Please post the reference ranges for the FT3 and FT4. Ranges vary lab to lab and have to come from your own report.
It's typical to start at a low dose of thyroxine, so your doctor did well there. It takes 4-6 weeks for the medication to reach full potential in your blood, then, it may take longer for your symptoms to be alleviated, since your body has to have time to "get well". Then your dosage may have to be increased again and each time it is, there's a waiting period before that dosage takes effect.
Unfortunately, very little with thyroid goes quickly, so patience is a virtue. It is possible, though, that you may see subtle changes, along the way. For instance, within a couple weeks of beginning my thyroid hormones, I noticed that I no longer had the huge bags under my eyes -- I hadn't even known those were thyroid related, but they were and they were suddenly gone!
The Anti-Thyroglobulin Abs (TgAb) and Anti-Peroxidase Abs (TPOab) are the basis for a diagnosis of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Is that what the endocrinologist diagnosed? With Hashimoto's, the antibodies eventually destroy the thyroid until it produces no hormones at all. That's what many of us on the forum have.
There's really no need to change diet, except you might want to look into the goitrogen foods. You can google that for a complete list. Those foods inhibit thyroid function and include broccoli, cabbage and other cruciferous veggies, strawberries, peanuts, and particularly soy. The goitrogenic properties are removed when the foods are cooked and their health benefits may far outweigh their detriment, so they probably aren't a huge concern... just something to be aware and separated from thyroid medication.
Some people may also tell you that you can cure Hashimoto's by going gluten and/or dairy free. There's no scientific evidence to back this up, so there's no need to go this route, unless you have a specific allergy to either gluten or dairy.
A healthy diet centered on fresh whole unprocessed foods is best for all of us.
Hi Barb,
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to me - that's really valuable information and much appreciated!
Here are results with the reference ranges:
TSH 8.9 mIU/L (0.5-4.0)
Anti-Thyroglobulin Abs (Centaur) 203 U/ml - (<41)
Anti-Thyroidal Peroxidase Abs 93 U/ml - (<61)
FT4 16 pmol/L pmok/L (10-20)
FT3 4.9 pmol/L (3.5-6.0)
The specialist didn't mention Hashimoto's, surprisingly. She diagnosed sub-clinical hypothyroidism and made an appointment for our follow up to examine my bloods in October.
I've gained 15 ks in over a year before starting the thyroxine this week and I'm wondering how much of that is related to the thyroid! I hope to lose some weight now, as I'm fairly active and go to the gym regularly.
I will research the food list you mentioned, thank you!!
Hi there,
I wonder would anyone have any input of my results from testing results as of today?
TSH: 4.1 mIU/L (0.5 - 4.0)
FT4: 16 pmol/L (10-20)
FT3: 4.4 pmol/L (3.5 - 6.0)
The other standout from my results is the iron.
Here are the results:
Iron: 9 (10-30)
T'ferrin 29 (32-48)
Ferritin 55 (15-165)
"Low iron and transferrin indicate iron deficiency or sequestration in inflammatory state. Normal ferrotin favours this and suggests iron deficiency is unlikely."
Any light-shedding would be most appreciated!
Thank you
Are you still on the same 50 mcg Thyroxine? When, exactly, did you start the med?
Your FT4 has come up nicely, to 60% of its range. Unfortunately, your FT3 doesn't seem to be following suit, as it's only at 36% of the range. Rule of thumb (where most of us seem to feel best) is for FT4 to be at about 50% of the range and FT3 to be in the upper half to upper third of its range.
It appears that you might not be converting the FT4 to FT3 adequately, but it often takes FT3 a while to track FT4 up.
Your actual iron level is very low normal, even though your ferritin is not bad. From my research, I understand that low iron can effect conversion of the storage hormone FT4 to the usable FT3. You might try supplementing iron and see if that has an impact on the way you feel. Be sure to get one that says it's non-constipating.
Studies also show that selenium supplementation has an impact on FT4 to FT3 conversion. I take 200 mcg/day.
Be aware that all vitamin/minerals, particularly those with calcium, should be taken at least 4 hours away from thyroid hormones as they can interfere with absorption of thyroid hormones.
Thank you so much. Somehow I didn't get a notification that you had replied - my apologies for the delay responding. I'm meeting the doctor this morning and will ask questions re above. Much appreciated, thanks again.
And yes, still on thyroxine 50mg as at 12 Aug :)
There's been a problem with daily updates and very few if any are getting them, so you'll have to keep checking back to see if anyone has commented.
Will look forward to hearing how your appointment with the doctor goes.
Hi Barb,
Really appreciate your input here! So I saw the endo registrar this morning and she doesn't want to increase my dose from 50 - saying she feels my levels are ok. I did mention the FT3 - but she just seemed disinterested in my queries.
However, I had another blood which has just come back - and this one included the Thyroid Autoimmunity checks:
Anti TG Ab: 10.3* IU/mL (<4.5)
Anti TPO Ab: 11.5* IU/mL (<5.5)
Being twice the normal range, I'm a little concerned, although not altogether sure if there is anything I can do. My specialist says I don't need to see her again for 6 months.
I will look into the selenium and iron issues, too.
Thanks again!
I don't know if this is still an active thread - but I'm looking into LDN as a option for the hashimotos. Would you have any opinion on this?
Thank you!
You've attached to an old thread and Dani251 is no longer active on the forum. Additionally, STTM is a competing site and links are not allowed...