Do you know the importance of Reverse T3? Did you know that reverse T3 is like a “brake” for your thyroid, and that it can cause you to feel hypothyroid even when your labs are “normal?” Join me to learn more.
Did you know there are 4-Stage of Healing Hashimoto’s?
Find out what stage you’re at, here: https://hashimotosdoctor.com/fb4stagesofhealing
Wish I could wisit you, it’s so hard to find a doctor in Sweden with your knowledge
When testing the reverse T3 should the results be compared as a percentage to free T3?
You could look at a ratio. 10:1 is a good estimate, but I rarely find that the ratio is the key factor to someone feeling better. There are usually other more foundational problems causing the symptoms or hypothyroid symptoms. Hope this helps!
What is your opinion that Epstein Barr virus and heavy metals play a large part in any thyroid problems?
Great information. My story is long, but in a nutshell I use to weigh a lot – over 260lbs. I lost 115lbs with eating a balanced diet and getting active. It took 4 years to shed the weight. About 3 years ago, I started noticing unexplainable weight gain. Then, 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with RA after experiencing the most debilitating fatigue, brain fog, and joint pain and swelling. All of my inflammation blood work always comes up normal except for the rheumatoid factor. I have been on 5 different meds, and am currently taking Orencia. With that said, I also began experiencing what seemed like hypothyroid symptoms with the weight gain being the most devastating to me. I learned about Reverse T3 and the Reverse T3/FT3 ratio by reading and researching. I even ordered my own blood work and guess what . . . the ratio was 11%. I experimented with cytomel to see if it made a difference because I couldn’t find a doc that would work with me. I have recently found a doc who was willing to hear me out and was very interested. He tested my blood after being on cytomel for 8 weeks and the ratio had climbed to 16%. I did feel better, but did not experience any weight loss. He asked me to discontinue to cytomel and then retest in 6 weeks. I agreed to do so and the results came back today – back to 10%. He has started me back on cytomel and seems very vested in helping me. My question Dr. Shook is . . . would you venture to say that the RA is probably the culprit? Also, do you think that cytomel will most probably be a regular part of my life? Lastly, I have been taking 25mg daily. If that dosage isn’t enough to get my ratio over 20%, I assume I will need to take a higher dosage. I’ve heard that cytomel can cause heart palpitations. What is normal done if a patient experiences this? Again, thanks so much for the informative video.
I have high FT3 and high RT3, would you Lower dose of NDT in that case?? I have TERRIBLE symptoms accompanying the lab results, as well …
i plan to use him come feb. he is so knowledgeable
Many Internet forums advocate going on t3 only to reduce rt3. Is this wise? When I was on t4 only I built up rt3. But was on too much t4. Ft3 levels stayed low. Now on t4/t3 combo so hopefully rt3 won’t build up in same way. Is my thinking correct? So much confusion out there. To me t3 only is NOT good healthy option. Please confirm my understanding is on track? Thank you.
Very frustrated my RT3 keeps rising.
New to Hashi but in 8 months medicated I’ve gone from 21.6 to 22.7
now 24.8
On lowest Tirosint possible 13mcg & pretty low T3 2.5mcg 2xd
Last draw bloodwork
fT3 was 3.4 (2.0 – 4.4)
fT4 1.53 (0.82 – 1.77)
TSH 0.019 (0.450 – 4.500)
RT3 24.8 (9.2 – 24.1)
TPO 38 (0 – 34)
This is a hot mess. My RT3 is 40. Guess I’m dying lol