Adding T4 only?

[rondoo]

Currently on Naturethroid.  T3 levels high normal and T4 low.  Increasing naturethroid i am afraid will give me hyper symptoms from too much T3.  TSH is 13.09 right now.  Should I add Synthroid or a natural T4.  Is anyone doing this?

[rondoo]

Thank you for the response.  I have been seeing a naturopath for a couple months and started on  some vitamins, etc.  for Adrenal Fatigue. I am an RN and have learned sooooo much about thyroid and labs after having my TT that I wasn't even aware of.  I kind of have your attitude about MDs.  My naturopath is willing to work with me on med adjustments if my Endo won't.  I see Endo on Wed.  I had been seeing Endo for several years to monitor nodules and was constantly complaining of fatigue that was ridiculous for my age. (was in my 30's at the time).After reading all this info after my TT, I know that I was hypo.  He is a TSH only doc. and his range was .5 to 5.  My TSH was always in the Upper 3s and I feel that I had been hypo for years.  I had to fight him just to get Naturethroid ordered.  I just hope I can get these levels adjusted so I don't feel like I'm 90 forever.  Thanks again.

[LazyMoose]

With any T3 med, you will have a false elevated T3 reading if taken before labs. Best to get labs early AM, then take meds after. Your doctor will doctor will be clueless if you ask this.

Having followed the same 'rule' above on dessicated, I was still not able to get good labs on the newly reformulated Nature Throid brand that has microcrystalyn cellulose as a filler, just like the new Armour. T3 was high, T4 low, TSH in the double digits - felt very hypo even with the high T3, which did not make sense.

I switched to Erfa and my T4 to t3 ratio is still spread apart, but not as much as it was on NT. My hyponess went away and TSH dropped under 2.

High stress, which can elevate cortisol at certain times of the day, or even fatigued , abnormally fluctuating adrenals can also elevate T3 levels. These are best detected from a 4 point adrenal saliva test from a naturopath, or order on the web. You spit in 4 tubes and send it back to the lab. MD's are clueless about this test also. I certainly have an attitude for MD's dont I?...........Ha!

[rondoo]

I take 1 gr twice a day.  One in early am and one at 2pm.  I had taken the first dose before the blood draw.

[gimel]

Did you take your Nature-Throid before the blood draw for testing?  Also, how much Nature-Throid are you taking per day?

[rondoo]

TSH 13.09   Free T4 0.7  (0.8 - 1.8)  Free T3 3.8 (2.1 - 4.2)    Have fatigue, depression, anxiety, ringing in ears, edema.

[goolarra]

There is no "natural" T4-only med.  T4-only meds are all synthetic.

[gimel]

Many members take a combination of meds to get their FT4 and FT3 levels adjusted enough to relieve symptoms.  Symptom relief should be all important, not the test results.  

Understand that the role of FT4 is for conversion to T3.  T3 is the thyroid hormone that largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.  Studies have shown that FT3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while FT4 and TSH did not correlate very well at all.  TSH largely reflects the level of FT4 in your body.  

To further respond to your questions it would be very helpful if you would provide the actual test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report.  Also, what hypo symptoms are you still having?