Blood results Free T3 and TSH

[vlprint]

Hi there,

I have HT and have been having symtoms of anxiety, depression, vertigo and fatigue.  

My last thyroid blood test was on 5/9/08 and read:

T3, Free 419 pg/dL                        (230-420)normal range
T4, Free, Non-Dialysis  1.02 ng/dL  (0.8-1.8) normal range
TSH 1.52 uIU/mL                           (0.40-4.50) normal range

I take 1 (one)  60 mg. armour thyroid plus 1/4 of a 15 mg. armour thyroid at same time every day in A.M.  (8:30)

My endo wants to increase my dose to 60 mg. armour plus 1/2 of a 15 mg. due to my fatigue.  I am hesitant.

Can the above symptoms be the cause of too much medication of armour?  Also if this was the cause,  how long before these symptoms subside?

I await your answer patiently.  thank you.

Vicki

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

There is no evidence to suggest that "fine tuning" will help with the labs already so normal.  Anxiety can be worsened by Armour (the high T3 content).

[manveer]

I would be most grateful if you could please help me to interpret my recent results:

TSH  1.45
Total T4  1.8
Free T3  306

I am a 37 year old type 1 diabetic (27 yrs.) female with hypothyroidism (5 yrs), and I am on an alternating doseage of synthroid-100mcg one day, 112mcg the next. However, I have gained 7 lbs in my lower abdominal region recently (over course of 3 mns), as well as having gone from 21 to 27% body fat, despite the fact that I lead an EXCEPTIONALLY healthy lifestyle! I exercise twice a day six days a week (1.5 hrs/day), doing high impact aerobics, as well as anaerobic activity. In addition I tightly control my blood sugar levels (HbA1c 4.5, and test 11-12 times/day) with a high fibre low fat, low salt, no soda diet. I drink eight glasses of water a day. My lifestyle is exactly the same, but my weight rapidly increased from 110-117lbs (5" tall) in a short space of time! I am extremely upset by this, but my doctor sees nothing wrong with my recent T3 results. I realise that it is technically within range, but wouldn't it be more optimal at a high-normal reading? I also suffer from coldness, tiredness, and body pains throughout. Please help...

Manveer Steinmeyer

[1jitterbug]

It might help if you split your dose  IE: 60mg in the AM & 1/4 of the 15mg. @ approx 2pm or a more even dose if it can be worked out. That way you'll have a steady amount in your body throughout the day.  It also helps with the side effects of Armour.

Best.
TJ