Get T3 tested now or wait for titration of Levo?

[Bearo]

I’ve been on Levothyroxine 50 starter dose for almost 10 months after being diagnosed as borderline hypothyroid with TSH 4.9 and low vitamin D. I asked twice for the follow up blood test but was ignored. Now GP has agreed to test TSH, T4, Vit D, B12, ferritin and folate . My blood test is being held up by the Roche problem but I’m pushing the surgery because of the long delay I’ve already had.

My question is - do I get my T3 tested privately at the same time as my next/second nhs blood test, or do I wait until subsequent 8 weekly blood tests inform the correct dose of levo? I’m 67, and around 11 stone, so doubt 50mg is enough.

Or, as GP explained that a T3 test isn’t permitted under primary care, do I ask to see an Endo?

Thank you for reading.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Bearo

There's no point in having just a FT3 test on it's own, it needs to be done with TSH and FT4. If GP wont do it then the cheapest way to get all 3 done together is with MonitorMyHealth which is an NHS lab at Exeter hospital which offers this test to the general public as a fingerprick test:

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Personally, I would wait until you have seen the full vitamin/thyroid tests that your GP is doing, and post those results (with reference ranges) on the forum. If you're likely to need an increase in Levo then you'll need to leave it 6-8 weeks after the increase to do any testing, and if your vitamins are low you'll need to work on those.

[Bearo in reply to SeasideSusie]

GP will do TSH and T4 , antibodies and vitamins, I’ll Post the results and wait for Levo increases, then get TSH, T4 and T3 privately.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Bearo]

Remember to get the earliest possible appointment. It is a fasting test (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose and test and take afterwards.

[Bearo in reply to shaws]

Yes, thank you, as surgery did not mention that.

[Stourie in reply to Bearo]

Hi, I’m 67 also and am on a much higher dose than 50 mcg. If you feel good on 50 then that’s fine but if not then you need more Levo Jo. xx