My NHS GP says that he can only order a TSH test. I used to get free T3 and T4 done regularly as well. Has anyone else had this problem?

[Guineapiggy]

My GP surgery has always been willing to carry out all three tests and my TPO antibody test. They now say I have to pay privately or see an endocrinologist. I assume this is another cutback to save money. I have just started to use Metavive Pro [60 mg porcine] and will need to check my hormone levels.

[MaisieGray]

For a while now, most NHS Labs have seemed to follow the protocol of testing only TSH unless it is abnormal; and if it's abnormal then FT4 is tested. Only if that is abnormal, is FT3 tested. Some patients do seem to get their FT3 tested but it's become increasingly less likely. Many of us simply go down the private testing route, especially if self-medicating.

[Hidden]

You are making me smile!! Bear in mind that I have been prescribed T3 / T4 by my Endo for over five years..........was previously on T4 only since 2002.( spent first 10years on only 50mcgs !!!!!!!)

In the New Year I received a letter from my surgery for a patient review( something new) I had my blood test and then went for a surgery appointment.On my letter it was for CVD,Hypertension and thyroid.I said to the lady I saw ( not my own GP) that I was puzzled by the CVD,but she said this was about my thyroid.

So we sat down for a thyroid chat! I asked for my thyroid results ,but my FT3 had not been done!! .....I then told her that I am prescribed T3, so what use was this to me ?

I didn't receive an answer. When I came away,I wondered what it had been about,as it was no more than a pleasant chat with someone I didn't know.

[silverfox7]

How many won't know if they have a conversion issue either and judging by posts we see that is common.

[Babette]

A friend on levothyroxine was told by her GP that there wasn't any point in testing FT3. I've given her evidence to show her GP but also suggested she asks for a referral to an endo.

[Guineapiggy]

I will have to make an appointment for a chat. Last year there was no problem so I may be able to persuade him.

Thanks for all your replies.

[Howard39]

Hi

It’s useful to take temperature readings with a basal thermometer. I do 4 a day ( see link drmyhill.co.uk and search under orchestra in the top right hand corner of the home page).

This has been written by one of the top endos I’m the country and a general specialist with 15 book under her belt.

Monitoring your temps saved me money on too many blood tests. You aim for 36.50 degrees and if any results varies by 0.3 degrees from the average then it shows your adrenals are not fully functioning.

The article is a fantastic one on how to achieve good health.

[Guineapiggy in reply to Howard39]

Thanks. I must try and do the readings.

[Rigal58 in reply to Howard39]

Hi could you tell me which endocrinologist you were referring to in your messsge? I am desperate to find one that will look at the whole picture and not just tsh level

Thank you in advance

[Guineapiggy in reply to Rigal58]

It was my own GP that I referred to. In the past he was able to order free T3, T4 and TPO antibody tests. That is no longer something he is allowed to do and can only test TSH. If the TSH is abnormal then he is allowed to test free T4. I assume that this is a new rule for all NHS GPs to save money.

Free T3 and TPO tests have to be ordered by an endocrinologist or paid for privately. My first NHS endo visit was totally unsatisfactory. I felt "talked at" and he wasn't interested in what I had to say. He was only concerned with me raising my intake of levothyroxine to bring my TSH down but levo does not work for me and I need NDT, which he would only consider prescribing privately and not on the NHS.

I am due to see a different endo next month. If she seems better then I may see if I can see her privately. If not I need to find another in the West Sussex area.

[jupiterconjunct]

Recently Having asked my dr for t3 test he refused because my TSH is 2.2 and he says it’s ok.

I said if this is the case, how come my hair is still falling out to the point I only have a quarter of the it left. ( good job I thick hair to start with). And my eyebrows have all but gone.

Today I’m on no meds.