T3 blood test : Hi all. My GP says she wants me... - Thyroid UK

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T3 blood test

LtAngua52 profile image
10 Replies

Hi all. My GP says she wants me to redo my blood test as the T3 result is too high. She knows I take T3 but still says I need to redo it as it's abnormal.

I didn't take my T3 before the test but I couldn't get an appointment before 11am so perhaps that's the problem. She also laughs that T3 is helping me.

Is there any document that I can show her that confirms the high T3 result is normal when taking T3. I do have one piece of information but I would like more! Thank you 😊

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LtAngua52
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greygoose profile image
greygoose

How high? You might get more helpful answers if you gave your results and ranges. But, I know of no proof that FT3 is always high when taking T3. It depends on your dose how high it is.

I didn't take my T3 before the test but I couldn't get an appointment before 11am so perhaps that's the problem.

If you left the recommended 8-12 hour gap between your last dose of T3 and the blood draw, the time of day would not have any effect on the result.

Quite honestly, it sounds more like you're talking about TSH than FT3. TSH is almost always low when taking T3, and TSH would be lower at 11 am than at 9 am...

LtAngua52 profile image
LtAngua52 in reply to greygoose

Thank you. I forgot to say she was very concerned about the suppressed TSH too. Any info to give her about that? I had left about 15 hours between my last dose and the test.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to LtAngua52

Well, suppressed TSH is not the problem she thinks it is. But she won't take my word for it! lol Have a look at some of the research and articles diogenes has linked to. Bound to be something there:

healthunlocked.com/user/dio...

LtAngua52 profile image
LtAngua52 in reply to greygoose

Spoke to my GP who tried to scare me by talking about the risks of taking T3. She said osteoporosis and AF. I said there is research to dispute it and being hypo can cause heart problems. I said it's given me a life again and it's an informed choice. Saw my thumb tremor and said it's because of my suppressed TSH. I said more likely my B12. She wants me to reduce my T3 dose, so I will and see how it goes. Happy to try.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to LtAngua52

Osteoporosis and AF are not the risks of taking T3, they are the risks of having long-term, very high levels of FT3. Doctors seem to have trouble distinguishing between too much and none at all! Bones and hearts need good levels of T3, so not having enough is also a risk. There's just no logic to their thinking, is there!

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to LtAngua52

What are your actual results and ranges

Are you taking levothyroxine too, or just T3

all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

On T3 - day before test split T3 as 2 or 3 smaller doses spread through the day with last dose 8-12 hours before test

How much T3 and which brand

How much levothyroxine and which brand

And essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

What vitamin supplements are you taking

Charlie-Farley profile image
Charlie-Farley

Hi there LtAngua52

If you go to the pinned posts there is a very good one on TSH references complied by tattybogle . 😊👍

tattybogle profile image
tattybogle

are you saying fT3 is over range 15hrs after last dose T3 ?

MissGrace profile image
MissGrace

She ‘laughs’ that T3 is helping you? Outrageous. Would she laugh at a diabetic saying they were helped by insulin? Is she into dealing with sick people for the giggles? Unbelievably unprofessional and narrow minded. Disgraceful. 🤸🏿‍♀️🥛

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply to MissGrace

Ignorance of the affect of T3 (liothyronine) is quite common amongst the medical profession and that's why this forum is helpful to many members who're struggling with their health.

I take my dose of T3 when I awake with one glass of water.

I take breakfast about approx 1 to 1 and 1/2 hour later. I am symptom-free and feel well. If having a blood test - on blood test day, I don't take thyroid hormones until after blood drawn.

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