I've had Hashimotos for the last 9 years. I started by just taking thyroxine (100micros), however my Endocrinologist in Dubai noticed that my T3 was very low. Therefore, I never felt better until I started T3 (I have been on 25 micros of this for the last 8 years). I've managed to get T3 from overseas, but always struggled in the UK, even to get it tested - which I see is a very common problem for members of this group!
My mother has used this group to ask questions on my behalf about specialists who prescribe T3. However, I have joined now. Everyone seems very helpful! Following your helpful advice, I privately tested my blood through Medichecks and got my results today. Any advice on my next steps, since many GPs don't "believe in" testing for T3?
I would also appreciate some feedback on my medicheck results if nobody minds sharing their opinion?
Since moving to the UK, I've struggled with GPs not understanding my unusual levels. I couldn't attach a photo so copied the GP overview below.
Thank you for letting me know that you take T3 and thyroxine for Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Your ferritin level is normal indicating healthy iron stores. Your levels of vitamin B12, folate and vitamin D are normal.
You have low-normal tsh levels, and low levels of free T3 and free thyroxine. The thyroid stimulating hormone findings are contradictory to the thyroid hormone levels. A common cause of peculiar thyroid results is the vitamin Biotin. If you are taking this then we recommend omitting it for at least 24 hours before your thyroid blood test. I recommend repeating your test to confirm the findings.
If you still have contradictory results then there are a couple of possibilities. These findings could arise when someone has antibodies to one of several common animal species (mice and livestock such as
sheep and cattle) as these can confuse the laboratory equipment. Alternatively it could be an unusual presentation of thyroid disease, in which case speaking to your GP about a referral to an endocrinologist is advised.
I hope you find this information useful.
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Laurenritchie1
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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)
If/when also on T3, make sure to take last third or half of daily dose 8-12 hours prior to test, even if this means adjusting time or splitting of dose day before test
I’ve managed to attach a picture of my full results panel to my original post.
Yes, your way is exactly how I take/do not take medication before blood tests to get a true reading.
To answer your questions, I take 100mcg of Levothyroxin (usually Eltroxin but I take Euthryox when I cannot get Eltroxin).
For T3, I took Cytomel (25mcg) for several years, however, I struggled to access this so have been prescribed other brands over the years. Mostly Tertroxin when I am in South Africa or Tyromel if prescribed in Dubai. These brands have only come in 20mcg pills so I have not found them as effective as the Cytomel and I think that was down to the dosage. Dosage adjustments are something I’d like to look into once I find a specialist because I’ve been on these same doses all these years, even though my levels are low now.
Some additional Background info: I have been completely gluten-free since I was diagnosed at 17 and this has helped me reduce my antibodies. As you can also see, I’ve moved back and forth between these countries while finishing my studies so I’ve been getting T3 from my doctors in these countries. However, I am now in the UK full time and I know I need to source proper treatment here.
What vitamin supplements are you currently taking?
Were you taking any supplements with biotin in? Eg vitamin B complex?
Ferritin is too low for good thyroid function
Look at Eating iron rich foods like liver or liver pate once a week plus other red meat, pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate, plus daily orange juice or other vitamin C rich drink can help improve iron absorption
This is interesting because I have noticed that many patients with Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism, start to feel worse when their ferritin drops below 80 and usually there is hair loss when it drops below 50.
Vitamin D may be better around 100nmol
If last 1/2 or 1/3 of daily dose T3 was 8-12 hours before blood test...your results suggest you are under medicated
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Low TSH, low T4, T3 top of scale. Do my meds need adjusting? 
low t3 & corrected calcium
Test result help please?: Low TSH and Low T3
Should I try and get referred to add t3? 
