I previously posted about switching to T3 only. I have been doing okay on it / main positive is my brain fog has improved , my hair is no longer falling out but not grown back, and my body is not as achey as it was. However, I have not lost any of weight I previously gained even though I eat well (low carb and non processed food), I stilll feel slight sluggish and my mood is low and anxious. I don’t currently exercise which is something I need to do.
I take 62.5 T3 only. Vitamins/minerals: Igennus Super B-complex x 1, Solgar B sublingual x 1, Ferrous Fumerate rapid absorption iron ( 44.6 mg providing 14 mg 100% RDA ) x 1, Lindens D3 3000 x 1, Lindens selenium 100ug x 1, Lindens multivitamin x 1, Solgar high strength Zinc x 1 and Nutri Adrenal Extra x 2.
I am having a full bloods tested next week so will see results then.
I increased my T3 last month so it was 75 but felt really anxious and foggy and starting to stutter and jumble my words again which is the same as when I was hypo. My mind was racing and I felt overwhelmed mentally.
My questions are:
Should I reinstate thyroxine T4? T3 has made me a bit better however, I wasn’t taking all of the vitamins and minerals I am now when previously on T4 only. So now that I am would I be in a better position to convert the T4? If my issue was conversion.
Are the vitamins/minerals I’m taking enough/adequate?
I am worried about T3 supplies so should I come clean about self medicating to my GP in order to ‘sell’ him how beneficial it is to me and therefore try to get a prescription?
If sourcing T3 becomes a problem what should I do?
Sorry for all the questions x
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Tiredtash
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I believe GPs in the UK have now been told they must NOT prescribe T3. Only T4.
That's why there's a Petition in the House of Lords as members or other people who take T3 and are well, were devastated when it was removed without any warnings.
Even though I have been able to source T3 my GP told me in no uncertain terms that they would not prescribe as they have done so in the past.
There also seems to be a shortage of T3 worldwide - and I don't know the reason for this.
You could try a combination of T4/T3 on a 3:1 basis or 4:1 basis to see if that is beneficial. All members who are well on T3 are nervous about not sourcing it as we know full well how we were on levothyroxine.
There is also NDTs as alternatives but that would mean 'trials' to see if one's body is better on it. It could be that the first one to try may be the 'one'.
I don’t know if I have hashi’s officially but assume so from the info I have read.
I was on 200 T4 and 25 T3 but feeling awful. Hypo symptoms such as swelling/puffiness, always extremely tired, significant brain fog and speech being affected, low mood and depressive type symptoms. I wonder if I wasn’t converting and then read time and time again that certain nutrients and minerals such as iron an selenium have to be optimal to convert adequately.
Re vitamins; I was tested prior to stopping T4 and told both were ‘okay’.. I did not know at that time that they had to be optimal or to even ask for the ranges (hadn’t discovered this site then) but the way I felt was terrible ie aches, run down and so tired so assumed that taking these would ensure I am near optimal or at least have an adequate amount in my system.
I also take an individual high strength vit C. I have read about multivitamins on this site but just thought I would take these as a back up.
Shall I drop the multi?
Not officially tested the adrenals but do have symptoms of low adrenals, and have done the lie down test, and online q &a test which show them as low.
I have my bloods next week so can post them then. I think I am just trying to cover all bases in order to recover efficiently as I feeling like this I dominating my life and I want to feel well x
First thing is to get actual results from last tests. You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.
UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need enhanced access to see blood results.
In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet
Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up. They can no longer charge for printing out, rules changed after May 25th 2018
Currently you are supplementing iron and have no idea if levels were actually low. Iron is very toxic in excess.
Supplements should only be taken if test results show low levels. We can't just guess
Come back with new post once you get copies of old test results
Vitamin C is good, doesn't need testing. Supports adrenals
Are these upcoming tests next week via GP, or private testing?
You need antibodies tested
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 3-5 days before any blood tests, as biotin can falsely affect test results
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. When on Levothyroxine, take last dose 24 hours prior to test, and take next dose straight after test. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)
If also/only on T3, make sure to take last dose exactly 12 hours prior to test.
If you normally take T3 in one dose, split dose just for the day before so that last dose is 12 hours before blood test
It is an annual health check but GP has agreed to do a full thyroid panel, and test my iron and b12. I have previously been anaemic so have my iron done every year -the last two years I have been told it is in ‘range’.
I need an op done but can’t until I lose weight so doc has agreed to fully test thyroid as can’t understand why I’ve not lost weight despite my last thyroid tests being range (I now know this means nothing!) and this was when I was on the T4 and T3.
I do appreciate you reply and once I get the bloods done I will post them on here. I will cease the iron and multi vitamin and take your advice re the b12 and stopping this before bloods x
T4 is not an active thyroid hormone and must be converted in the body to T3 to become active. The body regulates this conversion to maintain a set level of T3 and for some people the control mechanism (negative feedback) limits the conversion so that T3 levels do not increase sufficiently. This is particularly common when taking large amounts of T4.
For some people who cannot get their Free T3 high enough on T4, moving to T3 only may be best.
I would tell your gp that you’re taking T3 and that you feel better on it. Get it recorded in your notes. Then your go should do tests for you. GP responsibility doesn’t end at saying wont prescribe T3.
Hi, are you in the UK? I went T3 only and although some of the results were good I didn't like other side effects and didn't enjoy the three hourly dosing. My Dr's wouldn't help me with it and definately wouldn't prescribe it. I felt like I was out on a limb. I went back on Levo only and to be honest I feel fine!!! There's the initial transition phase which for me brings a bit of the blues but I'm through it now, going to the gym and mostly feel good. Personally I think a combination might be the way to go...and this was what I was aiming for but to tell the truth I feel fine on Levo so I'm thinking I shouldn't rock the boat!!! 😂
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