Finally hit my optimal dose

[Rachel2033]

My recent labs show I'm now at my optimal dose. Doctor says he's recheck in 6 months. I'm on 90mg of Armour
TSH 0.010 (0.36-3.74)
FT3 4.0 (2.18-3.98)
FT4 1.0 (0.76-1.46)

Previous labs (60 mg Armour)
TSH 0.06 (0.36-3.74)
FT3 3.0 (2.18-3.98)
FT4 0.9 (0.76-1.46)

How long till my hair stops falling out, I start losing weight, and everything else goes back to normal? He called with my results but I'm still debating on seeing him this Thursday to discuss possible vitamin deficiencies that may be causing other symptoms.  

[Red_Star]

I need T4 above mid range. I found that out the hard way! Results from the study (mentioned as #26)...

Thyroid hormones directly alter human hair follicle functions: anagen prolongation and stimulation of both hair matrix keratinocyte proliferation and hair pigmentation. - J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Nov;93(11):4381-8. doi: 10.1210/jc.2008-0283. Epub 2008 Aug 26.

"RESULTS:
Studying microdissected, organ-cultured normal human scalp HFs, we show here that T4 up-regulates the proliferation of hair matrix keratinocytes, whereas their apoptosis is down-regulated by T3 and T4. T4 also prolongs the duration of the hair growth phase (anagen) in vitro, possibly due to the down-regulation of TGF-beta2, the key anagen-inhibitory growth factor. Because we show here that human HFs transcribe deiodinase genes (D2 and D3), they may be capable of converting T4 to T3. Intrafollicular immunoreactivity for the recognized thyroid hormone-responsive keratins cytokeratin (CK) 6 and CK14 is significantly modulated by T3 and T4 (CK6 is enhanced, CK14 down-regulated). Both T3 and T4 also significantly stimulate intrafollicular melanin synthesis.

CONCLUSIONS:
Thus, we present the first evidence that human HFs are direct targets of thyroid hormones and demonstrate that T3 and/or T4 modulate multiple hair biology parameters, ranging from HF cycling to pigmentation."

[Rachel2033]

Thank you, Red Star! So I'd still be able to stay on Armour if they add T4?
When my husband's T3 was over range he was losing weight even though he wasn't exercising. Me on the other hand, I'm still maintaining at the same weight. I fluctuate by only ounces.
Going back to the T4, I thought T3 is what makes you symptomatic and T4 doesn't really matter if it's low or high? Just trying to figure all this out. LOL

[Red_Star]

I found this from Tired Thyroid's article "Reverse T3: Side Effects of T3-only (or why you need T4 too)."...

"Hair needs T4, because it lengthens the hair growth phase. [26]  My Free T3 has been below range, mid-range, and over-range, but my hair was still not right at any of those levels. Only since adding T4 to get my Free T4 above mid-range (and lowering my desiccated dose) has both my hair texture and volume improved. It should be noted that hair loss is a symptom of both too much and too little thyroid."

[Rachel2033]

I currently take: magnesium, Vit D3, and a super B complex vitamin. I haven't been very consistent in taking these ever since I decided to take them in the pm rather than in the am to prevent them from hindering the absorption of my T3 med.

[Rachel2033]

Thank you for responding! I had my Vit D tested last year, curious where it's at now since I've been taking Vit D3. Ferritin is the other one that's on my list.
What's the smallest dose of T4 they can give me and would they have to decrease my T3 in the process?

These are the others I'd want them to check. Let me know if there are others or which ones to remove. Thank you in advance.
Cortisol
DHEA
Ferritin
Vit D
B12
Magnesium
Selenium

[gimel]

Tested recently for Vitamin D and ferritin?  

Your Free T3 is certainly adequate.  Your Free T4 may be a bit too low for optimal effect on your hair.  Might ask for a small dose of T4 to be added.