Low T3? Low enough for Cytomel?

FinnMaid

Well your FT3 is relatively lower compared to its reference range than your FT4 so that would indicate you're not converting your T4 to T3 very well. However if you don't have (thyroid related) symptoms then it really doesn't matter if your FT3 is a bit on the low side. So it's not just about the numbers - I for example have needed to have both my freeTs at the high end of the range (or even slightly higher) but nowadays I do well with far lower levels (I take both T4 and T3 too).

If this trial with T3 is making you feel worse then it might be wise to try other means to make you feel better (that iron supplement you started probably was a good idea as long as you don't take at the same time with your thyroid meds).

ams1234

Thanks so much for the answer. However, I started digging into this as I was losing a massive amount of hair and developing visibly thining patches at temples and crown. A hair specialist pointed to a potential thyroid issue. Can low free T3 result in substantial hair loss?? My hair loss is severe enough that they want me to go on Rogaine. I would rather treat the underlying issue than the symptom. Also I have substantial constipation issues and I am always fighting that daily (very frustrating). Could a low free T3 cause constipation? My doc said my TSH may not be at the ideal level for me? I also have had a round of dizzy spells lately, which I never had before. So symptoms include - hair loss, constipation, dizzy spells, but nothing else. Could all of these be from low T3? Is it worth trying the brand name version Cytomel or a compound? Also given my severe constipation problems any suggestions on what brand of iron (ferritin) to take??

Thank you so much for your valuable help!

FinnMaid

T3 is the active thyroid hormone so if you have thyroid related symptoms (which you seem to have) then T3 is most likely to blame. I'd say you could get those symptoms, especially dizzy spells, because of starting T3 too but they should start to subside soon.

Most people on this board use brand name but some have had better success with generic, you need to give them a tryto see which works best (if at all). To get my iron up I've used Floradix, not sure how it would work with stomach issues.