FT3 not improving??

[Klax79]

I know Hashi's usually don't convert well, mine is really not improving much. My symptoms r not that bad yet, coz I caught this problem early. Crazy weight gain & poor recovery after workouts are the main concerns. The nagging pain at my elbow was gone once I started the meds.

Jul'14
FT4 - 13.38 (9.0-19.0)
FT3 - 3.58 (2.63-5.7)
TSH - 6.59 (0.35-4.94)
-> On 5mcg Cytomel + 50mcg T4 in the morning

Sep'14
FT4 - 14.90 (9.0-19.0)
FT3 - 3.60 (2.63-5.7)
TSH - 2.14 (0.35-4.94)

Doc seems pretty happy with the ratio. I agreed that my FT4 is in the good range now but FT3 still quite ****** (it technically didn't "budge" at all). She's maintaining the T4 dosage & I managed to convince her to up the T3 (she prescribed 7.5mcg).

Looking at the results, my body's not converting any more FT3 with the increase in FT4. Is splitting Cytomel dosage the only way? I've never really asked abt NDT meds coz she wasn't really keen during my 1st visit. Any other possible reasons for the poor conversion? I'm already taking 200mcg Selenium & doc seems surprised that this is not even helping.

[Klax79]

Been on the split dose for the past 6-8wks. So it really baffled both my Endo and I that the FT3 dipped so drastically this time round (all time low).

With Duramine, it's hard to gauge my energy levels. I don't take it on weekends, and I tend to feel sleepy even after 10hrs of sleep when I'm just lazing ard at home. My hair fall rate seems to be picking up too.

[gimel]

How long have you been on that dose, and splitting the dose?  How are you feeling?

[Klax79]

Hi Gimel,

Tried splitting the T3 dose, 5mcg AM & 5mcg noon. My current results dumbfounded my Endo coz she just don't understand where all my T3 went. LOL

Jan'15
FT4 : 15.45 (9.0 - 19)
FT3 : 3.06   (2.63 - 5.7)
TSH : 2.627 (0.35 - 4.94)

For now, she's increasing my T4 to 75mcg & T3 at 10mcg daily, which I'm not sure if its addressing the right problem. I myself am surprised that the results got worse this round, my FT3 is at the LOWEST of all time.

My naturopath doc suspects my gut is not functioning well, so she's getting me to do a GI health panel.

[Klax79]

Thanks gimel. I'll try to split the dose and see if helps.

[gimel]

The usual recommendation is to fast before the blood draw.  Also, I frequently read that symptom relief typically requires Free T3 in the upper part of its range, and when you have not taken the med before blood draw.  Your practice of  taking all your meds in the morning really stretched out the time without meds before blood draw, and would lead to lower than expected Free T3 levels.   For best results and for purposes of comparison to levels that seem to work for many people, I suggest that you split your dose and take half in the morning and half in the afternoon.  Then skip your morning dose before blood draw.

[Klax79]

Hi Bearika!

Since my Endo started me on Duramine from Sep onwards, the weight gain has stopped. Fatigue wise it's pretty much the same, not much difference since Sep, but definitely better than back in March when I was diagnosed with Hashi's. I still can't recover fast enough after exercise, & it takes considerable effort just to finish my workout. I used to do weight training for Strongman, so I'm now tapping into my mental endurance just to finish an hour of yoga.

And my cycle has not kicked back in since Jan. My symptoms are probably considered mild compared to other members in this forum. Should I be less greedy? LOL