reverse T3

[elwins]

my reverse T3 test has come back at 42 ng/dl range 10-24

Any help in understanding this would be appreciated.

On thyroxine and T3

Thanks very much

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

What do the rest of your results show? Raised rT3 can be due to too much T4 and a few other things that we have less of and understanding

[elwins in reply to TiggerMe]

Been away so could not reply sooner. Due a blood test as I have a zoom meeting with my consultant, thanks for information

[DippyDame]

An rT3 test tells you nothing other than it's high or low but there are many reasons for that ...but only one is related to thyroid function

rT3 is the product of excess unconverted T4, it is the metabolically inactive form of T3.

You don't need an expensive rT3 test to judge T4 to T3 conversion status you can do that by comparing FT4 with FT3 before or when taking levo..... but not after T3 is added. High FT4 with low FT3 then indicates poor FT4 to FT3 conversion

Have you established your T4 to T3 conversion status?

If not do you have any recent test results?

FT3 followed by FT4 are the important results.

For good health every cell in the body must be flooded with T3 by way of a constant and adequate supply.

You may find this of interest...

thyroidpatients.ca/2019/11/...

[Calceolaria in reply to DippyDame]

I read that, as best I could with a limited understanding. Thank you for the link.

[DippyDame in reply to Calceolaria]

Basically, don't worry about rT3!!

[Calceolaria in reply to DippyDame]

Yes, lol. It’s FT3 and FT4 that I’m swotting up!

[pennyannie]

Hello Elwins :

Mine was high and over range in 2016 - I'm post RAI thyroid ablation 2005 for Graves Disease and only ever treated with T4 - and refused both T3 and NDT by the NHS in 2018.

So, basically Reverse T3 - is unconverted T4 - and can happen for several reasons -

obvious first thought of possible cause would be over replacement of T4 - Levothyroxine -

followed by cause/effect of any other long term chronic health issue -

plus the usual suspects of inflammation, antibodies, physiological stress ( emotional or physical ) depression, dieting and ageing

+ non optimal levels of the core strength vitamins and minerals of ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D and at least something we can manage and supplement for ourselves :

Logic says - reduce your dose of T4 - take another form of thyroid hormone replacement and see if you feel any better - T3 - or a T3/T4 combo or Natural Desiccated Thyroid.

I switched to NDT - and only take half the dose of T4 I once did when on T4 only - and well so I imagine my reverse T3 may have lessened but am not concerned as now I'm not looking for any more answers as to why I felt as I did on T4 monotherapy.

[elwins in reply to pennyannie]

sorry for not replying sooner, been away. Due a blood test shortly as I have a zoom meeting with my consultant. Thanks for information.

[pennyannie in reply to elwins]

Ok - no worries - hope my response was of some help and that your appointment goes well for you.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

looking at previous posts

You are currently on 50mcg Levo daily and 2 x 5mcg T3

Last 5mcg dose T3 should be 8-12 hours before test

Last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Please add most recent Ft4 and Ft3 results and ranges

What are most recent vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin levels

[elwins in reply to SlowDragon]

Due blood test as I have a zoom appointment with my consultant coming up, sorry for not replying sooner been away. Thanks for information.

[humanbean]

A very useful post from the late SeasideSusie on the subject of reasons for the body having Reverse T3 :

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[elwins]

thanks everyone for reply’s will be looking. Into them