Do I need an Increase?

[40mills]

I am on Armour Thyroid 90mg., my lab test showed a TSH of 0.09 BUT...my Free t3  is 244-(230-420 range)
Thyroxine free direct-1.10 (0.8-1.8 range)

My symptoms of low thyroid persist..constipation (must use laxatives) very dry scaly skin problems, fatigue, gaining weight using exercise and low carb. eating., neuropathy in feet (not diabetic).

I think my free levels are way too low. I feel best when my levels are at least at the middle of their ranges.
What is your opinion?  Thank You for your time

[chel 81]

I had the same problem as you- low TSH, mid t4, and low t3. For me it happens to be that I don't convert the t4 in the armour over to t3 but it's enough to suppress my TSH. I started adding cytomel to get the needed t3 and started lowering my armour (I make a lot of reverse t3 from the t4 instead of useable t3). At first it was not fun adjusting from the natural armour to a synthetic but I'm so glad I stuck it out for those few months and I am finally seeing some relief after suffering for over a year. Like stella pointed out try seeing if your doc will run a reverse t3 test b/c the t4 in the armour may just be converting to reverse t3 which would account for your low free t3 level. If that's the case try adding some cytomel alongside your armour or try decreasing a little at a time on the armour and replacing it with cytomel (approx 25 mcg cytomel equals 1 grain of armour).

[stella5349]

It sounds like your T3 is pooling and not being used correctly.

Your TSH is your pitutary responding to the meds and talking to the thyroid - so the FREE T3 is really the source of becoming optimized on your med.

I would try a supplement of seleium - small dose to see if that releases.

Run a reverse FT3 blood test too.

How do you feel at the 0.09?

Last / I was - 0.04 with no hyper - but my T3 was high (can't remember right now - but it is in my thyroid tracker)

As long as my FT3 is up there - i feel much better.

[Siemone]

Hello,

Im facing the similar problem.

I have checked my T3, T4 and TSH and my reports are normal.
I 'm taking the Electroxin 100 mg. But my thyroid symptos still persists.
1. Constipation (MUST to use Laxatives)
2. Very very dry skin.
3. Thinned hair.

In this forum I have been advised to check mt Free-T3 and Free-T4.

Plese let me also know if you got the remedy on this.

My forum link is:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/553858

Please do reply!