What causes T4 levels to drop?

Hi doctor,

My blood sample was taken, and the T4 level dropped from 36 to 24 mg/dL. T3 level has also been reported for the first time. The levels are lowering after two months without Amiodarone. After stopping Amiodarone for two months, the levels drop. I also consulted a physician last week. My symptoms are not as strong or frequent anymore. However, they can still intermittently bother me, such as reoccurring atrial fibrillation of 20 percent, deep sleep has been reduced, sweating bouts, and dry mouth. I do not have an interest in starting a steroid if it is projected all three hormones would be in limit within a month.

1. Would this occur within another month or not a linear drop?
2. Would the symptoms last even if I am within the allowable range for a while?
3. For how long will I suffer from hypothyroidism?
4. How long should the examination last?
5. What is the value for T3 vs T4?

Please advise.

Thanks.

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

The T4 hormone had decreased from 36 to 24 ng/dl. Even though there had been no prior background laboratory testing, the T3 score was still twice the upper limit. Even though for the past two months, my atrial fibrillation has only occasionally occurred for an hour every other day or so. But in the last week, I woke up early morning hours with atrial fibrillation. I woke up with sweats and lost two hours of sleep. Then I consulted a cardiologist, who prescribed 50 mg Flecainide Acetate and 5 mg Bisoprolol. Three weeks ago, I raised the dosage of Flecainide to 150 mg each day, and I increased it to 100 mg four days ago. Today I consulted with a cardiologist, and they refused to give me a physical appointment. I was warned that bumping the dosage of the tablet Flecainide in such a way was risky. Based on my research, I am unsure how true it is because the dosage appears normal.

My atrial fibrillation spiked two months ago while I was already on Amiodarone. I increased it from 100 mg to 400 mg per day. I was on 100 mg of Amiodarone for three years and had no atrial fibrillation. I was also taking 400 mg of Amiodarone two years ago when my atrial fibrillation was constant, and my pulse was high until a cardioconversion removed the atrial fibrillation with low-dose Amiodarone. I also got lectured that I screwed up my thyroid by being reckless with the increase of the Amiodarone. It was reckless of me to bump up the Amiodarone from 100 mg to 400 mg. I was only on 400 mg for one month. Whether it was anticipated It would affect my thyroid? The tablet Flecainide was reduced back to 50 mg, and Bisoprolol was eliminated. I must take tablet Atenolol at 50 mg and tablet Rivaroxaban in preparation for another cardioconversion. I am still hoping the atrial fibrillation will settle more once the thyroid calms down. Please help.

Thanks.

Hello doctor,

Thanks for the reply.

After 3.5 months, both T3 and T4 levels are within range. The in-house endocrinologist has inferred I might still have hypothyroidism before my thyroid normalizes. You stated it is not likely. Can you provide any further insight? I will probably be pursuing ablation as I am in my 50s, but my pulse will slow down if I become hypothyroid. Please help.

Thanks.

Hello doctor,

Thanks for the reply.

My T3 and T4 levels were within normal range a month ago but they eventually dropped. However, recently my TSH had risen from less than 0.1 mIU/L to 0.49 mIU/L. But two weeks later, my TSH increased to 5.63 mIU/L. Am I going to go into a hypo stage which you predicted I would not? I have been told that I have permanent damage to the thyroid and will need supplements for life. Please help.

Thanks.