What would you do? Free T3 is very low, I'm taking Armour.

[Vickiehypo]

I have an appointment Monday, and would like to know what would you do? I am taking Armour Thyroid 30 MG 2 pills twice daily (total 4 pills) My test results are as follows.

TSH                  .03                       ( .44 - 3.98 )
Free T3             .75                      ( .78 - 1.48 )
Free T4             2.9                       (1.8 - 4.2 )

Vitamin D           32                                  Optimum Level    30 - 80
B-12                  310                                211-911
Magnesium, Serum       2.00            ( 1.80 - 2.40 )

The doctor ordered lots more blood work, but the above are the ones I remembered where important.  There wasn't reverse T3 test done.  I haven't seen him for about a year.  Last visits things were about where they should be and I didn't feel too badly and at least my weight was maintaining.  The last 2 or 3 months my weight has crept up, (being winter, I wasn't terribly concerned)  but not feeling well along with it, I was pretty sure my numbers weren't gonna be good.  

I remember T4 was suppose to be about 50% of the range and T3 around 67% or higher.  My question is why do you suppose my T3 is so very low?  

Has anyone had a similar experience?  And what had to be done to rectify it? Thanks for any and all input.  

[gimel]

Yes, and your Free T3 is also lower in the range than optimal for many people.    Increasing your dose of Armour adequately should take care of it for you.  And make sure to address the Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin also.

[Vickiehypo]

Thank you.  I have been taking 5000 IUD vitamin D for about 2 months prior to this test.  Last time it was low he put me on prescription strength vitamin D and gave me B 12 shots also.  Will have him test my ferritin level.  I'm blessed to have found this doctor.  

[Vickiehypo]

Thank you gimel for noticing that I had T3 and T4 switched. So my T4 is low.

[gimel]

By that I mean mis-labeled.  I think the .75 result is Free T4, and it is way too low, even below range.  Your Free T3 is also only at 38% of its range.  Many members say that relief from hypo symptoms required Free T4 at the middle of its range, at min., and Free T3 in the upper third of its range, or as needed to relieve symptoms.  

Also, your Vitamin D should be about 55 min, B12 in the upper end of its range, and you need to test for ferritin.  All three are frequently low for hypothyroid patients.   Ferritin needs to be about 70 minimum.

So you need to get your doctor to continue to increase your med dosage to optimize Free T4 and Free T3, and supplement as needed to optimize D, B12 and ferritin.  I would not worry about Reverse T3 at this time, in view of your other issues.  

[gimel]

I think there is a mistake in your results.  Based on the results and ranges, It looks like the FT3 and FT4 results are reversed.

[Vickiehypo]

I may have gotten wrong.  Free Thyroxine, Serum  is .75  ( .78 - 1.48 )
Free Triiodothyrine, Serum is 2.9    ( 1.8 - 4.2 )

The one isn't even in range.