Hello, can someone enlighten me on exactly what tests I am entitled to, because when I go to the GP she starts to bargain with me and ask me why and who told me to explore what I want?
Tests: Hello, can someone enlighten me on exactly... - Thyroid UK
Tests
There is no specific entitlement to particular tests.
The GP must decide what to request - then the lab might do additional tests or refuse some that were requested.
Both the GP and the lab would appear to have a duty of care to you - but that does not obviously translate into individual tests being required.
Much of the problem of thyroid treatment lies in the area of tests. Doing tests that are not particularly relevant. Not doing tests that are relevant. How results are interpreted.
Thanks for reply, The problem is, they only TSX and t4 explore, and i need t3 at least to see, not to mention something else, otherwise the above are in my lower limit, which is not good, and I do not feel good either.
You don't have to persuade me that they should always test FT3 (as well as FT4 and TSH)!
Just that it is extremely difficult to argue your case - or the case for all of us.
We simply cannot go through all the evidence and properly present the case with each and every bit being properly assessed.
You should be entitled to any test you need to check your body is functioning correctly. GPs in UK don’t test T3, they look at TSH & T4 levels & prescribe.
I have just had a private test advanced thyroid test where all vitamins are checked alongside TSH, T4 & T3. My results are vitamins are poor so my GP is retesting: full blood test, MMA, Thyroid function, diabetes, liver & kidney. To get a broader scope of my nutrients/deficiencies before I supplement / he will increase thyroid meds.
Has your GP offered any advice or can you request a full MOT type bloods so they can get a broader picture of your current health & work your way up from there?
I’m sure some of the experienced members will be along soon with some solid advice & guidelines to back it up xx
Thank you, I went to a health insurance option so I could test whatever I wanted, because I can't get along with the GP. There are questions about why, what and who told me so, and they don't think it's normal that people are advising each other on the Internet.
My GP has been ever so helpful and if they are unsure they ask me to take a seat in waiting room and ring the endo at the hospital.
I have a full MOT. Each 4 month
Well that’s a rarity sign me up for your GP practice 😂😂 I saw the endo less than 5 times and then I’ve been under GP care for 18 years. Absolutely dire!
Wow 18 years. I suppose eventually they get to a point where in there opinion they’ve came to an end.
My case has only been going on for around 2 years so there trying to help me. I’ve seen my endo 3 times in such a short time period too.
But either way I’m happy so far with my GP.
With Hashimoto’s low vitamin levels are extremely common
How much levothyroxine are you currently taking
Do you always get same brand and which brand is it
What vitamin supplements are you currently taking
When were vitamin levels last tested
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested. Also EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least annually
NHS rarely tests more than TSH.
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
List of private testing options
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins
medichecks.com/products/adv...
Thriva Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins By DIY fingerpick test
Thriva also offer just vitamin testing
Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test
bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...
If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3
£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £29 via
Have you had coeliac blood test done
Are you on strictly gluten free diet
Hi, thanks for the detailed guidance,I ve been taking 50mg of levothyroxine from the NHS, but I increased it to 75 mcg because I see that t3, T4 and tsx are in the lower limit. Every time, levothyroxine is the same to me, except for the one I bought myself from an online pharmacy, Vitamins and iron panel are normal. Right now I've been taking vit A, C, D3, K2, I take aspirin, adrenal cortex, because my morning cortisol is low, I've taking B complex and once a month B12 by injection, also in the evening- glycine, magnesium+garlic and oregano oil,sometimes both NAC and capsules collagen. I also drink apple natural vinegar with water and enzymes after eating. I last tested vitamins in October, but now I'm going to test them again because I have health insurance. The tests I try to do on an empty stomach, but sometimes they give me an hour late in the afternoon and I've had breakfast early in the morning. I haven't done test for Celiac disease, but I ll keep it in mind. I'm not on a strict gluten-free diet because I've tested myself for food intolerance, and I was told that I had an intolerance only to yeast. I forgot to mention that I've been taking the amino acid L-Tyrosine for a while.
I don't know if you need to test vitamins that often. I think it is just the doc will do the tests they deem appropriate which is why they were asking you those questions For eg I asked my endo doc why is she not sending off for a vitamin or ferritin test (As people on here advised) but she advised they are not required she tested all the thyroid and anti bodies etc
I think consultants/GPs etc will have a course of action, and if something does come up that requires further tests they would request when needed rather than testing every single thing at once.
You are taking a lot of supplements! Eek I take nothing, You sound pretty educated on that side. Aspirin can thin your blood so is there another medical reason why you need this? I am thinking of getting a private vitamin test at some point as they are reasonably priced for private ones.
I try everything regularly because I obviously have a stomach problem and it also needs to be optimal, and not just within limits, especially hormones. Doctors don't even know these things at the risk of offending someone. I take aspirin because it strengthens the intestines and contributes to better sleep. I'm also taking K2, so it's fine.
I know these things, but it all depends on the policy and the company and the kind of insurance itself.
I am in the same situation with GP so I empathize. I haven't contacted my insurance yet but since Covid they have added private GP consulting to my policy. Just feel overwhelmed. Been depressed and referred to psychiatrist who now are asking GP to do thyroid tests again. It seems some GPs and Endocrinologists really don't understand how ill people really are. Good luck. Am thinking of having Blue Horizon test after I have stopped taking supplements.
Don't get depressed, there are always other ways, we just have to find them. For example, I will touch a doctor who goes to people who have been to other doctors and have not received help. This doctor is a normal doctor, but also homeopathy and naturopath. I like the drugs with which it heals, they are new, but for every single problem in the human system, not broad-spectrum like classic homeopathic drugs. He also has 10 years of experience in this field.
Besides, it won't take too much tests, and even if they're needed, he can appoint them without a problem, because he's also a classic doctor, among other things.
OK, thanks