Dr., members - Help! (Dose Induced Thyrotoxicity)

[LowMac]

I haven't posted at the thyroid forum in quite some time but with undergoing a lot of medical issues, testing etc..., something has come up in the area of my hypothyroid treatment via Armour brand T4/T3 medication.

You will be blown away when you hear what my current blood levels are because I should be bouncing off the walls with hyperthyroid symptoms. Instead, I'm mainly fatigued, with stressed-out feelings. I do have muscle weakness and have been seeing a neurologist due to a few more sensory symptoms of aching, occassional stabbing pains etc... I had some low amplitude readings on an EMG but it's possible any nerve damage I have will be helped via the fact I was also found vitamin deficient in D, E and insufficient (low normal) in B12.

Now to my blood labs - (ready for this?)...

My TSH was at "0.05" - Range 0.25 to 5.00

My FT3 was a whopping "903" - Range 210 to 440

My Total T3 was nearly as bad (I prefer the free) @ "365" - Range 76 to 181

Yowzah! - Both T3s were more than TWICE the highest normal cut off value! In spite of this, my Dr.s Office called and said my levels were only "a little high" and in fact were going to place me on a DOSE INCREASE because I have gained a little weight since my last visit and my T4 was actually on the low-side, which has been typical of how Armour manifests on my labs for the 7 or 8 years I've been treated. It was I who demanded my T3 be tested because they kept failing to add it, even with my repeated requests. I had a suspicion the levels were high.

Can a person have these high of levels and not actually feel like metabolism is sped up?

Regardless, I know it is very unwise to maintain this type level due to risk of bone loss and possible heart rhythm complications. I'm now also beginning to wonder if my high levels of T3 have contributed to my muscle weakness and perhipheral neuropathy type symptoms!

[LowMac]

Doctor Lupo,

Thank you so much.

That is certainly what I thought as well.
In defense of the doctor, I will say that she had not yet seen the T3 result when she recommended the dose increase but based the idea on my T4 which was at "0.8" in the range of 0.9 to 1.8 ng/dL.

My disappointment with the doctor is in the fact that a former Dr. I went to, who discontiued his practice due to a back problem, told me that T3 was important to test when taking Armour. I told the new doctor this at my first visit with her back in February but she kept failed to add the test on my thyroid panels. I made sure it was added this time, by kicking and screaming a little and sure enough I'm over-treated.

I'm currently taking 2.5 grains, so will reduce it back to 2 grains and hopefully this will be enough of a decrease between now and when I get back in to a doctor.

I greatly appreciate the quick response!

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

It is concerning that someone recommended a dose increase with these labs -- would consider getting a second opinion and coming off the armour which is clearly causing a T3-toxicosis and probable "apathetic hyperthyroidism" -- ie, wired and tired.