Do I need T3 ?

[LisaJ1967]

Hi all, I'm hoping to find some help here. I am off to the doctors this afternoon armed with all the information I can find on T3. I was diagnosed 18 months ago with under active thyroid and prescribed Levothyroxine. I have seen an endocrinologist and apparently I am on the correct dose. BUT I am continually exhausted (even after 8 hours sleep), I feel like my brain in dying and I am 2.5 stone heavier than I was before this. My question is - has anyone been given T3 as everything I read seems to point to me perhaps needing this ?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Lisa

To know if you would benefit from the addition of T3 then you will need TSH, FT4 and FT3 all tested at the same time from the same blood draw. You have to see where the levels lie to know if you convert T4 to T3 well enough.

[LisaJ1967 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi, is it not normal for them to test this when they do a routine blood test ?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to LisaJ1967]

Lisa

No. Even when a GP requests the FT3 test, it's the lab who makes the decision whether or not it is done. If TSH is in range then chances are it won't be done. My surgery's lab does do FT3 if TSH is suppressed.

Many of us here do private tests in this situation.

[LisaJ1967 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Sorry for late reply. I have apparently had all my bloods tested - T3, T4, TSH, the works. Surprise all normal - I actually don't trust the NHS not to lie about the tests so have contacted a private clinic to have a full blood screen - we shall see

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to LisaJ1967]

Lisa

In the UK we are legally entitled to our test results under the Data Protection Act, pop down to your surgery and ask at reception for a print out. Don't accept hand written or verbal results, make sure you get a print out and that the reference ranges are included. Post them on the forum and members will comment.

[LisaJ1967 in reply to SeasideSusie]

I have just spoken to the surgery and they are going to print them for me to collect on Monday

[Hay2016 in reply to LisaJ1967]

I moaned severely at a biochemist yesterday at my hospital who I know. He said if the gp writes on thyroxine as clinical detail they should do the t3/4. Not sure if this is true as so many people don’t get it tested by their labs. I would ask for their testing policy if not done and speak to consultant biochem or clinical biochem if not done.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies.

Plus absolutely essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.

Essential to test thyroid antibodies, FT3 and FT4, and vitamins

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

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 ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting.

If on Levothyroxine, don't take in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances too, especially gluten. So it's important to get antibodies tested.

So before you even consider if you need T3, you need FULL testing. Many, many patients are under medicated

If you have Hashimoto's then low vitamin levels are especially common

Gluten free diet helps very very many too