Sigh.

[Blobby1234]

Finally got a T3 test from my GP. I had a difficult appt explaining to a professional why I'd like FT3, not TT3. The results (after she knocked down my Levo by 25%) apparently make her GP of the year whilst 7 wks later , my eyebrows and fringe hair have fallen out, skin dry and itchy and TATT - just like it always does when you drop it below 100mcg. Have I considered my alcohol (zero) and carb (not much) intake. Sigh.

[Marymary7]

You can edit your post to add results, the little V and word ‘more’ let’s you. Or you can add them in an answer to yourself. Then delete duplicate post to save getting multiple answers. Good luck.

[JAmanda]

New doctor or self source meds? It’s pretty easy and not hugely expensive to buy T3 from abroad.

[Blobby1234 in reply to JAmanda]

I'd be afraid to do it myself. I'm going to ask to be referred to a specialist. I'm sure I remember the brainboxes on here saying FT3 should be much further up the scale.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Are you sure that's a Free T3 test? FT3 test usually has a wider range, eg 3.5-6.5, 3.1-6.8.

Are you on Levo only? The thyroid function test should include TSH, FT4 and FT3. We can then see how well you convert T4 to T3 by looking at your FT4 and FT3 results.

Looking back at previous post Vit D was pointed out that it needs improving. Have you addressed that? B12 was also low and could be much better than 430 ng/L (211-911). Ideally at the top of the range.

[Blobby1234 in reply to SeasideSusie]

GP says all are within normal range, case closed. Yes you're right. She's done TT3 again instead of the FT3 I specifically requested. I can feel a kick-off coming on 👿.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Blobby1234]

GP says all are within normal range, case closed.

If you mean the Vit D and B12 thenyes they are within the normal range but they are not optimal. Doctors aren't taught anything about nutrients so it's usually up to us to address these ourselves unless there are deficiencies which a GP should address. We Hypos need optimal nutrient levels for thyroid hormone to work properly.

Optimal nutrient levels are

Vit D - 100-150nmol/L

B12 - top of range for Total B12, for Active B12 then 100 plus

Folate - at least half way through range

Ferritin - half way through range although some experts say 90-110ug/L is necessary for thyroid function

[Blobby1234]

I take daily supplements of B vitamins, and D3 that I buy myself, have done for years. This is all that's getting through!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Blobby1234]

Then you need to increase your vitamin D dose

Exactly what vitamin supplements are you currently taking

How much vitamin D and is it tablets, gel or mouth spray

Are you currently taking magnesium supplements

B12 and folate

Are you currently taking vitamin B complex and separate B12

[DippyDame]

What was her reason for testing TT3 instead of FT3?Or, does she know the difference!

I would suggest that you test privately then you are in control of what is tested!

For full thyroid test- TSH, FT4, FT3, Vit D, Vit B12, folate, ferritin and antibodies TG and TPO

thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

The NHS use some of these labs!

Without labs it's a guess....but you sound undermedicated

I suspect your FT3 is low....being just in-range is not good enough

Dosing by TSH is wrong but medics persist in using this "shortcut" instead of testing the individual hormones

FT3 is the most important result.

TSH testing was designed to diagnose hypothyroidism...and just that!

TSH is a pituitary hormone and reacts to the level of hormones in the serum.....this can fluctuate, especially if Hashi's is involved.

It throws a spanner in the works!

thyroidpatients.ca/2021/07/...

You need to be better medicated and this GP doesn't sound like the medic with the knowledge to do that

It's hard enough coping with thyroid disease without having to educate the medic!

Consider a private test....many of us use them.

Medichecks and others offer discounts...see the link I added above

If you want to avoid the finger pick test you have the option of arranging a blood draw at an additional cost. A GP I used to see offered to do mine because she couldn't test as above but I don't think that is isual!! Your GP practice might do it for a fee....ask around

Post the results and members will offer advice as to how to proceed from there.

[Blobby1234]

Thanks. She is useless (and so is her colleague) and does not know the difference. Explaining it to her got the full "Oh, consulted Dr Google, did we?" huffy "don't tell me my job" thing. I have put off getting the private tests because even if I take the results to an appointment, I just don't believe she'll have a clue what to do with them.I am going to press for a referral and if I don't get one, will threaten her with the Practice Manager and a capability rap.

[tattybogle in reply to Blobby1234]

i recommend you give it a few more weeks to see how this lower dose settles down , because i have twice found that the first 5 weeks feel rubbish even though the reduction ultimately turned out to be an improvement in my symptoms.

I would also say in the meantime , it IS worth getting your own TSH/fT4 /fT3 done even if GP isn't able to accept the results.. it makes it much easier to discuss /argue your needs with them if YOU know what your fT4 /fT3 results actually are.

Unfortunately, pressing the NHS to do TSH /fT4 /fT3 all together can take months and then even if they agree you find out your area tend to use TT3 eg. i think Scotland tend to prefer TT3 ...... or the lab uses a 'TSH with reflex' protocol meaning they can't test fT4 unless TSH is out of range and then they cant test fT3 unless FT4 is over range.

[Stourie in reply to tattybogle]

I’m in Scotland and never had tt3 tested. For years it’s been ft3. Maybe I’ve just been lucky with the area I’m in. Jo xx

[tattybogle in reply to Stourie]

OK.,... thanks ,maybe it's just 'one bit of scotland' i was thinking of