Same with my PCP. She honestly did not know anything about the thyroid. She sees my lab work and her immediate reactions were to go see an endocrinologist and get on meds. Didn't ask if I have any symptoms (of which I have zero), didn't ask about my diet (high fat diets can lead to low Free T3, glyphosate on conventional produce can lead to high TSH), didn't ask about my fitness level, didn't ask about any gut issues I may have had in the past. People are better off ditching all doctors and just taking their health into their own hands.
Lol 😂 I went to an Endocrinologist yesterday after waiting 5 months for an appointment. She told me my TSH was tested so she believes I won’t have hypothyroidism. She told me high reverse t3 means nothing… my low t3 and high t4 means nothing 🙄ALL A MYTH she says!! She ordered tests consisting of ONLY T4 & TSH 😂 AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST!!! I cannot believe this!! I feel after watching your videos, I know 100 times more about thyroid than she. I have no idea HOW I will get better like this. She also says that my thyroglobulin antibodies being elevated, along with thyroid nodules present, are no big deal 😂 I wish more Doctors like Dr. Child’s would get into private practice and push these antiquated doctors out of the way!
wow, that's awful. I'd say it's not LOL but more time to find another doctor who is willing to practice medicine and not just check boxes on a 'standard of care' form. hope you can find relief- sure sounds like hashimotos.....
@@littleninja71 I truly appreciate your response, thank you so very much!! 🙂 And yes, I will continue my search for a doctor that is more open minded and compassionate. I’m just laughing sarcastically because I just expected it all. 🤦🏻♀️
They’re going off the recommendations of the thyroid guidelines. A lot of doctors are not very good problem solvers or really understand biochemistry in a way that benefits their patients. They don’t know how to apply what they know in the real world. They’re like a deer in headlights and usually it’s because they’re inundated with patients all day-a high case load to one individual doctor. They really don’t have time to sit down and try to understand what’s going on for each Individual patient unless it’s a dire case…and then, if they’re weak in their knowledge base of that disorder, will bring in several other doctors to get advice. A good competent doctor is such a rarity.
@@Aviatrix11 Sounds like we go to the same endocrinologist. Mine tests T3, T4, and TSH. Last time I went to him, he actually said, "Hmmm. One is low, one is high, and one is normal. I only care about tsh. It's too low, I'm lowering your synthroid." I shook my head and pfft sound. I couldn't believe how dumb an endocrinologist could be. I might have even laughed. It's like they forget everything they learned in med school, once they go into practice. MD, indeed. Mighty Dumb. 🤣
I had an endocrinologist that would only test free t4 and TSH. Once he tested free t3 for me because I had low milk production and a lactation consulted asked for a free t3. Mine was low and he did nothing. I felt awful. I switched to a natural path doctor and it’s been a game changer. He switched me off Levothyroxine to armour and I also take an extra liothyronine (t3).
This video is awesome! Ive bern Healing my thyroid issue after a weird health mess caused my T4 quit producing; numbers were barely present. (ive been on low dose T3 for years, after 2months, from time my t4 coming to a screeching halt, i now have normal labs and take zero prescription meds! Many many thanks to these videos!! i did not need to slow my healing progress, waste my time and money, nor risk more harm visiting my former doctors cramming thyroid down my throat rather then evaluating what was really occurring with my health to cause the issue in the first place. I fired those docs and consequently, life is better already TY!! 👍🙌
I literally saw my endocrinologist today (she had amazing reviews etc) and I mentioned reverse t3 and it was like I offended her ancestors. “Whoever told you that doesn’t know what they’re talking about”, it’s the extreme resistance that bothered me. She was sweet towards the end and caring but like, really ???
Great information. New to your channel so you have probably answered this many times, but, would like to know your opinion. I have Hashimotos, currently increased Synthroid from 88 to 100 mcg and maintained T3, 5 mcg AM and PM. This increase in Synthroid because my TSH went from around 2.5 to 5, my FT3 was low, my FT4 remained constant. My reverse T3 was 16. This was the first time I took my thyroid meds, after blood draw. Know T4 has longer half life and T3 much shorter, thought it would give good glimpse of conversion of T4 pretty much all on its own. My doctor said I should have taken meds prior to blood draw. At the same visit, I asked him about lower T4 some and bumping up T3. Our visit didn’t give us time enough to go further in depth with this convo, and I left, accepting the increase in Synthroid. Could be in my head, but 4-5 hours after taking meds, I have a general unease, like my insides are not settled, plus higher level of agitation or, lack of patience. Totally confused here. I get new bloodwork in a month - so we will see. Armour thyroid worked great, until it didn’t. My TSH spike from below 2 to 7 between bloodwork. Surmising my body could be mounting attack on fillers or porcine. All this rant for a simple question: do you recommend your patients take their thyroid meds prior to, or after, bloodwork? Thanks for sharing such valuable information. BTW, I take, and have been for years, all the recommended supplements, high grade.
Gosh, just found your channel and busy binge watching!!😍 Battling to find a doctor who understands. My cholesterol 8, but sure it's due to thyroid - tested this week :TSH 16.9 (was 7 last year), FT4 is 17.8 and FT3 is 3.78 - sounds like conversion issue. Never been tested on Reverse T3. Dr suggested increasing Eltroxin from 100 mcg to 150... Really interested to know if Armour (NDT) would be better, as Dr not answering me on this. I'm exhausted most of the time, and weight gain even on healthy diet!
If you happen to live in the Carolinas, I recommend Charleston Thyroid Center (balance of traditional/functional approaches, board certified endocrinologist, accepts my insurance). First visit is in person, follow-ups via Telehealth.
Hi Dr Childs, I took your t3 conversion booster for one year now and slowly got off my syntroid. I have energy, but I am still losing weight. Something else wrong too I am sure. I will get the full thyroid panel soon though. I am taking care of my gut and ordered glandular thyroid. Any advice?
Dr Child's , can you recommended a doctor that know about this information . I am having a problem with my doctor because of the T4 or T3 test range . I am 73 yrs I have never had a doctor to really understand my problem . I don't have a thyroid and have asked for. more test to be done . Been going through this for 37 yrs . Please help !!!! I love north of Nashville TN
I don't have a thyroid. Do you have videos what to do, ask for lab wise, suggestions for conversations with Dr. ? For 10 yrs I've only been on T4. I am loosing muscle tone, gaining wt. , extremely tired , sad, heat intolerance and much more. Guided me to a video or videos for information of no thyroid please help.
I'd love to send you my labs for the last 2 years and see what you have to say. I feel like trash all the time and levothyroxine isn't helping at all. I feel the same on 88 MCG that I did without it.
Excellent video! Your content is AMAZING. APPRECIATE you so much! QUESTION: My reverse T3 was 12.2 recently in a reference range of 9.2 - 24.1. Would this be considered high or low? Thanks in advance to anyone who can answer!
You want your reverse t3 between 9-12. To be “optimal” anything higher then that throws the body into “hibernation mode” I’ve had mine at 18 and 20 before and it makes it so I can’t lose weight or it’s a big struggle to lose it and I usually gain it back. I was given extra t3 to take with my t3/t4 med to lower it.
@@ajatracy1299 Thank you so much for this info! Since adding T3 have you found it easier to lose? Also do you feel normal on your hormones? I'm getting a total thyroidectomy soon as I have papillary cancer and what scares me most is wondering if I'll ever feel normal again and achieve optimal balancing of hormones...
@@gem3639 When my reverse t3 is around 11 I do really well with losing weight. I have Hashimotos/hypothyroid. I went on the keto diet 4 years ago. It felt amazing, because I cut out gluten doing it. And my antibodies went from the thousands down to 300’s. I also don’t eat sugar (which causes inflammation). I did really well and lost 45 pounds. Then I stalled and started gaining weight. My TSH, free t4 looked good. I saw an Endocrinologist at the time, he wouldn’t test free t3 or reverse t3. I ended up switching to a natural path. I was put on Armour from Levothyroxine and then Later added in liothyronine (currently taking it in compound form, but I have done regular) the liothyronine helped lower my reverse t3 and started to raise my free t3. Then all of a sudden my free t3 And free t4 dropped and my reverse t3 went up. I ended up having an iron panel done and I was extremely Anemic. My ferritin was at 7. I’ve been taking iron pills (hema-plex) and now it’s starting to help. The weight is starting to come off again. My hair is growing back (it was falling out by the handful). I was extremely tired and I would get winded walking up my stairs. I would wake up and not want to get up. I would have to nap around noon for atleast 2 hours. It was rough. I go in next week for a blood draw to check everything. My dose recently was bumped (armour). I would say within the past 2 weeks I have notice an energy boost. I have been taking a methylated b complex everyday for months. I re an article by izabella wentz (Instagram) how a lot of people with Hashimotos are b1 (thiamine) Deficient I need 600 to 1500 mg a day. I thought that was a lot. So with my b complex I started added in 3 extra 100mg of b1. That was the game changer for me. I have been able to go all day with no naps and stay awake longer then my kids after they go to bed. I haven’t done that in years. Fingers crossed my free t3 went up and my reverse t3 is “optimal” now.
@@ajatracy1299 Thanks so much for sharing your information! It's so educational to me and I really appreciate it! I've been keto / low carb for years but am working on gut issues at the moment. It's a constant learning continuum. It's so helpful to hear others experiences. Its interesting to see how you feel good when you're reverse T3 is at an 11... etc...thanks for all this info! It's so inspiring to see how others find success. I'm so glad you're doing better!
@@gem3639 how you feeling? Did u do your surgery ? Getting mind next Monday 3.10. I'm super nervous with the same questions as u have. I never gained weight with Hashi s but I fear I will. My tsh is normal, t4 high but still normal and t3 low but normal. Usually I feel better with a mid range t4 and higher upper limit borderline hyper t3. I used NDT for a year but after covid it stopped working and made me more hypo 😪
I’m a bit nervous as I just left on a 3 day trip and woke up realizing I forgot my thyroid meds (after 30 years of never forgetting them)! Scared as to what may happen!
Hi Dr Childs. I was able to get my general practitioner to do labs outside the usual TSH. They are as follows: T3 total .8, T4 free .92, Reverse T3 14.1, TSH 1.25. I'm going through menopause and I'm fatigued more so than before, feeling some depression, and libido has left the room. I've been supplementing with selenium, iodine, and cofactors so hair and nails are strong now. I'd like to lower the reverse T3 number naturally. Im.on zero meds. I exercise and lift and eat somewhat healthy. Body weight is normal. Help. I'm tired of feeling this malaise and lack of motivation. It is so NOT me.
@NermalDiva oh man what a difference a year makes! Was told I had colon cancer after colonoscopy BUT it wasn't! It was parasites!!! I've been on a parasite cleanse since May 2023. Just finished on the full moon August 30th. I feel FANTASTIC!!!!!!
Doctor Childs - what is your view on statins as a complementary treatment to target effects of inflammation/auto-immune disease, especially as those conditions impact thyroid health? I continue to struggle with with elevated Rt3, LDL and CRP. My T4 and T3 labs look great, TSH is low but we expect that b/c my doc is treating me with a combo of tirosint and SR T3. Thankfully I don't have hypo symptoms (or don't have symptoms that I feel) . I have a phenomenal doc who has worked with me for 2 years to try and sort my constant inflammatory issues - we've added supplements, changed dietary habits, and I had been doing a lot of cardio based exercises but not seeing much results in labs. Recently I started strength training 5x a week and in 60 days I've lost 10lbs and a full shirt/bra size. I've also agreed to try a low dose statin, with the agreement that when I get to my goal weight we'll try weaning off it. I admit, I haven't been great over the last 2 years about exercising consistently, but in the last 90 days I've been rock solid with 5x a week - so I'm hoping that's the missing piece I need to get to my goal weight, gain more lean muscle, and hopefully see lab values improve.
My mother - 80 years old, excelent health, full but unnecesary thyroidectomy ended up in high pressure plus diagnosed vascular dementia. As soon as introduced T3 and lowered T4, looks like start being resurrected again, a improvement of 20 % and going up, could you please help me out to get the right dosis and combination ? Also experimenting adding MCT oil, and alternating low dosis of sildenafil and aspirine. Don´t want create false expectations but seen coming alive a person again there is a slight change at least to partially revert the VaD. Thanks in advance !!!
Please clarify. Some practices say that if FT3 is within levels you're good regardless of RT3 levels. Do T3 and RT3 compete on the cell receptors? Does RT3 then block the ability of T3 to get to appropriate receptors? How/ where does the extra clear the system?
So I finally got an rT3 labs done and it showed low normal, which completely threw me for loop because I have massive hair loss, issues with weight loss and metabolism, low HR. The only thing I can think to have such low levels is that they didn’t even analyze the blood until a week after I got my blood drawn. I need to double check on that though
Do you have any endocrinologist in CO that you would recommend? I have an endocrinologist but my last 3 appointments have been rescheduled because the doctor went on vacation. I totally understand that everyone needs a vacation, but ever time this happens my appointment get pushed 2 month. When I asked for a new doctor they said that the doctors in the office agreed not to treat each other patients. I’m sick and need help, I’m deficient in potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and iodine. Sorry to vent but I respect you very much!
So frustrating and sad. A tumor was found on my enlarged pituitary gland and they canceled my appointment deeming it not an emergency and waited 5 months! Are you kidding me. Endo put me on RX and I stopped taking it and then started natural stuff. It's a work in progress. Glad I found Dr Westin.
I am 65. I had to go to ER a week ago, Feeling very "off" pressure in my chest, bad hot flashes. They ruled out a heart attack. My TSH was 14. T3 2.10 & T4 1.21. I was on levothyroxine .75. 4 Days later at family dr. follow up. TSH 10.5 T3 2.7 & T4 1.1. Am waiting on a stress test to rule out blockages. Fam. Dr. changed my Levo to Synthroid brand (due possible chemical sensitivity, Thanks I learned from your site) to100 mcg. Will this fix the problem? And how long does it usually take for the bad symptoms to go away. With the new meds level? I have had hypo for 12+ years. Ups & down but NEVER this bad of symptoms.
I'm having symptoms of being very lightheaded, low blood pressure and winded. I've had a CBC, EKG, stress test with exercise which had false results leading to an angiogram. My arteries are completely clear and all tests normal. My recent thyroid test results are TSH 0.816, FT4 1.2, FT3 2.1, RT3 18.4 My doctor and naturopath both say these levels are all very good. My concern is that my health issues started when I was dieting. About when I lost 5 pounds (goal of 10 pounds total), my symptoms started. I think the diet put my body in starvation mode and affected my thyroid somehow. I take 125 mcg of levothyroxine but will soon switch to Armour. I do have Hashimotos. Not sure where to turn next. I'm otherwise a healthy and active 68 yr old but now unable to live the life I wanted.
I’m currently on levothyroxine. Before doing labs, should I take my morning dose or test without my morning dose? Also, how long does it take for all levothyroxine to leave the body. I’m considering going off my meds to see what my labs are. My Dr doesn’t seem to take any of this into account when reading my labs. She didn’t even ask whether labs were taken with or without meds in my system. Thank you. Love your videos.
Because Levothyroxine is a synthetic t4 only med you can take it before your labs or after. For most accurate results it’s best to have thyroid labs checked early in the morning instead of later in the day. You can always bring a pill with you and take it after your labs are drawn. I saw your comment and just a little Caution: my mom was told by a doctor to go off of her thyroid meds because she didn’t need them anymore and it almost killed her. She was in the hospital for 4 days. If you want to get off thyroid meds you would want to work with your doctor on lowering your dose and see how your labs are and if they are good and stable they will keep lowering until you are weened off completely. T3/t4 meds and t3 only meds are what you want to hold the morning of your labs. It doesn’t hurt to hold the Levothyroxine until after your labs though.
T4 only did next to nothing. Taking T3 now. What is an acceptable level of RT3? If you have a conversion problem, should you do T3 only so reverse T3 goes down?
TSH flatlined for 2 years now no matter where my t4 and t3 are in the range. Usually they are below mid range and t4 is always higher than t3. No working thyroid due to ablation. Functional says any exo t3 will drop TSH to nothing. Primary says endo needed. Endo just looks at TSH and says I am hyper. Is it time to insist on looking at possible pituitary issues? Rt3 always high. Symptoms are all hypo. Thanks for any suggestions.
@@ajatracy1299 Only number on iron panel that is not perfect is ferritin. At one point my iron was high, above range, with ferritin the same as it is now. I was taking Armour, but I had palpitations with it. For 5 years before Armour I took Naturethroid or NP. Have been on levo and lio now for 8 months. If I raise the t3, I get palpitations. 100 mcg levo, 15 mcg lio. My numbers are lower in the ranges compared to when on NDT, especially t3. But TSH remains totally suppressed and I am hypo.
@@landslide82 once your Hypo the main numbers you want to look at are free t3, free t4, and reverse t3… and vitamin D is always good to add in too. TSH doesn’t tell too much or mean much once your on medication. If you were a person with no medication your normal TSH would be between 1-2. Your TSH could look hyper but you can still be hypo- with hypothyroid. I was similar to you with heart palpitations when raise my medication. Mine ended up being low ferritin, so taking iron took the heart palpitations away and I was able to raise my medication. I switched from an endocrinologist to a natural path doctor. That was really a game changer. He checks everything, plus extra. For extra energy I take a methylated for of b complex and b1 (300mg) and adding in the extra b1 made it so I don’t have to nap during the day. Endocrinologist really specialize in diabetes, pretty much everything else is standard and a waste of time. A functional medicine or a natural path may help you more.
@@ajatracy1299 thanks for your input. If I take iron, my iron goes high but not ferritin. And I have been told it isn't good to have out of range high iron. I have taken methylated Bs forever because I have Celiac. 10000 iu D3 daily just be at 45. Really happy to read about people finding their health. Gives me hope one day I will find mine. Thanks again.
Only if my doctor would listen to me. He just check TSH which is always normal for him. Tells me to keep drinking the levothyroxine everything else don’t matter.
Do you commonly see large swings in TSH sometimes within days of each other? Going in for more blood work tomorrow, but if it comes back normal I need to know if I should argue with the doctor about the fluctuations or not. For example: TSH - 2.71, 6.329, 1.76, 3.965, 6.868 Aug 5th, 2.401 Aug 9th Some recent numbers.
I take a combo of t4/t3 and do not feel any better at all. TSH and t4 has always been ok, and only t3 is low. My ft3 is 3.9 nmol/l and my reverse t3 is 700 nmol/l. I have a lot of water retention as my main symptom!
Can RT3 levels become high due to a temp problem ? like an acute illness / virus etc.? Especially for people how take only Synthroid and do all the conversion themselves? My RT3 is usually 14-15 but last time came up as almost 20. It was a time when I wasn't feeling great but now I am back to feeling fine and am wondering if my RT3 is back to "normal".
At 9:46 in this video, he DOES say if you are sick, or have inflammation or other problems in your body, reverse t3 CAN be high. If that was your question.. hope it helps somehow 🙂
My TSH is high 4.4 FT4 is low - bottom of RR FT3 is medium of RR I feel a bit tired and my metabolism is a bit slow So taking levothyroxine should help my case? Thanks!
Yes! I cannot convert to T3 I barely need T4 but definitely beed T3. Before Meds I was 2.3 T3 and 1.8 T4 and I was told I was normal but I still felt horrible after supplimenting and lifestyle changes.
Classical 😪 lab tests can look normal but they're not optimal.. normal is not normal. Optimal is normal. And doctors just don't care! All they check is tsh and if that's OK but still have symptoms they'll just brush it off to other issues. Sick and tired 😭
I have a question. just over a year ago my dr put me on too much levothyroxine. Why is it now a year later, I still cant find the right dosage, in fact at this point I cant take any without making me feel hyper, although my labwork says i am very much hypo. What happened?? Why cant i figure this out??
Tsh .80, ft3 .84, ft3 2.5, don’t have rt3 results. I have hypo symptoms. I’m on np 90 mg, 1 1/2 tablet per day, 1 full tablet(90) in morning, 1/2 tablet (45) mg 5 hours later, have been taking this dose for 1 month
You have ft3 on here twice- but even if one is ft4, they both look low. You want your free t4 in the mid range, and free t3 in the upper range of whatever your lab range is. Reverse t3 you usually have to ask to have it tested. It takes a week for the results, some labs take longer. Free t3 will cause they hypo symptoms. Reverse t3 puts your body into hibernation mode.
I keep bouncing back and forth from hyper symptoms to hypo, and few days each way, after being on tirosint for 4 mos . I rarely feel balanced and if so only for a day. Should I stay and see if I balance or add T3. This is my 2nd med and 8th dose change btw 😜
@@rhondabenedict5284 I live in Canada. Government cover for healthcare. I went to walk in dr. she check only t4 but not t3 she said if i want to know i can pay from my own pocket. Why should i? so I go to urgent care dr. there order T4,T3 I dont even said anything.
I'm on 88 mcg of Synthroid, 5 mcg liothyronine and 500 mcg of Metformin. I can maintain my weight on about 2500 calories, but I eat about 1900 calories a day intuitively (about 160 carbs/day) and do three Tonal strength training sessions a week, plus a 90 minute walk every weekend. My weight will not budge. What the hell else am I supposed to do?
My free T 4 is .061 my TSH with reflex FT3 /FT4 IS 44.92 I am Not taking medicine from a doctor just vitamins. Seleum,zink,iodine.i need help Thank you
Just had my test done free t4 1.49 and my free t3 2.8 I know something not right that’s a big difference between the two and I don’t have a thyroid in my opinion seems I’m taking to much meds
My test Tsh 1.840 Thyroxine T4 8.7 T3 up take. 26 Free Thyroxine Index. 2.3 I had this done on July 3rd this year I will now be asking my Dr. For Free t4 Free t3 Reverse t3 Tpo A6 Tgab SHBG ANY OTHER TEST YOU THINK I SHOULD BE ASKING FOR Btw I'm taking level throxine 25 mg
So my case is weird. My free T4 is low (1.2) but free T3 is relatively high (3.2). Tsh is high (5.2). Experiencing extreme difficulty in losing weight. Insomnia, lethargy, brain fog, attention deficit, somewhat depressed. 😔
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It is concerning to become aware that many physicians do not know these things about conversion. I think my primary physician is one of them.
Same with my PCP. She honestly did not know anything about the thyroid. She sees my lab work and her immediate reactions were to go see an endocrinologist and get on meds. Didn't ask if I have any symptoms (of which I have zero), didn't ask about my diet (high fat diets can lead to low Free T3, glyphosate on conventional produce can lead to high TSH), didn't ask about my fitness level, didn't ask about any gut issues I may have had in the past. People are better off ditching all doctors and just taking their health into their own hands.
Lol 😂 I went to an Endocrinologist yesterday after waiting 5 months for an appointment. She told me my TSH was tested so she believes I won’t have hypothyroidism. She told me high reverse t3 means nothing… my low t3 and high t4 means nothing 🙄ALL A MYTH she says!! She ordered tests consisting of ONLY T4 & TSH 😂 AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST!!! I cannot believe this!! I feel after watching your videos, I know 100 times more about thyroid than she. I have no idea HOW I will get better like this. She also says that my thyroglobulin antibodies being elevated, along with thyroid nodules present, are no big deal 😂 I wish more Doctors like Dr. Child’s would get into private practice and push these antiquated doctors out of the way!
wow, that's awful. I'd say it's not LOL but more time to find another doctor who is willing to practice medicine and not just check boxes on a 'standard of care' form. hope you can find relief- sure sounds like hashimotos.....
@@littleninja71 I truly appreciate your response, thank you so very much!! 🙂 And yes, I will continue my search for a doctor that is more open minded and compassionate. I’m just laughing sarcastically because I just expected it all. 🤦🏻♀️
They’re going off the recommendations of the thyroid guidelines. A lot of doctors are not very good problem solvers or really understand biochemistry in a way that benefits their patients. They don’t know how to apply what they know in the real world. They’re like a deer in headlights and usually it’s because they’re inundated with patients all day-a high case load to one individual doctor. They really don’t have time to sit down and try to understand what’s going on for each Individual patient unless it’s a dire case…and then, if they’re weak in their knowledge base of that disorder, will bring in several other doctors to get advice. A good competent doctor is such a rarity.
@@Aviatrix11 Sounds like we go to the same endocrinologist. Mine tests T3, T4, and TSH. Last time I went to him, he actually said, "Hmmm. One is low, one is high, and one is normal. I only care about tsh. It's too low, I'm lowering your synthroid." I shook my head and pfft sound. I couldn't believe how dumb an endocrinologist could be. I might have even laughed. It's like they forget everything they learned in med school, once they go into practice. MD, indeed. Mighty Dumb. 🤣
I had an endocrinologist that would only test free t4 and TSH. Once he tested free t3 for me because I had low milk production and a lactation consulted asked for a free t3. Mine was low and he did nothing. I felt awful. I switched to a natural path doctor and it’s been a game changer. He switched me off Levothyroxine to armour and I also take an extra liothyronine (t3).
Thank you for your time to lecture us, patients. Your explanations are fantastic and easy to understand. 👏🏻
Happy to help!
This video is awesome!
Ive bern Healing my thyroid issue after a weird health mess caused my T4 quit producing; numbers were barely present. (ive been on low dose T3 for years, after 2months, from time my t4 coming to a screeching halt, i now have normal labs and take zero prescription meds!
Many many thanks to these videos!! i did not need to slow my healing progress, waste my time and money, nor risk more harm visiting my former doctors cramming thyroid down my throat rather then evaluating what was really occurring with my health to cause the issue in the first place.
I fired those docs and consequently, life is better already TY!! 👍🙌
I literally saw my endocrinologist today (she had amazing reviews etc) and I mentioned reverse t3 and it was like I offended her ancestors. “Whoever told you that doesn’t know what they’re talking about”, it’s the extreme resistance that bothered me. She was sweet towards the end and caring but like, really ???
Lol "offended her ancestors" 🤣 Scary to think she was not even open to this....
My endocrinologist says they will only order a reverse T3 if I'm in intensive care. I'm now going to a naturopath!
Yep 🤦♀️
Hey Doc, that was one of the most informative videos on thyroid I have ever seen. Thank you so much!
Great content as always. Thank you!
Reverse T3: 20 ng/dl
Free T4: 1.4 ng/dl
Free T3: 3.6 pg/ml
TSH: 1.66 mIU/L
Is 20 ng/dl T3 high, as I had a similar value? (it is supposedly here within "normall" range.
I take NP thyroid. T3 thyroid. I need this. Without it I wasn’t able to function
Why is everything so complicated 😩
Great information. New to your channel so you have probably answered this many times, but, would like to know your opinion.
I have Hashimotos, currently increased Synthroid from 88 to 100 mcg and maintained T3, 5 mcg AM and PM. This increase in Synthroid because my TSH went from around 2.5 to 5, my FT3 was low, my FT4 remained constant. My reverse T3 was 16.
This was the first time I took my thyroid meds, after blood draw. Know T4 has longer half life and T3 much shorter, thought it would give good glimpse of conversion of T4 pretty much all on its own.
My doctor said I should have taken meds prior to blood draw. At the same visit, I asked him about lower T4 some and bumping up T3. Our visit didn’t give us time enough to go further in depth with this convo, and I left, accepting the increase in Synthroid. Could be in my head, but 4-5 hours after taking meds, I have a general unease, like my insides are not settled, plus higher level of agitation or, lack of patience.
Totally confused here. I get new bloodwork in a month - so we will see. Armour thyroid worked great, until it didn’t. My TSH spike from below 2 to 7 between bloodwork. Surmising my body could be mounting attack on fillers or porcine.
All this rant for a simple question: do you recommend your patients take their thyroid meds prior to, or after, bloodwork?
Thanks for sharing such valuable information. BTW, I take, and have been for years, all the recommended supplements, high grade.
Is it possible to improve your thyroid by fixing liver issues and exercising?
Gosh, just found your channel and busy binge watching!!😍 Battling to find a doctor who understands. My cholesterol 8, but sure it's due to thyroid - tested this week :TSH 16.9 (was 7 last year), FT4 is 17.8 and FT3 is 3.78 - sounds like conversion issue. Never been tested on Reverse T3. Dr suggested increasing Eltroxin from 100 mcg to 150... Really interested to know if Armour (NDT) would be better, as Dr not answering me on this. I'm exhausted most of the time, and weight gain even on healthy diet!
Visit a naturopathic doctor or functional medicine doctor that is knowlegeable about Thyroid
If you happen to live in the Carolinas, I recommend Charleston Thyroid Center (balance of traditional/functional approaches, board certified endocrinologist, accepts my insurance). First visit is in person, follow-ups via Telehealth.
@@robinhoffmann7413 Thanks. Good to know!
Hi. Dr thnx for great info. Can you please make a video on hypothyroid myopathy and its treatment. It will be great.
Thank you, Doc! You're amazing! I've learned so much from your vids.
Hi Dr Childs,
I took your t3 conversion booster for one year now and slowly got off my syntroid.
I have energy, but I am still losing weight.
Something else wrong too I am sure.
I will get the full thyroid panel soon though. I am taking care of my gut and ordered glandular thyroid.
Any advice?
Dr Child's , can you recommended a doctor that know about this information . I am having a problem with my doctor because of the T4 or T3 test range . I am 73 yrs I have never had a doctor to really understand my problem . I don't have a thyroid and have asked for. more test to be done . Been going through this for 37 yrs . Please help !!!! I love north of Nashville TN
I don't have a thyroid. Do you have videos what to do, ask for lab wise, suggestions for conversations with Dr. ? For 10 yrs I've only been on T4. I am loosing muscle tone, gaining wt. , extremely tired , sad, heat intolerance and much more. Guided me to a video or videos for information of no thyroid please help.
Need to take T3 medication..
He has a website with good information...
I'd love to send you my labs for the last 2 years and see what you have to say. I feel like trash all the time and levothyroxine isn't helping at all. I feel the same on 88 MCG that I did without it.
Excellent video! Your content is AMAZING. APPRECIATE you so much! QUESTION: My reverse T3 was 12.2 recently in a reference range of 9.2 - 24.1. Would this be considered high or low? Thanks in advance to anyone who can answer!
You want your reverse t3 between 9-12. To be “optimal” anything higher then that throws the body into “hibernation mode” I’ve had mine at 18 and 20 before and it makes it so I can’t lose weight or it’s a big struggle to lose it and I usually gain it back. I was given extra t3 to take with my t3/t4 med to lower it.
@@ajatracy1299 Thank you so much for this info! Since adding T3 have you found it easier to lose? Also do you feel normal on your hormones? I'm getting a total thyroidectomy soon as I have papillary cancer and what scares me most is wondering if I'll ever feel normal again and achieve optimal balancing of hormones...
@@gem3639 When my reverse t3 is around 11 I do really well with losing weight. I have Hashimotos/hypothyroid. I went on the keto diet 4 years ago. It felt amazing, because I cut out gluten doing it. And my antibodies went from the thousands down to 300’s. I also don’t eat sugar (which causes inflammation). I did really well and lost 45 pounds. Then I stalled and started gaining weight. My TSH, free t4 looked good. I saw an Endocrinologist at the time, he wouldn’t test free t3 or reverse t3. I ended up switching to a natural path. I was put on Armour from Levothyroxine and then Later added in liothyronine (currently taking it in compound form, but I have done regular) the liothyronine helped lower my reverse t3 and started to raise my free t3. Then all of a sudden my free t3 And free t4 dropped and my reverse t3 went up. I ended up having an iron panel done and I was extremely Anemic. My ferritin was at 7. I’ve been taking iron pills (hema-plex) and now it’s starting to help. The weight is starting to come off again. My hair is growing back (it was falling out by the handful). I was extremely tired and I would get winded walking up my stairs. I would wake up and not want to get up. I would have to nap around noon for atleast 2 hours. It was rough. I go in next week for a blood draw to check everything. My dose recently was bumped (armour). I would say within the past 2 weeks I have notice an energy boost. I have been taking a methylated b complex everyday for months. I re an article by izabella wentz (Instagram) how a lot of people with Hashimotos are b1 (thiamine) Deficient I need 600 to 1500 mg a day. I thought that was a lot. So with my b complex I started added in 3 extra 100mg of b1. That was the game changer for me. I have been able to go all day with no naps and stay awake longer then my kids after they go to bed. I haven’t done that in years. Fingers crossed my free t3 went up and my reverse t3 is “optimal” now.
@@ajatracy1299 Thanks so much for sharing your information! It's so educational to me and I really appreciate it! I've been keto / low carb for years but am working on gut issues at the moment. It's a constant learning continuum. It's so helpful to hear others experiences. Its interesting to see how you feel good when you're reverse T3 is at an 11... etc...thanks for all this info! It's so inspiring to see how others find success. I'm so glad you're doing better!
@@gem3639 how you feeling? Did u do your surgery ? Getting mind next Monday 3.10. I'm super nervous with the same questions as u have. I never gained weight with Hashi s but I fear I will. My tsh is normal, t4 high but still normal and t3 low but normal. Usually I feel better with a mid range t4 and higher upper limit borderline hyper t3. I used NDT for a year but after covid it stopped working and made me more hypo 😪
I’m a bit nervous as I just left on a 3 day trip and woke up realizing I forgot my thyroid meds (after 30 years of never forgetting them)! Scared as to what may happen!
Hi Dr Childs. I was able to get my general practitioner to do labs outside the usual TSH. They are as follows: T3 total .8, T4 free .92, Reverse T3 14.1, TSH 1.25. I'm going through menopause and I'm fatigued more so than before, feeling some depression, and libido has left the room. I've been supplementing with selenium, iodine, and cofactors so hair and nails are strong now. I'd like to lower the reverse T3 number naturally. Im.on zero meds. I exercise and lift and eat somewhat healthy. Body weight is normal. Help. I'm tired of feeling this malaise and lack of motivation. It is so NOT me.
Oh man, I WISH my numbers were this good. Been suffering since I was 18, TSH was 9 earlier this year and now is 7. So tired of being tired.
@NermalDiva oh man what a difference a year makes! Was told I had colon cancer after colonoscopy BUT it wasn't! It was parasites!!! I've been on a parasite cleanse since May 2023. Just finished on the full moon August 30th. I feel FANTASTIC!!!!!!
that's fantastic!! Good for you!
Doctor Childs - what is your view on statins as a complementary treatment to target effects of inflammation/auto-immune disease, especially as those conditions impact thyroid health?
I continue to struggle with with elevated Rt3, LDL and CRP. My T4 and T3 labs look great, TSH is low but we expect that b/c my doc is treating me with a combo of tirosint and SR T3. Thankfully I don't have hypo symptoms (or don't have symptoms that I feel) . I have a phenomenal doc who has worked with me for 2 years to try and sort my constant inflammatory issues - we've added supplements, changed dietary habits, and I had been doing a lot of cardio based exercises but not seeing much results in labs. Recently I started strength training 5x a week and in 60 days I've lost 10lbs and a full shirt/bra size. I've also agreed to try a low dose statin, with the agreement that when I get to my goal weight we'll try weaning off it. I admit, I haven't been great over the last 2 years about exercising consistently, but in the last 90 days I've been rock solid with 5x a week - so I'm hoping that's the missing piece I need to get to my goal weight, gain more lean muscle, and hopefully see lab values improve.
Dr. Childs please help. How can I get my doctor to do the necessary tests. I'm from Canada and i feel miserable. Help help help. Thanks
My mother - 80 years old, excelent health, full but unnecesary thyroidectomy ended up in high pressure plus diagnosed vascular dementia. As soon as introduced T3 and lowered T4, looks like start being resurrected again, a improvement of 20 % and going up, could you please help me out to get the right dosis and combination ? Also experimenting adding MCT oil, and alternating low dosis of sildenafil and aspirine. Don´t want create false expectations but seen coming alive a person again there is a slight change at least to partially revert the VaD. Thanks in advance !!!
Please clarify. Some practices say that if FT3 is within levels you're good regardless of RT3 levels. Do T3 and RT3 compete on the cell receptors? Does RT3 then block the ability of T3 to get to appropriate receptors? How/ where does the extra clear the system?
So I finally got an rT3 labs done and it showed low normal, which completely threw me for loop because I have massive hair loss, issues with weight loss and metabolism, low HR. The only thing I can think to have such low levels is that they didn’t even analyze the blood until a week after I got my blood drawn. I need to double check on that though
Do you have any endocrinologist in CO that you would recommend? I have an endocrinologist but my last 3 appointments have been rescheduled because the doctor went on vacation. I totally understand that everyone needs a vacation, but ever time this happens my appointment get pushed 2 month. When I asked for a new doctor they said that the doctors in the office agreed not to treat each other patients. I’m sick and need help, I’m deficient in potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and iodine. Sorry to vent but I respect you very much!
So frustrating and sad. A tumor was found on my enlarged pituitary gland and they canceled my appointment deeming it not an emergency and waited 5 months! Are you kidding me. Endo put me on RX and I stopped taking it and then started natural stuff. It's a work in progress. Glad I found Dr Westin.
I am 65. I had to go to ER a week ago, Feeling very "off" pressure in my chest, bad hot flashes. They ruled out a heart attack. My TSH was 14. T3 2.10 & T4 1.21. I was on levothyroxine .75. 4 Days later at family dr. follow up. TSH 10.5 T3 2.7 & T4 1.1. Am waiting on a stress test to rule out blockages. Fam. Dr. changed my Levo to Synthroid brand (due possible chemical sensitivity, Thanks I learned from your site) to100 mcg. Will this fix the problem? And how long does it usually take for the bad symptoms to go away. With the new meds level?
I have had hypo for 12+ years. Ups & down but NEVER this bad of symptoms.
If your tsh is that high, possible that you aren’t taking enough thyroid medication
Also from what I’ve learned and feel, anywhere from 1-3 months for changes. Have you considered armour thyroid?
do you support the work and strategies of Dr. Pompa?
I'm not really familiar with his work so I can't say.
I love your videos doctor can you make a video about the iodine and how it could help the cognitive functions and brain fog please
I'm having symptoms of being very lightheaded, low blood pressure and winded. I've had a CBC, EKG, stress test with exercise which had false results leading to an angiogram. My arteries are completely clear and all tests normal. My recent thyroid test results are TSH 0.816, FT4 1.2, FT3 2.1, RT3 18.4 My doctor and naturopath both say these levels are all very good. My concern is that my health issues started when I was dieting. About when I lost 5 pounds (goal of 10 pounds total), my symptoms started. I think the diet put my body in starvation mode and affected my thyroid somehow. I take 125 mcg of levothyroxine but will soon switch to Armour. I do have Hashimotos. Not sure where to turn next. I'm otherwise a healthy and active 68 yr old but now unable to live the life I wanted.
Resolved all is well, thank you!
I’m currently on levothyroxine. Before doing labs, should I take my morning dose or test without my morning dose? Also, how long does it take for all levothyroxine to leave the body. I’m considering going off my meds to see what my labs are. My Dr doesn’t seem to take any of this into account when reading my labs. She didn’t even ask whether labs were taken with or without meds in my system. Thank you. Love your videos.
Because Levothyroxine is a synthetic t4 only med you can take it before your labs or after. For most accurate results it’s best to have thyroid labs checked early in the morning instead of later in the day. You can always bring a pill with you and take it after your labs are drawn. I saw your comment and just a little Caution: my mom was told by a doctor to go off of her thyroid meds because she didn’t need them anymore and it almost killed her. She was in the hospital for 4 days. If you want to get off thyroid meds you would want to work with your doctor on lowering your dose and see how your labs are and if they are good and stable they will keep lowering until you are weened off completely. T3/t4 meds and t3 only meds are what you want to hold the morning of your labs. It doesn’t hurt to hold the Levothyroxine until after your labs though.
@@ajatracy1299 thank you for your reply, explanation and words of caution.
T4 only did next to nothing. Taking T3 now. What is an acceptable level of RT3? If you have a conversion problem, should you do T3 only so reverse T3 goes down?
Can you make a video on your opinion of DTE therapy options like NP and Armour Thyroid?
Thank you. Thank you
I'm on liothyronine 40mcg. My rt3 lab was 1. Is this too low or is it optimal to have very low reverse t3?
Thank you Dr. Always very helpful and informative.
TSH flatlined for 2 years now no matter where my t4 and t3 are in the range. Usually they are below mid range and t4 is always higher than t3. No working thyroid due to ablation. Functional says any exo t3 will drop TSH to nothing. Primary says endo needed. Endo just looks at TSH and says I am hyper. Is it time to insist on looking at possible pituitary issues? Rt3 always high. Symptoms are all hypo. Thanks for any suggestions.
What medication are you taking? How is your iron level? Have you had an iron panel before?
@@ajatracy1299 Only number on iron panel that is not perfect is ferritin. At one point my iron was high, above range, with ferritin the same as it is now. I was taking Armour, but I had palpitations with it. For 5 years before Armour I took Naturethroid or NP. Have been on levo and lio now for 8 months. If I raise the t3, I get palpitations. 100 mcg levo, 15 mcg lio. My numbers are lower in the ranges compared to when on NDT, especially t3. But TSH remains totally suppressed and I am hypo.
@@landslide82 once your Hypo the main numbers you want to look at are free t3, free t4, and reverse t3… and vitamin D is always good to add in too. TSH doesn’t tell too much or mean much once your on medication. If you were a person with no medication your normal TSH would be between 1-2. Your TSH could look hyper but you can still be hypo- with hypothyroid. I was similar to you with heart palpitations when raise my medication. Mine ended up being low ferritin, so taking iron took the heart palpitations away and I was able to raise my medication. I switched from an endocrinologist to a natural path doctor. That was really a game changer. He checks everything, plus extra. For extra energy I take a methylated for of b complex and b1 (300mg) and adding in the extra b1 made it so I don’t have to nap during the day. Endocrinologist really specialize in diabetes, pretty much everything else is standard and a waste of time. A functional medicine or a natural path may help you more.
@@ajatracy1299 thanks for your input. If I take iron, my iron goes high but not ferritin. And I have been told it isn't good to have out of range high iron. I have taken methylated Bs forever because I have Celiac. 10000 iu D3 daily just be at 45. Really happy to read about people finding their health. Gives me hope one day I will find mine. Thanks again.
What about low free t4 and high free t3 with high-normal TSH? Hashimoto's treated with levothyroxine, unstable.
Only if my doctor would listen to me. He just check TSH which is always normal for him. Tells me to keep drinking the levothyroxine everything else don’t matter.
I would find another doctor..
Do you commonly see large swings in TSH sometimes within days of each other? Going in for more blood work tomorrow, but if it comes back normal I need to know if I should argue with the doctor about the fluctuations or not. For example:
TSH - 2.71, 6.329, 1.76, 3.965, 6.868 Aug 5th, 2.401 Aug 9th
Some recent numbers.
I take a combo of t4/t3 and do not feel any better at all. TSH and t4 has always been ok, and only t3 is low. My ft3 is 3.9 nmol/l and my reverse t3 is 700 nmol/l. I have a lot of water retention as my main symptom!
Hi Dr Westin,
Can thyroids disfanction cause shoulders and hands pain?
Can RT3 levels become high due to a temp problem ? like an acute illness / virus etc.? Especially for people how take only Synthroid and do all the conversion themselves? My RT3 is usually 14-15 but last time came up as almost 20. It was a time when I wasn't feeling great but now I am back to feeling fine and am wondering if my RT3 is back to "normal".
At 9:46 in this video, he DOES say if you are sick, or have inflammation or other problems in your body, reverse t3 CAN be high. If that was your question.. hope it helps somehow 🙂
My TSH is high 4.4
FT4 is low - bottom of RR
FT3 is medium of RR
I feel a bit tired and my metabolism is a bit slow
So taking levothyroxine should help my case? Thanks!
This is so confusing & i feel like I'm out here winging it. What if your t3 is 3.0 , tsh is in 5s & t4 & rt3 are both in the low range?
Yes! I cannot convert to T3 I barely need T4 but definitely beed T3. Before Meds I was 2.3 T3 and 1.8 T4 and I was told I was normal but I still felt horrible after supplimenting and lifestyle changes.
Classical 😪 lab tests can look normal but they're not optimal.. normal is not normal. Optimal is normal. And doctors just don't care! All they check is tsh and if that's OK but still have symptoms they'll just brush it off to other issues. Sick and tired 😭
I have atrophied thyroid....
I take levothyroxine and cytomel.
I function at my best when my TSH is
I have a question. just over a year ago my dr put me on too much levothyroxine. Why is it now a year later, I still cant find the right dosage, in fact at this point I cant take any without making me feel hyper, although my labwork says i am very much hypo. What happened?? Why cant i figure this out??
Tsh .80, ft3 .84, ft3 2.5, don’t have rt3 results. I have hypo symptoms. I’m on np 90 mg, 1 1/2 tablet per day, 1 full tablet(90) in morning, 1/2 tablet (45) mg 5 hours later, have been taking this dose for 1 month
You have ft3 on here twice- but even if one is ft4, they both look low. You want your free t4 in the mid range, and free t3 in the upper range of whatever your lab range is. Reverse t3 you usually have to ask to have it tested. It takes a week for the results, some labs take longer. Free t3 will cause they hypo symptoms. Reverse t3 puts your body into hibernation mode.
If my free T4 is low 1.2, does that mean I need to look at resolving the high tsh 2.55 instead of focusing on the FT3 and RT3 conversion? Thank you!
What about normal T3 and T4 Levels for 15 years now but a TSH between 4 - 6?
I keep bouncing back and forth from hyper symptoms to hypo, and few days each way, after being on tirosint for 4 mos . I rarely feel balanced and if so only for a day. Should I stay and see if I balance or add T3. This is my 2nd med and 8th dose change btw 😜
Dont know why my Dr. only order TSH blood work not T4, T3 😭😭😭
Then I change the Dr. She check my TPO and result was 600 😭😭😭😭
At first I got hyperthyroid , and the ALT result was very high,1.5 months later I got hypothyroid 😭😭😭 I did not want Levothyroxin
Find another doctor or you can order these labs yourself..
@@rhondabenedict5284 I live in Canada. Government cover for healthcare. I went to walk in dr. she check only t4 but not t3 she said if i want to know i can pay from my own pocket. Why should i? so I go to urgent care dr. there order T4,T3 I dont even said anything.
Welcome to allopathic medicine. Try looking for a functional doctor - you will get all the bloodwork necessary, plus some. 😀
I'm on 88 mcg of Synthroid, 5 mcg liothyronine and 500 mcg of Metformin. I can maintain my weight on about 2500 calories, but I eat about 1900 calories a day intuitively (about 160 carbs/day) and do three Tonal strength training sessions a week, plus a 90 minute walk every weekend. My weight will not budge. What the hell else am I supposed to do?
So if we have a conversion problem... what do we do? I'm on 4 grains of NP Thyroid and 120mcg of T3 and STILL LOW
My free T 4 is .061 my TSH with reflex FT3 /FT4 IS 44.92 I am Not taking medicine from a doctor just vitamins. Seleum,zink,iodine.i need help Thank you
Can you help me???
Just had my test done free t4 1.49 and my free t3 2.8 I know something not right that’s a big difference between the two and I don’t have a thyroid in my opinion seems I’m taking to much meds
My test
Tsh 1.840
Thyroxine T4 8.7
T3 up take. 26
Free Thyroxine Index. 2.3
I had this done on July 3rd this year
I will now be asking my Dr. For Free t4
Free t3
Reverse t3
Tpo A6
Tgab
SHBG
ANY OTHER TEST YOU THINK I SHOULD BE ASKING FOR
Btw I'm taking level throxine 25 mg
God forbid you have healthy levels and feel good. Keep the patient sick and tired and coming back. Doctors are such a waste of time and money.
Thank you and God bless you!
Well if your T4 is working well then your T3 will be fine ! duhh
So my case is weird. My free T4 is low (1.2) but free T3 is relatively high (3.2). Tsh is high (5.2).
Experiencing extreme difficulty in losing weight. Insomnia, lethargy, brain fog, attention deficit, somewhat depressed. 😔
Please make sure you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour everyone! He is coming soon! Please don't be left behind! Repent and accept Jesus! JESUS LOVES YOU! John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9, Luke 5:32, Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9, Matthew 4:17, Mark 16 16-18, Revelation 20:15