Have been on thyroxine for a few years now and managed with diet, however my Free T3 has come back low and I've had low thyroid symptoms for the past 3 months.
My only blood test result that is low usually is my FT3 - all others are normal.
Could someone please recommend a good supplement to support?
Also if someone could please help me with sourcing some Liothyronine? I have asked my GP to change to T3 and she said that no such medication exists. She wanted to increase my levothyroxine instead, which is unlikely to help if I'm not converting.
Thank you
Written by
KettlebellQueen
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First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results?
if not will need to get hold of copies.
You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.
The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results
UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone 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.
Important to see exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn’t been tested yet
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies
Do you have Hashimoto’s?
How much levothyroxine are you currently taking?
When was dose last increased?
When were vitamin levels last tested?
What vitamin supplements are you currently taking?
Ask GP to test vitamin levels and thyroid antibodies if these haven’t been tested
You may need to get full Thyroid testing privately as NHS refuses to test TG antibodies if TPO antibodies are negative
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .
Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood test. (taking delayed dose 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)
Is this how you do your tests?
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies
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
Improving low vitamin levels can significantly improve conversion of Ft4 to Ft3
So that’s always the first step
If you have Hashimoto’s frequently gluten free diet helps too
As far as supplements are concerned, there is no general supplement that is recommended. You need to test Vit D, B12, Folate and Ferritin and supplement for any low levels at the correct dose. If you get them tested then post results, with reference ranges, plus units of measurement for Vit D and B12, members will help. Nutrient levels need to be optimal before adding T3.
Saying your thyroid results are 'normal' is pretty meaningless, it just means somewhere in range but doesn't mean optimal. If you have results it would be better if your posted them, along with their reference ranges.
As for sourcing liothyronine, we can't name sources on the forum so I will turn off replies to this post, it will remain visible and if anyone can help they will send you a private message. However, members are more likely to share their source if you post your results.
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