T3 fallen

[Lottyplum]

I have my private Endo appt next month. Did my MMH blood test last week but as I bought the pack 5 months ago I wondered if there could be a problem with the results. My previous blood test in Feb after starting T3 just before Christmas showed my T3 had risen to 5.9 (3.1-6.8) from 3.9 and my hypo symptoms had reduced significantly. This latest test showed my TSH suppressed (as usual), T4 at top end (as usual) but my T3 had dropped to 5 (3.1-6.8). Many hypo symptoms have returned in the last 6 weeks or so, esp awful constipation (back on Fybogel twice a day)+cold hands+feet even in warm weather. I do hate socks on in bed but my feet are so cold. My hair’s lack lustre, too. I'm going to repeat the test next Monday with new box from MMH but if my T3 is down again do you think I should be requesting (politely) an increase in my T3 from 5mcgx3 a day to 20mcg over the day to deal with the return of these awful hypo symptoms? I get my T3 from Roseway Labs on prescription from my Endo. Thank you in advance for your help.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Exactly what was your FT4 and reference range?

FT3 is only 51% of range but how did you take the test? When was your last dose of T3 & Levo prior to the test?

What are you supplementing with?

What are latest results for key vitamins?

[Lottyplum in reply to Jaydee1507]

I followed the protocol for blood tests so I know that was ok, even for the T3 - 8-12 hrs before the blood test. My T4 on range of 11-23 was 22. My T4 hasn’t dropped since I started T3 combo. My TSH was my usual 0.01+has been for years. I take 175 mcg thyroxine+15mxg T3. I had a range of blood tests by consultant in March/April which were all good, including an autoimmune test to check any issues re pernicious anaemia, which was negative. I take BetterYou D3/K2 spray, Vit B complex (which I stopped prior to blood test), cod liver oil capsule, zinc, Brazil nuts for my selenium, Vit C+magnesium spray. Intermittently I take CoQ10 and beetroot capsules.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to Lottyplum]

So FT4 is at 92% of range and it might be time to drop your Levo by as much as 25mcgs.

175mcgs Levo is a pretty high amount of Levo to be taking in a combination dose.

Theres a huge crossover between hypo & hyper symptoms and although your results dont fall into the hyper category you may have a little too much T4.

[Lottyplum in reply to Jaydee1507]

Before starting T3 I ended up in local surgical assessment unit as constipation+pain so bad +this was due to GP reducing Levo +my body went into free fall! I've always had to have high Levo dose just to exist! I was really good at first with this levo/T3 dose+severe constipation+cold extremities disappeared so got my life back. As T3 level dropped thought this was the issue!

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to Lottyplum]

I've always had to have high Levo dose just to exist!

Thats completely understandable on levo alone, but you have T3 now, and when on a combination dose we need a balance of both FT4 & FT3 at around the 70% of range mark. Yours is way over that.

I'm sure you have some bad memories of the constipation but thats preventing you getting well now and balancing your hormone levels.

Our bodies are a bit like Goldylocks. They dont want too much or too little, we need hormones to be just right.

[Lottyplum in reply to Jaydee1507]

Because I'm not sure if the MMH was 'in date' as I'd had it for 5-6 months, I'm retesting next week as at my last test my T4 was not as high(my T3 was higher. Will see what next week brings.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to Lottyplum]

Its almost obvious from the dose of Levo you're taking in combination with T3 that you're taking too much levo. Most people need 100 - 125mcgs Lvo + T3, rarely a little more Levo.

[TiggerMe]

I agree with JD time to lower your T4 but I'd also suggest trying your T3 in one dose by gradually switching as this can make a big difference, I can take 3 x 5mcg and still feel awful but if I take 1 x 15mcg I feel great and so much easier 🤗

[McPammy]

You’re probably experiencing over medication symptoms, they can be very similar to under medication. You are definitely not under medicated. Your TSH and levels prove you are not under medicated as well as your symptoms. If it was myself I would be reducing T4 levo and definitely not increasing T3 Lio. It could take a good 10 days to start to feel better. Over medication is as bad as under medication.

[Lottyplum in reply to McPammy]

Severe constipation with the inflammation+diverticular pain issues has always been the major problem before being diagnosed with Hashi+then thyroid removal +is the canary in the coalmine for me when looking back at conversion issues. I know I'm a terrible T4-T3 converter+see this as such. Will just wait to see the Prof and what he has to say in August. Because of diverticulitus I can't allow constipation to take hold+end up in hospital+undiagnosed Hashi for a number of years was, I believe, the cause.

[McPammy in reply to Lottyplum]

Hope he can help you get on the correct doses and you feel better soon.

[Lottyplum in reply to McPammy]

Thankyou