We have seen a few guys here lately with elevated TSH, normal or lower fT4 and elevated fT3.
Normal T4:T3 is around 5.0, with iodine deficiency, the ratio goes down.
With iodine deficiency, TSH goes up to promote higher T4 production to maintain normal T4 levels if possible. This increased thyroid stimulation [TSH] leads to higher rates of in-thyroid T4–>T3 conversion. There is literature that also suggests that this also occurs with peripheral T4–>T3 [cannot explain that].
My thinking of why T4–>T3 increases in the thyroid glad is: While there are normal or lower T4 concentrations in the thyroid gland, one would expect normal of lower T3 production. However, the increased activity of the gland [which can show up as increased volume of the gland] not only converts T4 created in the gland, but also converts T4 in the blood stream as it passes through the thyroid gland [multi-pass].
Elevated TSH, normal or lower T4 and elevated T3 [seen as a decreased T4:T3 ratio] are indicators of iodine deficiency. If there are indications that that iodine intake has been low, iodine deficiency can be assumed and iodine replenishment should be considered. Not that iodine fortification of salt, bread and perhaps other foodstuffs varies from county to country.
None of my reading concerning the above suggested that rT3 is a factor in subjects who are otherwise healthy. We do know that this can be an expected complication with low cortisol levels [adrenal fatigue] and starvation diets. This can complicate the issues.
Chronic iodine deficiency with its elevated TSH levels can change the thyroid gland as well as enlargement. Nodules can be created that produce T4/T3 independent of TSH. This is a degree of hyperthyroidism and TSH levels are low.
KSman - I’m interested to hear if your TSH level dropped down closer to 1.0 after your iodine replenishment - you mentioned in your first post that it had been 0.98 before increasing to 1.6.
Ksman what are your thoughts on iodine supplementation for those who have hashi’s? Read a few articles that this is not recommended.
How are you getting your iodine checked? I had mine tested and they did it via a urine sample, was surprised.
You see stinky farts as a problem? I always attributed it to the higher protein intake. I pass wind very often, I this something a person should be looking into?
You see stinky farts as a problem? I always attributed it to the higher protein intake. I pass wind very often, I this something a person should be looking into?[/quote]
Lay off the Hawaiian Punch and creamed corn preworkout meal.
I have read of a test where you put iodine on your skin and wipe it off a few minutes later and if there is some residual color from the iodine you are or aren’t deficient in iodine. I am not 100% clear on it but do you know what I am talking about? If not I will try to find more info, wondering if its an effective test as well.
I have been feeling slow. T3 levels should support good body temps but have been low. Doc and I agreed that rT3 could be the problem but have not tested for that. Large dose iodine had not helped. Been taking 1 to 1.5 Nature Thyroid 1 grain [65mg]. That really did not do much. So have been taking 50mcg T3 liquid product and that is working. Hope that T3 reduces TSH and there will be less T4 for T4–>rT3 conversion.
So all of that makes sense. If its rT3, then is adrenal fatigue and that will take time, no instant feeling better. One good thing was that AM cortisol was good.
I have had a suspicion that low thyroid function might in itself be a stressor and a factor in adrenal fatigue.
I am beginning to hate electronic thermometers, they can’t be trusted. Most are predictive and are guessing to get a fast reading. Ordered a good $27 unit and will eval.
You can get German made glass thermometers that are [fat] metallic and mercury free. So I was watching TV with one in my mouth and suddenly had to sneeze. It blew out of my mouth and crashed and broke 5-6 feet away. I though it was funny, wife did not.
