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Thyroid levels

Hi I am on armour thyroid 180mg my previous tsh was 5.4 it is now 0.043 and my Dr increased my armour now to 180 daily with a additional 60 every other day. I started off Hypo? now it appears I am hyper right? why would I be given more armour?
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Avatar universal
The first thing I suggest is that you request tests for Free T4 and Free T3, and don't take no for an answer.  Symptoms are the most important for diagnosing possible thyroid issues, followed by Free T4 and Free T3 (not the same as Total T4 and Total T3).  

Your last test for Free T4 was at rock bottom, when it needs to be at the middle of the range, at minimum.  Free T3 needs to be in the upper third of the range, or as needed to relieve hypo symptoms.  Even that may not always be adequate because there are other factors involved, such as Vitamin D, ferritin and B12.  D should be 55 min. B12 in the upper end of its range, and ferritin should be about 70 min.  So you should also get those tested and supplement as needed to optimize.  

Both thyroid hormone levels and ferritin levels are important for hair growth.  

What time of day do you take your Armour dose?  Also be aware that T3 meds reach peak effect in about 3-4 hours after ingestion, so to avoid false high test results it is best to defer your morning dose until after the blood draw.
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Avatar universal
Thank you so much! I have been so tired I can hardly function. My hair is falling out like crazy and is dry. I have constant headaches. They did not check my T4 or t3 with this visit but my T4 was checked on 2/1 and it was 0.81
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Avatar universal
When taking thyroid med adequate to relieve hypo symptoms, TSH is frequently suppressed to low or below range.  That does not mean you are hyperthyroid, unless you have hyper symptoms due to excessive levels of the actual thyroid hormones, Free T4 and Free T3 (not the same as Total T4 and Total T3).  

If you were tested for Free T4 and Free T3, please post results and reference ranges shown on the lab report.  Also, please tell us about any symptoms you have.

It sounds like your doctor is medicating you based on TSH level.  That does not work.  Also directing you to take an addition 60 mg every other day shows that the doctor knows little about how T3 meds work.  T3 reaches peak effect on serum levels in about 3-4 hours.  That is why it is recommended that doses of T3 containing meds like Armour Thyroid should be split in half for morning and early afternoon doses.  T4 meds act much slower so it is common practice to take extra on alternative days, in order to get to the desired average daily amount.  Can't do that with T3 meds.  What time of day do you take your thyroid med?
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