Time to try T3

[MrsFitz]

I've received my latest TSH results from the GP. My levels are now at 1.3 (0.2 - 5.5). My Private Endo recommended that I aim for between 1.0 and 2.0, but I mentioned the lower levels suggested here but my GP had hoped that I would have shown some improvement at 1.3. I am currently taking 75 mcg and 100 mcg on alternate days and we discussed moving up to 100 mcg daily or switching to T3 (privately obtained) as maybe purely T4 is not for me. The GP suggested that I call my Private Endo and discuss a sensible starting dose. - I've left a message with his Secretary so we'll see what happens with that.

So I am looking for a supplier of T3 and any suggestions for a starting dosage. I am OK with talking to the Endo but I actually want to hear from this community too as I certainly value the advice I've been given to date.

I think I should obtain a decent set of results from Blue Horizon next, what do you think?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Yes, very good idea, you need to know full detail of what's going on

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Blue Horizon - Thyroid plus eleven tests all these.

This is an easy to do fingerprick test you do at home, post back and they email results to you couple of days later.

Usual advice on ALL thyroid tests, (home one or on NHS) is to do early in morning, ideally before 9am. No food or drink beforehand (other than water) If you are taking Levo, then don't take it in 24 hours before (take straight after). This way your tests are always consistent, and it will show highest TSH, and as this is mainly all the medics decide dose on, best idea is to keep result as high as possible

[Clutter]

MrsFitz,

Good idea to order a BH blood test. You need to know what your FT4 and FT3 levels are before deciding to add T3.

[MrsFitz in reply to Clutter]

Thanks Clutter and SlowDragon . I'll order the test as suggested

[Angel_of_the_North]

You really need to know your FT4 and Ft3 levels as TSH is really not relevant once you are on meds. You definitely need to know them before even thinking of taking T3.

[Naz67]

Hi MrsFitz , I started T3 today. I got mine from the endo. Will ur endo not prescribe it?...

I've ordered an adrenal saliva test from Genova a, £77 with thyroid uk discount code. I'm worried the T3 may not work if my adrenals are fatigued. Currently off work sick!

Other blood tests you should be optimal in are ferritin, b12, folate and vitamin D.

What are ur recent tsh, fr3 & ft4 results?

Another thing, get printouts if all your blood test results with ranges for your own records and when you need to refer to them on this forum too.

I wish u well soon 😊

[MrsFitz in reply to Naz67]

Thanks @naz67, I heard from my Endo today that he thinks it's too early for me to switch to T3. I saw him in June when I was taking Levo at 75 mcg. He prescribed 87.5 mcg and told me to get my TSH after 2 month's. My TSH is currently 1.3 but my GP won't allow any further thyroid tests hence my next blood tests will be from Blue Horizon. I saw my GP the other day and she was okay for me to up my meds to 100 mcg, but actually recommended I ask the Endo to suggest T3 dosage as an alternative.

I am also off work with fatigue, I'm at the end of my tether really. I haven't worked a full week for over 8 months and I was hoping that T3 would be my 'magic pill'. I am already supplementing Vit D and B12 plus magnesium, selenium etc.

I know I am whining... this is such a frustrating disease!