Hypothyroidism Support Group
Hypothyroidism is the disease state caused by insufficient production of thyrohormone by the thyroid gland. There are several distinct causes for chronic hypothyroidism, the most common being Hashimoto's thyroiditis and hypothyroidism following radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism. Advanced hypothyroidism may cause severe complications, the most serious one of which is...
Here are my new labs. I am on 60 units of Armour and have seriously never felt so bad in my life. I missed Christmas parties and planned events. I feel worse than before I started the medication. Comments? My T4 looks low, right?
Thyroxine (T4) Free, Direct, S
T4,Free(Direct) 1.05 ng/dL 0.82 - 1.77 01
TSH 0.102 Low uIU/mL 0.450 - 4.500 01
Triiodothyronine,Free,Serum 3.2 pg/mL 2.0 - 4.4 01
Thyroxine (T4) Free, Direct, S
T4,Free(Direct) 1.05 ng/dL 0.82 - 1.77 01
TSH 0.102 Low uIU/mL 0.450 - 4.500 01
Triiodothyronine,Free,Serum 3.2 pg/mL 2.0 - 4.4 01
Your labs explain why.
To feel well, most people taking Armour need their FreeT3 level (triiodothyronine, free, serum) near the top end of the range and their FreeT4 level above mid-range.
Based upon your lab's ranges, this means FreeT3 at least 3.8 and possibly as high as 4.4.......and FreeT4 at least 1.4 and most likely higher.
Did your doctor offer a much-needed dose increase?
(I'm sure you know that Armour is made from porcine thyroid. Well, porcine thyroid has proportionately more T3 than T4 compared to human thyroid. Therefore, people taking Armour will have FreeT3 levels that are proportionately higher in the range than their FreeT4 level. Most people are fine with this as long as both levels are adequate as explained above. If not, the addition of a small amount of T4 can usually balance things out and eliminate residual hypo symptoms)