Improved Thyroid Levels but free T4 “lower end of normal”?

[Mansapansa]

Hello, I have had a diagnosis of a hyperthyroid for just under a year, I’ve seen my endocrinologist once even with having a goiter that admittedly has gone down.

I’ve been not great at taking my prescribed Carbimazole but have been steadily taking it for a good few months now.

i received a letter from my endocrinologist yesterday saying my thyroid levels have improved but my Free T4 is still lower end of normal so they are reducing my Carbimazole dose from 10mg to 5mg. I’ve had a quick google and from what I can see does this not mean my thyroid has gone underactive?

Im in Scotland and have no access to my full blood panel or anything.

[tattybogle]

Hi , no it just means the dose of antithyroid drug is a little bit too much.

your thyroid output is being controlled directly by the dose of carbimazole.

more carbimazole = less T4 is made by thyroid.

lower the dose = thyroid is able to make a bit more T4.

[Mansapansa in reply to tattybogle]

great, thanks for explaining

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Request copies of actual results including ranges

TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 should have been tested

They should also test vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin

[pennyannie]

Hello Manspansa :

Have you now received a diagnosis of what you are dealing with ?

Carbimazole is an Anti Thyroid drug that is generally prescribed to semi-block your own new daily thyroid hormone production when your T3 and T4 levels are found too high and over range and causing uncomfortable symptoms.

Ideally we need to try and keep the T3 and T4 around mid point in their respective ranges as when too low in the ranges you are liable to experience the equally disabling symptoms of hypothyroidism - symptoms of which you can find on the Thyroid UK website - where you can also around all things thyroid related - thyroiduk.org

Good the goitre has reduced - and how about your eyes - have you been referred to see a specialist ophthalmologist ?

If using any OTC ointments, drops , spray or grease - please endure all eye preparations are Preservative Free.

[Vbgr]

hi, I was on carbimazole 10 mg and my level when the scale here is between 12 to 20. Went down to 10. I was put on 5 mg and felt much better. More alive and feeling good. I am still on 5 mg and find that if my level on the scale is 18 , I’m at my best. My goitre is still reducing. Good luck, Val