new and trying to figure out if I have a RT3 problem

[Guest guest]

Hello. I am new here; am trying to clarify whether I have a RT3 problem, and

would be grateful for any guidance, info, or feedback.

I am working with a doctor who is good on some issues, and though he seems

unaware of other issues is relatively open minded. I am trying to prepare to be

able to address the issue of RT3 during an appointment this Thursday.

Below are my recent lab results:

2/26/10

FT3 2.37 pg/mL (1.5-4.1)

RT3 25 ng/dL (11-32)

FT4.928 ng/dL (.8-1.9)

TSH .001

FT3/RT3 ratio = 9.5

1/11/10

FT3 2.62 pg/mL (1.5-4.1)

RT3 33 ng/dL (11-32)

FT4 .907 ng/dL (.8-1.9)

TSH .004

FT3/RT3 ratio = 7.9

On 11/23/09 my RT3 was 46, and that was the first time it was tested (I don't

have a ratio for 11/23/09 because the FT3 test is not accurate since I had taken

my thyroid med too recently).

My doctor said he thought the RT3 was high because I was on too high of a dose

of thyroid meds (currently canadian efra). He lowered the dose. The RT3 # has

been coming down, and he seems to indicate that there is no longer a problem.

However, if I am understanding correctly (and doing the math correctly), my

ratio of FT3/RT3 is still not good, so I still have a problem.

My questions are:

Is this correct?

and

Is there anything I can show my doctor that states that a ratio under 20 is a

problem? In looking for this I looked at Dr. Holtorf's interview with

Shamon, but am confused regarding his statement that a ratio of 1.8 or greater

is ok:

Shomon: At what point do you consider reverse T3 too high and requiring

treatment?

Kent Holtorf, MD: Like everything else in medicine it is a continuum, but

healthy individuals are usually below 250 pg/ml and should have a free

T3/reverse T3 ratio greater than 1.8 if free T3 is in ng/dl or 0.018 if free T3

is in pg/ml.

Thank you.