Re: Boo hoo and damn! Reverse T3 levels

[Guest guest]

Dr Lowe tells you like it is Pat in his Q & A's. Hope this is of some help:

Luv - Sheila

Question: Shomon recommended your website for information on problems with the conversion of thyroid hormone. I have most of the symptoms on a checklist for hypothyroidism. Interestingly, two doctors told me that some of my symptoms are fibromyalgia, but they don’t know the cause of my other symptoms. To me, all the symptoms could be hypothyroidism or the problem converting T4 to T3 that Dr. Dennis writes about. Hypothyroidism is common in my family. However, my doctor has ordered TSH and T4 levels twice, and both times the levels were normal. Since my lab tests are normal, does this mean my "hypothyroid"symptoms are caused by a conversion problem?

Dr. Lowe: No—the clinical picture you describe (normal TSH and T4 levels in someone with hypothyroid-like symptoms) does not necessarily point to a problem in converting T4 to T3. In fact, it is highly unlikely that impaired conversion is the problem. Instead, you may be hypothyroid despite normal TSH and T4 test results. Bear in mind the definition of hypothyroidism: lower-than-normal blood levels of thyroid hormone due to an underactive thyroid gland. Our TSH and thyroid hormone levels vary during the day and from day-to-day during the week. It’s possible that when you were tested, your TSH and T4 levels were within the normal range, but that the levels are abnormal at other times. As a result, on average, your tissue may have too little stimulation by thyroid hormone. Also, recent evidence suggests that the so-called "normal" ranges may be too wide. As a result, some people’s doctors may believe their test results are normal when in fact the patients are hypothyroid.

In addition, you might have central hypothyroidism. In central hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is underactive. As a result, the blood level of thyroid hormone is too low, at least part of the time. But the cause of the underactive thyroid gland and low thyroid hormone level is not an abnormality of the thyroid gland. Instead, the cause is a dysfunction of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. When a patient’s standard thyroid test results are normal, the doctor should always consider the possibility of central hypothyroidism. The best way to test for this form of hypothyroidism is the TRH stimulation test. With this test, we identify many patients who’re hypothyroid, although their standard thyroid test results are normal.

Some patients do have impaired conversion of T4 to T3. However, the available scientific evidence suggests that at the longest, impaired conversion lasts only a few weeks. I know of no scientific evidence supporting Dr. Dennis ’s speculation that some patients have chronically impaired conversion of T4 to T3. When patients have impaired T4 to T3 conversion, they also have a predictable pattern of lab test results. However, despite extensive testing, one other researcher and I have never found this predictable lab test pattern in fibromyalgia outpatients.

March 24, 1999Question: In reading your Web site and published articles, I see that you have not paid attention to high reverse-T3 as a cause of thyroid hormone resistance in fibromyalgia. Why have you and other fibromyalgia researchers not given attention to high reverse-T3 as a cause of fibromyalgia?

Dr. Lowe: Some readers will not be familiar with reverse-T3, and I know from experience that many others harbor misconceptions about the molecule. Because of this, I have summarized in the box below what we know about reverse-T3. I've answered your question below the summary.

Conversion of T4 to T3 and Reverse-T3: A Summary The thyroid gland secretes mostly T4 and very little T3. Most of the T3 that drives cell metabolism is produced by action of the enzyme named 5'-deiodinase, which converts T4 to T3. (We pronounce the "5'-" as "five-prime.") Without this conversion of T4 to T3, cells have too little T3 to maintain normal metabolism; metabolism then slows down. T3, therefore, is the metabolically active thyroid hormone. For the most part, T4 is metabolically inactive. T4 "drives" metabolism only after the deiodinase enzyme converts it to T3.

Another enzyme called 5-deiodinase continually converts some T4 to reverse-T3. Reverse-T3 does not stimulate metabolism. It is produced as a way to help clear some T4 from the body.

Under normal conditions, cells continually convert about 40% of T4 to T3. They convert about 60% of T4 to reverse-T3. Hour-by-hour, conversion of T4 continues with slight shifts in the percentage of T4 converted to T3 and reverse-T3. Under normal conditions, the body eliminates reverse-T3 rapidly. Other enzymes quickly convert reverse-T3 to T2 and T2 to T1, and the body eliminates these molecules within roughly 24-hours. (The process of deiodination in the body is a bit more complicated than I can explain in this short summary.) The point is that the process of deiodination is dynamic and constantly changing, depending on the body's needs.

Under certain conditions, the conversion of T4 to T3 decreases, and more reverse T3 is produced from T4. Three of these conditions are food deprivation (as during fasting or starvation), illness (such as liver disease), and stresses that increase the blood level of the stress hormone called cortisol. We assume that reduced conversion of T4 to T3 under such conditions slows metabolism and aids survival.

Thus, during fasting, disease, or stress, the conversion of T4 to reverse-T3 increases. At these times, conversion of T4 to T3 decreases about 50%, and conversion of T4 to reverse-T3 increases about 50%. Under normal, non-stressful conditions, different enzymes convert some T4 to T3 and some to reverse-T3. The same is true during fasting, illness, or stress; only the percentages change--less T4 is converted to T3 and more is converted to reverse-T3.

The reduced T3 level that occurs during illness, fasting, or stress slows the metabolism of many tissues. Because of the slowed metabolism, the body does not eliminate reverse-T3 as rapidly as usual. The slowed elimination from the body allows the reverse-T3 level in the blood to increase considerably.

In addition, during stressful experiences such as surgery and combat, the amount of the stress hormone cortisol increases. The increase inhibits conversion of T4 to T3; conversion of T4 to reverse-T3 increases. The same inhibition occurs when a patient has Cushing's syndrome, a disease in which the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. Inhibition also occurs when a patient begins taking cortisol as a medication such as prednisone. However, whether the increased circulating cortisol occurs from stress, Cushing's syndrome, or taking prednisone, the inhibition of T4 to T3 conversion is temporary. It seldom lasts for more than one-to-three weeks, even if the circulating cortisol level continues to be high. Studies have documented that the inhibition is temporary.

A popular belief nowadays (proposed by Dr. Dennis ) has not been proven to be true, and much scientific evidence tips the scales in the "false" direction with regard to this idea. The belief is that the process involving impaired T4 to T3 conversion—with increases in reverse-T3—becomes stuck. The "stuck" conversion is supposed to cause chronic low T3 levels and chronically slowed metabolism. Some have speculated that the elevated reverse-T3 is the culprit, continually blocking the conversion of T4 to T3 as a competitive substrate for the 5’-deiodinase enzyme. However, this belief is contradicted by studies of the dynamics of T4 to T3 conversion and T4 to reverse-T3 conversion. Laboratory studies have shown that when factors such as increased cortisol levels cause a decrease in T4 to T3 conversion and an increase in T4 to reverse-T3 conversion, the shift in the percentages of T3 and reverse-T3 produced is only temporary.

To answer your question: In a 1994 article, I did write of my testing of fibromyalgia patients for laboratory evidence of elevated reverse-T3. [Lowe, J.C., Eichelberger, J., Manso, G., and , K.: Improvement in euthyroid fibromyalgia patients treated with T3. J. Myofascial Ther.,1(2):16-29, 1994.] During one year, I tested 50 fibromyalgia patients to see if they had laboratory values that would suggest that they had impaired conversion of T4 to T3 with elevated reverse-T3. I've also tested other patients since 1994. However, I have not found laboratory evidence of impaired T4 to T3 conversion in a single patient.

Also, if impaired conversion was the source of the problem in my fibromyalgia patients, they would respond to a normal physiologic dosage of T3. However, most euthyroid fibromyalgia patients require far more than normal physiologic dosages to overcome their thyroid hormone resistance.

Finally I decided that if some patients' fibromyalgia symptoms do indeed result from impaired conversion of T4 to T3, it is a rare phenomenon. I could no longer justify charging patients for the laboratory tests that would identify impaired conversion. As a result, I don't even bother ordering the tests any longer. This is the reason that you haven't read about impaired conversion of T4 to T3 and elevated reverse-T3 at this Web site or in more of our published articles.

Hello all,I've just got my latest Reverse T3 levels back from the lab. Hmmm. High and getting higher. Luckily I've booked a doc's appt next week. She wants to see me about the Reverse T3 level + other test results.I've posted all my results to show you that your TSH and free T4 levels can be ok, but your free T3 and reverse T3 levels can be out of range. Please consider having all of these things tested when you go to the doc!Anyone who knows anything about Reverse T3, please share. I know how it is created and what it does to the body, however ANY INFO would be appreciated!PHere are Reverse T3 results over time.(reference range is between 170 - 450). May 08 - 546Feb 08 - 469July 07 - 382March 07 - 364Free T3 over time.(reference range 3.1 - 5.4)1/05/2008 3.0 / 3.1 13/02/2008 3.130/08/2007 3.611/07/2007 3.728/04/2007 4.417/02/2007 3.8Free T4(ref range 10 -25)most recent level is 16TSH over time(reference range 0.5 - 4.0)1/05/2008 2.1 13/02/2008 3.2 30/08/2007 2.1 11/07/2007 6.2 28/04/2007 9.7 17/02/2007 6.6

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[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila,

I am not sure I understand - is Dr Lowe saying there is no such thing

as a conversion problem?

My 24hr thyroid urine test showed that my T3 was under range T3 - (629

ref range 800-2500) - do I have a conversion problem or not?

I am totally confused now.

B

[Guest guest]

Hi Pat,

I think there is a semantic problem here:

Inactive isn't the same as inactivating.

to quote from the Dr Lowe report:-

[[..Also, if impaired conversion was the source of the problem in my

fibromyalgia patients, they would respond to a normal physiologic

dosage of T3. However, most euthyroid fibromyalgia patients require

far more than normal physiologic dosages to overcome their thyroid

hormone resistance....]]

My Comment:-

I think the RT3 is blocking the usual T3 receptors hence, there is

a lot be said for the higher need for T3 as being critical.

One needs to be able to get the RT3 out of the T3 receptors.

ie the RT3 is 'inactivating' rather than being 'inactive'.

Your elevating RT3 and decreasing T3 shows that the body is switching

itself into a lower metabolic 'condition' that may be a result of its

former experiences.

The fast-activating T3 effects don't rely on transcription (non-

genomic effects) ~ hence, if th T3 receptores are filled with RT3

they just won't activate the usual signalling cascade as effectively

as they normally would

I hope that gets you further down the road to understanding,

best wishes

Bob

>

>

> Here are Reverse T3 results over time.

> (reference range is between 170 - 450).

> May 08 - 546

> Feb 08 - 469

> July 07 - 382

> March 07 - 364

>

>

> Free T3 over time.

> (reference range 3.1 - 5.4)

> 1/05/2008 3.0 / 3.1

> 13/02/2008 3.1

> 30/08/2007 3.6

> 11/07/2007 3.7

> 28/04/2007 4.4

> 17/02/2007 3.8

>

>

> Free T4

> (ref range 10 -25)

> most recent level is 16

>

>

> TSH over time

> (reference range 0.5 - 4.0)

> 1/05/2008 2.1

> 13/02/2008 3.2

> 30/08/2007 2.1

> 11/07/2007 6.2

> 28/04/2007 9.7

> 17/02/2007 6.6

>

>

> Hello all,

>

> I've just got my latest Reverse T3 levels back from the lab.

Hmmm.

> High and getting higher. Luckily I've booked a doc's appt next

> week. She wants to see me about the Reverse T3 level + other test

> results.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Bob,

I am having difficulty in understanding what you mean.

I have copy/pasted it and will read it later - hopefully it will all

become clear.

Thanks

B

[Guest guest]

MODERATED TO REMOVE MESSAGES ALREADY READ. - SHEILA

Thank you Bob. I see what you mean about the term 'inactivating'

rather than 'inactive'. Thanks for your comments.

>

> Hi Pat,

>

> I think there is a semantic problem here:

> Inactive isn't the same as inactivating.

>

> to quote from the Dr Lowe report:-

>

> [[..Also, if impaired conversion was the source of the problem in

my

> fibromyalgia patients, they would respond to a normal physiologic

> dosage of T3. However, most euthyroid fibromyalgia patients

require

> far more than normal physiologic dosages to overcome their thyroid

> hormone resistance....]]

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sheila, Thanks for posting this.

His study had a rather small sample size(only 50 patients) and the

other info is based on the patients he has seen since 1994, so I'm

not too sure what I make of it all.

All I can say is that I am creating high levels of Reverse T3 and I

have been doing it over time with the levels rising over time. I am

not going to test myself every week as the cost would be prohibitive

so I can't dispute his claim that it only rises periodically,

however all I can look at is the info that I have - my free T3

consisently going down over time and Reverse T3 going up over time.

Guess the flipside of that is that nobody can say that my Reverse T3

levels aren't consistently elevated and my Free T3 isn't consisently

low - it may be that this is the case on a continual basis. Who

knows without constant testing? One thing about all of this is that

I still think that they don't know everything. We are all living

proof of that!

I am keeping an open mind about the cause of my low free T3 and

elevated Reverse T3 levels. Seems like lots of different docs and

researchers have lots of different ideas about it and its relevance

to one's health.

I look forward to my doc's appt next week to hear what they say. I

read with interest the info about a possible dysfunction of the

pituitary gland or the hypothalamus. I also read with interest the

info that Bob provided.

Cheers Sheila and thanks for looking for and sending through the

info.

P

>

>

> Dr Lowe tells you like it is Pat in his Q & A's. Hope this is

of some help:

>

> Luv - Sheila

>

[Guest guest]

Hi and , I think the whole issue is a bit confusing as

there are so many different ideas out there. Who knows who has got

it right?

Thanks for posting what you used to try and 'fix' your low

T3. It is helpful for me to keep your comments about T4/T3 vs

Armour/T3 in mind while I'm trying to sort my own health issues out.

P

Hi ,

Yes, this Dr. Lowe article confused me too! But if you have low

T3 then it needs to be rectified. I found that the T4 was actually

causing some of my brain fog in particular when I tried T4/T3 combo.

I felt much better on Armour /T3 even though the calculations were

the 'same', but Armour contains more than T4/T3 though that is all

that is tested for. Also the natural form of the hormones

may be more easily assimilated.

Hi Sheila,

I am not sure I understand - is Dr Lowe saying there is no such

thing as a conversion problem?........... I am totally confused now.

B

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi Sheila,

>

> I am not sure I understand - is Dr Lowe saying there is no such

thing

> as a conversion problem?

>

> My 24hr thyroid urine test showed that my T3 was under range T3 -

(629

> ref range 800-2500) - do I have a conversion problem or not?

Is it the amount of T3 that matters or the ratio between T3 and T4?

My T3 is also low, way under range, but so is my T4. They are within

the " normal " ratio range. Therefore is the problem not so much

conversion but initial supply? And at the end of the day does it

matter? Does anyone follow where I'm coming from?

x

[Guest guest]

> One needs to be able to get the RT3 out of the T3 receptors.

How do you do that Bob? Is there a file on it? I must look.

I'm waiting for test results for reverse T3. I understand the latter

can be/is caused by stress. Bet I've got loads then!

Thanks

x

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

This is all so difficult to understand. My 24hr thyroid test results

were.......

T3 - 629 ref range 800-2500

T4 - 1230 ref range 550-3160

T3-T4 ratio 0.51 0.5-2.30

So I still don't understand.

B

> Is it the amount of T3 that matters or the ratio between T3 and T4?

> My T3 is also low, way under range, but so is my T4. They are

within

> the " normal " ratio range. Therefore is the problem not so much

> conversion but initial supply? And at the end of the day does it

> matter? Does anyone follow where I'm coming from?

[Guest guest]

Yes that is what I've read too. It is also often elevated in people

who are in Intensive Care Units!!!!! I stumbled across that when I

did a 'scholar' search online. Not saying that we are in that

situation, but it is interesting to know anyway.

P

>

> I'm waiting for test results for reverse T3. I understand the latter

> can be/is caused by stress. Bet I've got loads then!

>

> Thanks

>

> x

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila,

I sent a long response to your message, but it doesn't appear to have

made it on to the forum page. Did it get lost in cyberspace or did I

accidentally write something controversial so you couldn't post it? I

don't think that I wrote anything controversial (not a controversial

kinda gal (O: ), but if I mistakedly did this could you please let me

know?

Cheery bye.

P

>

>

> Dr Lowe tells you like it is Pat in his Q & A's. Hope this is

of some help:

>

> Luv - Sheila

[Guest guest]

Sheila, Ignore my last message. I thought I was going bananas because

after I sent the message below, I had another look at the messages on

the forum and there was my message! I think you posted the message

just as I was sending the message (below) to you.

Derr to me.

P x

>

> Hi Sheila,

> I sent a long response to your message, but it doesn't appear to

have

> made it on to the forum page. Did it get lost in cyberspace or did

I

> accidentally write something controversial so you couldn't post it?

I

> don't think that I wrote anything controversial (not a controversial

> kinda gal (O: ), but if I mistakedly did this could you please let

me

> know?

> Cheery bye.

> P

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes , That is what I had. It is pricy, but it is worth it.

P

>

> , ask your GP to give you the seperate blood test to check if

you have Reverse T3.

>

> Luv - Sheila

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, thanks Sheila. If you don't mind, could you please provide me

with the source of that info? It is clearly articulated and I'd like

to read some more from that site, etc.

Cheers,

P

>

> Have you seen the message I have just posted to pat? Hope

that is helpful.

>

> luv - Sheila

>

>

[Guest guest]

My comments in bold below.

P (O:

>

> Hello

>

> As you know, reverse T3 dominance is athyroid hormone imbalance.

You experience hypothyroid symptoms, but Free T3 and Free T4 appear

to be within the normal reference range.

CAN ALSO HAVE LOW LEVELS OF FREE T3. MY FREE T3 IS LOW - ONE TEST

RESULT STATED FREE T3 WAS BELOW THE NORMAL REFERENCE RANGE.

You say you suffer with stress. Prolonged stress is the major cause

of reverse T3 dominance. Stress results in high levels of cortisol.

High levels of cortisol stops conversion of T4 into T3, reducing

active T3 levels. T4 instead converts to reverse T3. Reverse T3

dominance can persist even when your stress levels settle down and

cortisol levels return to normal. This is because the reverse T3

still stops the conversion of T4 to T3, perpetuating production of

the inactive T3 hormone.

HMMMM. NOT MUCH STRESS IN MY LIFE AT THE MOMENT, BUT THERE WAS

HEAPS A WHILE AGO!

>

> Reverse T3 has the same molecular structure as T3. However it is a

mirror image of T3 and fits into the receptor upside down. This

prevents the active T3 from binding to the receptor site and

activating the appropriate thyroid response.

I FORGOT ABOUT THIS. THANKS FOR REMINDING ME.

Blood testing does not distinguish between FreeT3 and reverse T3. T3

levels may appear normal, but a significant proportion may include

inactive reverse T3. This provides a false diagnosis of true thyroid

gland function.

MMMMM. FREE T3 AND REVERSE T3 ARE DIFFERENTIATED IN THE BLOOD TESTS

THAT I HAVE. THEY DO ONE OF THE TESTS (FREE T3) AT MY LOCAL LAB AND

SEND BLOOD OFF TO A DIFFERENT LAB TO DETERMINE THE REVERSE T3 LEVELS.

>

> For those who are fully confused by now and wondering about your

own T3 test results, there is a special test that specifically

measures reverse T3 on its own, and if you are concerned, you should

request this to rule out reverse T3 dominance.

OH, I SHOULD HAVE READ ON. SEE MY NOTES ABOVE. THIS TEST IS A BIT

EXPENSIVE BUT IN MY CASE IT HAS BEEN WORTH THE MONEY.

>

> This is what you need to do marlene and Pat to get things put

straight again.

YES, THESE ARE THE TESTS THAT I'VE BEEN HAVING PERIODICALLY SINCE

MARCH 07 - REVERSE T3 AND FREE T3 (AS WELL AS TSH AND FREE T4).

When reverse T3 dominance is diagnosed, it is usually treated by

prescribing synthetic T3 (Liothyronine) only. This reduces the

symptoms of low thyroid function and will also slow TSH production,

which in effect reduces the bodies own production of T4.

With little or no T4 left in your body, reverse T3 production

decreases. Also, the conversion of T4 into T3 will then no longer be

inhibited by the reverse T3, and this allows the inactive T4 to

convert into the active T3.

I DIDN'T REALISE THAT. I'LL BRING IT UP AND DISCUSS IT WITH MY DOC

NEXT WEEK! I MIGHT BE A BIT STUCK GIVEN MY PREVIOUS POOR REACTION

TO T3 HORMONE REPLACEMENT MEDICATION. GREAT (NOT) ):

It is important that L-thyroxine and Armour Thyroid therapy (or any

other natural thyroid extract) are not used for this condition.

Supplemental T4 may convert to reverse T3, further driving this

thyroid hormone imbalance.

HMM. INTERESTING. I'LL ALSO BRING THIS UP WITH THE DOC, BUT I THINK

I MIGHT BE AN EXCEPTIONAL CASE IN RELATION TO THE USE OF T3 ON ITS

OWN AS I CAN'T TOLERATE IT AND HAD A BAD REACTION TO IT PREVIOUSLY.

WHY CAN'T LIFE (OR TREATING MEDICAL CONDITIONS) BE SIMPLE?!

High levels of stress, adrenal exhaustion, hypoglycemia and/or low

sex hormone levels are the key factors that lead to reverse T3

dominance - so start by taking a holiday to get rid of the stress.

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT. DIDN'T SEEM TO HELP MUCH. TRIED MEDITATING,

ETC BUT THE DAMN REVERSE T3 LEVELS DIDN'T SEEM TO CARE! MIGHT BE

USEFUL TO KEEP GOING ON HOLIDAY TO SEE IF IT HELPS DROP THE LEVELS.

SHEILA, CAN WE PLEASE PROPOSE A RESEARCH PROJECT WHERE EVERYONE ON

THE FORUM WITH HIGH REVERSE T3 LEVELS HAS TO BE PAID BY THE RESEARCH

FUNDING BODY TO GO ON HOLIDAYS AND COMPLETELY RELAX, AND HAVE

OCCASIONAL BLOOD TESTS TO SEE IF THE REVERSE T3 LEVELS HAD

DECREASED? IT COULD BE A LONG TERM STUDY. I AM WILLING TO PUT

MYSELF THROUGH THAT SORT OF RESEARCH WHEN (NOT IF) IT GETS FUNDED.

GOT TO BE POSITIVE!

> This ought to be set to music! )

YES, AND SO SHOULD MY RESEARCH PROPOSAL

> Luv - Sheila

[Guest guest]

I think it is the ration of FT3 to RT3 which is important, rather than the actual numbers.

Val

[Guest guest]

Many thanks Sheila.

>

> http://www.womens-health-hrt.com/reverse-T3-dominance.html

If you don't mind, could you please provide me with the source of that

info?

[Guest guest]

Hi

It was discussed on the Thyroid UK About forum some time

back...

http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?

tsn=3D1 & nav=3Dmessages & webtag=3Dab=

-

thyroiduk & tid=3D3267

Jan was studying chemistry at the time.

There's also a good chart showing time course of " T4 T3 RT3 " on p326

of Review of Medical Physiology (21stEdn) 2003 Edited by WF Ganong

(can be 'viewed inside' on Amazon)

best wishes

Bob

>

>

>

> > One needs to be able to get the RT3 out of the T3 receptors.

[Guest guest]

Hi Pat

Yves Debaveye

Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgiumhttp://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/thy.2007.0287

and Greet van den Berghe's group ~ did some work on this topic RT3

best wishes

Bob

>> Hello all,> > I've just got my latest Reverse T3 levels back from the lab. Hmmm. > High and getting higher. Luckily I've booked a doc's appt next > week. She wants to see me about the Reverse T3 level + other test > results.>

[Guest guest]

Hi Pat,

http://endo.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/en.2007-1566v1

Fuller documentation

http://endo.endojournals.org/cgi/rapidpdf/en.2007-1566v1.pdf

Greet van den Berghe's group.

Effects of Substitution and High Dose Thyroid Hormone Therapy on Deiodination, Sulfoconjugation and Tissue Thyroid Hormone Levels in Prolonged Critically Ill Rabbits

best wishes

Bob

[sorry it's a rabbit study.....but the real live example is on US Thyroid About forum ~ the 'Popsnowbird' thread ~ about 4yrs back ...we showed this is all true when 's dad was suspected as being alcoholic...and was refused a liver transplant at one of the leading international liver transplant centres ~ it transpired that her dad had haemochromatosis and Hepatitis C and was myxoedematous ~ he survived this experience, but only just; Kat insisted that they administer T3 ~ it literally saved his life.]

>> Hello all,>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Lilian. My message happened to be posted while I was writing

and sending the message querying why it hadn't been posted (if that

makes sense)

P

>

> Just to put your mind at rest regarding messages, if for any reason

a message has to be rejected you will always be told and given the

reason why. Messages are not just rejected out of hand leaving the

poster wondering what happened.

>

> Lilian

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I had an adverse reaction to using T3 on its own, so Houston, we have

a problem.

P

>

> Hi,

> To prevent RT3 being formed from T4 you need to stop the T4! ( and

> replace with T3).

>

[Guest guest]

Bob, I think you need to be a member to view this. I keep getting sent

to the 'about.com' home page.

P

> Hi

It was discussed on the Thyroid UK About forum some time

back... http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?

tsn=3D1 & nav=3Dmessages & webtag=3Dab= -thyroiduk & tid=3D3267

[Guest guest]

Thanks Bob. It seems that quite a lot of research has been done on

elevated Reverse T3 levels in a ICU setting.

P

> Yves Debaveye

>

> Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Catholic University of Leuven,

> Leuven, Belgium

> http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/thy.2007.0287

> <http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/thy.2007.0287>

>

> and Greet van den Berghe's group ~ did some work on this topic RT3