Is T3 Test Important?

[Mayelo]

I'm Anne and I am new here. I've had hypothyroidism for a few years now, for which I'm on 50mcg of Thyroxine daily. I've heard that it's important to have Free T3 checked but it isn't done in the UK. I had a blood test done abroad recently and the result was 1.18 (Ref values of 1.23 - 3.08) which may be different in that country. From the result it seems I'm slightly under for T3 but don't know what the symptoms might be or who to see. A brother who has had hypothyroidism was diagnosed after quite a long time with parathyroid problems and has recently had it removed and I don't know if there is any connection. The remainder of the blood test was fine but My GP didn't want to test for T3 levels. Any ideas?

Thanks

[Leener71]

Do you feel well? That is the msin question.

[Treepie]

GPs seem ignorant of the importance of T3 ,it is the active hormone that every cell needs ,yet they rely on an indirect measure of TSH which is produced by the pituitary.Go to Thyroid UK ( and join the charity) for information and links to private testing.

[Leener71]

Main question

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

My TSH is always suppressed, has been for over 20 years, of course the GP doesn't like it (but that's another story). However, the hospital lab that does my surgery's tests always tend to test FT3 if TSH is suppressed, even when FT4 is in range. It's the lab who decides if FT3 is going to be tested, regardless of whether the GP has requested it. I guess my lab is unusual and I am lucky.

The only difference between a test here and the test you had done in a different country is the range and that is a very narrow range, ranges here tend to be around 3.1-6.8 (private labs) or maybe 3.5-6.5 (my GP test). You're sure it was FT3 and not Total T3 that was tested?

What is your TSH and your FT4? How do you feel?

If your FT3 really is below range that will cause symptoms.

50mcg Levo is a small starter dose and most people need more.

If you want to get a full thyroid panel you can do a home fingerprick test with Medichecks or Blue Horizon, many of us use them.