My GP refuses to test for not only T3, but also for T4. I'm really confused.

[Jenny23]

First of all I'd like to thank everyone here for the incredible amount of useful information that's available on this forum. Since being diagnosed as hypo last February, I've relied so much on this forum to educate myself about the condition, so thank you all.

Back to my question - when I went to my GP to get the results of my latest bloods (I'm still being tested every 6 weeks and am currently on 150mcg Levo) she gave my my TSH levels (26) which had actually gone back up to where they were when I was first diagnosed. When I asked what my T4 level was, she replied that it "wasn't relevant to test T4 as you are on Levo". I was really shocked. Is this correct? Is it not necessary to keep testing T4 once you're on medication? I've now been referred to an endocrinologist (Norfolk and Norwich) and the bloods I've had done for this appt DID test T4 (but NOT T3!!) I'm really confused and would appreciate any input. Thanks in advance.

[anbuma]

my gp tested TSH (3.2)btu said labs would not test fro t3 or t4 unless looking at thyroid cancer??

[Hennerton]

It is absolutely necessary as far as I am concerned but unfortunately it is generally considered unnecessary by the lab which does the testing and by GP's who have presumably been brainwashed by the labs.

Testing TSH only is a completely flawed way of assessing a thyroid condition. I had TT in 2006 and was then given TSH testing only for the next 6 years, always being told I was fine. All this time I did not feel fine. I eventually asked for T3 and T4 to be tested and discovered T3 below the ref range and T4 above range - a classic example of not converting T4 to T3, yet my TSH looked fine. I am now on T4/3 combo and gradually improving.

You are clearly not on enough Levo with a TSH of 26, so I hope your endo appointment goes well and you soon start to feel better.

[Jackie]

Hi It is usually the Labs who lay down the rules!!!! Why a lot of us use Blue Horizon, main site there is a finger prick, all DIY but a phial of blood, so fine. Quote tUK 10 for a discount. Well known Lab to show a doc for treatment, which is vital.

Jackie

[Jenny23]

Thank you for your replies, and for the Blue Horizon recommendation. I'll use them and try and get tested before I see the endo (who is a diabetes specialist, it seems. Great.)