Which Genova tests to order?

[swishtony]

Sorry for all the questions on a similar topic but the confusion is not getting any less

Just checking for which tests are best to order (putting price considerations to one side)?

So far I have only had TPO tested for Hashimotos so now want to get as much Thyroid info as possible plus adrenal tests.

Which adrenal test is most appropriate? There are 3 on Genova: Adrenal - Thyroid Profile, Adrenal Stress Profile and Comprehensive Adrenal Stress Profile.

As far as the thyroid ones go there are also 2: Thyroid Plus and Total Thyroid Screen. The Thyroid Plus does Reverse T3 (whatever that is!) - is it worth paying the extra cost to have that tested?

Many thanks!

[PinkNinja]

Reverse T3 is a mirror image of T3 and can bind to the T3 receptors in the same way that T3 can but it is inactive. Basically if you have too much T3 it binds to the receptors thus blocking them from receiving the active T3. This can cause you to have symptoms of hypothyroidism even if your T3 level is pretty good. If you suspect you might have a reverse T3 problem it would be worth getting the test. This is most likely to happen in people who are on levothyroxine and who have cortisol problems, apparently.

As to whether it is worth getting this test over the other one, I can't really advise. It might be worth looking into reverse T3 on the internet and looking at whether you might be likely to suffer from this and then make a decision based on what you have learned. If cost isn't an issue, it might be worth doing anyway.

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Carolyn x

[Heloise]

Have you had any other tests beside the antibody? Why are you testing your own? If you are an unknown as far as tests, why not have your GP do them or are they refusing to do any because your antibody test was negative? As you have probably seen, when they lump them together, the panels are cheaper than paying for each test individually so you may as well do the whole panel. Many people who are about to embark on self treatment of hypothyroidism start with TSH, Free T4, Free T3 and the adrenal saliva test. I'll give you the page that lists many tests and why you need to do them. stopthethyroidmadness.com/l...

If your tests show you need treatment, you should then test your levels of ferritin, folate, B12 before starting since it involves how efficiently you will use your T4/T3 treatment. As Carolyn pointed out, the T4 can turn into useless reverse T3 instead of the active one. There is a ratio test for that. stopthethyroidmadness.com/r...

The adrenal saliva test seems to be the gold standard for adrenal function.

Did you check Blue Horizon's prices? I think you get a discount if you name TUK as doctor or something like that. I'm not in the UK.

I don't know if this is answering your question since I know nothing about your status. The websites offer more information.