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Labs and weight gain question

Hi
So I am 48 and have hash is on symthroid 100 mcg one day , 88 mcg the next.

My Tsh is 3.6 (0.4-4.50).  My free t4 is 1.5 (0.8-1.8). And my total t4 is 10.9 (4.9-10.5)

I do not have my t3 but I have always had no problem converting over the past 5 years.

Should I raise my dose to 100 every day instead of alternating?

Aren’t I close to high levels with a free t4 that is in the upper 80% percentile?

I feel ok but cannot lose weight.  
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Avatar universal
Your Free T4 is a bit higher than necessary, but okay.    For a good assessment you really need to know your Free T3 level.   Free T3 is like gasoline for your engine (your body).  Free T4 is like oil that has to be converted to gasoline before it can be used in your engine.  Free T4 is a prohormone that is available for conversion to Free T3.  

Of course everyone is different in their need for thyroid hormone; however, based on extensive personal experience and research, I would bet you a good cup of coffee that you will find your Free T3 to be in the lower part of its range, which is typically inadequate.  That would be a cause for low metabolism and difficulty losing weight.  In addition, hypothyroid patients are frequently deficient in Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin, so you  also need to get those tested and then supplemented as needed to optimize.  D should be at least 50 ng.mL, B12 in the upper part of its range, and ferritin should be at least 100.

As mentioned everyone is different in their need for and response to thyroid hormone.   You cannot judge your status based on lab tests, and especially not TSH.   A good thyroid doctor will medicate treat a hypothyroid patient as needed to relieve hypo symptoms, without going so far as to create hyper symptoms.  So before further discussion, please tell us which of these symptoms you have.

Fatigue
Increased sensitivity to cold  (temp. below 98.6 which is considered normal)
Constipation  ( have to use fiber or laxatives)
Dry skin (have to use moisturizer)
Weight gain/ difficulty losing weight  
Puffy face    
Hoarseness
Muscle weakness
Elevated blood cholesterol level
Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods
Thinning hair
Slowed heart rate
Depression
Impaired memory
Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
insomnia/sleep apnea (How many hours of sleep do you need daily?)
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