Update in progress to starting on T3

[Humphre]

Well I'm still working towards getting T3, last pharmacy(online) gave me a quote then changed the price once I'd sent them paper prescription 🤦took ages to get back after a phone call. So started again 🤞 this last one does deliver.On going chat with NHS trust after a conversation with current Endo(in neighbouring trust)has suggested still do trial(private) if T3 helps says to move to that NHS trusts Endo who hopefully will continue treatment, not ideal however if it makes no difference then stay as I am as my ft3/ft4 are at ok levels.

Last blood results: TSH 0.03(0.34-5.6),

FT3 4.66(3.8-6.8),

FT4 16 (7.5-21.2)

time before TSH 0.02, FT3 5.8, FT4 16.2 (same ranges as above)

think I'm doing ok feeling good, mornings best though & I've not done too much.

Hearing test next week hopefully to get help with tinnitus (hearing aid worked for my sister). Anyway we'll see how we do live the support from here I'll keep you all up to date.

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

I'm not sure why he would be suggesting a trial of T3 with results like these and you say you feel well? Has he not suggested an increase in T4 or have you already tried this?... Improving your thyroid levels might help with the tinnitus, what is your current dose of T4 did you ever get it increased or trial 125mcg? I see we chatted about an increased needed last year.... healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Free T4 (fT4) 16 pmol/L (7.5 - 21.2) 62.0%

Free T3 (fT3) 4.6 pmol/L (3.8 - 6.8) 26.7%

T4:T3 Ratio 3.478 

Have you optimised your folate, ferritin, Vit D and B12?

[Humphre in reply to TiggerMe]

When I saw the Endo for 1st time I wasn't overly well I up & down tested me for cortisol but found that ok can't seem to find numbers. He suggested a trail of T3 see it it made any improvement to my wellbeing it may or may not. Yes I am feeling well at the moment taking loads of vitamins topping up with B12 & no haven't been able to to a full vitamin test as saving up for that perhaps I'll request it for next blood test🤔 Thanks for imput given me something to consider heyho see how I go.

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to Humphre]

If you are feeling well-ish I would say a trial of a small increase in T4 is the better route than T3 🤗

[Humphre in reply to TiggerMe]

Maybe but I've agreed with my Endo & tablets enroute see how I go as McPammy has suggested 125,mcg alternate yes I looked back & did that last year with little improvement so I'm going to see how I fare with T3 🤷 I'm just not right I know if I stop taking vitamins I go down hill very fast last time I did before bloods & I caught a cold so I'll let you know thanks for info

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to Humphre]

Optimized vits and mins are an essential part of the mix so I wouldn't think about dropping them completely, T3 is rocket fuel in comparison to T4 so do start with a tiny dose, likely it will further lower your fT4 so you might need an increase anyway

[Humphre in reply to TiggerMe]

I only drop my Vitamins when doing a blood test yes I believe so Endo wants 10mcg x 2 but I've been reading had advice off others on here to start at 2.5mcg & build up. Question though can you take T4 at same time as T3 1st thing on waking & how far from food? does it need to be on empty tummy? Gosh I'm novice at this 🤦

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to Humphre]

2.5mcg T3 might be plenty and yes it's fine to take at the same time as T4, if you do end up taking a second dose later T3 isn't as fussy about an empty stomach

[Humphre in reply to TiggerMe]

Thank you now I'm a tad wiser👍

[McPammy]

I have found I can get tinnitus when my thyroid levels are too high for too long. After all it’s all ear nose and throat. That doesn’t mean suppressed TSH, it can mean just too high for me. I’m best with TSH around 1.00 ish no lower.

[Humphre in reply to McPammy]

Interesting something to think about. I'm sure that constant changes as we grow older make a difference it's the management of it all that mind bloggles me.

[McPammy in reply to Humphre]

Yes, I’ve read that tinnitus can be more apparent in your mid 60’s. I am at that point but I find if I miss a dose when tinnitus arrives it goes away. Something I’ve just experimented with myself.

[Humphre in reply to McPammy]

Hmm, if this T3 doesn't work for me I might have to experiment with a higher dose T4 couple of decades ago I was on 150mcg but it kept getting reduced then upped was so annoying but luckily this last few years managed to keep it at 125mcg although tinnitus is increasing I soon be 70 makes me wonder what's going to change😅 useful to know about others. Busy trying to read Paul Robinsons book a bit heavy going.....

[McPammy in reply to Humphre]

I wouldn’t be upping any doses. Your TSH indicates you’re taking too much. If anything you need to think about reduction but only slightly. Remember too much thyroxine can give similar symptoms to not enough. You need to aim to be symptom free and keep your TSH in range by ensuring your t4 and t3 are in range also. Also all vitamins to be optimal.

[Humphre in reply to McPammy]

Not good on 100mcg been tried a couple of times 🤔 I'll see how I get on with T3 then if no good experiment T4 I've got a good regime in vitamins but will sort an update on actual levels see how I go.

[McPammy]

coming down to 100mcg from 125mcg maybe too much of a drop. Why don’t you try alternating like 125 one day and 100 the next and so on. That way it’s only 12.5 drop a day overall. Give it a few weeks and see if that feels better. Just a thought.

[Humphre in reply to McPammy]

Worth considering 👍