T3. Where do I get it ?

[Alex99]

Hello. Can anyone advise me where I can buy T3 please. I have an under active thyroid which is not responding to thyroxine. Also is it harmful ? Why won't my endo prescribe it ? Thanks so much x

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Alex99 if you have full thyroid tests with reference ranges, ie TSH, FT4 and FT3, can you post them, then members can advise whether T3 is needed. It's important to see where your FT3 lies within it's range and to know if you are converting T4 to T3. If you take T3 and don't need it, it will send your FT3 over range and long term high FT3 can be harmful.

There are a couple of reasons why your endo won't prescribe it, one is it is very expensive, another is perhaps he has your full thyroid results and knows you don't need it. Or maybe he doesn't really know much about it!

[Alex99 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks so much for your reply. I haven't got my blood test results. I know there is enough thyroxine in my blood but it's not making me well at all still. So through reading I think t 3 is for me Thinking of going to see a private endo to see if they will prescribe it Could ask my gp for test results I suppose xx

[Musicmonkey in reply to Alex99]

Yes you can and it's useful to have results for any real idea what you need, or don't need!

Ask for them, post them here with details of your current dose of thyroxine and members will advise. If it looks like you would benefit from T3 then I am sure members will suggest it and also how you can source it.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Alex99]

Alex99 If you are in the UK then ask your surgery for a print out of your blood test results, you are legally entitled to them, they can't refuse but they may make a small charge for printing.

If FT3 hasn't been done then you can get a private test with Blue Horizon to include all thyroid tests including antibodies, plus all essential vitamins and minerals that are needed for thyroid hormone to work. Have you had B12, Vit D, ferritin and folate tested? If not then get the Thyroid Plus Eleven for a full picture bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk/T... which is an easy at home fingerprick test.

If you do have enough T4 then you need to know how well you are converting to T3 and then it will be possible to say how much you T3 you may need and whether you need to reduce Levo.

[Alex99 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Gosh. Complicated. Ok. Will try all of that. Don't think I've been tested for all. Those things. Just t4

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Alex99]

If we want to be well we have to learn and help ourselves, our doctors don't seem to be doing a very good job of it.

Make a new thread with your results, including reference ranges, and members will help.

The BH test takes 2-3 days fornthe results to be emailed to you.

[Alex99 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you I am

Beginning to realise this !!

[Singoutloud]

Welcome Alex99 As this is your first post it may be an idea to add a little info to your profile. Things like how long you've been hypothyroid, medication you're taking and for how long, do you have thyroid antibodies. Which Country and gender.

All these things help people to give info that is relevant to you.

Never believe a health professional that says your bloods are normal or in the right place! If in the UK you are entitled to a copy under the data protection act the surgery cannot refuse. Keep a copy for your records to monitor your progress. If you have a question about medication, post your latest blood results and ranges. Nobody will want to give you any info that could make you feel worse. T3 is very strong in comparison to levo and can cause problems if not careful, especially if you do not need it.

[Alex99]

ThAnk you for your advice. How do I get these results ? Will my gp mail them to me ?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Alex99]

Go to the surgery and ask for a print out. Or take a pen and paper and write them down with reference ranges.

[Singoutloud]

I normally phone the surgery to let them know that I would like to collect a copy of the results later that day. That gives the receptionist a chance to tell the GP. They may charge a nominal fee for cost of printing but shouldn't be more than 50p mine does it for free. If you speak to surgery you may be able to get online access to your results

[Alex99 in reply to Singoutloud]

Thank you