I was diagnosed by a GP with an under active thyroid and nodule 12 years ago. The diagnosis changed to Hashimotos when I saw an endocrinologist 5 years later. For the most part, my thyroid was controlled and I was on the whole symptom free
2 years ago in the spring, during my routine scan of my nodule it was discovered my entire thyroid gland had totally disappeared.
That winter was the most miserable one I had ever endured. I was Frozen all the time even when my husband was sweating in shorts an T shirt my GP had no clues and I also started with a fluctuating blood pressure and heart rate. Having neurological conditions as well Hashimotos it is sometimes very difficult to unpick which symptoms are coming from which condition.
This winter has started the same way and I’m miserable! I already have chilblains, frozen to the bones and sleeping for England I finally twigged that this was how I felt 12 years ago albeit it was much milder then
So having spent the last few days reading everything I could I spoke with my GP Today as I’m already booked in for a TSH and T4 test and asked him about adding a T3 test too My Gp said there was no point, as the guidelines state that only the TSH and T4 are required and even if he did do a T3 he couldn’t prescribe any T3 supplements
Has anyone got any advice?
Would an endocrinologist be an alternative?
Thank you in advance
Written by
Feja
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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
Low vitamin levels are extremely common especially with Hashimoto's
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or vitamins
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 special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random
All thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Do not take Levothyroxine dose in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take immediately after blood draw. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)
Ask GP to test vitamins and if you are not on gluten free diet for coeliac blood test
See Box 1 page 8
New NHS England Liothyronine guidelines November 2018
Thank you ever so much for your replies. It means a lot to not be wandering around alone in the dark.
Interestingly I’ve never been told to do a fasting draw but shall do so next week, I shall also not take my Levo dose for 24hrs prior too. Thanks for the advice Slowdragon.
I shall ask for a copy of the results so I can post the results. The GP is also doing a full blood count. Not sure if this covers all the other tests listed? If it doesn’t I will request them. Or pay privately if need be.
It is essential to test FT3, your GP is incorrect about prescribing of T3. It is possible, but clinical need must be diagnosed by NHS endocrinologist. Obviously NHS is reluctant to test FT3 as they don't want to prescribe T3
However first step is full testing
2nd in to get all four vitamins optimal
Extremely common to need to be strictly gluten free. Certainly advisable to at least try it for 3-6 months
Then if FT3 remains low once vitamins are optimal and TSH around one and FT4 right at top of range......gluten free diet too, ....... then it's time to consider addition of small dose of T3
Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies
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Results on Armour Thyroid - Help
Hashimoto thyroiditis
Thyroid Test Results 
No Thyroid
