Years. Over the last two years I’ve almost gone bald at times (with a lot of Regaine) I have recovered some hair, I’m constantly fighting my weight in-spite of a protein/low carb diet which i monitor v closely, nails broken (I can actually peel my nails), no energy I could sleep 24 hours if I could and I am freezing cold all the time. My last test about 12 months ago showed T4 through the roof and almost No T3. That’s why the T4 is so high I guess. Just ordered another private test.
I have bought thyroid meds (NDT) recently but thought I should try and find some private GP/consultant for one last try armed with the new test results when I get them.
I live in Birmingham UK and just wondering if anyone has seen anyone in the Midlands and what happened?
I feel like I am at my wits end. Not feeling like you’re in control of your own body is just horrific... hope someone on this forum can help.
Stay safe all,
Rebecca xxxx
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Fedupandtired18
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Just testing TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 is not whole picture
Do you have Hashimoto’s?
Autoimmune thyroid disease diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies
What vitamin supplements are you currently taking
How much levothyroxine are you currently taking
Do you always get same brand of levothyroxine
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
Ask GP to test vitamin levels NOW
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)
Is this how you do your tests?
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins
I was going to answer you - based on the above blood test, believing that you were on some form of thyroid hormone replacement.
Those of us on replacement hormone therapy are generally attempting to restore our levels and " get back " to our natural T3 and T4 levels :-
But seeing your levels above, they do not look very good to start with as your natural T3 is below range and your conversion ratio way out at 6.58 in a guide range of 3-5 :
In general when on T4 thyroid hormone replacement - the accepted conversion ratio is said to be 1 /3.50-4.50 T3 / T4 with most people preferring to come in at around 4 or under :
So presume this accepted ratio to be what is considered the normal ratio of production from a healthy thyroid gland.
So, to find your conversion ratio you simply divide your T3 into your T4 :
So a T3 of 2.6 divided into T4 of 17 = 6.58 :
If your were on T4 I would think you have a conversion issue : and suggest you needed a little T3 - Liothyronine to rebalance your T3 and T4 levels back into around a 1/4 ratio ?
I'm out of my depth, which isn't difficult, but surely these results support your continued symptoms and ill heath and the need for thyroid hormone replacement - and I don't understand why you haven't been picked up by the medical mainstream and helped.
In the process of booking a private Endo appointment from the list given to me on here. She says exactly the same thing! So I’m crossing my fingers and hoping for once after all this time I can be helped!
I wonder if it's the old chestnut of CCG's refusing to prescribe new prescriptions of T3 - Liothyronine on the NHS .
Keep us in the loop and let us know when I can uncross my fingers too :
I'll charge you another time !!!!
P.S. I too have read Dr P's book and do take NAX / Adrenal supplement from Nutri Advanced - I didn't experience anything untoward and have been taking 2 x NAX daily for around 5 years. I found a massive benefit to my achey achey lower back which I believed stemmed from my adrenals having also suffered side effects from the RAI thyroid ablation treatment I was given for Graves Disease in 2005.
I also purchased the T Convert - but not aware of any benefits.
I don't know about biotin and if it could distort your results " that much " :
I supplement ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D to maintain optimal levels to aid T4 to T3 conversion and have been well self medicating with Thyroid S and now in my third year and so much improved it simply defies my understanding of the health service we are meant to be so grateful for.
I think that rather than spend money on a private endo you should change GP and hopefully get a bit more support and a trial of medication. Your symptoms cry out that your thyroid needs help. It may well be that you end up back here relying on self help but it’s worth a try.
Hi all, got another test lined up and a consultation end of this month. I went to hospital two weeks ago for a smallProcedure and they noted that my blood pressure was low. So got a blood pressure machine from chemist and it’s low. Another sigh of Hypo?
Yes. If you don't know exactly what is being tested then assume something will require a fasting test, I fast before any planned blood test in case they slip something in they haven't told me about, or there's a fasting test they haven't told me about. For instance, many people don't know that iron tests need to be done after a 12 hour fast.
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Am tired of gp dismissing me so considering private endo. Do these tests warrant private consult? 
Looking for a private doctor in London
