Aa
Low T4 , normal T3 and normal TSH
For about 2 years I have been taking cytomel for Low T3, the stats are in
the middle normal range, lately in the past 4 or 5 months the T4 started
to get low, from 1.0 to 0.9 and now 0.8 flagged low on the lab.
I see my endo next week to discuss my neck and nerve problems that
seem alot worse since my T4 has dropped. The nurse sometimes that
happens when you take cytomel, but I need to feel better. Can't drop
weight even though I powerwalk 3 x week and do other exercises.
My TSH was 2.98. All supposed to be in right range. Anyone have
any ideas? thanks,
C
the middle normal range, lately in the past 4 or 5 months the T4 started
to get low, from 1.0 to 0.9 and now 0.8 flagged low on the lab.
I see my endo next week to discuss my neck and nerve problems that
seem alot worse since my T4 has dropped. The nurse sometimes that
happens when you take cytomel, but I need to feel better. Can't drop
weight even though I powerwalk 3 x week and do other exercises.
My TSH was 2.98. All supposed to be in right range. Anyone have
any ideas? thanks,
C
I agree with you and next Wednesday I am going to ask him about
getting some T4 meds. I made up a sympton list for him and it only
makes sense that the FT4 is falling slowly and it will just make me
feel worse. I have the supplements on hand and will show him those
also. I am ready for the whole works. If one doesn't speak up - then
you will suffer. thanks for your support I'll let you know what happens
after next Wednesday. I hope you are doing fairly well with all the
"stuff" on your menu,
thanks much,
carla
COMMUNITY LEADER
Antibody tests from 2009 are no longer relevant, since you may have developed antibodies since then. In addition, you need to have BOTH antibody tests for Hashimoto's. As I said before, some people only have one or the other, while others have both. You were only tested for TPOab, which means you could still have Hashimoto's if you have the Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGab).
Yes, it's an aggravation trying to get the proper testing done. Many doctors don't want to test T3 at all, and some who will, only ask for Total, which is not the same as Free. Total T3 measures ALL of the T3 in your blood - that includes the portion bound by protein and unusable, as well as that which is "free" for immediate use.
Tests for Total T3 and Total T4 are both considered obsolete and of little value.
At any rate, your T3 is low in the range; therefore, we would guess that your Free T3 is also low in the range. With your FT4 actually below range, I'd suggest that you add a source of T4 medication to raise your FT4, in hopes that you will convert enough to increase your FT3 levels, as well.
Yes, it's an aggravation trying to get the proper testing done. Many doctors don't want to test T3 at all, and some who will, only ask for Total, which is not the same as Free. Total T3 measures ALL of the T3 in your blood - that includes the portion bound by protein and unusable, as well as that which is "free" for immediate use.
Tests for Total T3 and Total T4 are both considered obsolete and of little value.
At any rate, your T3 is low in the range; therefore, we would guess that your Free T3 is also low in the range. With your FT4 actually below range, I'd suggest that you add a source of T4 medication to raise your FT4, in hopes that you will convert enough to increase your FT3 levels, as well.
According to this lab test T4 FREE has been tested.
It says T3 total not T3 Free, 80-200ng/dl
Apparently these tests are a great source of aggrevation -
Had a test for antithyroid Peroxidase AB in 2009.
ANTI TPO = 6 IU/ML
that was it on the scale CR = 34 iu/ml antibody detected.
I hope this is helpful
thanks,
Carla
It says T3 total not T3 Free, 80-200ng/dl
Apparently these tests are a great source of aggrevation -
Had a test for antithyroid Peroxidase AB in 2009.
ANTI TPO = 6 IU/ML
that was it on the scale CR = 34 iu/ml antibody detected.
I hope this is helpful
thanks,
Carla
COMMUNITY LEADER
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
Ask to have your thyroid antibodies tested. You need to have Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGab) tested to determine Hashimoto's. It *does* take both tests, so don't let your doctor test one and not the other. Some people have only TPOab, some have only TGab, some have both; therefore, testing for only one of the antibodies will not definitively rule out Hashimoto's.
Even if you were tested before, and didn't have antibodies, you could have developed them. The way your thyroid function is diminishing slowly, would be indicative of the destruction by Hashimoto's.
Ask to have your thyroid antibodies tested. You need to have Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGab) tested to determine Hashimoto's. It *does* take both tests, so don't let your doctor test one and not the other. Some people have only TPOab, some have only TGab, some have both; therefore, testing for only one of the antibodies will not definitively rule out Hashimoto's.
Even if you were tested before, and didn't have antibodies, you could have developed them. The way your thyroid function is diminishing slowly, would be indicative of the destruction by Hashimoto's.
Also I want to make sure that you are in fact getting FREE T3 and FREE T4 tests. Your initial thread and subsequent only refers to T3 and T4.
Usually unless specifically noted as FREE, the labs would be for TOTAL. And Total T3 and Total T4 are outdated tests that are of little value.
AACE stands for American Academy of Clinical Endocrinologists.
Usually unless specifically noted as FREE, the labs would be for TOTAL. And Total T3 and Total T4 are outdated tests that are of little value.
AACE stands for American Academy of Clinical Endocrinologists.
Hi thanks for replying...How are you doing? As far as I know I don't
have Hashimoto's. I am bringing up the supplements to my endo and
showing him. I thought the same thing that a small amount of T4 may
help. I will ask him about the AACE - exactly what does that stand for?
I can't afford to be feeling this way - I have a challenged 25 yr old son
to take care of and had a bad divorce which did not help my T3. It
started out as 2.0 and 2.1 and felt really bad. It came up to 3.5 and 3.7
after about a year and I felt much better. It's something how the thyroid
stats change and constant supervision is needed. It seems like we still
are paid attention to like we should be. I always try to stay on top of it.
have Hashimoto's. I am bringing up the supplements to my endo and
showing him. I thought the same thing that a small amount of T4 may
help. I will ask him about the AACE - exactly what does that stand for?
I can't afford to be feeling this way - I have a challenged 25 yr old son
to take care of and had a bad divorce which did not help my T3. It
started out as 2.0 and 2.1 and felt really bad. It came up to 3.5 and 3.7
after about a year and I felt much better. It's something how the thyroid
stats change and constant supervision is needed. It seems like we still
are paid attention to like we should be. I always try to stay on top of it.
COMMUNITY LEADER
At 2.98, your TSH is "borderline" high, according to the "new" range of 0.3-3.0 recommended by AACE, so I'd guess your lab is using an old range, or your doctor is just thinking that "in range" is good enough. In my opinion, you are obviously hypo.
It appears that you need to add a dose of T4 medication (start low and increase slowly), with your cytomel in order to bring up your FT4 level. It would be hoped that by adding a T4 med, you would convert some of it to T3, which would, hopefully, in turn, bring up your FT3. If your FT3 doesn't increase adequately after adding a sufficient amount of T4 med (synthroid, generic levo, Tirosint, etc), then you would most likely need to add a bit more cytomel.
At 120, with a range of 80-200, your FT3 is not even to the mid point of the range. Rule of thumb is to have FT4 approximately mid range and FT3 in the upper 1/3 of its range. You have a long way to go.
I have a bit of brain fog, myself, now and then, so please refresh my memory. Do you have Hashimoto's? Iodine is usually not recommended with Hashi's and should not be used without medical supervision.
It appears that you need to add a dose of T4 medication (start low and increase slowly), with your cytomel in order to bring up your FT4 level. It would be hoped that by adding a T4 med, you would convert some of it to T3, which would, hopefully, in turn, bring up your FT3. If your FT3 doesn't increase adequately after adding a sufficient amount of T4 med (synthroid, generic levo, Tirosint, etc), then you would most likely need to add a bit more cytomel.
At 120, with a range of 80-200, your FT3 is not even to the mid point of the range. Rule of thumb is to have FT4 approximately mid range and FT3 in the upper 1/3 of its range. You have a long way to go.
I have a bit of brain fog, myself, now and then, so please refresh my memory. Do you have Hashimoto's? Iodine is usually not recommended with Hashi's and should not be used without medical supervision.
oh I am not taking any other supplements than the cytomel.
My T4 was usually pretty much in the middle. This has been
dropping in the last 5 months or so.
My T4 was usually pretty much in the middle. This has been
dropping in the last 5 months or so.
Thanks for replying. My TSH was 2.98 and T3 was 120 from the range of
80-200ng/dl and t4 was .08 ref range 0.9-1.8 ng/dl. This was flagged as low. Have arthritis in C5-C7 and this has become more painful with
neck and shoulder pain at times. Hearing the nerve noise when neck
is tight. Fatigue, muscle twitches, muscles aches in knees at times,
some memory problems fog like. Some constipation at times, but eat
a good diet. Feel like dogmeat one day and not bad the next. Fall
asleep in the middle of the afternoon. the dose of cytomel is 5 mcgs.
I have been thru this stuff for the past 10 years on and off. I ordered a
supplement with Iodine and Lodide plus 2. I know something is off.
thanks,
C.
80-200ng/dl and t4 was .08 ref range 0.9-1.8 ng/dl. This was flagged as low. Have arthritis in C5-C7 and this has become more painful with
neck and shoulder pain at times. Hearing the nerve noise when neck
is tight. Fatigue, muscle twitches, muscles aches in knees at times,
some memory problems fog like. Some constipation at times, but eat
a good diet. Feel like dogmeat one day and not bad the next. Fall
asleep in the middle of the afternoon. the dose of cytomel is 5 mcgs.
I have been thru this stuff for the past 10 years on and off. I ordered a
supplement with Iodine and Lodide plus 2. I know something is off.
thanks,
C.
Are you taking ANY T4 medication or are you 100% T3 only?
Many people report that to feel well they need their FT4 in the MIDDLE part of the range AND their FT3 to be in the UPPER 1/3 of the range.
Simply being "in range" is NOT sufficient for many people.
Everyone is different but this is a general rule.
We really need to know your actual test results and reference ranges as gimel stated above.
What are your symptoms "neck & nerve problems"????
Many people report that to feel well they need their FT4 in the MIDDLE part of the range AND their FT3 to be in the UPPER 1/3 of the range.
Simply being "in range" is NOT sufficient for many people.
Everyone is different but this is a general rule.
We really need to know your actual test results and reference ranges as gimel stated above.
What are your symptoms "neck & nerve problems"????
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