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Lab confusion - What to do
Past/current labs Oct 2014/Feb 2015_ 162 Synthroid. Began Lyothyronin T3 Dec 22, 2014, 6mcg for 3 weeks, then increased to 12 mcg 3 weeks, then stop taking. So, I haven't taken any T3 Feb 2015, didn't want to go hyper, before lab results. .
TSH - 3.23 > .058 ((.34-5.6)
FT3 - 2.89 > 2.59 (2.5-3.9)
FT4 - 1.08 > 1.01 (.57-1.64)
Oct 2014, I felt fine. Pcp states T3 slightly low, prescrbed T3 25 mcg. I split the pills. Once I began T3, didn't notice any difference, a few day's later, my energy didn't deplete as fast, I was fully alert upon waking, energy levels solid 8 - 12 hrs opposed to depleting after 4 - 6 hrs.
My TSH took a nosedive and FT3 decreased, but I don't feel any different. Very strange. Since starting T3, I didn't have any hyper symptoms at all.
As of right now, I don't know what to do from here. I see my pcp on monday. Should I decrease Synthroid to 150/5 mcg T3, or 162 Synthroid/2.5 mcg T3. Actually, I'm going to ask for 5mcg tabs to split easily.
According to my labs, the lower my TSH, the better I feel. Doesn't seem T3 levels affects anything at all, cept when my T3 elevates above 3.2 then I have hyper symptoms.
Thanx for feedback
TSH - 3.23 > .058 ((.34-5.6)
FT3 - 2.89 > 2.59 (2.5-3.9)
FT4 - 1.08 > 1.01 (.57-1.64)
Oct 2014, I felt fine. Pcp states T3 slightly low, prescrbed T3 25 mcg. I split the pills. Once I began T3, didn't notice any difference, a few day's later, my energy didn't deplete as fast, I was fully alert upon waking, energy levels solid 8 - 12 hrs opposed to depleting after 4 - 6 hrs.
My TSH took a nosedive and FT3 decreased, but I don't feel any different. Very strange. Since starting T3, I didn't have any hyper symptoms at all.
As of right now, I don't know what to do from here. I see my pcp on monday. Should I decrease Synthroid to 150/5 mcg T3, or 162 Synthroid/2.5 mcg T3. Actually, I'm going to ask for 5mcg tabs to split easily.
According to my labs, the lower my TSH, the better I feel. Doesn't seem T3 levels affects anything at all, cept when my T3 elevates above 3.2 then I have hyper symptoms.
Thanx for feedback
Well, since you were taking 162 mcg T4 and 12.5 mcg T3 with no hyper symptoms, why not leave T4 where it is and start with 2-2.5 mcg doses of T3? If that's not enough, you can always move up to 7.5...back to pulverizing those little pills! LOL However, since you tolerated 12.5 well for quite some time, I wouldn't expect you to have any problem with 5 at all.
Glad you're feeling better...
Glad you're feeling better...
Thanx for feedback. Thanx G, yeah I was put on IV antibiotic drip for 2 hrs. Infection started in my face, spread through out my body. Taking Amox antibiotic, for 10 day's. Had high fever, sweating, weak, wasn't thinking clearly, etc....
Getting ready to see my pcp at noon. Yes, I was taking 12.5 mcg, prior to stopping. Appears my body prefers low T3, according to previous labs, you and I had discussion in the past G, pertaining to some preferring low T3,. .
But a slight dose of T3, 6 mcg gave my system a slight boost first few weeks. Didn't feel any different on 12.5 mcg. No hyper symptoms, should have continued. First time taking T3, better safe then regret taking to much going hyper.
Last time I was hyper, approx 2 yrs ago, symptoms were horrid !!!! My nerves were working overtime, muscle pains, insomnia, etc.....
So, will talk to pcp about starting 5 mcg or 10 mcg dose, stick with dose till next labs. Yeah, really sux trying to split 25 mcg 4 way, pills end up falling apart into crumbs. Have no idea, why? he started at 25 mcg opposed to 5 or 10 mcg.
Getting ready to see my pcp at noon. Yes, I was taking 12.5 mcg, prior to stopping. Appears my body prefers low T3, according to previous labs, you and I had discussion in the past G, pertaining to some preferring low T3,. .
But a slight dose of T3, 6 mcg gave my system a slight boost first few weeks. Didn't feel any different on 12.5 mcg. No hyper symptoms, should have continued. First time taking T3, better safe then regret taking to much going hyper.
Last time I was hyper, approx 2 yrs ago, symptoms were horrid !!!! My nerves were working overtime, muscle pains, insomnia, etc.....
So, will talk to pcp about starting 5 mcg or 10 mcg dose, stick with dose till next labs. Yeah, really sux trying to split 25 mcg 4 way, pills end up falling apart into crumbs. Have no idea, why? he started at 25 mcg opposed to 5 or 10 mcg.
Hi, AJ. I hope you started popping antibiotics yesterday and are feeling much better today.
I agree with the above poster that you stopped your T3 meds long enough before the blood draw that the results were not reflective of the meds, i.e. the FT3 result is basically unmedicated. T3 is out of your system in a matter of just a couple of days. So, that explains that, but not why your previous symptoms haven't returned. You could be experiencing a lag, but I doubt it.
Next time around, just hold off on your morning dose of T3 until after the blood is drawn. That will give you a result that's comparable to other results we're used to seeing.
So, what to do now? I agree with you...get some 5 mcg tablets. They're much easier to deal with.
So, before you stopped taking T3, you were taking 12.5 mcg (split) of T3 with no hyper symptoms? Is that correct?
I agree with the above poster that you stopped your T3 meds long enough before the blood draw that the results were not reflective of the meds, i.e. the FT3 result is basically unmedicated. T3 is out of your system in a matter of just a couple of days. So, that explains that, but not why your previous symptoms haven't returned. You could be experiencing a lag, but I doubt it.
Next time around, just hold off on your morning dose of T3 until after the blood is drawn. That will give you a result that's comparable to other results we're used to seeing.
So, what to do now? I agree with you...get some 5 mcg tablets. They're much easier to deal with.
So, before you stopped taking T3, you were taking 12.5 mcg (split) of T3 with no hyper symptoms? Is that correct?
Hope you feel better soon after your adventure in the ER!
First comment is that your labs were within range both times. The slight change in Free T3 from 2.89 to 2.59, which is still in range, is not greatly significant--I wouldn't worry. Levels can fluctuate day to day within a small margin. As for the synthetic T3 you were prescribed, why do you stop taking it prior to having your labs drawn? Synthetic T3 doesn't linger around in your system very long after you stop dosing (Synthroid stays around longer), so that might explain the small, insignificant change in your Free T3 result. Continuing on your dose up to and through the lab date might give you a more accurate Free T3 result.
Next is your TSH. Going down to 0.58 from 3.23 is what I would expect if you are taking 0.162 Synthroid and some dose of Synthetic T3. These meds are supplementing the natural that your thyroid is producing. As a result, your pituitary which signals the thyroid to produce T4, does not secrete as much TSH because you are supplementing with the meds. So being at 0.58 for TSH is fine--unless you are now having hyperthyroid symptoms, then your Synthroid need to be lowered, and something adjusted with the Synthetic T3. This is a discussion for you and your doctor.
So, just looking at your latest labs, you should be OK (on paper). It then becomes a matter of symptoms, e.g. are you now having hyper issue.
Hope this helps
First comment is that your labs were within range both times. The slight change in Free T3 from 2.89 to 2.59, which is still in range, is not greatly significant--I wouldn't worry. Levels can fluctuate day to day within a small margin. As for the synthetic T3 you were prescribed, why do you stop taking it prior to having your labs drawn? Synthetic T3 doesn't linger around in your system very long after you stop dosing (Synthroid stays around longer), so that might explain the small, insignificant change in your Free T3 result. Continuing on your dose up to and through the lab date might give you a more accurate Free T3 result.
Next is your TSH. Going down to 0.58 from 3.23 is what I would expect if you are taking 0.162 Synthroid and some dose of Synthetic T3. These meds are supplementing the natural that your thyroid is producing. As a result, your pituitary which signals the thyroid to produce T4, does not secrete as much TSH because you are supplementing with the meds. So being at 0.58 for TSH is fine--unless you are now having hyperthyroid symptoms, then your Synthroid need to be lowered, and something adjusted with the Synthetic T3. This is a discussion for you and your doctor.
So, just looking at your latest labs, you should be OK (on paper). It then becomes a matter of symptoms, e.g. are you now having hyper issue.
Hope this helps
Hi G, thanx. Just got back from ER. I have a sinus infection and tooth abcess, that spread through out my body.
Alright, I'll try to clarify. Prior to T3 I felt normal, only my energy depleted after a few hrs of use (physical activity),. If I lounged around all day, I wasn't tired at all.
Once I began T3, I felt more energized, alert up on waking, opposed to groggy, also noticed my endurance/stamina increased during physical activity.
When I went in for labs, I felt perfectly fine. Once I recieved lab results I was like huh ? Cause my TSH and FT3 decreased. Didn't expect. Thought FT3 would be higher.
After I stop taking T3 this month prior to labs, I still feel the same, not hypo, nor hyper. I don't have any symptoms, energy levels still the same. Reason I am confused pertaining to recent labs. Maybe symptoms are lagging, I don't know.
When I began T3 my FT3 was 2.89, figured additional T3 would increase, last time I was hyper approx 2 yrs ago, my FT3 was 3.5 Didn't want to go there. Didn't think taking T3, my FT3 would go backwards. Make sense.
Since my FT3 was 2.89 when I began T3, I took T3 for several weeks, then wait for labs, to make sure I'm not heading hyper.
According to my labs, TSH at .058 heading hyper. So, this tells me if I continued taking T3, I would have eventually went hyper, according to TSH.
Reason, I increased to 12mcg is cause the pills are tiny and very difficult to split into 4 pieces. Thanx to ding dong doc, that prescribed me 25 mcg, although I request 5 mcg.
Just trying to make sense of my labs, so when I see pcp, asking for 5 mcg, split twice a day.
Just strange to me, my FT3 would go backwards, taking addiftional T3. I have no idea how T3 works.
Alright, I'll try to clarify. Prior to T3 I felt normal, only my energy depleted after a few hrs of use (physical activity),. If I lounged around all day, I wasn't tired at all.
Once I began T3, I felt more energized, alert up on waking, opposed to groggy, also noticed my endurance/stamina increased during physical activity.
When I went in for labs, I felt perfectly fine. Once I recieved lab results I was like huh ? Cause my TSH and FT3 decreased. Didn't expect. Thought FT3 would be higher.
After I stop taking T3 this month prior to labs, I still feel the same, not hypo, nor hyper. I don't have any symptoms, energy levels still the same. Reason I am confused pertaining to recent labs. Maybe symptoms are lagging, I don't know.
When I began T3 my FT3 was 2.89, figured additional T3 would increase, last time I was hyper approx 2 yrs ago, my FT3 was 3.5 Didn't want to go there. Didn't think taking T3, my FT3 would go backwards. Make sense.
Since my FT3 was 2.89 when I began T3, I took T3 for several weeks, then wait for labs, to make sure I'm not heading hyper.
According to my labs, TSH at .058 heading hyper. So, this tells me if I continued taking T3, I would have eventually went hyper, according to TSH.
Reason, I increased to 12mcg is cause the pills are tiny and very difficult to split into 4 pieces. Thanx to ding dong doc, that prescribed me 25 mcg, although I request 5 mcg.
Just trying to make sense of my labs, so when I see pcp, asking for 5 mcg, split twice a day.
Just strange to me, my FT3 would go backwards, taking addiftional T3. I have no idea how T3 works.
Sorry to keep asking so many questions, but I don't totally understand:
"..my energy didn't deplete as fast, I was fully alert upon waking, energy levels solid 8 - 12 hrs opposed to depleting after 4 - 6 hrs.
My TSH took a nosedive and FT3 decreased, but I don't feel any different."
So, it sounds like you did feel better when taking the T3??? Then you go on to say your TSH went down and so did your FT3, but you didn't feel any different. Do you mean you still had the energy after you discontinued the T3?
Sorry to hear you're not feeling well...
"..my energy didn't deplete as fast, I was fully alert upon waking, energy levels solid 8 - 12 hrs opposed to depleting after 4 - 6 hrs.
My TSH took a nosedive and FT3 decreased, but I don't feel any different."
So, it sounds like you did feel better when taking the T3??? Then you go on to say your TSH went down and so did your FT3, but you didn't feel any different. Do you mean you still had the energy after you discontinued the T3?
Sorry to hear you're not feeling well...
Entire right side of my face is throbbing ! sinus infection. Ear/teeth pain. Ugh ! Not feelin well at all. So, not thinkink clearly. Sorry.
Yes, first numbers are Oct lab, 2nd is Feb thursday last week.
162 Synthroid since Oct 2014,. Began Lyothyronin T3 Dec 22, 2014, 6mcg for 3 weeks, then increased to 12 mcg 3 weeks, then stop taking. So, I haven't taken any T3 Feb 2015,.
No never took 25 mcg, I split the pill 4 way. First time taking T3 didn't want to go hyper. Pcp should have work'd dose upwards, not backwards.
After TT 2 yrs ago, my FT3 was 3.2 or higher, thyroid tracker. I was hyper. Has nothing to do with present labs. Just sayin don't want to go hyper.
162 Synthroid since Oct 2014,. Began Lyothyronin T3 Dec 22, 2014, 6mcg for 3 weeks, then increased to 12 mcg 3 weeks, then stop taking. So, I haven't taken any T3 Feb 2015,.
No never took 25 mcg, I split the pill 4 way. First time taking T3 didn't want to go hyper. Pcp should have work'd dose upwards, not backwards.
After TT 2 yrs ago, my FT3 was 3.2 or higher, thyroid tracker. I was hyper. Has nothing to do with present labs. Just sayin don't want to go hyper.
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I'm not sure I understand your labs... Are the first numbers labs for Oct 2014? and the second ones for Feb 2015? with ranges in parenthesis? Did you have labs drawn in Dec 2014?
How long before the Feb 2015 labs did you not take any T3?
Can you be more specific about the exact med(s) you were taking when each of the labs were drawn?
I'm sorry to ask so many questions, but I'm quite confused... probably nothing out of the ordinary... lol
You split the pills, so you never did take the full 25 mcg at any time, is that correct? I don't understand why you stopped taking the med if you never had hyper symptoms.
I don't see an FT3 result for 3.2...
How long before the Feb 2015 labs did you not take any T3?
Can you be more specific about the exact med(s) you were taking when each of the labs were drawn?
I'm sorry to ask so many questions, but I'm quite confused... probably nothing out of the ordinary... lol
You split the pills, so you never did take the full 25 mcg at any time, is that correct? I don't understand why you stopped taking the med if you never had hyper symptoms.
I don't see an FT3 result for 3.2...
T3 meds can make your TSH take a nosedive. Basically, once that happens, you might as well prepare to ignore TSH and convince your doctor of the same!
Did you say your TSH took a nosedive and your FT3 DEcreased? On 25 mcg T3?
Did you say your TSH took a nosedive and your FT3 DEcreased? On 25 mcg T3?
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