Reverse T3 recognisition: Hi, I am looking for... - Thyroid UK

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Reverse T3 recognisition

17 Replies

Hi, I am looking for advice on RT3 and whether Endocrinologist recognise that this is an issue for those of us who have it.

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17 Replies
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

NHS don't ever test for it, and many endocrinologists not trained to understand it

Kell-E profile image
Kell-E

When it comes to rT3, you are pretty much on your own, reading what you can find. Do you feel that you have an issue with it?

in reply to Kell-E

well that is the question, I am not sure. on the Genova thyroid test my T3 is low, and my RT3 is low. The T3 on the NHS test says it isn't low, this is because they use a different measure. Genova use 12 - 24 I scored 10.5, the NHS use 9 - 24 and I scored 12... it is so frustrating.

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply to

The T3 on the NHS test says it isn't low, this is because they use a different measure.

Genova: 10.5 (12 - 24)

NHS: 12 (9 - 24)

They are both low but Genoval is below range, NHS low in range.

However, that doesn't look like an FT3 test on the NHS with that range (I have no idea about Genova, never seen a blood thyroid result from them). The range for FT3 is usually much narrower and my NHS lab's range for FT3 is 3.5-6.5

Are you sure it's not FT4?

Can you list your results, with reference ranges, for

TSH

FT4

FT3

rT3

As for rT3 being low, well that's where it should be, it's high rT3 you have to be concerned about.

in reply to SeasideSusie

Hi, yes T3 is at 5.3 sorry for the confusion through NHS.

it is the RT3 that is low. but this isn't tested by NHS, only by private clinic.

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply to

No, NHS don't test rT3, I don't think they know anything at all about it. However, as I said, low rT3 isn't a problem so what is it that's concerning you about it?

I have found Genova's Comprehensive Thyroid Test sample report online gdx.net/core/sample-reports... and it shows FT3 range as 1.8 - 4.2 so I'm puzzled by your range being 12-24.

If you do as I asked and provide results and ranges for both NHS and Genova tests for any or all of these tests, we can try and see what problems you do have

TSH

FT4

FT3

rT3

in reply to SeasideSusie

Hi

My T4 is 12.1

My T3 is 5.3

I have been trying to lose weight for over a year, and although being active, gym 3 x per week, running club watching my diet. I have put a stone on, in this 12 months. I am tired, depressed, exhausted. The Genova blood tests were conducted by a nutritionist who has said I have hypothyroidism, and my GP won't acknowledge that. I am taking thyroid supplements (over the counter), as suggested by the nutritionist, which not making any difference. I've been informed that supplements won't make any difference as they are not strong enough. I just want my GP to take me seriously and do something about it to help me.

in reply to

Also, when the test results I have put here, are form the NHS

Genova results are

T3 2.5

T4 10.3

RT3 0.17

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply to

Ranges please. And TSH.

Kell-E profile image
Kell-E in reply to

Do you have the units of measure for the T3 and rT3? ie. pmol/l or ng/dl

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply to

My T4 is 12.1

My T3 is 5.3

So these are your NHS results? What is the range for FT3?

Do you have TSH as well please, with range?

What is the thyroid supplement you are taking?

Has the nutritionist suggested any other supplements?

Have you had Vit D, B12, Folate and Ferritin tested? Post results with ranges if you have.

And what is the result and range for rT3.

We can only understand if we see test results with ranges, so as much information as possible is needed for us to help you and maybe give you something solid to take back to your GP to discuss.

in reply to SeasideSusie

Ok 👌 I will get the info for you tomorrow

in reply to

In the UK the range is

TSH 0.4 - 4.0

FT4 9.0 - 25

FT3 3.5 - 7.8

My results

TSH 0.97

T3 5.3

T4 14.1

I had a test done before this at a private clinic the range is slightly different.

Free T4 range 11.5 - 22.7 my score 10.3

TSH range 0.40 - 4 my score 1.62

T3 range 0.14-0.54 my score 0.17

blood tests taken at different times of the day too. which can also make a difference, I believe.

amasufindme profile image
amasufindme in reply to

Biotin may effect TFT assays too depending on components used! :-)

Kell-E profile image
Kell-E

Is it the rT3 that is low, or the free t3/rT3 ratio that is flagged as low?

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK

When you see a user name of Hidden, it means that the person is no longer a member of this forum.

We often close posts that were originated by people who have left - there is no point in wasting our time making replies. Occasionally, the thread might still be active and popular and will be left. More often, it is simply a case of none of the admins noticing!

I shall now be closing this post to replies.

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