Aa
Low T3
In October my TSH (2.55; norm= 0.4-4.5) and T4 (7.6; norm=4.5-12.5) were normal, but my T3 was low at 71 (Normal= 97-219 ng/dL).
Tomorrow I'm going for a retest and I am asking that the free T3 and free T4 tests be done. If my free T3 is still low, would it be better to take Cytomel along with my Levoxyl (100 mcg); or should I try Armour, even though I know my ins. will not cover it? I've been on Levoxyl for about 10 years, after finding my TSH was mildly elevated on a screening. I'm still always colder than everyone else, but have no other hypo symptoms; well, maybe a few more aches and pains, more muscle tightness (due to age? I'm 53).
I read another post here that mentioned that inadequate consumption of carbohydrates can affect liver function and the conversion of T4 to T3. My liver function tests were all normal. But when I look at my diet, it is probably low in carbs. I drink a lot of milk and eat a lot of nuts and vegetables, but I don't really eat many carbs and I eat very little meat. I've always been concerned about getting enough protein, calcium and vitamins, but never worried about carbs.
With normal liver function test results, could my low-carb diet still be hindering the T4-to-T3 conversion? I guess the only other thing that's changed in the past year is that I've been taking horse chestnut supplements which are supposed to improve circulation, as I've got chronic venous insufficiency (diagnosed) causing my left foot, and sometimes my fingers (Reynauds?) to turn bluish. In summer I seemed to be losing more hair, but not lately. (Hormones?) My hair and skin have always been very dry, despite my drinking coffee, milk, water and tea all day long. Other than that I'm very active and healthy.
(As I type this it's 71 degrees in the room, I've got a warm-mist vaporizer running, I'm wearing sweat pants, socks, an undershirt, a long-sleeved T-shirt and a sweater; and my feet are cold, LOL! That's after two glasses of wine--I know I should limit it to only one. And I'm always the only one freezing in yoga class or in aerobics with the fans going. Perimenopausal for the last 5 years, but still not quite done, although it seems the hot flashes ended in June. I wouldn't have minded if they had kicked in again with the cold weather.)
Tomorrow I'm going for a retest and I am asking that the free T3 and free T4 tests be done. If my free T3 is still low, would it be better to take Cytomel along with my Levoxyl (100 mcg); or should I try Armour, even though I know my ins. will not cover it? I've been on Levoxyl for about 10 years, after finding my TSH was mildly elevated on a screening. I'm still always colder than everyone else, but have no other hypo symptoms; well, maybe a few more aches and pains, more muscle tightness (due to age? I'm 53).
I read another post here that mentioned that inadequate consumption of carbohydrates can affect liver function and the conversion of T4 to T3. My liver function tests were all normal. But when I look at my diet, it is probably low in carbs. I drink a lot of milk and eat a lot of nuts and vegetables, but I don't really eat many carbs and I eat very little meat. I've always been concerned about getting enough protein, calcium and vitamins, but never worried about carbs.
With normal liver function test results, could my low-carb diet still be hindering the T4-to-T3 conversion? I guess the only other thing that's changed in the past year is that I've been taking horse chestnut supplements which are supposed to improve circulation, as I've got chronic venous insufficiency (diagnosed) causing my left foot, and sometimes my fingers (Reynauds?) to turn bluish. In summer I seemed to be losing more hair, but not lately. (Hormones?) My hair and skin have always been very dry, despite my drinking coffee, milk, water and tea all day long. Other than that I'm very active and healthy.
(As I type this it's 71 degrees in the room, I've got a warm-mist vaporizer running, I'm wearing sweat pants, socks, an undershirt, a long-sleeved T-shirt and a sweater; and my feet are cold, LOL! That's after two glasses of wine--I know I should limit it to only one. And I'm always the only one freezing in yoga class or in aerobics with the fans going. Perimenopausal for the last 5 years, but still not quite done, although it seems the hot flashes ended in June. I wouldn't have minded if they had kicked in again with the cold weather.)
Hi Jean....what is your doctor saying about your Free T3 level being low?
Yes you can add Cytomel to your levoxyl....you don't have to go on a Armour type of medicine. Your TSH has a little room for improvement as well. Most patients feel better if it is kept under 2.0, unless you have Hashimoto's, then you want it to be supressed to a .50-1.0.
I know what you mean about being cold....I live in Florida and wear socks to bed when I go slightly hypo even! lol
Let us know when you get tomorrow's results.
Yes you can add Cytomel to your levoxyl....you don't have to go on a Armour type of medicine. Your TSH has a little room for improvement as well. Most patients feel better if it is kept under 2.0, unless you have Hashimoto's, then you want it to be supressed to a .50-1.0.
I know what you mean about being cold....I live in Florida and wear socks to bed when I go slightly hypo even! lol
Let us know when you get tomorrow's results.
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