Holistic Practitioner

[holisticgirl]

I had my thyroid radiated 12 years ago for Graves.  Have done well on 120 mg of Armour during this whole time.  Now I have heart palps on this dose, but when I bump down to 105 mg I feel very hypo.  Have I developed an immune response to the natural thyroid and if so what do I do?

[holisticgirl]

Just what I was thinking!  Thanks!  That is exactly the issue with the T3 being higher now.  I had just read somewhere that Graves patients could develop autoimmune response to Armour.  Will also have my ferritin checked.  Will post labs tomorrow evening when I go to the office.

[goolarra]

To answer your direct question:  no, we do not build antibodies or tolerance to thyroid meds.  Most of T3 comes from conversion of T4 to T3.  This is a metabolic process, not a thyroid process, and can be affected by any number of factors, including vitamin/mineral imbalances, general health, age, stress, trauma (just to name a few).  

It would be great if you posted your actual FT3, FT4 and TSH (with reference ranges).  If your FT3 is really high, you might ask your doctor about lowering your Armour a bit and adding a little synthetic T4 to get a better FT3/FT4 balance.    

[holisticgirl]

I have been taking the 120 mg of armour for 12 years.  It has worked great until now.  My labs have always been on the higher side of normal for both T3 and T4.  Now my T3 is much higher than my T4 and I am wondering if a Graves patient can build up antibodies to the nautural thyroid.  Will look into the ferritin issue.  I am already using a beta blocker and hate taking them because I like to do all natural if possible.  Thanks!

[gimel]

Have you been tested for ferritin?  Following quote is the reason I ask.

"Low ferritin can cause negative reaction like palpitations, nervousness, and anxiety in someone starting thyroid hormone replacement.  Someone described it like being shot out of a cannon.  It is therefore imperative that ferritin not be at the bottom of the range before starting thyroid hormone medication."

[FTB4]

Try and ask your MD for a Beta Blocker, they are a BP med, but work well for heart Palps. Why don't you post your most recent labs including reference ranges provided with each level. Then members can see where you are in regards to thyroid and advise.   Best Regards FTB4