T3 where can I get it?

[sinny71]

Have been on levothyroxine for early 20 years but struggle with arthritis and weight gain. Would like to try T3 . Where can I get it from. My GP would not even discuss it with me. What dose age would you suggest to start on?

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Sinny71.

To advise what dose T3 to start on we will need to see your recent TSH, FT4 and FT3 blood test results and ranges.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Sinny, you won't know what dose you need to build up to or whether even T3 will be of benefit unless you get FT4 and FT3 tested at the same time. Post your results, with reference ranges, and members will offer suggestions.

You also need all the building blocks in place for thyroid hormone to work properly as a first step, ie optimal levels of vitamins and minerals, so you need to know your levels of Vit D, B12, folate and ferritin, and supplement any deficiencies first. Again, post the results with ranges for comment.

[sinny71 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you. GP will only test t4 and Tsh. My tsh was raised and my t4 level is in the normal range. I am already taking VIT D prescribed by the rheumatologist. Fe level was normal

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to sinny71]

Sinny, what doctors think are 'fine' or ' normal' just means that they're somewhere within the range, it doesn't mean they are optimal. Here are the recommended levels for vitamins and minerals for thyroid hormone to work properly;

Vit D - 100-150nmol/L

B12 - very top of range, even 900-1000

Folate - at least half way through it's range

Ferritin - half way through it's range

Is your prescribed D3 800iu daily or was your level so low as to be classed as severely deficient and you are are loading doses?

Did your rheumatologist also tell you that there are important cofactors needed along with D3? You can read about them here

vitamindcouncil.org/about-v...

Magnesium helps your body use the D3 you are giving it.

K2-MK7 directs the increased uptake of calcium from food to ones and teeth where it is needed and away from arteries and soft tissues where it can be deposited and cause problems.

Were you told to take your D3 with the fattiestour meal of the day as it needs fat to be absorbed?

Were you told to take D3 four hours away from thyroid meds?

If you would like to post your results, members can comment with suggestions to optimise levels.

**

You simply can't take T3 unless you know your FT3 level and whether you are converting T4 to T3 well enough. T3 is very potent, taking it when it's not needed can lead to health problems, so care is needed and guidance is taken from your levels.

If your GP can't do FT3 testing, you can get a private fingerprick blood test which can test TSH, FT4 and FT3. There are more comprehensive bundles available too which can test thyroid antibodies and vitamins and minerals.

Basic tests -

bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk/t...

medichecks.com/thyroid-func...

Post your results, with reference ranges, and members will help.

[sinny71 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you very much for the information. I shall get on to it

[sinny71]

Currently on 125 mcg levothyroxine