I have just joined this thread as I have been tested for hypothyroidism and found to have a low T3. I exhibit all of the symptoms - am constantly exhausted and dizzy, with brain fog, struggles with memory and weight loss and drastic intolerance to cold (I even had to wear a jumper in 35 degrees recently on a holiday to Egypt!!). My T3 result was 2.9.
Does anybody have any advice or experience of this, or suggestions with regard to my medication/supplement for my levels? My doctor has said that without an abnormal TSH level he cannot treat!!
I'm pretty desperate if anyone can help me.
Many thanks, Fran
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fran_m
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Do you have the ranges for these (figures in brackets after each result)
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, FT3
plus very important to test TPO and TG thyroid antibodies. as well as test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
As GP if he will test these or if unhelpful Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies
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. This gives highest TSH 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 are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .
Really...?? I had no idea about that. My doctor was quite firm that 'because TSH wasn't raised there definitely isn't a problem', and said he would not send me for any further tests so maybe the private testing is something I should look at.
I'm not sure what you mean about the ranges though...?? 🤔 Sorry - I'm very new to all this! 🙈
Well we can't be absolutely sure without the ranges. Each lab has slightly different ranges
But typically FT4 is 12-22 the result should be at least higher than half way in range
FT3 range usually 3.5 - 6.8
FT3 is the active hormone and extremely important. It's probable your FT3 is below range.
TSH range typically 0.2-4.8. So the TSH is within range, though in many other countries a TSH over 3 would be considered suspicious
Further testing of thyroid antibodies and vitamins need doung, especially as you already have low B12
You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges
Central hypothyroidism is another consideration. When FT3 and FT4 are both low TSH should rise, often considerably, eg to 20 or even higher
Very low vitamin levels can affect TSH and reduce the amount it rises, but there is an over reliance on just looking at TSH. But FT4 and FT3 are the most importan, especially FT3.
My TSH result was 3.9. My free T4 was 12.3 and free T3 was 2.9. These are the only results my doctor gave me, although I do know my vit B is low as he put me on supplements for this some time ago.
Your doctor *could* treat but doesn't want to take responsibility for going outside guidelines. You should have an referral to an endo in case you have central hypothyroidism when the TSH never rises (problem with pituitary or hypothalamus). GPs only even vaguely understand primary hypo and definitely haven't a clue about anything else.
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