TSH 0.83 indicates you are probably adequately dosed on 75mcg but TSH only doesn't give any clue to your FT4 and FT3 levels or how well you are converting. You can order private TSH, FT4 and FT3 tests via thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...
You can ask your GP but there is probably an agreement between the CCG and lab to only test TSH unless TSH is abnormal. Even if your GP can get FT4 tested it is unlikely the lab will test FT3 unless TSH is <0.03.
It's a myth that long term use of Levothyroxine leads to lack of conversion.
Endo can request FT3 but still lab may decline to analyse unless TSH is very low. Many GPs require a recommendation from a NHS endo before they will prescribe T3. Not all endos believe in prescribing T3 and some CCGs have banned prescribing of T3.
If you want to check how well you are converting you will need TSH, Free T4 (FT4) and Free T3 (FT3) done at the same time. Otherwise you can just order FT3 to check your T3 level.
Clutter you say that long term use of T4 leading to lack of conversion is a myth. May I ask what you base this on please. I have often wondered if that is why I have conversion problems. I have not had the gene test. But 30 years of poor thyroid treatment, and Hashi's damage I thought may have meant enough damage done to destroy the system? Other than the gene influence, what else caused non-conversion?
I base it on lack of evidence. Diogenes wife has been taking Levothyroxine for 45 years and is apparently well.
Possible causes for reduced conversion could be:
Thyroid packing up completely so no thyroidal conversion meaning total reliance on peripheral conversion; Reduced deiodination causing reduced conversion; Hormonal change like menopause possibly reducing conversion.
Thanks Clutter , since posting, had a thought that adrenals also a consideration too? Guess more likely thyroid packed up completely or could be the D102? gene, as never felt better on T4, but was untreated for at least 10 years so suspect thyroid already damaged, and 20 years on useless t4 = shot thyroid!
@Clutter, just thinking about this again...sorry to keep coming back to it...brain working overdrive....but if Diogenes wife has been fine on T4 all this time, then it must suit her. Maybe, if on T4 longterm, and it not suiting, like myself, maybe the damage done from poor thyroid function and a depleted thyroid, destroyed thyroid, results in poor conversion. Or it could just be that I have the dodgy gene. Can't afford to get the test done.
Clutter Thanks for this post, I am taking T3 and realise conversion immaterial to me, just wanting to check my understanding, as I was assuming that was the case, but did not know for sure.
Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.
All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after.
No point just asking for referral to a random endocrinologist, you need to do some research first
Email Louise at Thyroid Uk for list of recommended thyroid specialists, some are NHS
hi Chrissie, hope you are well. I have recently been referred to eye specialist for same problem. Have you had any treatment done in your left eye? If you have, what type of treatments did you have? How do you manage your symptoms?
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