Thyroid and Cytomel

[kclmegan]

Hi,

This is my first post and I hope you can help me figure this out.  I am a 34 yr. old mother of 4 kids.  I need some energy.  I am was on .88 T4 with .44 the next day and 5 of T3 every day.  

My last labs on 11-18-11
0.91 -TSH
0.092 -FT4
2.70 -FT3

Still very hypo in symptoms. Gaining weight steadily.  I had 1/2 thyroid removed almost 4 yrs ago.  Before surgery I always had a TSH of 0.6, so anything over 1.0 is killer for me.  I am tired of the mood swings and cold and grumpiness.  I want to go back to happy again.  Help!  I am now on .88 t4 everyday with 5 t3...still blah!  Another test on 12-21-11.  Any thoughts?

[kclmegan]

FT4 is 0.91 (0.61-1.12).  I think I will see what the results are on the 21st and see if we can up the cytomel.  Is there any good books I can read or article I can show the doctor?

Thanks.

[Barb135]

Hmmm, I can't help but think the nurse told you the FT4 incorrectly, then.  The range for the FT4 is odd, also; most ranges will go at least up to 1.6 or 1.8.  Please do repost results, with reference ranges, when you get the actual lab report.

Yes, rule of thumb is upper 1/3 of range for FT3 and mid range for FT4, but end result will be wherever you feel most comfortable.

[kclmegan]

The FT4 is what the nurse said.  I know it sounds really low.  I thought the same thing.  I will post when the results come in the mail.  I believe the ranges are FT3 (2.5-3.9), FT4 (.61-1.12).

I am hoping that my new doctor will be willing to listen.  You want it to be in the top 1/3 for T3 and midrange for T4, right?

[Barb135]

Please check the result on the FT4 you posted; was that really 0.092 or should it have been 0.92?  

Also please post the reference ranges for the FT3 and FT4, since these vary from lab to lab and must come from you own report.

Sounds like you could benefit from an increase in medication and if the ranges for your FT3 and FT4 are like those we normally see, you have plenty of room to go up.  

TSH is a pituitary hormone and should not be used to determine dosage, as it's often suppressed when one is on thyroid medication, particularly a T3 med.