T3
Hi, I have recently been diagnosed with an under active thyroid and Diabetes type 2. I'm currently taking Metformin and Levothyroxine but a friend has suggested I take T3 also. I cannot find it anyway so could somebody please suggest where I purchase this from or do I need to go back to the GP?
Thanks Louise
Louise Most folk do well on levothyroxine alone. Before you consider taking t3 you need to be sure that your results show that you need it. You also need to ensure that your vitamins are optimal to benefit. If you get a full thyroid blood test done TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 as well as B12, folate, ferritin, vitamin D and post your results and ranges we will be able to give an opinion.
T3 is not widely available on the NHS in the UK. Most users end up purchasing it from abroad. Your blood results need to be interpreted differently too when on t3 so many end up getting bloods tested privately.
T3 isn't a magic pill, many don't get on with it, if you do well on Levo as millions do then it's far less hassle than trying to get hold of T3.
I have had diagnosed hypothyroidism and diabetes for 13 plus years and believe the two are connected; but also more recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia and also b12 deficient. I’d stick with the levothyroxin and metformin to start with, but hope your medics advised you that type 2 diabetes can largely be reversed with a low carb. diet. Metformin can deplete b12, so it is very worth while getting your b12, vit d, folate and ferritin tested ( probably have to do it privately as GPs rarely do all), and if necessary check ( eg for Anaemia and protocol) , and /or supplement. I had lots of pain and weakness, thus the fibromyalgia diagnosis, that research indicated might have been low FT3 ( never got much above 1/3 way thru range). Consequently I added T3 to levo., then went T3 only, but got a significant rise in blood sugars, and have had to reduce T3 down a lot. So beware just adding T3 when you might not need it for hypothyroidism. Do you know why you are hypo....eg tested for autoimmune antibodies (TPO and TgAb) for autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimoto’s disease?
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)
Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).
How much Levothyroxine are you currently taking?
Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after any dose change
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all vitamins
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...
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
Levothyroxine should always be taken on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after
Many people take Levothyroxine soon after waking, but it may be more convenient and more effective taken at bedtime
All medication at least two hours away from Levo. Some like HRT, PPI's, magnesium, iron or vitamin D, at least four hours away
verywellhealth.com/best-tim...
Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable. Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription. Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or at repeat prescription. Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine. Though it is the only one for lactose intolerant patients. Teva is the only brand that makes 75mcg tablet.
Come back with new post once you get results and ranges
Look at low carb high fat diets to improve HBAc1 sugar levels
diabetes.co.uk/diet/low-car...
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T3 or Not T3, that is my question?
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