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My tsh level is 0.30(L)
My TSH level came back on a recent blood test as 0.30(L) and for some reason my Dr. lowered my meds from 150mcg to 137mcg. Why did he do this. Now I am having all kinds of issues. My Free T4 is 1.21 and T3, total is .95. Should I see a specialist.
Sorry you are going through this. I hope your followup labs bring some answers and/or you are able to find a better-suited doctor. It's so hard when this happens. I know, -- been there, too.
C~
C~
Yes.....I found an old sign on from 2010. That is how long this has been going on.
I have a follow up tomorrow at my Dr. since he lowered it. Looks like I will be looking for a new Dr. Thanks again
I have a follow up tomorrow at my Dr. since he lowered it. Looks like I will be looking for a new Dr. Thanks again
Are you the same person as radio9999?
No, Armour is not "crap". Many doctors are just prejudiced against it and believe that everyone should do well on synthetics, which is not true.
T4 only therapy (Synthroid, Levoxyl and generics) is the first approach of many doctors. It has many advantages, and is probably the easiest, cheapest and keeps hormone levels most consistent of the therapies.
However, many people do not convert T4 to T3 well. When that's the case, they have to add a direct source of T3 to their meds. This can be done with synthetics (Cytomel and generics) or desiccated (Armour, et al). The advantage to synthetics is that T3 and T4 can be manipulated separately for a "custom" fit.
Some people still do not do as well as they do on desiccated. For others, the high T3 content in Armour is too much. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and we all have to find the one that works best for us.
When someone is on T4 only, like you, my advice is to get your FT4 to midrange (1.35 on your range) or to where you are symptom free, whichever comes first. If you're at midrange, or a little above, it can be worthwhile to give it a little time. I found that FT3 kept rising even after FT4 levels were stable. If you still have symptoms, it would then be worthwhile to take a good look at FT3 to see if you might benefit by adding some to your regimen.
No, Armour is not "crap". Many doctors are just prejudiced against it and believe that everyone should do well on synthetics, which is not true.
T4 only therapy (Synthroid, Levoxyl and generics) is the first approach of many doctors. It has many advantages, and is probably the easiest, cheapest and keeps hormone levels most consistent of the therapies.
However, many people do not convert T4 to T3 well. When that's the case, they have to add a direct source of T3 to their meds. This can be done with synthetics (Cytomel and generics) or desiccated (Armour, et al). The advantage to synthetics is that T3 and T4 can be manipulated separately for a "custom" fit.
Some people still do not do as well as they do on desiccated. For others, the high T3 content in Armour is too much. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and we all have to find the one that works best for us.
When someone is on T4 only, like you, my advice is to get your FT4 to midrange (1.35 on your range) or to where you are symptom free, whichever comes first. If you're at midrange, or a little above, it can be worthwhile to give it a little time. I found that FT3 kept rising even after FT4 levels were stable. If you still have symptoms, it would then be worthwhile to take a good look at FT3 to see if you might benefit by adding some to your regimen.
I really liked the answers you have given me. So can I get your opinion on the Armour thyroid medication please. My Dr. said this "it is crap"
Once on thyroid meds, TSH often becomes unrealiable. Your FT4 is still lower than midrange, and your TT3 (ask for FT3 next time) is considerably below the upper half of range recommended. However, what's most important is that you felt well on 150 mcg, and you don't now. Regardless of your TSH level, if you don't feel hyper (overmedicated), then you're not. Your FT4 and TT3 levels clearly back you up...they're nowhere near hyper territory. I'd ask the doctor to go back to 150 mcg.
I was feeling fine on the 150mcg. I have been on the new dose for about a month. The range for FT4 is 0.9-1.8 and 0.6-1.8 for the TT3
Thanks for responding.
Thanks for responding.
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