Got my new lab results

Cerebrus189

I've been on Armour (60mg) now for about 5 months with added Vitamin D(5000mg), Selenium and Zinc. These are my new lab results.

TSH: 2.52 (range of .35-4.94)
Free T3: 4.26 (range of 1.71-3.71)
Free T4: .95 (range of .70-1.48)
Vitamin D, 25-hydroxy: 33 (range of 30-100)

What do you guys know about high ranges of Free T3 in relation to Free T4? I take my Armour once a day in the morning and I read that I should be breaking up my pills in half to be taken twice a day due to the T3's half shelf life.

islandmonkey

I've been on Armour (60mg) now for about 5 months with added Vitamin D(5000mg), Selenium and Zinc. These are my new lab results.

TSH: 2.52 (range of .35-4.94)
Free T3: 4.26 (range of 1.71-3.71)
Free T4: .95 (range of .70-1.48)
Vitamin D, 25-hydroxy: 33 (range of 30-100)

What do you guys know about high ranges of Free T3 in relation to Free T4? I take my Armour once a day in the morning and I read that I should be breaking up my pills in half to be taken twice a day due to the T3's half shelf life.

Splitting the dose is a matter of personal preference - some like it, some don't find it makes a difference.

That's a pretty high free T3 for such a low free T4....did you take your pill before your labs that day, or did you take it after your labs?

Cerebrus189

I took my pill probably about an hour before my labs were done. I just read on STTM's website that I shouldn't have taken it that day Could that possibly be the reason it is so high?

go2grrl

I just barely miss the Free T3 range (2.4-4.2) whether I take my T3 the same day or not. I think like we always say, "it depends on you feel." And If you feel fine, then your labs are fantastic!

How long have you been on that D regimen? I'm about 6 weeks into taking 5000 a day and hope it goes up. I'll know in March when my next panel gets done. I was doing weekly megadoses and it never got over 28. Altho I do wear sunscreen even when it's raining out, so the only chance I have to absorb any extra (ie, natural) D is during warmer weather when I can take the dog out or do a quickie run on a sunny day. Which in Chicago, means only 6 months out of the year

Cerebrus189

Thanks for the input regarding the free T3. I just worry since they flag it on my labs. But yes, I do feel great. So I can take it with a grain of salt.

I've been on that Vitamin D regimen for 5 months. In the five months, it's only gone up about 6 ng/mL, up from 27 to 33 in that time. And I've taken it everyday religiously. I also try to walk everyday to increase my levels, but now I'm thinking I need to take my vitamins with a large meal to increase absorption. It's fat-soluble, and I've been taking them at night before bed with an empty or semi-empty stomach. D'oh!

islandmonkey

I took my pill probably about an hour before my labs were done. I just read on STTM's website that I shouldn't have taken it that day Could that possibly be the reason it is so high?

It's quite likely. Taking your med with any T3 can flood the body with free T3 (because it gets bound to carrier proteins). It's recommended to wait and take your pill after the labs. It would be pretty difficult to have your current ratio of T3:T4 otherwise.

To be honest, I find your TSH and free T4 on the hypo end. How are you feeling...?

go2grrl

I started taking my D at nite with my magnesium. Based on a tiny bit of research that led me to believe you need the mag to absorb the D. Or maybe vice versa. But I dunno. I know it's fat soluble, so I'll see what my labs say. If it's still low, then I'll take it in the morning when I know I get plenty of fat. But then that 's when I drink coffee, so that might negate it. Wouldn't it be nice if there were some easy rules? I always feel like I'm my own personal lab rat!

Cerebrus189

To be honest, I find your TSH and free T4 on the hypo end. How are you feeling...?

I thought I was feeling relative good until you said that....haha. Now I'm thinking about any possible hypo symptoms other than the minor hair loss. My current temp is around 97.1 degrees and I've heard that Armour is supposed to bring up my temperature. But other than that, the only other symptom I have is sore joints on occasion. I attribute that to my love of nightshades, namely green peppers and tomatoes. I know I'm sensitive to both of these as it pertains to my joints.

It's interesting about the TSH and free T4 are technically in range but you think they're on the hypo end. Is there a number I need to be shooting for to feel my absolute best when it comes to my lab results? My doctors are pretty open to increasing dosage or changing what we need to in order to assist with my symptoms.

I was also told to increase my DHEA since it was on the lower end.

islandmonkey

To be honest, I find your TSH and free T4 on the hypo end. How are you feeling...?

I thought I was feeling relative good until you said that....haha. Now I'm thinking about any possible hypo symptoms other than the minor hair loss. My current temp is around 97.1 degrees and I've heard that Armour is supposed to bring up my temperature. But other than that, the only other symptom I have is sore joints on occasion. I attribute that to my love of nightshades, namely green peppers and tomatoes. I know I'm sensitive to both of these as it pertains to my joints.

It's interesting about the TSH and free T4 are technically in range but you think they're on the hypo end. Is there a number I need to be shooting for to feel my absolute best when it comes to my lab results? My doctors are pretty open to increasing dosage or changing what we need to in order to assist with my symptoms.

I was also told to increase my DHEA since it was on the lower end.

Hair loss, and aching joints and muscles can definitely be hypothyroid signs.

I personally wouldn't worry too much about the TSH, if you can get them to test free T3. I feel best when my TSH is below 1.0 and my free T3 is at least about mid-range. On a dessicated thyroid med (like Armour), you'd want your free T4 to be about 1.1-1.3....that's usually when the free T3 is able to get high enough.