Totals are an indirect measure of thyroid hormones. They are thus biased by estrogen supplements, certain medications, your diet and a lot of other factors. There is an inherent error of 20% in the total T tests before you add bias due to medications and diet and supplements.
Free Ts are more accurate. They are a direct measure of active thyroid hormone in your system. They are not biased by diet, supplements, hormone fluxes.. etc. The error is based on the analytical equipment and technique used. On average there is a 2.5-5% inherent error in the free T tests. If you are on birth control pills or pregnant, Free Ts are the only valid test.
SO let us compare.
T3 Total 144 60-181 => 69.4% Oooohhh! This looks so good. *These letters are dripping with sarcasm*
T3 Free 258 230-420 => 14.7% Well here is your suboptimal pain.. shall we say.. WOW look at that bias.
T4 Total 10 4.5-12.5 => 68.75% Well not too bad again and look at that FT4!
T4 Free. Calculated 3.0 1.6-3.7 => 66.67% Wow! They are comparable.
Okay. This tells you that your T3 levels are subpar in comparison to your T4. Now why? Have they tested your reverse T3 to determine conversion efficiency? I can not remember if you got them to run an ACTH and Cortisol test...
You are justified in feeling like shredded cow patties. Your T3 is in the out house.
MG
