Hi
Is anyone able to help me with my recent blood test results for T3 T4 and TSH which came back as below
Free T3 3.6
TSH 6.12
Free Thyroxine 12.3
I am wondering if I require T3 medication and what would be the dosage and where would be the safest place to purchase
Christiana66
Have you been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and are you prescribed Levothyroxine?
Can you please add the reference ranges for your results.
Hi
Thank you for your prompt response
I had my thyroid partially removed aged 13 approximately 40 years ago and it was cancerous apart from that have no other information
I have yearly blood tests
I am currently on no medication
My GP states my TSH levels are within range
I suffer from all the symptoms of having very low T3 levels
I asked for a referral to gain a private blood tests for T3 T4 and TSH
The range for
Free T3 is 3.1-6.8
TSH is 0.27-4.20
Free Thyroxine is 12.0-22.00
Thank you
Christiana66
Free T3 3.6 (3.1-6.8)
Free Thyroxine 12.3 (12.0-22.00)
TSH 6.12 (0.27-4.20)
My GP states my TSH levels are within range
If this is the TSH result your GP is referring to then I think you should ask him if he wagged maths lessons at school.
I suffer from all the symptoms of having very low T3 levels
You will be suffering from symptoms of hypothyroidism.
I am wondering if I require T3 medication
No. You require Levothyroxine.
Here is a list of signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the... and I presume you have some of those symptoms.
With your TSH level and "normal" (by that it means somewhere within the range) you are classed as having Subclinical Hypothyroidism. [In another country you would be diagnosed with Hypothyroidism with a TSH of 3.]
See cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroid...
Scenario: Subclinical hypothyroidism (non-pregnant)
If TSH is between 4 and 10 mU/L and FT4 is within the normal range
◾In people aged less than 65 years with symptoms suggestive of hypothyroidism, consider a trial of LT4 and assess response to treatment 3–4 months after TSH stabilises within the reference range — see the section on Prescribing information for further information on initiation and titration of LT4. If there is no improvement in symptoms, stop LT4.
So you need to speak to your GP and ask for a trial of Levothyroxine.
When you did your private test, did you only have TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested? Did you include thyroid antibodies - Thyroid Peroxidase and Thyroglobulin? Or vitamins and minerals - Vit D, B12, Folate and Ferritin?
Thank you so much for such an inspiring and in-depth response
No I did not request antibodies or vitamins and minerals or folate and ferritin
I was just fed up with being fobbed off
Do you think this is something I could ask my Gp to test
The last private blood test were quite expensive
Thank you again
Christiana
Your GP can do those vitamin and mineral tests, whether s/he will be willing is something you'll have to find out.
If you can get a trial of Levo on the basis of a diagnosis of Subclinical Hypothyroidism, you can say to your GP that you understand nutrient levels need to be optimal for thyroid hormone to be able to work, so could you please have them tested.
If your GP wants to know where you got your information, say you have been in touch with NHS Choices recommended source of information about thyroid disease (which is ThyroidUK, and this is their forum), but don't mention the internet or forum because doctors don't like that).
Did you have your private test done with Blue Horizon or Medichecks? Medichecks have random offers on thyroid tests every Thursday, and BH currently have 20% off until the end of August, which makes their tests good value at the moment.
Hi Susie
I went to GP today
She stated in her opinion my levels were borderline!!??
I asked for the all the blood tests suggested
She agreed
I also asked to be prescribed Levothyroxine
She was a little sceptical
She wanted me to wait until I had the results of the further blood tests
I insisted and she prescribed me 25 micro gram, one to be taken daily
She gave me 2 months worth
Hopefully I will see some changes in my symptoms
Your thoughts please
Thanks again Christina
Christiana
Well done on getting a prescription.
25mcg is such a tiny dose, usually given to children, the elderly or those with a heart condition, it often makes things worse. . Don't be surprised if you feel worse for now. Your GP may have set you up to fail, so that if you say you don't feel any better after the 2 month trial she can then say that you obviously don't need Levo as it hasn't done anything for you.
Protocol is
cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroid...
Initiation and titration
The dose of levothyroxine (LT4) should be individualized on the basis of clinical and biochemical (thyroid function tests) response. Treatment must be monitored regularly to determine an adequate dose and to avoid both under-treatment and over-treatment.
The initial recommended dose is:
For most people: 50–100 micrograms once daily, preferably taken at least 30 minutes before breakfast, caffeine-containing liquids (such as coffee or tea), or other drugs.
This should be adjusted in increments of 25–50 micrograms every 3–4 weeks according to response. The usual maintenance dose is 100–200 micrograms once daily.
For people aged over 50 years and people with cardiac disease or severe hypothyroidism: 25 micrograms once daily, adjusted in increments of 25 micrograms every 4 weeks according to response.
Once a stable thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level is achieved and an adequate dose determined, arrange follow up to check thyroid function tests (TFTs) at 4–6 months and then annually.
I think the over 50 part is being overly cautions, you are only 53 so that's certainly not elderly.
Take your Levo on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after food, with a glass of water only, no tea, coffee, milk, etc, for an hour either side as absorption will be affected. Take any other medication and supplements 2 hours away from Levo, some need 4 hours.
This allows for maximum absorption and nothing will interfere with it.
When booking thyroid tests, always book the very first appointment of the morning and fast overnight (water allowed) . This gives the highest possible TSH which is needed when looking for an increase in dose or to avoid a reduction. TSH is highest early morning and lowers throughout the day. It can also lower after eating and coffee also affects TSH. Also, take your Levo after the blood draw because if you take it before then your FT4 will reflect this and show higher than what is normally circulating. We usually advise 24 hours between last dose of Levo and blood draw so if you take your Levo in the morning then delay until after the test, or if you take it at night then delay that dose until after the test. These are patient to patient tips which we don't discuss with doctors or phlebotomists.
Hopefully your next set of tests results will show a lower TSH and higher FT4 and FT3, it doesn't matter by how much but if they are going the right way at least then you can say that the Levo is working, you're just not on enough.
The aim of a treated hypo patient generally is for TSH to be 1 or below or wherever it needs to be for FT4 and FT3 to be in the upper part of their respective reference ranges when on Levo if that is where you feel well. Add
Some hints to get the best results:-
1 - always make the very earliest blood test appointment - even if you have to make it several weeks ahead..
2. Fast (you can drink water)
3. If taking thyrod hormones miss the a.m. dose and take after blood test. (allow a 24 hour gap between last dose of levo and the test and take afterwards.
This keeps your TSH at its highest as food interferes with the uptake and also your blood results.
Always get a prnt-out from the surgery for your own records.
Ask GP to test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate.
Thank you for the helpful tips
I have deleted your other post as it is a repeat of this one, having two threads running with the same question gets confusing.
Advice on Adding T3 to Levo 
T3 advice
Advice on increase of T3
T3 re-test results 
