Test results on Armour-please help

[underinformed35]

I went in for a three month blood test after switching to Armour. I am on 180mgs. We started lower but raised it and now have been on this dose for two months. My blood test results were tsh 0.05 (range .3-30) t3 34( range 24-39) and t4 1.88 (0.93-1.71). So my tsh was low on Synthroid also but t4 was normal. This is the first time I have tested for t3. It looks like I am hyper now based on this but I feel really good (better than I have felt in a long time)so doctor said that we can leave it at this dose. Is that safe?? Please help!

[thelma201]

Listen to Gimel!! He's so right. I'm having a terrible time. I've been Hashi/Hypo for more than 3 years, and on synthetic T4. I finally got my FT3 checked in Sept. It's below the range at 2.2.....lowest in range for this lab is 2.3. It does sound as though you're doing well on the type and dosage you are taking now...not having symptoms is a good thing :).my point is that my FT4 is 1.1..considered within normal range, so you see the FT4 doesn't show what is going on with FT3.

[gimel]

Yes, many doctors resist testing for FT3.  Their rationale is that if they know what the T4 levels is then they know that T3 is comparable--no need to test.  But this isn't the case when a patient's body does not convert T4 to T3 very well, or when on a med with T3 in it.  So why not just test?    Beats me.

Nest time I would insist. Before giving blood for the test, I always ask what is to be tested.  If it isn't FT3 and FT4, then I take the lab request and go back to see the doctor's nurse and l point out the mistake and don't go back to lab until it is like I want.  It's crazy that it requires so much effort to get it done, but it is worthwhile.

[underinformed35]

Yes, I have read about that with the Armour and I am not sure if I ever got the old Armour or not. Right now they are both very hard to find! I have about three months left of Armour and then maybe I will try to switch if I can find any!
I tell my doctor all the time to test my ft3. He tests my ft4 but not ft3 for some reason!!
Thank you !

[gimel]

Two thoughts for you.  First, you should make sure that you get tested for free T3 and free T4, not total T3 and total T4.  The totals are somewhat obsolete and don't really show what you want to know.  You really want to know the levels of the actual, biologically active thyroid hormones, which are FT3 and FT4.  Along with this you should want your doctor to test and adjust your levels of FT3 and FT4 with whatever medication is required to alleviate symptoms, without worrying about TSH. The second thought is that some members here have reported some dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of Armour since the change in formulation, and have switched to Nature-throid.  

[underinformed35]

I am thinking that was total t3 and not free t3. I am not sure why he won't test my free t3. I do feel better so I think you are right. He just said that if I start having any hyper symptoms to call him. It seems like the longer I am on the Armour the less effective it is becoming. I am starting to get constipation again. It was nice while it lasted to have a normal system!!

[gimel]

Having your TSH suppressed like that is not uncommon when you are taking thyroid meds, especially at your dosage.  A TSH below the range does not make you hyper.  Only hyper symptoms make you hyper.  From your description it sounds more like you have hit the "sweet spot" with your meds and dosage and are now Euthyroid, which is what we all strive to do.  Be glad that you have a doctor that knows how to interpret TSH results and did not automatically lower your dose.  

By the way was that total T3 or free T3?  Couldn't be sure from the ref. range.