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1001981 tn?1293978481

Low FT3 levels and connection with adrenal or cortisol problems

Well I am on the path for answers.  Having received my ANTI TPO test back as normal  6 IU/ML,
other possibilities come to my mind.  Has anyone had any testing done with the adrenal functions areas
and can any of these situations cause an FT3 low level?  
Don't see endo till 10/7...................
15 Responses
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393685 tn?1425812522
You're welcome/
Helpful - 0
1001981 tn?1293978481
Thanks for explaining that............so glad to have some help here......this
endo world is confusing and so many opinions - it's reassuring to know  that
there are those that are out there that can share valuable info,
thanks again,
Carla
Helpful - 0
393685 tn?1425812522
Armour, Nature-throid - Westhroid are natural components from porcine USP thyroid powder. It has a ratio of thyroid hormones - somewhat higher than what the human body produces - but it carries all the hormones of the thyroid that rarely are talked about. T1-T2-T3-T4 and calatonin are all the natural hormones in this type of treatment for thyroid hormone balance.

Many find this type of treatment is beneficial to overall well being - but as with all meds - it needs to be followed carefully and understood with proper tests and adjustments.

Many say - that the need for the other hormones - T1 and T2 are not necessarily important. I can't say for sure - but I know many on synthetic T4 that take Cytomel  T3 are very happy with that too.
Helpful - 0
1001981 tn?1293978481
Please explain naturethroid to me and these other meds, I know what cytomel is,
and levothyroixine, synthroid and that's about it.  Thanks,
Carla
Helpful - 0
1001981 tn?1293978481
It sounds like you are pleased with your new PCP.  I would be interested to hear what
comes from your labwork.  I did order the magnesium and took one but it think I might
have upset my GI because it really acted like a purge with cramps.  Right now I take
extra time release B complex with C, B-12 sublingual , Vit K2 and D-3 from chirorpractor
chewable  2000IU's.  My original Vit D reading was 22 I have now increased it up to
41-45 range and working on getting it higher.  I also take liquid flexicose MSN, glucosamine, and chondroitin every morning, and a packet of multivitamins, with COQ10
Vit E 400iu's, calcium 1200 mgs, Magnesium 400mgs, and 1200 Vit. D it has other
mineral also.  I am trying my best to get better.  I am learning alot from the both of
you,,,,,,,,,,,,,,keep me informed of your lab progress this is very interesting........
best to you,
Carla
Helpful - 0
1001981 tn?1293978481
You know you are right----this fibro bag is a real catchall - apparently when I was
in a healthier state of mind and body and less stress free I had a lot less symptomology.
I hope this MD (endo that I will see next week the 10/7 is open minded.  He comes
highly recommended and also works alot with female hormones, etc.  I also have alot
of allergies like mold and ragweed and at times like right now, my breathing is off and
this tightens up my neck and back muscles.  I sort of borderline an asthmatic and
am sensitive to weather change.  Basically I am bottomed out and coming back up
from traumatic stress over the last 2 years.............thanks Carla
Helpful - 0
649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
I agree with Stella about the vitamins/minerals -- I started taking magnesium also and my joint/muscles aches/pains diminished considerably.  

Just last week, I had my first appt with a new pcp - unlike my former pcp, this doesn't believe that "there's nothing wrong with me"............I will be going this week for special blood work that tests for micronutrient levels and how/if the body uses them.  I've often wondered about that, since I already know that I'm deficient in b12 and D - what's to say there isn't something else I don't absorb properly also?  
Helpful - 0
393685 tn?1425812522
Hi Carla

There is a direct link to the "new" Dx of Fibro and hypothyroidism. Do you ever remember 20 years ago FIBRO even being something a doctor would say?

No - but hypothyroidism has been around forever and joint aches are a biggy with it.

I don't know why everything has to be so difficult with this disease. Proper tests - looking at the right tests correctly is key to dosing and what the patient needs.

I know of hundreds - including me -  that when T3 meds ( I take Naturethroid) was given the joint pain of the "fibro" was gone. I might be under fire here when I say this - but I don't believe Fibro is even a real disease. I believe it is a hormonal warning that something is going wrong. It's the body speaking up saying "fix me."

Stimulating - or converting - T4 into active T3 is exactly what many doctors believe will happen with a T4 synthetic drug is prescribed. For some it does - but what about the millions it doesn't due to not enough conversion happening - or none at all - or the body stores the T4 and doesn't release it?

What now? Live with it? - That's a hard thing to swollow for many ill hypothyroid patients.

Another odd thing you bring up is that you had your Free T3 tested - your were told it was low right? and your were given T4 Levo to see if conversion will up the FT3. It hasn't so why is the T3 meds now "controversial" in yiour doctors eye?

That's crazy guess work on the professional's side - in my eye's and you could  be managed so much better with someone who truly knows thyroid malfunction and recovery.

Keep in mind that magnesium is ignored alot when it comes to joint aches. I switched over from T4 meds to natural desiccated meds and also started magnesium supplementation at the same time. It took weeks, but I was over the apin of this symptom. I believe switching meds did good for me - but I can't help but think I needed the extra magnesium at that time too.

"Hypo's left too long ill - develop magnesium depletion."

T3/T4 combo meds are not magnesium enhanced to up that depletion - so simply taking it could help you too.

Studies on conversion from T4 meds needs to be in place more. Selenium - zinc - copper - iodine and essential vits like B-C K can help T4 meds convert appropriately too - not just by T3 adding in either.

Helpful - 0
393685 tn?1425812522
Hello -

due to Hashimoto - with it being autoimmune - your hormone levels sway - up and down - hyper to hypo and that makes it very difficult to manage with medication - until the Hashi's settle down. You will always have the autoimmune antibodies - and the trick is to suppress them enough to manage your hypothyroidism. I agree with Barb on having the meds. Eventually the Hashi's will attack enough to deplete thyroid function permantly and meds will be needed to keep you at your best. Now if your meds have not helped you then it could be because of a few things.

1- the T4 meds alone are not keeping thyroid function correctly

2- Your Hashi's is unmanageable at this time - due to the attackes and you need to suppress them to get leveled out.

Holistic practioners have a solid belief that T3 ( active T3) is the only way to manage hypothyroidism. In my opinion - that is only half the truth. We have many other hormones that need to balance out. Thyroid hormones T1 T2 T3 and T4 are a big part of managing the illness. This is why you find many non-traditional doctors precribing a natural desiccated thyroid medication. Yours on the other hand - it seems - has that belief that T3 meds will help you. I agree, but yet the T4 Synthroid needs to have balance too - for the others. I believe that is why your TSH rose so high when you were dropped on the T4 meds. Here's another thing with the kelp. I just can't support kelp being a great supplement. Personally I found it disasterous for me. Whay so un controlled and unable to dose regularly, But - potassium iodide/iodine worked well for me - Much easier to manage and track with a loading test. Now - you have Hashi's and I must say for your doctor to openly suggest iodine supplementation without the warnings was wrong. Actually iodine can be harmful to Hashi's and testing is so important when on iodine w/Hashis

Red flag went up there for me.

I carry Hashi antibodies - but actually my Dx was Graves - so I am a firm believer on what's really attacking you is the way your supplementation needs to be done.

I don't understand - your doctor prescribed Cytomel and only tested your TSH and T4? That makes no sense at all.

Where is the TPOab reading for the Hashi's?



Helpful - 0
1001981 tn?1293978481
Hi -  yes I was on 50MCGS of levothyroxine - the 2nd MD pulled me off of it because
my hands were shaking....I was only on it for 2/1/2 weeks when he pulled me off of it.
I did feel more enery and was starting to feel stronger.  He said that ths TSH and FT4
could handle it all , and the other Md's idea of stimulating the FT4 to stimulate FT3
was a negative.  I asked about cytomel and was told that this was a controversial
treatment and I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.  It seems to me that alot of us
are getting this dx.  All that was suggested was to put me on another antidepressant.
I never figured that this was going to be such a hard thing to deal with.  Apparently
I never felt bad until my FT3 went down below normal. Amazing isn't it that these
symptons coincide with these levels?
Helpful - 0
231441 tn?1333892766
Hi,

sounds like you definitely need your thyroid meds.  Work with the alternative practictioner for optimising your health, but this will not get you off the meds - as it seems your thyroid is not working and you will be seriously jeapardising your health if you don't take them.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I was told to contact you, I am trying to get off my thryoid meds after 6 yrs. I am on synthroid and have never felt good on it. DOesn't take away any of the symtoms just the lab numbers are good.  SO I started working with a holistic chiropractor who was helping me.  He had me taking my pills only half of what i would normally take.  Oh I also take Cytomel that I insisited on getting after about a yr on synthroid only and that is the only reason i am sane or sort of sane today. My numbers were all in the normal range my tsh was always below 1. 2 or above i felt crappy. BUt after a little over a month i had my blood tested and my tsh was 90! and my free t4 0.5.  So I increased my dose and dr. wnted me to try kelp.  I have hashi,and barb on here said that beucase of the hasi i would never be able to get off the meds Do u agree?
Helpful - 0
393685 tn?1425812522
hmmmm. stress is directly related to adrenals..... but stress with adrenals can weaken the thyroid and lower T3 is suppose too.

are you taking thyroid meds?
Helpful - 0
1001981 tn?1293978481
Hi - yes my FT3 levels are low  first one in July 200   - ref range 230-420, and the
last 2 were 2.1, one of these was just done this week all come back low on the
lab test flagged..........Had been very stressed for the past 2 years - hostile battling
divorce and a surgery in April 09 that 's when I crashed out with a 200 FT3 level.
Have TSH 1.28 and FT4 1.6  I am not overweight and eat a fairly good diet, with
lots of good vit D-3 supplement and B-12 sublingual and extra B complex multi
with calcium and magnesium, etc.  Saliva testing is something I have not done.....
any help you give me would be appreciated........
Helpful - 0
393685 tn?1425812522
I am not sure if it's totally related to getting a low FT3 level, but the adrenals - when weak - will play havoc on the thyroid , in general - totally.

How do you know the FT3 is low? Did you have thyroid tests?

When the adrenals are low - or functioning slow - they are one of the main sources of life within the body- The pitutiary is another. If the adrenals are low - testing should be done to determine the weakness of them. It's difficult for someone with adrenal fatigue to get help. More often than not - only someone with Addisions or Cushings - which is extremely bad adrenals get help.

People with "mild" adrenal fatigue usually get the same things back - as a subclinical thyroid patient gets. And that is

You're stressed.... overworked.... fat..... lazy and your diets bad... and they too get sent on their way without no help.

Would you consider saliva testing to see if your adrenals are tired?
Helpful - 0
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