Should T4 be higher to feel better - everything in range.

[summer01]

Hi, I asked a question a couple of weeks back about whether my T4 level should be higher to feel better (I'm not feeling really ill but still have symptoms). My GP has requested FT3 on a number of occasions but the lab won't test so I've had it tested with Blue Horizon.

My results are:

tsh 0.19 (0.27-4.2)

T4 16.17 (12-23)

FT3 4.9 (3.1 - 6.8)

I saw my GP last week (didn't have the FT3 result then) and he said he would like to see the T4 a little higher so was going to give me a trial increase from 100mcg to 125mcg. Unfortunately he then felt a swollen gland in my neck and said he'd like me to take antibiotics to see if the gland goes down before staring the increase. so close.....

So with the little knowledge I have am I right in thinking that my FT3 is perfect? and maybe this one last increase may help?

I'm awaiting copies of my vitamin results from the GP's. I have been told all in range.

Thanks as usual!

[greygoose]

I would say your FT3 is far from perfect. It is only just mid-range, and most people need it up near the top of the range to feel better. Is that T4 free or total? The total doesn't give you much useful info, but it isn't even mid-range. It could do with being higher. I definately think the increase would be helpful but it might not yet take you to your optimal point.

Hugs, Grey

[summer01 in reply to greygoose]

Thanks greygoose. That's really useful, I've learnt so much from this site but still have a long way to go!

Yes the T4 is free T4. I also have positive thyroid antibodies and above range thyroid peroxidase antibody levels so I think this means its autoimmune (although the GP hasn't said) which I guess means you never get the correct dose for long as the amount of thyroxine my body produces isn't consistent?

I do feel so much better than when I first went to the doctors so I do feel a little bad askinging about getting to my optimum level when people are out there feeling v v poorly. I just want to try to get back to my old self.

Thanks again for your advice, I do seem to have found a good GP now but I still like to arm myself with the facts.

Thanks

[Clarebear in reply to summer01]

Don't feel bad about asking - I too am trying to get back to feeling like my old self all of the time good luck with the increase, hopefully it will do he job. Xx

[summer01 in reply to Clarebear]

Thanks clarebear, hope you get back to your old self too

[Maddie in reply to summer01]

Selenium helps with conversion of t4 to t3 and also to lower antibodies.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/treatm...

jcem.endojournals.org/conte...

[summer01 in reply to Maddie]

Thanks maddie, that's reall interesting. I'm just starting to learn a bit mre about the supplements and vitamins. Selenium is now on my list!

Thanks so much.

[Maddie in reply to summer01]

Of the selenium supplements, selenomethionine has the best bioavailability and is the one that I use.

Brazil nuts, touted as one of the best food sources of selenium, vary in selenium content, as some are grown in selenium poor soil.

Hope this helps: Maddie

[greygoose]

How consistant the amount of thyroxine produced by your body is, is difficult to say. Everyone is differect and whilst one person my swing from hypo to hyper and back quite rapidly, another can be stable for years. Which is why Hashi's people should have their TSH supressed.

[greygoose in reply to greygoose]

I do apologise for the typos in that post, but I was in a hurry and didn't read it back! That'll learn me! lol

[summer01 in reply to greygoose]

Thanks greygoose, I'm the queen of typos! Your help and thoughts are greatly appreciated.

[greygoose in reply to summer01]

You're more than welcome.