Thyroid: Free T3 low, all other tests normal?

Question

This question is for anyone with the same problem or familiar with it. My TSH is 1.67 and Free T4 is at 1.2 (both normal), while my Free T3 is low and out of range at 2.35.

My endo says there's nothing to treat because of the normal TSH and worries about throwing me into a hyper situation, although I have all the hypo symptoms. He is willing to prescribe but I'm looking for information on which drug is best for this situation. What have you had the best luck with? He's talking Armour or Cytomel, assuming a further battery of tests comes out normal. I have read that there is controversy regarding Cytomel. I've also read that T3 on it's own isn't the best idea and that it should be a drug that contains both T3 and T4.

My 1st recent TSH was run mid-morning. The second was run at 8a but I don't have the results.

Answer 1

While your free t3 is on the low side, your free T4 is a little lower than where it should be. Most people feel best with the free t4 above midrange (1.3) and the free T3 high in range. As far as the TSH, well that can be high in the morning and low in the afternoon. It's a poor test because of this. That's why if you have a doctor who goes by it, you should always test in the morning.

Cytomel is a lot more potent than the T3 in Armour. If you go on Cytomel, its usually with a med like Synthroid or Levoxyl. The dose of Cytomel will be extremely small. It does work better for many than the T4 alone. I've tried this protocol and it was better than just the Levoxyl. I was only on 5mcg's of the Cytomel with 75 mcg's of the Levoxyl. I eventually switched to Armour and I've been on it for 3 years now and I feel great. The only thing about Armour is it should be adjusted by the Free T4 and Free T3, not the TSH.

I'll put some links below for you to read up on things. Good luck.