T3 IS IMPROVED BUT NOW T4 IS LOW

[anajinn]

I have started taking desiccated thyroid. My T3 has improved and is now in range, as is my TSH. However, my T4 is now only 10 when, prior to using the desiccated thyroid to treat both the TSH and the low T3, it was 12. What is happening here and what should be done about it? I was taking 60 mcg desiccated thyroid, which I believe is equal to 100 mcg synthroid.

[goolarra]

I think a little T4 might be a good thing.  There might also be room in your numbers for a slight increase in dessicated, since your FT3 is only a little above midrange.  It depends on how your symptoms are now.  Since you know you don't convert well, you might need a further T3 boost to control symptoms???

[anajinn]

I should have said that the ranges are 0.38 - 5.5, 3.5 - 6.5 and 10.5 - 20 respectively. My TSH and T4 readings were always within range, but I have a lot of hypo symptoms, which is why I was started on a low dosage of synthroid. At that time, my doctor refused to test my T3. When I finally persuaded him to do so, it was low. Then, when the synthroid made no difference to T3 or the way I felt, I persuaded him to give me desiccated thyroid, with the result that the T3 improved but the T4 dropped.  It sounds like I may have to take a low dosages of synthroid as well. I have increased my desiccated thyroid but I suspect it will only raise the T3 levels. I won't be tested until June now.

[anajinn]

my TSH is 2.1, T3 free is 5.3 and T4 free is 10

[foreverlostmom]

Ok thank you for the information

[goolarra]

If you look at this:

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/category/naturethroid/

It says that 1 gr contains 38 mcg T4...pretty much a 75 mcg tablet cut in half (37.5 mcg).  If you don't want to cut back on the NT, I might try 25 to start, re-test after 4-5 weeks, see what your FT3 and FT4 levels are then, and decide from there. That's the more conservative approach.

[foreverlostmom]

Ok I understand what your saying now to figure that out I am on Naturethroid.