Blood results possible too much t3: Hi there... - Thyroid UK

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Blood results possible too much t3

Soprano67 profile image
67 Replies

Hi there,

Please can anyone advice me as what to do as I cannot seem to get well this last nearly two years. I have only had telephone conversations with my consultant and basic bloods done that GP allowed. I have constant vertigo which my consultant has told me I could have for longer though no explanation as to why.

I received a letter from my consultant a copy which was sent to my doc as it is the only way they communicate saying as the title Hashimotos Thyroiditus. I was never told I have Hashimotos and when I asked I was told it’s treated the same as hypothyroid just t3 is needed as well and u are getting the treatments.

I was taking 20 mg t3 off and on until June when I stopped to taking ten mg these are my blood results . In the last three weeks I have spaced my ten mg over twice in the day though sometimes have forgotten it . I am using a pill cutter then a basic knife so sometimes I get more than a quarter.

I am so anxious all the time jittery shaky very tired feel v warm then cold have had panic attack and vertigo as u can see from my history I had serious reaction to first vaccine and took last vaccine two weeks ago. I took antihistamines to help side effects.

These are my bloods from June:

Ferritin 83 mg range 13-150 mg

Folate 10.5 range 3.9-26.8

B12 763 Range 197-771

TSH 0.02 Range 0.27-4.2

T4 20.4 Range 12-22

Haemoglobin 13.2 range 120-150

I would appreciate any advice as I do believe I could be in too much medication.

Many thanks

😊

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SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

Soprano67

I have constant vertigo which my consultant has told me I could have for longer though no explanation as to why.

Has this been investigated?

I was never told I have Hashimotos and when I asked I was told it’s treated the same as hypothyroid

Yes, Hashi's is treated the same as hypothyroidism. Hashi's is just one cause of hypothyroidism, it's where the immune system attacks and gradually destroys the thyroid, resulting in hypothyroidism. So there is no treatment for Hashi's, the treatment is for the resulting hypothyroidism.

just t3 is needed as well and u are getting the treatments.

Not necessarily, it's not a given that you need to be treated with T3 when you have Hashi's. What determines if you need T3 is how well you convert T4 to T3. So if you have poor conversion (shown by high FT4 and low FT3) you may benefit from T3, if you have good conversion (where FT4 and FT3 are fairly well balanced) then there is no need for T3 as well as Levo.

I was taking 20 mg t3 off and on until June

Why "off and on", why not consistently take the same amount every day, that is essential when taking T3 as it is such a short lived hormone, not like T4 which has a half life of 7 days.

In the last three weeks I have spaced my ten mg over twice in the day though sometimes have forgotten it .

Again, it's essential to ensure you take your T3 every day without fail. Set a timer, or an alert on your phone.

I am using a pill cutter then a basic knife so sometimes I get more than a quarter.

MY pill cutter gives me more or less equal quarters although it can be very slightly inaccurate sometimes. However a basic knife will be useless, you will need a sharp craft knife.

These are my bloods from June:

Ferritin 83 mg range 13-150 mg

That's a pretty good result, it's half way through range which is recommended, although some experts say that the optimal level for thyroid function is 90-110ug/L/

Folate 10.5 range 3.9-26.8

Maybe a touch low but not dire, folate is recommended to be at least half way through range so at least 15.5 up to top of range.

B12 763 Range 197-771

This is OK, B12 is recommended to be top of range for this Total B12 test.

TSH 0.02 Range 0.27-4.2

T4 20.4 Range 12-22

These results do not show overmedication

TSH will be suppressed when on T3, that's just what it does.

But where is your FT3 test, when on T3 medication it is absolutely essential to test FT3, this is the test that tells you if you are overmedicated, or whether you need more T3.

Haemoglobin 13.2 range 120-150

Can you check this. Do you mean 132 rather than 13.2?

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SeasideSusie

Apologies Seaside Susie my haemoglobin is 132 Range 126-150

I haven’t had my FT3 tested in a long time not sure if I ever have had it done as it’s always a argument with my GP and nurse to get TSH T4 T3 done.

Seven years ago when I first went to my consultant my conversion of T4 to t3 was very poor and he gradually introduced t3. Also my vitamin d was only in the fifties and I had an iron transfusion as it was low.

I cannot understand the vertigo as I am improving apart from the shakiness vertigo anxiousness and picking up every bug . I should be feeling great but I’m not. I am 44 and this last three years I have not been well barely functioning.

My consultant has put me on thiamine b6 and b12 as my mum has pernicious anaemia. I was never told properly I have Hashimotos just in the letter in the title that was it.

I hope you are keeping well and thanks so much for your kind reply .😊

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply to Soprano67

Soprano67

I haven’t had my FT3 tested in a long time not sure if I ever have had it done as it’s always a argument with my GP and nurse to get TSH T4 T3 done.

I have just looked back at your previous posts. 2 months ago you posted the same results as here but included FT3. There are two tests for the thyroid hormones - Total and Free. The Total tests are shown as T4 and T3, the Free tests are shown as FT4 and FT3. Only the Free tests are useful, they show the amount of hormone that is free and unbound to proteins and available to the cells. The ranges of your tests below confirm that these are the Free tests:

TSH- 0.02 Range 0.27-4.2

T4. 20.4 Range. 12-22

T3. 7.1 Range 3.1-6.8

This is the post:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

It might be worth re-reading it as there was a lot of discussion.

Also my vitamin d was only in the fifties

What have you done about that? Are you supplementing? If so with what and the dose?

If you are taking D3 are you also taking it's important cofactors - magnesium and Vit 2-MK7?

What is your current Vit D level?

I was never told properly I have Hashimotos just in the letter in the title that was it.

Have you ever thad thyroid antibodies tested?

If not, how does your endo know that you have Hashimoto's?

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SeasideSusie

I do get t3 tested that’s all I know as I have to ring receptionist and that is what I am told I have no idea if it’s ft3 though I don’t think it is.

Apologies my vitamin d was in the fifties when I started with my consultant seven years ago . It was retested in June and it’s 90 which is good.

I will set an alarm to take t3 as I just get so forgetful and feel spaced out .

I have never been told I have Hashimotos yet my consultant this last two occasions has put the title as Hashimotos Thyroiditus. I did email him two weeks ago to ask and his reply was Hashimotos is treated the same as hypothyroidism and t3 is needed u are getting the correct treatment.

My antibodies have not been tested in at least two years. I have not seen my consultant in person since October 2019 when I took the supposed Flu which I have not been well from since.

I find magnesium makes me more dizzy I don’t know what mk7 is sorry. I was taking the vitamin D3 better spray which contained k2 then my consultant prescribed me D3 800 iu .

I don’t believe that I should have vertigo each day for the rest of my life as there has to be a reason. I am going to get tested for food intolerances.

Many thanks I do appreciate all your help and I’m so sorry if I seem scatter brained .

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply to Soprano67

I do get t3 tested that’s all I know as I have to ring receptionist and that is what I am told I have no idea if it’s ft3 though I don’t think it is.

It is FT3, I have explained that in my reply above, the reference range is an FT3 range, the Total T3 range is very different.

Apologies my vitamin d was in the fifties when I started with my consultant seven years ago . It was retested in June and it’s 90 which is good.

Yes, that's pretty good. The Vit D Society and Grassroots Health recommend a level of 100-150nmol/L, with a recent blog post on Grassroots Health mentioning a study which recommends over 125nmol/L.

I find magnesium makes me more dizzy I don’t know what mk7 is sorry.

Have you tried different forms of magnesium? They all have different jobs and you might find a different one suits you better.

naturalnews.com/046401_magn...

drjockers.com/best-magnesiu...

I was taking the vitamin D3 better spray which contained k2 then my consultant prescribed me D3 800 iu .

It's Vit K2-MK7 and the K2 in the spray is Vit K2-MK7

So have you stopped taking the spray and now just taking the 800iu D3 prescribed? You still need the cofactors.

D3 aids absorption of calcium from food and Vit K2-MK7 directs the calcium to bones and teeth where it is needed and away from arteries and soft tissues where it can be deposited and cause problems such as hardening of the arteries, kidney stones, etc.

Magnesium helps D3 to work. We need magnesium so that the body utilises D3, it's required to convert Vit D into it's active form.

You need to retest Vit D twice a year to ensure you stay within the recommended range. Personally I would go with the level suggested by the Vit D Society and Grassroots Health, aiming for 125nmol/L and the 800iu you mention will not increase your level, it may just about be a maintenance level for some people who already have a good level.

My antibodies have not been tested in at least two years.

And what were the results when they were tested. These would confirm (or not) Hashi's.

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SeasideSusie

Do u think I should take extra of the D3 I have been given or go back to the spray?

I have tried a lot of brands with magnesium and I can’t take selenium either. I can take magnesium flakes in the bath should I try those again?

I’m sorry I don’t know the antibodies result I was never told just that it was ok. This Hashimotos has been in the title of my letter twice this year it was not on it on previous letters. I find on the telephone I don’t get to ask my consultant as many questions and he only responds to one email then I have to book a appointment which is expensive.

I guess until I start remembering to take t3 my symptoms are going to be all over the place. I will in future take my T4 and t3 when I waken.

Many thanks Seaside Susie I appreciate all your advice.

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply to Soprano67

Do u think I should take extra of the D3 I have been given or go back to the spray?

I'm surprised you've been prescribed D3 with a level of 90nmol/L. Most doctors only prescribe until it reaches 50nmol/L.

If that was my result I'd be wanting to reach at least 125nmol/L but not go over 150nmol/L so I'd be taking 2,000iu a day and retesting in 3 months. In your situation I'd be adding 1,000iu spray to your prescribed 800iu, or if your prescription is discontinued then I'd take 2,000iu of spray. Remember to retest in 3 months.

I have tried a lot of brands with magnesium and I can’t take selenium either. I can take magnesium flakes in the bath should I try those again?

Yes that would be fine. Or have you tried the topical magnesium - BetterYou do some.

I guess until I start remembering to take t3 my symptoms are going to be all over the place. I will in future take my T4 and t3 when I waken.

Yes, it's vital to remember your full dose of T3. I take Levo plus first dose of T3 early morning, often around 5am when I need the bathroom, the second dose I set my phone alarm for 5pm. Just remember timing of dose to avoid food and caffeine. other medication and supplements, I use same "rules" as Levo - take one hour before or two hours after food, with water only for one hour each side, 2 hours away from other medication and supplements although some need 4 hours, eg Vit D, magnesium (as tablets, not topical), calcium, iron, HRT, oestrogen, Omeprazole and other PPIs).

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SeasideSusie

Thank you so much Seaside Susie ,I will get a better be spray and take it with my 800iu of D3 I usually take my iron b6 thiamine b1b 12 at lunch time with the D3 could vary from 2-3 pm.

I have never heard of the topical magnesium.

I take my levo and t3 could vary between 8am- 11 depending on if I sleep in and I take them with my toast and black tea after I have taken tablets with cranberry juice maybe that’s partly where I’m going wrong. I just feel shaky spaced out terrible brain fog and dizziness and head pressure sore ears off and on.

My GP has no interest unless I have a bug and prescribes antibiotic or migraine medication.

Thank you so much all I want to do is work and teach again and do things.

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply to Soprano67

Oh gosh. I think you need an overhaul where your timing is concerned.

Absorption of your thyroid meds is being compromised because you are taking them with food, tea (contains caffeine and affects absorption) and after other tablets.

Levo and T3 can be taken together but should be 2 hours away from anything else and 4 hours away from Vit D, iron, calcium, magnesium, HRT, oestrogen, Omeprazole or other PPI.

Levo and T3 should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after food with water only, and water only for one hour each side.

Iron should be taken 2 hours away from any other medication or supplement and 4 hours away from thyroid meds.

You could try taking your thyroid meds at bedtime if this is more convenient but still following the "rules" about how/when to take them.

Iron should be taken on it's own, 2 hours away from other supplements and 4 hours away from thyroid meds because it affects the absorption of everything else.

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SeasideSusie

I will take the T4 t3 first thing from now on and no food or tea for one hour before food. I guess my system is messed up as I have been doing this for three years and my consultant also said I could take extra t3 5mg if I needed it which I did to get through the day when I was working and also when my mum was ill and that’s been from sept off and on. I guess it’s jo wonder I feel dizzy unsteady over anxious exhausted like I’m floating .

I really pray when I do all this the right way that vertigo leaves as it is hard to cope with. I was fighting for so many years not to lose my job that my system just collapsed three years ago since then. I went into severe depression was just in a fog. I care for my parents there is only myself so I did what I could to cope even not standing very well just to get my mum to appointments .

I do believe my adrenals are suffering as I’m in constant panic mode.

I really appreciate all of your support as my consultant or GP would never have taken the time to figure all this out they would just say u are coping with a lot.Thank you so much.

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SeasideSusie

Sorry Seaside Susie I forgot to ask do I take my second t3 dose two hours after food as I know I was wrong taking it with food plus iron plus b vitamins and d all at lunch ?

Many thanks

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply to Soprano67

Yes, do the same as the first dose you take alongside your Levo. To avoid anything affecting absorption I treat T3 the exact same way as I do Levo.

I take mine at 5pm, it's a good 2 hours after my lunch and at least an hour before my evening meal.

Some people take theirs at bedtime, but that depends on what supplements you might be taking in the evening.

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SeasideSusie

Thank you Seaside Susie if I take it too late it would stop me sleeping . Does t3 effect the iron if I took it two hours after iron and vitamin d and b vitamins?

Many thanks

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply to Soprano67

Soprano67

As I said before, I follow the same "rules" for T3 as for Levo, so everything about timing where other medication or supplements are concerned applies to T3 as far as I am concerned.

It's not T3 affecting the iron. It's iron affecting absorption of everything else if taken within 2 hours for most things, but iron should be 4 hours away from thyroid meds, Vit D should be 4 hours away from thyroid meds, B vitamins can be 2 hours away from thyroid meds.

You should be able to see all this in my reply above.

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SeasideSusie

Thank you Seaside Susie,If I do all this do u think I should see a change in my dizziness in eight weeks? I know I have to do it for the rest of my life.

Many thanks

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply to Soprano67

I'm sorry, I have no idea if your dizziness is tied up with this.

Have you ever looked into the different causes of dizziness and had them all checked out. Here is a Google search that has links you can follow to see if anything fits for you:

google.com/search?q=causes+...

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SeasideSusie

Thank you Seaside Susie 😊

vocalEK profile image
vocalEK in reply to Soprano67

I don't know if this is what you have, but I have something called postural hypotension. When I stand up, my blood pressure drops. I have to be careful not to get up too quickly.

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to vocalEK

Hi vocalEK,I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from this. I honestly don’t know I think it might be my levels are quite high. I had vertigo before and it was due to low vitamins and low thyroid. I have to start taking my tablets properly .

Many thanks

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

I take T3 and take my one daily dose when I awake with one glass of water and wait an hour before I eat. I am well and symptom-free but we are all different and what dose suits one person may not in another.

One of Thyroiduk's Advisers and expert on the use of T3 died through an accident.

He was also a scientist/researcher etc. He also took T3 in one dose himself but in the middle of the night so that nothing interfered with its uptake.

He stated that T3 has to saturate all of our T3 receptors and then they sent out 'waves' throughout the day.

25mcg of T3 is approx equivalent to about 100mcg of levo.

You might find the following links within this post helpful:-

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to shaws

Hi Shaws,

Thank you so much for your reply I am so glad that you are feeling well and long may that continue. I am so very sorry to hear about the scientist that is just awful.

Maybe I should take my T4 t3 when I wake it might make a difference. I just want to get back my life which I haven’t had in three years. My depression is improving compared to what it was which I think is from taking the ferrous fumurate thiamine b6 and b12.

I am wondering if I increased my vitamin D would that help? I had constant migraines for two years once or twice a week up to June which seem to be less now thank fully.

Thank you so much I appreciate all your advice .

marvalrus profile image
marvalrus in reply to Soprano67

HI, you should get properly Dx'd with Hashimoto's. Requires a simple blood test, surprised (no I'm not) it hasn't been done already. Since your T3 is high, and you have some issues, you prob need to re-examine your regimen. Either cut the levo some and continue w/T3 or keep levo where it is and cut T3. Little bit at a time one or the other. Plus you should consistently time your meds once you decide what to take, even if you keep it the same. Consistency is important once you settle on which times you take it.

I too got a bug/flu/cold at one point and it lingered so long that I bought every cold/cough med OTC and after taking this and that, I ended up very unwell w/thyroid meds. Plus it all worsened my BP. Has taken months to get it out of my system. I think the worst offender was nasal spray w/steroids. Will never use again! I'd rather put my head over a pot of steaming water all day long than resort to those meds. I hope you find some relief soon. Get your thyroid meds on track. Find the dose that works better for you. And make sure the doc measures your FT3/FT4 and anti-bodies on your next test. Don't take the test unless those things are on the list.

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to marvalrus

Hi Marvalus,

I am so sorry to hear that you have been unwell also hope u feel better soon. I totally agree with u about nasal spray as I was given that too which swelled up my vocal cords and neatly gave me allergic reaction I lost my voice for months and my singing voice for nearly over a year.

I will start taking my T4 t3 when I waken and see if that helps. My Kinesiologist thinks I was getting better then serious reaction to first vaccine set me back two months and then second vaccine two weeks ago my body’s not healed yet.

Do u mean test D3?

I won’t see my consultant until sept or October and will ask for antibodies then.

Thank you so much I appreciate all your advice and support.

marvalrus profile image
marvalrus in reply to Soprano67

Hi, yeah, vaccine is def proving to have side effects, thus many who are unwilling to take it. So sorry it got you down. Hopefully improvements will come. Well, you could test VitD, but I'm meant get your FT3 tested. That's Free T3. And FT4, Free T4. And Anti-bodies. Make sure these three tests are included on your next set of labs. If they give you a hard time, it's because they're clueless and/or un-caring. Get your own tests. You want to buy a panel that includes:

Free T3

Free T4

Many endos will only test Total T3. Tell them fine, but you want your Free T3 tested as well. Don't let them persuade you it's not necessary, but no need to argue, because you can buy the tests yourself. : )

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to marvalrus

Thank you Marvalus ,

I will maybe buy the tests as unless I see consultant in sept there is no way GP will test ft3 as t3 is hard enough for them to test. The only reason they test it is because of my consultants instructions.

I just feel spaced out even feel like my visions blurry not sure if it’s from vaccine or not.

Thank you so much

marvalrus profile image
marvalrus in reply to Soprano67

You might also want to add RT3 to the list of tests. Reverse T3. If comes back high, you could lower the Levo for your regimen. Sometimes too much Levo can stress adrenals and cause a backup of thyroid storage. (Levo has a long half-life in the body. Up to a week or more). If you're on a combo T4/T3 you could lower the levo to help that. Labs are a must, esp when you're in a state of unwellness. Getting them done every 4-6 weeks is very helpful.

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to marvalrus

Apologies Marvalus I’m confused what is RT3? I only get T4, TSH and T3 tested . I think u are right my adrenals are stressed to the max as I’m so tired and legs wobbly on it with the vertigo. I am getting reflexology this week to see if it helps adrenals at all.

Thank you so much I have no idea if that was ever tested.

marvalrus profile image
marvalrus in reply to Soprano67

If you buy your own labs, and you should, add "Reverse T3" to your tests. You might want to buy it separately because it can hold up results by a week or more. Yes, it's called Reverse T3. Don't mean to confuse you, but maybe search for more info on it to learn about it. But it's basically what I said above. You could also search this forum and a find lots of more in-depth info about it.

marvalrus profile image
marvalrus in reply to Soprano67

You only get the tests you get because endos think they can assess your entire thyroid status with only those tests. Not true. They are not enthused about getting to the root of your symptoms if you run into a time of unwellness and you just know it's due to thyroid medication. They seem to not want to take the time with each patient because they have to move on to the next patient. Most endos are like that, SOME are more flexible, but few. I mean look at your endo, has not ever tested antibodies but wrote you down as Hashimoto's. Ridiculous! I've yet to meet one endo that seems concerned to help w/symptoms. Too much work for them!!!

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to marvalrus

No he did test Antibodies though it was many years ago and he said it was ok back then. I haven’t seen my consultant in this last two years due to pandemic it’s just been phone calls . Thank you I will look into those tests u mentioned and write everything down. I have just been in such a daze .

marvalrus profile image
marvalrus in reply to Soprano67

If the doc said antibodies were "OK", that's hard to decipher. You should request a copy of every lab result that's been ordered since you began to see him. I do hope you can find someone else because this person is so typical mainstream and not helpful for you Oh wait, my apologies, are you on T3 only? You don't take any Levothyroxine?

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to marvalrus

My consultant was fantastic at the start as he saved my life and I was well for a while. Where I live Northern Ireland the health service is suffering a lot so I think he’s under a lot of pressure. He has family in China as well as here so I’m sure he’s worried. He is happy now that my levels are good but he’s not understanding my symptoms he thinks it’s just stress.No sorry I take 100 mg T4 and 10mg t3 which I know split into five mg twice a day when I remember. I am going to write all done that I have learnt today and keep a diary. I don’t think it’s right to say that I’m going to have vertigo for longer but no explanation of why.

Many thanks for all your advice thyroid is such a mind field.

marvalrus profile image
marvalrus in reply to Soprano67

Ah, OK. Yes, I thought at some point I read you took Levo. So it seems this doc is not so bad, but yes, still insist to him about these tests because many people on here will help you get back on track if you have this full thyroid panel. I personally go through bouts of lightheadedness with thyroid meds. Used to be that Cortef (hydrocortisone) averted that. No longer the case as my last saliva test showed high cortisol on every point through the day, plus my estrogen is high (menopause, so should be low). I think your 'vertigo' (is it vertigo or dizzy/lightheaded feeling) is related to your medication. Get the tests and come back with results. So many here can help you.

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to marvalrus

Yes I think he’s a good consultant as others that I saw had me on such low dose T4 and never mentioned t3.It’s a mixture of vertigo and light head it’s balance when standing and shakiness though vaccine hasn’t helped.

I forgot to take electrolytes too as someone mentioned that might help. Hope your dizziness improves soo too.

I am going to take thyroid meds and vitamins correctly as I have messed up my system badly which I now realise thanks to all of your support and kind advice.

Many thanks

Timetraveler67 profile image
Timetraveler67 in reply to Soprano67

Reading your post I’m so sorry to hear your feeling so poorly at the moment, I just wanted to say I had reflexology I was so spaced out after and felt so detached from my body after that I never went back for another session even though I paid for it in advance. Wishing you feel well Very soon x

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to Timetraveler67

Thank you I’m sorry u had that experience. I find acupuncture and kinesiology can make me feel rough for a week or two but eventually it gives me energy depending on my iron levels and thyroid as sometimes it takes more sessions. x

Timetraveler67 profile image
Timetraveler67 in reply to Soprano67

Your right, I just didn’t give it a chance I guess. I really hope you will gain your health back soon love x

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

The fact you are not taking your T3 regularly will be making you very ill

It’s absolutely essential to take same dose T3 everyday without fail

Obviously you MUST test TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 together but no point testing until done minimum of 6-8 weeks on constant unchanging dose and brand of levothyroxine and T3

Which brand of levothyroxine do you normally get

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).

Day before test split dose of T3 into 2 smaller doses, taking at approx 8 hour intervals, with last dose 8-12 hours before test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Come back with new post once you get results

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options

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

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...

monitormyhealth.org.uk/

NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £29 via

vitamindtest.org.uk

As you have Hashimoto’s have you had coeliac blood test done

Are you on, or have you tried before, being on absolutely strictly gluten free diet

About 5% of Hashimoto’s patients are coeliac

But a further 80% find strictly gluten free diet helps or is absolutely essential

Get coeliac blood test done BEFORE cutting gluten out as 3-6 month trial

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SlowDragon

Hi Slow dragon,

Thank you so much for getting back to me I really appreciate it. The brand I take is Actavis and the liothyronine is morningside health care.

I will see an alarm since I have been so unwell my sleep pattern is all over the place. I will try taking the T4 t3 as soon as I waken no matter how early and see if that helps.

My GP is not interested in my symptoms they just tell me talk to my consultant as they would not contact him themselves for any info.

I do not know if ft3 is tested as I am told it is t3 the receptionist does not like giving me ranges and the nurse does not like testing T4 t3 and always Query’s it.

My antibodies was tested over two years ago . I have never been told I have Hashimotos only this last few occasions when it was on title of my letter. I emailed my consultant he was very vague said Hashimotos treated same as hypothyroid only t3 is needed as well and u are getting correct treatment. I asked about vertigo and he said I will have it for quite some time.

Thank you so much 😊

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Soprano67

About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto’s

The resulting hypothyroidism is treated

Looking at SeasideSusie reply above your tests usually/sometimes include Ft3

Eg when on 20mcg T3

TSH- 0.02 Range 0.27-4.2

T4. 20.4 Range. 12-22

T3. 7.1 Range 3.1-6.8

Suggest you concentrate on remembering to take your 10mcg T3 as 2 x 5mcg doses at roughly 12 hour intervals for next 6-8 weeks then get FULL Results and vitamin testing done

You perhaps reduced T3 too much when cut from 20mcg daily to 10mcg daily

You might need to increase T3 to 15mcg in total as

3 x 5mcg T3 spread through the day at roughly equal 8 hour intervals

Many members on levothyroxine plus T3 are on 3 x 5mcg T3 daily

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

So you have high antibodies this is known by medics here in UK as autoimmune thyroid disease.

Technically it’s Hashimoto's (with goitre) or Ord’s thyroiditis (no goitre). Both variants are autoimmune and more commonly both are just called Hashimoto’s

Hashimoto's frequently affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels

Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone working

Poor gut function with Hashimoto’s can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten. Dairy is second most common.

According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps, sometimes significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)

Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal

Before considering trial on gluten free diet get coeliac blood test done FIRST just to rule it out

lloydspharmacy.com/products...

If you test positive for coeliac, will need to remain on gluten rich diet until endoscopy (officially 6 weeks wait)

If coeliac result is negative can consider trialing strictly gluten free diet for 3-6 months. Likely to see benefits. Can take many months for brain fog to lift.

If no obvious improvement, reintroduce gluten see if symptoms get worse.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

amymyersmd.com/2018/04/3-re...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

restartmed.com/hashimotos-g...

Non Coeliac Gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and autoimmune disease

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/296...

The predominance of Hashimoto thyroiditis represents an interesting finding, since it has been indirectly confirmed by an Italian study, showing that autoimmune thyroid disease is a risk factor for the evolution towards NCGS in a group of patients with minimal duodenal inflammation. On these bases, an autoimmune stigma in NCGS is strongly supported

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/300...

The obtained results suggest that the gluten-free diet may bring clinical benefits to women with autoimmune thyroid disease

nuclmed.gr/wp/wp-content/up...

In summary, whereas it is not yet clear whether a gluten free diet can prevent autoimmune diseases, it is worth mentioning that HT patients with or without CD benefit from a diet low in gluten as far as the progression and the potential disease complications are concerned

restartmed.com/hashimotos-g...

Despite the fact that 5-10% of patients have Celiac disease, in my experience and in the experience of many other physicians, at least 80% + of patients with Hashimoto's who go gluten-free notice a reduction in their symptoms almost immediately.

hypothyroidmom.com/how-to-l...

Eliminate Gluten. Even if you don’t have Hashimoto’s. Even if you have “no adverse reactions”. Eliminate gluten. There are no universal rules except this one.

Why gluten intolerance can upset cortisol levels

kalishinstitute.com/blog/gl...

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SlowDragon

Thank you Slow dragon so much for your reply. I am going to get a food sensitivities test done in the next few weeks which might show up something. Yes my vitamin levels have been up and down over the years.

I know that I need to keep inflammation down so I need to look into de stressing more as I care for my mum and dad who’s health is up and down and we have had a lot of scares over this last five years possibly resulting in the Hashimotos.

Thank you so much I appreciate all your advice and support.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Soprano67

There’s no test for gluten intolerance, only coeliac test

If you have already had negative coeliac blood test done you can consider starting trial strictly gluten free diet

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SlowDragon

I had it done many years ago before I received the letter titled Hashimotos. I was tested for nodules last December I was told it was under 1cm and to b retested in a year.

Could I ask can we do a test for iodine levels as I am wondering could that be what’s causing my neck swelling under my chin?

Thank you so much for all your advice and support it means a lot.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Soprano67

Hashimoto’s often has goitre

If you have a large nodule that will cause swelling

Levothyroxine contains all the iodine you need and unless you are vegan unlikely to need extra iodine

Hashimoto’s patients need to be careful of too much iodine

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SlowDragon

Can we test our iodine levels?I always make sure I’m not taking any vitamins with iodine in them. I feel my vision is blurry too maybe due to vaccine I’m not sure.

I take my t3 with my iron is that ok at lunch?

Many thanks

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Soprano67

Never ever take iron supplements any where near other supplements or medications especially nowhere near levothyroxine or T3

Iron must be minimum 4 hours away from everything

You can take levothyroxine plus T3 waking on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after

2nd dose T3 approx 12 hours later. On empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least 45-60mins

Or just take T3 waking and around 6pm

Taking levothyroxine at bedtime can be more convenient and possibly more effective

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SlowDragon

Oh gosh I have been doing everything wrong. Can I take water with my T4 t3 when I waken? 12 hours is a long time to take 2nd dose as could that not effect my adrenals?

Can I take b vitamins D3 and iron together?

I think I need to make a diary and tick off when I take thyroid medication and vitamins as I have been doing this a very long time the wrong way maybe three years. I used to take it at nite when I was working up at 6am and home at 8 then I changed to back during the day.

I really have messed up my system it sounds like. My vision is blurry I’m defo not over second vaccine yet.

I would get lost without this group. I was in such a state of depression I got into a habit of forgetting when to take t3.

Many thanks

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Soprano67

You can’t take iron with anything other than vitamin C

Levothyroxine or T3 should be taken with water on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour

Levothyroxine is more fussy than T3

Levothyroxine should be four hours away from high calcium foods too …..and as breakfast often is milk dairy based that may be why many people find it better to take levothyroxine at bedtime

If you ALWAYS have exactly same breakfast everyday then you can take levothyroxine 1-2 hours before….but might need higher dose than taking in evening

Get yourself a weekly or daily pill dispenser so that it’s easy to see if taken the days dose

I use 3 different ones

Weekly One for levothyroxine

Weekly One for T3

I take 3 x 5mcg doses at approx 8 hour intervals - 7am, 3pm and 11pm

Weekly One for vitamins

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SlowDragon

Can I take folate with iron?I usually take toasted bap plus butter and marmalade or special k with fruit and oat milk gosh I had no idea about the calcium foods. I need to probably take T4 around eight in morn.

I don’t take vitamin c other than orange juice.

What do u think of Doterra oils as I do find they help with sleep just not sure taking them internally.

My bedtime is scattered so I could b taking levo at 11 or 12 and I prob forget to take it two hours after food as all vitamins have to be taken before that and iron.

Many thanks so much.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Soprano67

You can’t take any supplements with iron

You don’t need to take levothyroxine specifically at bedtime…but around same time….eg 10.30-11pm if that suits

Obviously some people go to bed earlier/later

Many members take levothyroxine in middle of night if regularly get up for the loo ….

Personally I split levothyroxine.

I take 100mcg levothyroxine at around 11pm with last 5mcg of T3

12.5mcg levothyroxine around 4-5am

5mcg T3 at 7am

Most my vitamins after breakfast about 9.30

Daily

Vitamin D with K2

Vitamin B complex

Once week after breakfast

Selenium

Zinc

5mcg at 3pm

Magnesium at 7pm most evenings

I don’t need iron but if I did I would take it about 11am, well away from everything else

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SlowDragon

I’m wondering if my migraines are possibly caused by not taking my medication correctly. I will leave my tablets by my bedside and take them first thing in future.

How long does it take to feel the difference? I’m just hoping I feel better not worse. I do take a lot of black tea that’s possibly not helping. I find detoxing is impossible my body just reacts badly to it.

Gosh it’s so complicated though thank you so much as I appreciate all your advice. Many thanks .

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Soprano67

Migraine is very common hypothyroid symptom

Typically takes 4-8 weeks to notice improvements when you change something

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SlowDragon

That’s not too long it would be awesome if vertigo and dizziness vanished .😊

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SlowDragon

Hi Slow Dragon,

I’m sorry to bother u again. My GP is getting my antibodies tested and full Thyroid panel and iron tomorrow. I have taken my T4 plus five mg t3 at 6.00am this morning , can I still take my 5mg T3 today as my appointment isn’t until four tomorrow evening?

Doc says I have Hashimotos since he thinks 2016 and it sounds like my thyroid could be over working.

I have chest pain this morning it’s possibly Costochondritus. Doc was lovely and said he will contact my consultant if there is reason too.

Hope all is good with you and thank you so much for all your advice.

Many thanks 😊

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Soprano67

Ideally you would get thyroid levels tested at 9am latest for highest TSH

But on T3 TSH is almost always suppressed anyway

Last dose levothyroxine should be 24 hours before test

Obviously 6am today last dose and bloods not till 4pm tomorrow is much longer than 24 hours …..it’s 34 hours

So Ft4 will be false low

Last 5mcg dose T3 should be maximum of 12 hours before test

Definitely take 2nd 5mcg later today

And ideally take tomorrow mornings 5mcg T3 at between 4am-6am

But any thyroid test should only be done after 6-8 weeks on constant unchanging dose and brand levothyroxine and unchanging dose and brand T3

So test isn’t going to tell you much

You need vitamin D, folate and B12, ferritin, iron levels tested

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

If testing iron levels, you should stop all iron supplements a week before testing

Iron tests should be done fasting too

If taking any supplements that contain biotin these must be stopped a week before ALL BLOOD TESTS as biotin can falsely affect test results

As it’s confirmed you have Hashimoto’s you need coeliac blood test BEFORE considering trial on strictly gluten free diet

Only 5% of Hashimoto’s patients are coeliac

Over 86% Hashimoto’s patients find strictly gluten free diet helps, often significantly or is absolutely essential

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SlowDragon

Do u think I should change my appointment until later in the week first thing in the morning?

I am taking thiamine 50mg, pyrodoxine , b12, ferrous fumurate 210mg, vitamin D3 1000iu. I won’t get vitamin D tested as it was done in June. I had my b vitamins yesterday. I think he wants to test as soon as possible due to my symptoms.

I am due to take my t3 after 11 and then I will take the morning one at 4 or 6 as u suggested.

I haven’t had coeliac test done in years and I didn’t have Hashimotos then. I had the camera test done years ago and was given too strong a dose for my weight at that time as I was very thin.

Many thanks 😊

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Soprano67

No point testing iron levels unless stopped ferrous fumerate for a week

No point running any tests if taking a vitamin B complex as it contains biotin.

If you do Rebook for 9am in weeks time

Day before test

Take levothyroxine at 8-9am

Take last dose T3 at 9pm night before

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SlowDragon

I have changed my bloods until 9.35am on Friday.

It’s b12 that I take and separate thiamine and pyrodoxine. I haven’t taken my iron since Sunday.

Will I just not take my T4 until after the bloods and t3 for that morning and take t3 later the nite before I usually take it at 6am then 11am.

My doctor wants my tests done quickly due to my symptoms.

Thank you so much.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Soprano67

Thursday morning take levothyroxine a bit later than 6am ….nearer 9am

Thursday evening take last dose T3 9pm

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SlowDragon

Thank you so much SlowDragon I really appreciate all you support. I do feel wired half the time and then exhausted there is something not right.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Soprano67

Possibly Taking T3 doses too close together…then too long a gap to next dose

If taking 2 doses should be roughly 12 hours gap between doses

If 3 doses ….roughly 8 hours gap between doses

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to SlowDragon

I have cut it down tov5mg twice a day I thought it would help but it hasn’t. I take t3 at 6am then at 11.00am , if I took it later would that not make me stop sleeping? I’m willing to do anything to stop this dizzy shaky feeling .

Thank you so much I would be lost without this group as my GP actually listened to me today and gave me credit for knowing something.

jrbarnes profile image
jrbarnes

Have you experimented with lowering your Levo on 2-3 days out of the week? It's impossible for me to add T3 to my Levo when my T4 levels are at 20 or higher. It makes me feel worse. Vertigo and dizziness have always been a big problem for me as well and it goes away when my T3 is high enough.

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to jrbarnes

Hi jrbarnes,

Thank you so much for your reply vertigo is awful I can totally empathise. I haven’t been taking my tablets correctly this last three years as I was taking food with my levo and t3 and I was taking all my vitamins together. I have to start from scratch today to see what my levels really are as they could be higher.

I do believe something is causing vertigo it could be t3 or T4 I’m not sure. It is such a confusing scenario.

Hope you are feeling better now .

Thank you so much.

Soprano67 profile image
Soprano67 in reply to Soprano67

How much do u lower your T4 by?I agree with u my T4 is too high and it’s a very strong dose as I’m under ten stone. I just feel like I’m being poisoned shaky blurred vision heart flutters . Thank you

jrbarnes profile image
jrbarnes in reply to Soprano67

I start with taking a lower amount of Levo 2 days per week and if needed 3 days per week.

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