Thanks Barb, really appreciate the advice!
Alright... I think I got it - you stated your FT4 reference range for March 16 as 0.8-3.8, so I stated it accurately as 0.8-1.8...
I doubt your surgery had anything to do with the low FT3 level... Not all of us convert FT4 to the active FT3, adequately, so we have to add a source of T3 in order to bring FT3 levels up to where we need them.
I'm not suggesting that drop back to 37.5 mcg Synthroid and add a source of T3, at this point... I'm suggesting that with your doctor's okay, you hold steady at 50 mcg for a while and see if your FT3 tracks your FT4 up.
It takes 4-6 weeks for a dosage change of Synthroid (or other T4 medication) to reach its full potential and stabilize. It often takes FT3 much longer to track upwards.
Regarding the typo - the FT4 range was correctly stated at .08-1.8. There actually was no typo. Sheesh I'm on fire.
I'm actually in my mid 40s, and the surgery was elective cosmetic in a few areas.
I had such a bad reaction with the Armour - not recognizing I was over medicated because I felt so good until it hit the fan and kind of lost my bananas. So we started me at 12.5 Synthroid and have worked up over the past four months.
Are you suggesting drop back to 37.5 and add a small dose of T3 or see how the 50 goes and add?
Thanks
Okay, you mentioned a typo... please tell me what the typo is...
What did you have surgery on?
For those of us over 50, it's best to start at lower doses and work up slowly, but don't continue increasing Synthroid, because your FT4 is already at mid range, which is the recommended level for FT4.
Recommended level for FT3 is upper half of its range and you have quite a ways to go to get there. Small amounts of T3 will increase FT3 levels and help alleviate hypo symptoms.
Thanks for catching my typo FT4 is .08-3.8.
My doctor is open to adding T3 if needed. Another item, I had surgery three weeks before this draw and I've read that it can tank FT3 levels although it's unclear how long that effect lasts.
Considering I've just begun what's a normal starting dose for non cardio geriatrics, is it prudent to hang on with the Synthroid only for awhile and see how the FT3 moves?
There's a also good chance the palps and insomnia are related to extremely low estrogen caused by another med I was taking short term but have just continued.
Thanks
Please verify the reference ranges for the FT4, particularly the one on 3/16... should that be 0.8-3.8 or 0.8-1.8?
Heart palpitations and sleep issues can be a symptom of, either, over medication or under medication... judging from your results, it would seem that yours are from under medication. It's not usual for symptoms to worsen or for new ones to appear when changing dosages or meds. It may take a bit more than a week or two, because it could take longer than that for your FT3 to track your FT4 up...
You want your FT3 to end up in the upper half of its range and yours has quite a ways to go... you may end up having to add a separate source of T3 medication, in the form of cytomel or its generic counterpart, liothyronine. The good thing about synthetics over desiccated hormones is that the T4 and T3 dosages can be controlled, easier, individually.
Do you know if your doctor is willing to add a T3 med, if your FT3 doesn't track your FT4 up?
Part 2 question: since moving from 35.5 to 50 about a week ago, I've noticed mild palpitations and trouble falling/staying asleep. Is this unusual? Should I expect it to settle down in a week or two? I have loads of energy but after the over medicated debacle, I'm nervous.