Reasons to take T3?

[jessjbf]

Hi I’m on Levothyroxine 50mcg and haven’t been on it long. I’m tired all day and given the chance I would sleep all day as well!! I’m piling on the weight having lost 3 st just before surgery 6 weeks ago ( Right PT) I know my GP won’t prescribe T3 but is it worth getting a source elsewhere ? Thank you

[bantam12]

If you haven't been on Levo for long you likely need a dose increase, 50 mcg is just a starting dose. It can take many months to find the right dose, I would stick with it especially as sourcing T3 is not easy plus it's costly.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

jessjbf

When were you diagnosed and started on Levo?

Were thyroid tests repeated 6 weeks after starting Levo?

If you post your latest thyroid test results, including reference ranges, we can see how you're doing on 50mcg Levo. Ideally you want

TSH

FT4

FT3

Thyroid antibodies

Also important for thyroid hormone to work are optimal levels of vitamins and minerals so ideally you also need

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

[jessjbf in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you. Will post them once I have them

[SlowDragon Administrator]

50mcg is only a starter dose.

NHS guidelines saying standard starter dose is 50mcgs

beta.nhs.uk/medicines/levot...

You need blood retested after 6-8 weeks and dose increased in 25mcg steps until TSH is around one and FT4 towards top of range and FT3 at least half way in range

Most people need somewhere between 100mcg and 200mcg. But we have to step up slowly it can not be rushed

Have you had vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested?

[jessjbf]

No I haven’t. Taking Viv D and Berocca Aldi I think I’ll ask next time thanks. I asked for T3 and of course not done! Feel absolutely exhausted. Thank you