[Naisly]

#1175530

Hi there,

I did forget the mention that beta-blockers lower the conversion of FT3. So, if you have stopped taking them that can show a rise as well.

In any case, here is an article that might help with your question. As I said,

Quote:

Things like other hormones, like estrogen, and illness, some drugs effect these results.

Effects of the Environment, Chemicals and Drugs on Thyroid Function

It is technical, but helpful to show what effects our thyroid hormones.

Edit: My labs were all over the place (and still are) so I asked my internist about it, and he said basicaly what I told you. And like you I wanted to know ‘why’ so I started to research it this is why I knew the answer

Nov 19 2012 5mg Methimazole
TSH 18.9 (0.38-5.5)
T4 Free <5.0 (10.5-20.0)
T3 Free 4.3 (3.5-6.5)

Oct 25 2012 10mg Methimazole
TSH 73.8 (0.38-5.5)
T4 Free <5.0 (10.5-20.0)
T3 Free <1.69 (3.5-6.5)

October 3rd 2012 15mg Methimazole
TSH 0.09 (0.38-5.5)
T4 Free 7.6 (10.5-20.0)
T3 Free 2.4 (3.5-6.5)

Sept.12 2012 Started 30mg Methimazole
TSH 0.06 (0.38-5.5)
T4 Free 58.2 (10.5-20.0)
T3 Free 21.7 (3.5-6.5)

Hope this help,

~Naisly

[catstuart7]

#1175518

Hi Naisly, that article looks very interesting – I’ll have to gather my mental energy for it (about to write a post on that next) but it looks worth it!

This gets a little off the subject, but looking at what you’ve been through with your labs it looks rough! How are you actually feeling day-to-day with such a high TSH and low FT’s? Are you still on any anti-thyroid drugs?

ETA: I’m still on a steady dose of beta-blocker 12.5mg of metoprolol once a day that I’ve been on for many months.

[vanillasky]

#1175531

Cat – sorry I can’t answer your question. I’ve read this whole thread and knowing as much as I do and certainly been to enough doctors, I’ve never seen your situation before. My FT4 is always consistent with my FT3. If one is high, so is the other.

There are so many tricky things that happen with this like a TSH that is hyper and normal FT4 which I have had so many times.

I honestly don’t understand it. Your endo should have an explanation for this. The last thing I was told was not to pay attention to TSH, FT4 or FT3 because the bottom line is the antibodies. That’s really what is causing all our trouble. That is how I was mis-diagnosed for 15 years. Nobody cared to run TSI and TPO. That’s how they finally figured out I had Graves’ disease.

Thanks for the exercise information. I do try to stay hydrated and drink Gatorade. Maybe I should drink more? I have it every morning for breakfast.

[Naisly]

#1175532

catstuart7
I sure hope that article answers your questions.

I do want to thank you for noticing my levels. I’ve posted them a few times, and no one else has noticed, so thank you!

I have a huge headache which I’ve had all day. I’ll post something more tomorrow. I get my labs back as well.

~Naisly

[catstuart7]

#1175533

Hi Naisly, I still haven’t gotten enough focus (see my beleaguered brain post) to closely read the article but I’ve scanned it though and it looks VERY interesting. The parts about temperature, light, and diet are definitely affecting me I suspect. About your levels, yeah they are terrible! I hope you find some relief soon – I know how bad I’ve been feeling with supposedly “normal” levels so I can imagine you’ve been going through the wringer. It does look like you are gradually moving into the right direction though. Stay strong and I hope your headache gets better!

[Kimberly]

#1175534

Hello – The latest medical guidance (which you can find in the “Treatment Options” thread in the announcements section of this forum) notes that elevation of T3 *can* happen, but does not explain *why*:

“…estimated serum free T4 levels may normalize with persistent elevation of serum T3.”

Hopefully, you will see some relief as time goes on.

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