Endo asking for calcium and magnesium blood tests

[Pearlteapot]

Hi, my private Endo is considering prescribing t3 and has asked for a whole range of tests before our next appointment. These include calcium and magnesium blood tests. I have read here that the magnesium test is not very accurate but leaving that aside I'm wondering:

(a) what the tests might mean, pro or anti a T3 prescription and

(b) if there is anything I should be doing prior to the blood test.

E.g. I think I read that a good reason to take magnesium is that it keeps calcium in the bones instead of in the blood. So should I be more regular with my magnesium intake for example. I am not sure what these tests are about and what I'd be hoping for and how to maximise the chance of getting whatever it is I hope for.😜

TIA

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Pearlteapot

I think I read that a good reason to take magnesium is that it keeps calcium in the bones instead of in the blood.

I think you've got a bit mixed up.

When we supplement with D3 this aids the uptake of calcium from food. It's Vit K2-mk7 which directs the calcium to bones and teeth. Magnesium helps the body convert D3 into it's usable form.

[greygoose]

the magnesium test is not very accurate but leaving that aside I'm wondering:

It's not that they're not accurate, they will tell you how much you have in the blood. But, they won't tell you what's in the bones. So, the amount in the blood could be fine, but you could still be deficient. And, it's a very expensive test, so not really worth doing.

(a) what the tests might mean, pro or anti a T3 prescription

I don't think there's any connection. No idea why he wants them done. Perhaps just to make it look like he's doing something.

I think I read that a good reason to take magnesium is that it keeps calcium in the bones instead of in the blood.

Think you've got a bit confused by what you've read, there. The main reason for taking magnesium - apart from deficiency, which most people have - is because you're taking vit D. Vit D needs magnesium to help it convert to its active form. Also, if you take vit D, you should take vit K2-MK7, because taking vit D increases absorption of calcium from food, and the K2 makes sure it goes into the bones and teeth, rather than building up in the soft tissues and arteries.

[Pearlteapot in reply to greygoose]

okay right! I’ve learned something but not what I aimed to learn! Isn’t that always the way. I do take Vit D with K2 but I hardly ever take the magnesium (calms). I will put more effort into that, safe in the knowledge that it won’t make any difference to my Endo’s review of my tests! Ha. My GP has generously commissioned all the tests that the private endo asked for, and there were a lot. Many of which I’ve never heard of.

[greygoose in reply to Pearlteapot]

Yeah, I think your endo is showing off! 😂

[Joyya in reply to greygoose]

Is it possible the endo is checking calcium to make sure there is no parathyroid involvement?

[greygoose in reply to Joyya]

Yes, it is possible. Although why he would do that, I don't know, because there's no connection between thyroid and parathyroids. But, perhaps he doesn't realise that. All guess-work, of course, because who can fathom what goes on in the mind of an endo? lol

[Joyya in reply to greygoose]

Maybe he want to make sure there is no issue with the parathoid gland, as well as the thyroid.

[greygoose in reply to Joyya]

Maybe.

[Poniesrfun]

Many here in the US would be thrilled to have an endo interested enough in our overall health to revie a full range of testing. I know a couple of people who have an endo like that and it saves them from having to go through 3 or 4 diffwrrent doctors to get the tests they need. I would take the time to look up each test - labtestonline.org has a UK site I believe.

Patti in AZ

[Pearlteapot]

hi Patti. I am pleased and I have looked them up. It’s very different to my previous endo who was only interested in TSH. This chap even asked me what vit supplements I take and told me to eat lots of plants. He also takes my results of the DIO2 test into account whereas previous guy dismissed it.