T3 dosage Query

[Laurenritchie1]

Hello,

Following very helpful advice from this group, I had a telephonic consultation with a private endocrinologist regarding my consistently low T3, T4 and TSH (the main goal was to get a repeat of my T3 as I had run out).

My T3 was very low and I was taking 25ug 1x daily before running out. The doctor advised me to split 20ug of T3 and take it three times a day (5s 5 µg) and to measure the levels in a month’s time. I’m to take this along with my usual 100 ug of levothyroxine.

I was previously on 25 ug of T3 so I’m worried about reducing the dose to only 15ug per day. I assumed increasing my dose would improve my symptoms. Has anyone found the smaller, more regular doses have helped them? He’s the expert so I’m sure he knows what he’s doing but would like to hear from others, how they felt just to put my mind at rest.

The endocrinologist has written to my GP advising him of his suspicions (possible pituitary disease/ isolated TSH deficiency). He’s asked for blood tests to look at pituarity function and because I have irregular periods, he’s requested gonadotrophins, an oestradiol, a prolactin, a luteal progesterone, IGF-I and a cortisol done as well as an MRI of my pituitary gland.

Fortunately I have a online consult with an NHS endocrinologist this coming Friday. My question is do I tell him I’ve seen a private endo and show him the report which details the tests to be done? Will the NHS endo authorise the tests or is this the GP? Its the first time I’ve ever consulted with a private or an NHS endocrinologist, so I’m not sure how the ‘chain of command’ works and who authorises what. What are the chances they will agree to these tests and the pituitary scan? How much pushing will I need to do or should it be ok now I’m seeing the NHS endo?

I’ve been nearly three weeks now with no T3 and I cannot function without it. I’m patiently waiting on the post from Germany. I cannot tell you how happy I will be when it arrives!

[greygoose]

Without seeing any blood test results, I doubt anyone will be able to advise you. It would just be guess-work. Did the endo say why he felt it necessary to reduce your T3 by such a huge amount? Is he just going by the TSH even though he suspects pituitary problems (Secondary Hypo)?