Targeting TSH, FT3 and FT4

[compnet]

Hello everyone.  I just wondered, how do doctors keep an eye on all three, TSH, FT3, FT4 with blood work and medicine?  Does for ex. just taking T4 medicine help balance all three to each person's target number for each?  It's hard for me to understand that.

Thank you.

[Smilerdeb]

Theres no FT3 there...only total T3.
I think maybe get the FT3 done when you see your Doc.

[compnet]

Here's my labwork:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Thyroid-Disorders/New-thyroid-labwork/show/1193153?personal_page_id=1012978&post_id=post_5461837

[Smilerdeb]

A T4 med converts to T3 usually (but not always the case and a separate T3 med is needed with the T4 med).
By going by your Free T4 and Free T3 levels, this is the way the Doctor can dose your T4 med.
Or in the case of Hyperthyroidism, anti-thyroids do the opposite.
They block the FT3 and FT4 so that the thyroid doesnt over-produce thyroid hormones.
You dont say if you have had antibody testing done or whether you was dx hyerthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
What were your last levels?
Post them here with the reference range and others can respond.

[gimel]

Cannot balance all three.  You take whichever type of meds are required to get FT3 and FT4 to desired level that will alleviate symptoms.  That results in a corresponding level of TSH, depending on your hypothalamus/pituitary response.  That is why I always say that the best way to treat a thyroid patient is to test and adjust FT3 and FT4 with whatever type of meds are necessary, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  

Frequently members report that enough medication to relieve symptoms results in TSH below the range limit.  Also frequently, doctors misinterpret this type result and say you have become hyper, and want to reduce your meds, even though you may still be having lingering hypo symptoms.