Questions about being hypo and on Armour

[chloesmoma]

Hello,
I was diagnosed a few years ago, can not take synthroid so I have been on Armour for a few years but still feel terrible. My recent test results are as follows:
tsh 1.08
t3 reverse 28 (11-32)
t3 uptake 34 (22-35%)
t4 total 6.3 (4.5-12.0)
free t4 index 2.1 (1.4-3.8)

I have been having hot flashes, sweating, trouble falling asleep, brain fog, can not loose weight infact gaining

Can anyone offer some advise

[gimel]

Because T3 is so much faster acting than T4, I personally believe it is a good idea to split the dose and take half in the morning and half in mid-afternoon.  As for taking it before or after meals, the only rationale that I am aware of is that taking the meds before eating helps absorption.  To me, if you are absorbing a little less, then your labs will reflect that and you can just adjust dosage slightly, as needed.  At any rate, convenience is important for me, and as long as you do it consistently, I think that is the key.

As for the inconsistency in the article you read, that really doesn't make any sense to me.  I can't come up with any rationale for the different timing, before or after meals.  

[chloesmoma]

Thank you for you advise..I will have those ran today. (I work for a dr) My other question is to chew or not to chew...I have read online that some suggest chewing the armour for better absorption. They also suggest to cut the dose in half and take half in the am and half in the pm 20 minutes after meals...The same article said if you take it one time daily to take it before meals....Why the difference?

[gimel]

This is a link to an article about Reverse T3 dominance.  I think you will find it helpful in understanding your results.  Please proceed with the Free T3, Free T4, and Reverse T3 tests and post results and reference ranges shown on the lab report, as I suggested.  

http://www.custommedicine.com.au/health-articles/reverse-t3-dominance/

[chloesmoma]

I am 41...I am on 1.5 grain of armour daily. I do take bio identical hormones and am on a wellness plan with Dzugan method.

[gimel]

My first piece of advice would be to stop getting tested for FT4 I, T4 Total, and T3 Uptake.  Those  tests are somewhat outdated and not nearly as useful as tests for the biologically active thyroid hormones, which are Free T3 and Free T4.  FT3 is the most important to know because it largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.  Scientific studies have shown that FT3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while FT4 and TSH correlated very poorly.  So you really need to know your Free T3 level.

The Reverse T3 test is very useful, especially when combined with FT3 to determine the ratio of FT3 to RT3.  If the body is converting excessive amounts of T4 to RT3, instead of T3, then that will result in hypo symptoms.

So I suggest that you should request testing for Free T3, Free T4, and Reverse T3, along with TSH that they always run.  If the doctor resists then you should insist on those tests and don't take no for an answer.  When results are available, if you will post results and their reference ranges, members will be glad to help interpret and advise further.  

I noticed that you are female, but did not provide your age.  Is it possible that some of your symptoms could be related to your gender and age?