Sources for T3 benefits and how much to take.

[saffbaby123]

Hi all,

Very encouraged to read the reviews of people taking T3 in addition to T4 and how it has increased energy levels and reduced brain fog etc.

I am looking to start taking T3 in addition to my T4. My GP (UK) basically stuck her fingers in her ears when I suggested this and instead suggested I tried fasting to lose weight-and a low carb diet. I am 20 years into my life with hypothyroidism-I tired to explain how I didn't think this would work-but am now locked in a battle of wills to prove her wrong before she'll listen to me about T3. But she did increase my T4 to 200mcg per day. More T4?!

So I was hoping to begin T3 on my own-but was wondering if there was any recommended reading that anyone could suggest before I do this-so I know I am doing it properly- and safely of course.

I would also like to know where people are getting their T3 from-a trusted online source if you will, as I see there are a few issues with supply at the minute?

Many thanks to all.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Before you get that far you need to check vitamin D, folate, B12 & ferritin levels. Very common to be too low for thyroid hormones to be used. Vitamins need to be optimal before taking that next step

200mcg is quite high dose T4 - you might have absorption issues

Do you have autoimmune thyroid (Hashimotos) diagnosed by high antibodies

If you do then also need to look at leaky gut, poor absorption & hidden food intolerances- usually gluten

amymyersmd.com/2017/02/3-im...

[saffbaby123 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks SlowDragon- unfortunately I was diagnosed 20 years ago with under active thyroid and was never told if it was hashimotos or not. Have been told that the receptors or indicators of Hashimotos don't hang around-so diagnosis can be difficult? Not even sure if that is true.

I have a coeliac sister with hashimotos and an hypothyridic Dad too- so I would assume that it is indeed an autoimmune hashimotos, and also mother has possible graves disease induced Hyperthyroidism with goiter-so its all in the family. But what a mess- I have only ever seen an endo once in my life-and that was due to being pregnant and I insisted.

Thank you for the link-I shall look further into it and insist on blood tests!

Cheers.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to saffbaby123]

You may still have measurable antibodies, especially if not on gluten free diet yet.

You may have silent coeliac or more likely gluten intolerant

If GP can't/won't do full testing - like very many of us you can get done privately

See Thyroid Uk private testing

Most popular is Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven. Same tests, just different companies. £99 diy finger prick or option to pay extra for private blood draw

Always do any thyroid blood test as early as possible in the morning and fasting, don't take Levo in 24 hours before, delay and take straight after

If taking any supplements with biotin in stop this 4-5 days before as can falsely affect test results

[saffbaby123 in reply to SlowDragon]

Fab advice-

many thanks!