Persuading GP to test T3

[mstp]

My daughter has been on thyroxin for the last 10 years. During that time she has had two babies and recently been anaemic. She has taken iron tablets with only a little improvement and now stopped because she feels fed up with taking them. I suggested she should bring her yearly blood test forward a bit and she is awaiting the results. However, she said her GP didnt test T3 so they may not be that revealing. Anyone any suggestions how she can persuade her GP to test T3?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

mstp

Even if her GP agrees to test FT3 there is no guarantee that it will be done. Ultimately it is the lab which decides and usually if TSH and FT4 are in range they wont do it.

Probably the best thing she can do is a test with MonitorMyHealth which is an NHS lab at Exeter hospital, fhey offer a home fingerprick test for the general public which tests TSH , FT4 and FT3. If that shows low FT3 then she can show that test to her GP and it will be difficult for him to not accept a test done by an NHS hospital.

monitormyhealth.org.uk/our-...

Thyroid test - TSH, FT4 and FT3 is £32

Advanced Thyroid Test - above plus TPO antibodies is £42

It might be a good idea to include key nutrients which are included in the Full Health Screen test as well as TSH, FT4 and FT3, at £65.

Use code THYROIDUK10 for 10% discount on all tests.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

How much levothyroxine is she currently taking

Does she always get same brand at each prescription

Presumably she has Hashimoto’s

Has she had coeliac blood test or is she already on strictly gluten free/dairy free diet

What other vitamins is she taking

[Lalatoot]

My GPs will not test t3 unless your other results are far out or if you are on liothyronine prescribed by them. My GP explained that at their level they are not expected to have the knowledge or provide any treatment for t3 so they don't test. Testing is done at consultant level .