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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
Free T3/Free T4 Levels
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.
Free T3/Free T4 Levels
by LadyBlair64, Mar 07, 2007 12:00AM
Hi again. Here's the results of my FT3 Levels that werent' back yet:
FT3 240 (Ref: 230-420)
FT4 0.89 (0.58-1.64)
TSH 0.41 (0.34-5.60)
My question is: I am ALREADY ON 175 mcg. of Synthroid. I have done enough research to know that many of my symptoms are not alleveiated with the Free T's at the lower end of the ref. range. However, how do I get them to get higher without possibly throwing the TSH way down into hyper mode? At this moment, I don't feel ANY HYPER-THYROID problems in any way. Nothing. Not even nearly as much energy as I had B4 this hypo-hell began one year ago.
Any help is deeply appreciated again!!
Peace & Love to all......
FT3 240 (Ref: 230-420)
FT4 0.89 (0.58-1.64)
TSH 0.41 (0.34-5.60)
My question is: I am ALREADY ON 175 mcg. of Synthroid. I have done enough research to know that many of my symptoms are not alleveiated with the Free T's at the lower end of the ref. range. However, how do I get them to get higher without possibly throwing the TSH way down into hyper mode? At this moment, I don't feel ANY HYPER-THYROID problems in any way. Nothing. Not even nearly as much energy as I had B4 this hypo-hell began one year ago.
Any help is deeply appreciated again!!
Peace & Love to all......
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Mar 08, 2007 12:00AM
, Mar 08, 2007 12:00AM
Consider combo t4/t3 treatment -- keeping the TSH around the range it already is -- this can be done with synthroid & cytomel OR with armour and working closely with a doc experienced with combo therapy.
TSH can be affected based on when you took your meds before the blood draw. I always make sure there is 24 hours from replacement ingestion and lab draw. Once I forgot and only had 6 hours and my TSH came back much lower and I attribute it to having taken my meds so close to lab draw.
You could try another brand of replacement and see if your lab's change. I know someone who had switched brands and all issues resolved. Just be sure to lab 6 weeks after changing brands.
I use Unithroid and have been very pleased with it.