Test results - specialist says no T3

[AllyIb]

These are the results of my recent bloodwork which were taken at 8am fasting:

TSH: 1.81 (mIU/L) reference range: 0.32-4.00

Free T4: 11 (pmol/L) reference range: 9-19

Free T3: 4.7 (pmol/L) reference range: 2.6-5.8

Reverse T3: 16 (ng/dL) reference range: 8-25

The specialist says that my T3 is a bit high and to take selenium, increase Vitamin D to at least 5,000 units. Adding in iodine as well. Also working on improving my iron - taking iron bisglycinate, black strap molasses and liver. He says no to taking T3 as too much would create anxiety and palpitations. I am ok to see how the additional supplements work and improving my iron and see where that takes me in a month. I am not on any medication at this point.

Vitamin D: 119.7 nmol/L (reference range 75-250)

Ferritin: 45 ug/L (reference range 15-272)

Any comments on this picture?

I came across this flow chart of what is needed to support the thyroid from Suzie Cohen and am attaching it here.

I do have some T3 and wondering if I should take it.

Adding in info:

C reactive protein: 11.3 Above High Normal mg/L <5

I have an old B12 reading from a year ago: 457 reference range: 138-652 pmol/L

[pennyannie]

Hello Allylb :

Can you please add the ranges to your results please :

Just go into More - bottom right on post - choose Edit - pop in the ranges and then press Edit Response which then closes the question / post .

[pennyannie in reply to pennyannie]

A euthyroid ( normal functioning thyroid ) would see a TSH at around 1.20 - 1.50

with a T4 around mid point - say 50% with a T3 tracking just behind at around 45% through its range.

So your TSH a little high and edging up over 2 will likely see you with some symptoms of hypothyroidism starting to creep in :

Your T4 is only around 20% with your T3 inverted and at around 66% through the range -

showing your body under stress as there isn't sufficient T4 circulating in your blood to maintain this T3 level.

Everywhere I researched suggested ferritin needed to be over 70 for any thyroid hormone replacement to work - so though not on any medication yet - suggest you aim for a ferritin at around 100:

Do you have any readings / ranges for B12 and folate as these + ferritin and vitamin D are the core strength v and minerals that we all need at solid strong levels simply to maintain good health and well being.

Do you have a reading for any thyroid antibodies and / or inflammation ?

[pennyannie in reply to pennyannie]

Reverse T3 - ( unconverted T4 ) is around 47% through its range -

we all make some reverse T3 - I do not see it as a problem at present and it will likely reduce once with optimal levels of ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D :

I'm with Graves and post RAI thyroid ablation 2005 - and was then prescribed T4 monotherapy and became much more unwell in around 2013/15 - found this forum - started reading up and in 2016 paid to get my own thyroid blood tests to try and understand where and what had happened to me -

My Reverse T3 was way over the range - but was refused any other treatment option and referred to as a conundrum -

I started self medicating in 2018 - once I had built back up my core strength vitamins and minerals and my dose of T4 is roughly half that of the dose the NHS prescribed me and I D.I.Myself with Natural Desiccated Thyroid and much improved.

I haven't had my Reverse T3 run again - I presume it's in range as I'm much improved and now converting T4 into T3.

[pennyannie in reply to pennyannie]

OK - so CRP @ 11.30 - is inflammation and double over the range - and very high -

likely you have thyroid Auto Immune disease - any antibodies run ?

Serum B 12 needs to be at least 500 ++ so guessing currently less than this result which is not optimal anyway.

[AllyIb in reply to pennyannie]

Thank you so much for your reply and information. I will ask for antibodies to be run. I will look for some desiccated thyroid as well and keep an eye on my B12.

[pennyannie in reply to AllyIb]

I do not think you currently need NDT :

I shared my own experience only in the context of my having had a very high over range Reverse T3 - ( due to Graves and post RAI thyroid ablation and consequently being medicated with just one option of thyroid hormone replacement for some years ) -

which you thought was part of your issue, but which, it is not -

I do not have a thyroid any longer - and my situation is not yours -

as you have a thyroid and currently not diagnosed with a thyroid health issue.

First you need the thyroid antibodies run alongside a TSH, Free T3 and Free T4 and ideally inflammation and vitamins and minerals -

and then if any antibodies are positive and over range we then have a likely cause and can offer the next best steps for you to take -

If there is no antibody interaction and you have no physical symptoms of a swelling in your neck area where the thyroid is situated and no difficulty swallowing, eating or breathing - we look again for the reason for your low T4 :

What symptoms are you currently dealing with ?

The more information you share the better able we are to help you.

If you go into Thyroid UK - thyroiduk.org - the charity who supports this patient to patient forum there is a whole page detailing Private Blood companies who can run the appropriate blood tests if you can't get help through your doctor and where you will also find much more on 'all things thyroid ' :

[AllyIb in reply to pennyannie]

I have the results of further testing to add to the above. My symptoms are mainly weight gain that I can't seem to let go of and sleep that is not solid - I wake up numerous times during the night. My temperature is hovering around 96 on waking and can rise to 97.4 after a meal. I would like to see it higher. I see that my ferritin level has now risen to 64.My goal is for it to be over 100. I do have more natural energy, I can feel it. for the thyroid antibodies, if I am reading it correctly, I am within the acceptable range? Is that correct?

Still wondering about taking T3 to help my situation.

Vitamin B12: 484 pmol/L

>220 pmol/L: Normal, deficiency unlikely

Ferritin: 64 ug/L

Thyroid Function

Thyroglobulin Antibody: 14

< 40 kIU/L

Thyroperoxidase Antibody: 10

< 35kIU/L

25-Hydroxy Vitamin D: 123.2

75.0 - 250.0 nmol/L

[pennyannie in reply to AllyIb]

Hey there again :

Yes your thyroid antibodies are in range - but these can wax and wane throughout your life and for 20% of people suffering Hashimoto's - thyroid Auto Immune disease - antibodies are never raised and a diagnosis made after a thyroid scan and / or symptoms being tolerated.

I do not think you need more T3 - but I do think you may well feel better once diagnosed and taking T4 - thyroid hormone replacement as previously suggested.

I think it in your best interest to start a new post to include these 2 sets of blood tests and to include the answer to SlowDragons question below -

as then all the information is in one place ready for a comprehensive answer :

[SlowDragon Administrator]

TSH: 1.81 (mIU/L)

Free T4: 11 (pmol/L)

Free T3: 4.7 (pmol/L)

Reverse T3: 16 (ng/dL)

Please add ranges

Plus what time of day tested

What you are currently taking….if taking any levothyroxine…..what dose and brand

And how long before test was last dose

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