Hi all. I just got my test back and my TSH came back at 6.1. Can I start Thyroxine 25mg everyday and see if symptoms improve then get off if not? My TSH has been getting progressively worse and worse every time I check. Last time I’ve checked my FT3 had been within the normal range. My FT4 I checked today and is also within the range. What could be the cause of this elevated TSH. I also have a lot of symptoms pointing to thyroid issues. Can I take thyroid medication to see if my symptoms improve? What medication should I take and are there any risks? I also have low HCT on TRT, not sure if that’s related with the overactive thyroid. I’ve tried adding Iodine for the past couple weeks with no change.
What are your fT3 and fT4 levels? Did they check reverse T3 and antibodies? What are your signs and symptoms?
If you are not converting T4 to T3 (reverse T3 test would help determine that) you may need T3 and not only T4. Once you start down the thyroid replacement path, you are on it for life.
1 Like
You should get antibodies tested like highpull suggested, just because you start thyroid medicine if antibodies are still elevated thyroid could still be under attack and will eventually be destroyed. If antibodies is elevated try to find the underlying cause and modulate it, this is where an true expert is needed and likely private care is your best chance.
1 Like
My local clinic doesn’t have rT3 as a blood test (Im assuming thats the only way to test for antibodies?), and all endocronologists I’ve been to even the high-end “experts” don’t know shit tbh. They told me since my Free T4 and free T3 are normal than I shouldn’t be worried. Even though my TSH get’s higher and higher every test I take and I have symptoms of subclinical hypothyroidism.
Go to another clinic.
A doctor without passion is dangerous, no motivation to act. Most doctors don’t take their carrier seriously, the way doctors practice medicine today isn’t like it used to be. Doctors see your levels in range and know full well insurance won’t pay a dime unless below or above reference ranges.
Doctors see in range and blow you off, “you’re normal and there’s nothing to worry about”. The real true is being low normal is a problem, it’s where the symptoms present themselves which should tell you the ranges are too wide and need to be narrowed.
Reverse T3 and antibodies is the only explanation. A TSH of 6+ is more than sub-clinical, it’s full blown hypothyroidism.
1 Like
Were you taking iodine before the test? Iodine skews a TSH reading.
I was using iodized salt and my protein shake has some Iodine in it, how much does that really affect results?
I agree, I’ll try to find another clinic that has rT3 available then.
Do you know your free T3 level?
FT3 (Free Triiodothyronine)
FT3 6.0 pmol/L (2.8 - 7.1)
That’s 3.9 pg/mL, pretty good. You’re going to need rT3 test for sure.