Latest lab results, how to get FT3 higher?

[jokkejens]

Hello,
I was discovered hypo without myself knowing, basically 2 years ago.
Now, finally, my lab results are within spec, on 150 mg levaxin that I take every morning.
It seems that FT4 is high, and FT3 low. I read that as not taking more levaxin, but I would love to feel better by trying to get a higher FT3 level. Next step will be to check for Hashi's, then my vitamins,adrenals, blood sugar, try to switch to natural dessicated, etc..Its a long way with this disease. I hate it...
Any tip where to start in increasing FT3 level, by medicine or natural, and what dose and medicine I should try first?
Lab results, have included the initial tests:

                    TSH        FreeT3      FreeT4     Medication
Normal range (0,4-4,4)       (3,1-6,3)     (12-22)

Date
sep.08               25          3,9  13      None
oct. 08              30          3,6  11      None
jan.09               10          4    17      50mg  Levaxin
aug.10               1,3         3,7  21      150mg Levaxin

My symptoms are: General tiredness, Brain fog for 4 hrs after lunch @ 14-18 hrs later in the day, dizzyness from moving objects, like car driving, watching children on a swing etc, I have not gained weight, rather lost weight. Male, 38 yrs old.
Any help is appeciated.

[Barb135]

With your FT3 as low as it is, you should be fine experimenting with the cytomel on holiday.  Since T3 meds tend to get into your system, work relatively quickly and are gone within a few hours, you might initially, feel a bit "buzzed" and could get a slight headache, but that's common when changing/increasing/adding med, so if you give your body a chance to get used to it, you should only feel better on cytomel.  However, do make sure that you stop or reduce the dosage if you get severe hyper symptoms, such as rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, etc.

I'm on 100 mcg Tirosint (T4) and 5 mcg generic T3.  I take my Tirosint when I get up at 3:30 am, then take my T3 med in one dose about 7:00 am.  That keeps me going through the day.  Just starting out, I'd agree with goolarra that you should take 1/2 the tablet in the morning and the other 1/2 later in the day, but don't recommend that you take it after about 2:00-3:00 as it might not have time wear off in time for bed.  Again, that will depend on your personal schedule.

[jokkejens]

Thanks for reply, I will follow your advice, and try to get Cytomel 5mcg, that I will split in two. I am going on holiday, can I experiment with this during that time, or can I expect initial problems related to adding T3 when FT3 is low?

[goolarra]

Your FT4 is close to the top of the range, so I think you're absolutely right...you shouldn't increase your T4 meds.  I'd try adding a direct source of T3 (Cytomel).  As a first step, I'd lower T4 meds to 125 mcg and add in 5 mcg Cytomel split into two doses, one first thing in the morning and one later in the day (you'll have to play with timing to see what works best for you and your lifestyle schedule).  Give it a few weeks and have labs retested and reevaluate at that point.

It's a good idea to be tested for Hashi's...both TPOab and TGab should be tested as some of us are positive for one, some the other, and some both.