Aa
meds
I had hyperthyroidism 11 years ago, had radiation to inactivate the thyroid. I had been taking levothyroxine for 10 years. Recently I've switched to armour... on it my tsh is gradually increasing (up to 10) but my t4 is .7 (which its stayed there since october) and the free t3 is 3.6 (3.0 in october) My Dr (gp) wants to switch me back to levothyroxine which I am not sure about. If I don't have a thyroid does the tsh really mean anything? I mean the pituitary gland is telling virtually a dead organ to function and put out what?! Any input would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Yes, adding T4 (thyroxine) to desiccated is an option.
If adrenals (cortisol) are off, it can be almost impossible to adjust thyroid meds. However, that typically manifests as feeling hypo at one dose, raising it slightly, then feeling hyper, i.e. the "comfort range" shrinks. It can't hurt to be sure, though. You should request a 24-hour saliva test for cortisol. You provide four saliva samples at four designated times during the day, which furnishes more information that a one-time sample or any test that "averages" over the day.
If adrenals (cortisol) are off, it can be almost impossible to adjust thyroid meds. However, that typically manifests as feeling hypo at one dose, raising it slightly, then feeling hyper, i.e. the "comfort range" shrinks. It can't hurt to be sure, though. You should request a 24-hour saliva test for cortisol. You provide four saliva samples at four designated times during the day, which furnishes more information that a one-time sample or any test that "averages" over the day.
Hmm. Didn't know that was an option. Is that the thyroxine? I'm so pooped by 2 pm. I have a cold right now(that I can't kick for 2 weeks now) but still I'm crabby n tired. I am also considering cortisol testing. Any thoughts?
Thanks. So, your FT4 is barely in range, right on the floor. FT3, on the other hand, is at 65% of range, which is in the upper half, almost to the upper third. This is not at all an odd profile for someone taking desiccated. Because of the high T3 content in desiccated, it can be hard to get FT4 up where it should be without getting FT3 too high.
However, with FT4 that low, there is very little there to convert at times of peak demand.
Have you considered adding just a little syntheticT4 to your desiccated to raise your FT4 a little without raising your FT3 too much?
However, with FT4 that low, there is very little there to convert at times of peak demand.
Have you considered adding just a little syntheticT4 to your desiccated to raise your FT4 a little without raising your FT3 too much?
Oh I gotcha!
T4 free. 0.7 (0.7-1.9)
Free t3 3.0 (1.7-3.7)
These were taken on 12/8/14
T4 free. 0.7 (0.7-1.9)
Free t3 3.0 (1.7-3.7)
These were taken on 12/8/14
You're right, if you have to tell your doctor to order FT3 and FT4, he probably also does not know how to interpret them. It's a sign that he isn't a very good thyroid doctor.
I need to see the reference range from your current lab report for FT3 and FT4. Reference range is the "normal" range listed on your report. These vary lab to lab, so when you post results, you have to post ranges, too, so we can see where you fall in the range. A good way to do that is:
Test Result (Range)
For example:
FT4 0.7 (0.8-1.8)
I agree with dgmootry...T3 is very fast acting, so if you take your whole dose at once, you are apt to have an initial "high" soon after taking it and then a "low" later in the day. Most people take about half the dose when they get up in the morning. The second half can be taken late morning or early afternoon. You can experiment with what time works best for you. Most people tend to avoid taking it after about 3:00 pm so that sleep isn't affected.
I need to see the reference range from your current lab report for FT3 and FT4. Reference range is the "normal" range listed on your report. These vary lab to lab, so when you post results, you have to post ranges, too, so we can see where you fall in the range. A good way to do that is:
Test Result (Range)
For example:
FT4 0.7 (0.8-1.8)
I agree with dgmootry...T3 is very fast acting, so if you take your whole dose at once, you are apt to have an initial "high" soon after taking it and then a "low" later in the day. Most people take about half the dose when they get up in the morning. The second half can be taken late morning or early afternoon. You can experiment with what time works best for you. Most people tend to avoid taking it after about 3:00 pm so that sleep isn't affected.
I am taking the armour 2x a day. Does this really make a difference? Vs taking it all in one dose? I'm constantly forgetting to take it.
I was also on Armour now on Naturethroid almost same thing, anyways I used to take the Armour all at once but with the high t3 in it, it was way to much, and then by the end of the day I was so tired, so splitting it really helps. Also when you get labs done, make sure you don't take your meds before having labs done, i always try and have labs done early in the morning, otherwise you'll get a very high ft3. I know trying to remember to take this important little pill is hard i'm finally doing it, Make it a priority, it might be small but it is so important,
I am taking the armour 2x a day. Does this really make a difference? Vs taking it all in one dose? I'm constantly forgetting to take it.
The fact that I had to ask for the t4 and t3 testing leads me to believe he doesn't quite know the ins n outs of thyroid. And wants to blame my classic symptoms on other things. My t3 t4 references before October are nonexistent besides what I had when I was seeing a specialist years ago.
There's no reason your GP can't treat you as long as s/he is willing to order the correct tests on a regular basis and understands that just being in reference range isn't good enough for most people. We all have our own little range we have to be in.
What are the reference ranges on your FT3 and FT4?
What are the reference ranges on your FT3 and FT4?
See, thats the thing with having a gp (not at all bashing gp's) handle these labs. I haven't had the T3/T4 checked since I was seeing a specialist back 9-10 years ago... Until lately I thought what I was feeling was "normal" and then I started getting a little proactive and doing research. Better late than never? Anyway, I don't have much to compare it to... Maybe its time to return to the specialist..
I'm living proof that high TSH can be misleading as well. Due to pituitary resistance to thyroid hormone, my TSH hovers around 20.0 all the time. If TSH is consistent with FT3 and FT4 levels, then it's okay to use it. If it's not, then TSH is the one to throw out.
Hello,
I actually think that TSH can be a useful indicator (if it is high), but if is low or normal then it is not useful, particularly in persons on thyroid meds.
High TSH means you don't have enough thyroid hormone. What is the reference range for the Ft3 and FT4. Both should be mid range or higher.
I suspect that instead of switching you back to levothyroxine, you maybe could do with an increase in the armour.
For me, with thyroxine the lights came back on. With dessicated thyroid, finally the world had colour again.
I actually think that TSH can be a useful indicator (if it is high), but if is low or normal then it is not useful, particularly in persons on thyroid meds.
High TSH means you don't have enough thyroid hormone. What is the reference range for the Ft3 and FT4. Both should be mid range or higher.
I suspect that instead of switching you back to levothyroxine, you maybe could do with an increase in the armour.
For me, with thyroxine the lights came back on. With dessicated thyroid, finally the world had colour again.
What are the reference ranges on your FT3 and FT4?
Whether you have a thyroid or not, and whether it's functionally dead or not, TSH is the least important of the tests. As you say, TSH is a pituitary hormone, influenced by many factors other than thyroid hormone levels. FT3 and FT4 are much more direct measures of thyroid status.
Whether you have a thyroid or not, and whether it's functionally dead or not, TSH is the least important of the tests. As you say, TSH is a pituitary hormone, influenced by many factors other than thyroid hormone levels. FT3 and FT4 are much more direct measures of thyroid status.
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