Need of T3?

[lisan1]

This is my sisters results. She's on levo only. Does she need to add T3?Tsh 0.18

Ft3 4.1 (3.1-6.8)

Ft4 18.4 (12-22)

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

lisan1

Was her test done as we advise re time of test, last dose of Levo 24 hours before test, no biotin/B Complex for a few days?

If so then her FT4 is 68.4% through range with FT3 at 27.03% through range so not well balanced.

Good conversion requires optimal levels of key nutrients, has she had the following tests done, if not it's suggested that she does them, post results/ranges and units of measurement for B12 and Vit D here for further comment

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

Does she take any supplements or medication?

[lisan1 in reply to SeasideSusie]

No meds or supplements

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to lisan1]

Was her test done as we advise re time of test, last dose of Levo 24 hours?

Has she had key nutrients tested?

[lisan1 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Yes and no nutrition tests

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to lisan1]

So her results show poor conversion but she needs to test key nutrients next as these need to be optimal for good conversion so results for these needed before considering T3.

She could try increasing to 100mcg Levo to increase her FT4 level to see if it produces a better FT3 but I'm doubtful the balance will be better.

[DippyDame]

What is her levo dose please?

[lisan1 in reply to DippyDame]

88mcg

[SlowDragon Administrator]

If not had thyroid antibodies tested for autoimmune thyroid disease (hashimoto’s) next step is to get get FULL thyroid including thyroid antibodies tested

Plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Does she always get same brand levothyroxine

all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test 

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

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

List of private testing options and money off codes

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If she can get GP to test vitamins then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3 and includes BOTH TPO and TG antibodies -£29 

randoxhealth.com/at-home/Th...

Monitor My Health also now offer thyroid and vitamin testing, plus cholesterol and HBA1C for £65 

(Doesn’t include thyroid antibodies) 

monitormyhealth.org.uk/full...

10% off code here 

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

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.