Input Please on labs....

[blsdnsvd]

I am posting labs from july, end of sep, and end of dec of 2011. Please comment.

July (on 100mcg synthroid)
TSH                          0.44                0.40-4.50
FT3                           2.5                  2.3-4.2
FT4                           1.1                  0.8-1.8            
T3 Total                      96                  76-181  

September  (decreased to 88mcg based on labs)  
TSH                          1.45                0.40-4.50
FT3                           2.6                  2.3-4.2
FT4                           1.2                  0.8-1.8            
T3 Total                      79                  76-181

December (88mcg) Labs requested by gp
TSH                          3.80                0.40-4.50
FT3                           NA (did not test, even when I requested)                          
FT4                           2.5                   1.4-3.8      
T3 uptake                   31                    22-35

My TSH is flip flopping and from the previous two tests, my FT3 is low in range, what about my FT4, is that at an optimal range, and how does T3 Total and Uptake play a part in how I feel??? Help. I'm trying to be a professor in this subject so that I won't feel helpless with my symptoms and actually do my part in doing something about it. Also, Does Selenim help with any hypo symptoms??? I understand that it does.

Barbara  



    

[blsdnsvd]

I'm sorry, I meant to say stella and not Barb (blame it on the mind) lol.  So, I should have another A1C test along with the RT3 or are the last results okay??

[blsdnsvd]

Last visit to my gp, she asked: how are you?? My response was: I feel like my engine is about to stop!, normally i'd say: I feel like i'm outta gas...this is when I requested her to do blood work to test everything including a test for any autoimmune issues and my lab came back positive, so now i have a new issue to deal with. Once i go to my endo (who is very old school), I will request a RT3 Test as Stella as originally suggested that i do. Thanks for the response.

[flyingfool]

Reverse T3 is the mirror image of the normal T3 hormone molecule.  The body can only use the normal Free T3 molecule.  As I understand it, the Reverse mirror image RT3 molecule will fit into the receptor.  But it won't have any effect.  So in extreme case for example if all your body's receptors or too many (whatever that is?) are filled and plugged with the RT3 instead of the active T3, then there is no place for the true free T3 molecule to go and your body is starving.

This would kind of be like having a full tank of gas in your car, but the fuel filter pluggged.  The engine will not work right.  Same is true if you have too many RT3 that plug up the cells leaving nothing for the T3 to do the work.

The Reverse T3 molecule is only produced through the conversion process.  Everyone has this happen. Some people however it is worse than others.  It can be treated. Usually be minimizing or eliminating as much T4 as you can (to stop the conversion) and treat solely with T3 medication..Eventually the receptors release the RT3 and progressively allow the now readily available T3 to be received.  BUT at some point you will have too much T3 and you have to be extremely careful to Go Hyper.  At this point you switch back to cutting down the T3 and going to a T4 medication.  If you can.  In the worst cases I believe people are 100% on a T3 medication only as any T4 is made into RT3.

You may or may not have this situation of conversion problem to RT3.  One way to help determine that is by doing the RT3 test.  They then look at the ratio of FT3 to RT3.  Or is it RT3 to FT3.  In any event they have a ratio that can compare if there is a problem.

[stella5349]

Storing the hormone will be indicated on the RT3 test. Taking those thryoid labs w/ RT3 and checking your fasting A1c results with the thyroid labs should tell your doctor you are storing your T4 and need a different pattern of thyroid supplementation as a temporary treatment option.

[blsdnsvd]

Thanks for the response. ??, what is the purpose of a Reverse T3 and what does it indicate? My A1C results are always increase for Diabetes ranging from 5.8-6.2, my last result (dec) was 6.2....(<5.7 is normal). Haven't had any testing for Vit B because last check was normal however my Vit B12 is always low range.I am messed in in lots of areas and now have to visit a Rheumatoligst (as I mentioned in a recent post) due to testing positive for a autoimmune issue.

[stella5349]

Consistantly your T4 hormone is climbing and the T3 test still hovers at a low point on the reference range. My feeling would be for you to request a reverse T3 test in combo with the TSH, Free T4 and Free T3. Also in conjunction getting those labs, I'd request the A1c, Vit B as a start point.

You look like the T4 is not releasing and storing the bio-active T3 instead of this releasing to relieve your condition. Selenium plays a big role in thyroid stability. I can't say for sure if starting it could balance you out. It won't hurt you to try but you would have to be faithful by taking it everyday for quite a while to see results.