I am seeing a hormone specialist.  She treats hormonal issues, including thyroid problems through natural means.  She told me that many women are given meds with T4 and we are supposed to convert it to T3, but she said that many people do not do that, and that is can cause an array of problems.  She ordered some labs and is going to look at my levels.  I'm wondering if anyone here is familiar with this, has dealt with it, or has any thoughts on the subject?

Yes.  I have hypothyroidism, and my T3 and T4 levels are waaayyyy off.  There are a few different medications as well as supplements that can aide in this, unfortunately, I'm allergic to most of them.  The one I take is called Armour, and after taking it for about 9 months now, my levels haven't gone into "normal" range, but they are slowly getting closer (when I was tested though, my doctor said he'd never seen TSH and T3 levels so out of control as mine were, which is why it's taken so long).  I'm currently about 1.3 outside "normal", and I'm hoping that by my next lab draw in about a month I will be in the normal range, but it's something you have to take meds for the rest of your life, unfortunately.  Once your thyroid becomes over/underactive, it cannot continue to function without the meds...even my chiropractor and acupuncturist said that this is typically the case.  Are you lethargic all the time or experiencing weight gain that you can't explain?  Are you sore or losing hair?  These are usually symptoms if your levels are off...

I had thyroid cancer and had it removed 7 years ago .  Even though my levels look good according to my endo, I have always felt like I have all the symptoms of a sluggish thyroid, so when I learned of this T3 issue, I thought maybe that is one of the pieces to the puzzle.  I am awaiting my results.  She also uses Armour, but it is not vegan, it is from pigs correct?  It will be fun trying to convince my endocrinologist to give me the ok to mess with my meds for a bit.  How've you been feeling with your lupus lately Dani?

Dani, can your odd thyroid results be a result of the Lupus?

I know that the natural version of Synthroid is made with Porcine Glandulars. I think ( at least I hope ) that the thyroids are used from animals that would have been slaughtered for meat regardless. They often use animals from New Zealand. They're very clean and raised happy and naturally...........if that's any consulation

http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/boards/viewforum.php?f=45

I'm on this site a lot.  They have many forums, and this link specifically goes to their forums on Thyroid issues.  You might find some really good info on there.

As for me, I've been better.  Been monitored for about two weeks because my gallbladder is on the fritz.  Trying to avoid surgery, but my body seems to think that my gallbladder is the enemy now....gotta love Lupus.

Lori, I have no idea.  They found the Lupus after my thyroid issues, but they said it appeared that I've had it for years...just undiagnosed.  I really don't know if there is a correlation.  I know that there can be a correlation of the two in some cases...I just never really thought to ask!

So sorry you have to deal with this crap. I'm just glad you're dealing with Natural Practitioners, helps avoid the surgeries and Prescriptions as much as possible, don't you find?

thanks for the link Dani.  So sorry for your troubles.