders My past months I've gone from 50 to 75 Levo while keeping a steady 10 Lio.

I am close to next blood testing, have no idea what it will show, but I'm definitely not 100% yet. Still fatigued.

I can relate to your post, look forward to seeing how it goes for you.

If you think to tag me in your next post update, I'd love to know! Good luck!

[Auders in reply to FallingInReverse]

Yes, I most certainly will. I think I’ve been more focused on gradually increasing the Lio because I thought it was better to get the “useful” stuff to a decent level. It’s not straightforward is it? I’m happy with the FT3 results now so slowly increase my Levo and hopefully get closer to the sweet spot! Good luck to you on your journey too x

[Auders]

Thank you so much, I’ll drop to 15mcg Lio and go back up to 75mcg Levo from tomorrow. My GP wouldn’t consider upping my Levo even before I started taking Lio, again advice greatfully received 🙏

[greygoose in reply to Auders]

I’ll drop to 15mcg Lio and go back up to 75mcg Levo

Oh, I wouldn't if I were you! Presumably you are taking T3 because you are a poor converter? So, there's no guarantee that the extra T4 would compensate for the decrease in T3. If I were you, I would increase the levo and see how you are in six weeks.

I dont think I have much wriggle room on the T3 level. Dont want to throw it out of range.

Why not? Ranges are just a rough guide, nor a stone-wall barrier that you mustn't cross. Many people need their FT3 a little over-range to feel well. Try it and see. You can always reduce either T4 or T3 at a later date if it's too much. But, you just can't count on enough of that T4 being converted to T3 anyway, and you don't want to make yourself worse by lowing your FT3.

[Auders in reply to greygoose]

Thank you very much for your very wise words. It’s a bit of a mine field isn’t it? Again thank you so much 🙏

[greygoose in reply to Auders]

It is and it isn't. I'm sure you'll soon get the hang of it.

[Hectorsmum2]

I take 5 htp as a natural antideppressant. It takes about 3 days to have an effect and I dont get any side effects. I take 250mg, vegavera brand I think.

[Auders in reply to Hectorsmum2]

Thank you for that, I’ll definitely have a look 🙏