Non-NHS options to treating subclinical hypothyroidism?

Hi, after pushing my GP last week, they are still "very deaf" to my thyroid/antibodies and the saliva cortisol test - see below; NHS 9am serum cortisol was 309 in 2017 (compared to 376 in 2015 by Blue Horizons!).

Blue Horizon Autumn 2017 Thyroid panel indicates ineffecient T4-T3 conversion:

Folate (serum) 12.6 ug/L > 2.9

FERRITIN 274 ug/L 30 - 400

C Reactive protein 0.7 mg/L <5.0

TOTAL THYROXINE(T4) 92 nmol/L 59 - 154

THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE 3.15 mIU/L 0.27 - 4.2

FREE THYROXINE 15.5 pmol/l 12.0 - 22.0

FREE T3 4.1 pmol/L 3.1 - 6.8

Thyroglobulin Antibody <10.0 IU/mL 0-115

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies * 119.8 IU/mL 0 - 34

TPO was 280 and TGAB was 43 in Autumn 2015 (Blue Horizon)

I've removed gluten, dairy and all flour from my diet for now, I've just started L-Selenomethionine 100mcg daily. I've got adrenal reset supplements and also licorice extract powder (current not taking - BP risk and lowers testosterone).

I can't afford private treatment due to losing my job at xmas due to depression and am thinking of self-treating. My results suggest only low dose / minimal medication is required.

What are the risks of taking thyroid and adrenal glandulars? Are they effective? (I'm looking at the Swanson brand)

This one may prove to be controversial - I know you can purchase T3 medication and hydrocortisone online, can anyone PM sites that are reliable in product and delivery?

Any advice welcome.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Blue Horizon Autumn 2017 Thyroid panel indicates ineffecient T4-T3 conversion:

What makes you say that?

You can't see whether good conversion takes place until TSH is down to around 1 or below and yours is 3.15

Also

FREE THYROXINE 15.5 pmol/l 12.0 - 22.0

FREE T3 4.1 pmol/L 3.1 - 6.8

If you were working out the conversion rate by FT4/FT3 then 15.5/4.1 = 3.78 : 1 and good conversion takes place when ratio is 4:1 or less.

Both are low in range, FT4 would have to be high with low FT3 to suggest poor conversion.

[Clutter]

Ady_P,

You are not taking Levothyroxine so the thyroid results don't indicate poor T4 to T3 conversion.

TSH 3.15 indicates your thyroid is beginning to struggle but FT4 and FT3 are roughly what one expects to see in someone not taking Levothyroxine. NHS won't diagnose hypothyroidism until TSH is over range or FT4 below range.

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's). There is no cure for Hashimoto's which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine treatment is for the low thyroid levels it eventually causes. Many people have found that 100% gluten-free diet is helpful in reducing Hashi flares, symptoms and eventually antibodies.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Members have certainly felt benefit from self-medicating with thyroid results similar to yours but you will have difficulty getting a NHS diagnosis without stopping self medicating if you later need to because you find the medication and blood tests too expensive. It may be better to first ask your GP to check ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate are optimal as symptoms of deficiencies can be similar to hypothyroid symptoms.

If you decide to self medicate I suggest you consider starting with Levothyroxine or even Thai NDT Thyroid-S or Thiroyd rather than T3.

If you want to go ahead self-medicating Write a new post asking members to send feedback where to source the meds you decide on via private messages.

I'm not knowledgeable about DHEA and cortisol but I am wondering why you want to take hydrocortisone when DHEA is high and only your morning cortisol is low?