testing protocol on T4 and T3

[Topes009]

Hi all.

Does anyone have any experience/wisdom re a good time to take T3 pre bloods?

I currently take it when I wake up which is between 6.20 and 7.30 and in the afternoon between 3.30 and 4.30. I have a first test since starting combined therapy booked and am wondering when I should take what. I typically don’t take T4 before a test. The test is booked for 9.40am, (earliest I could get in the time frame needed).

Is there a good time to take T3 to get levels which won’t throw things off.

Thank you

[DippyDame]

24 hour gap between T4 and test

12 hour gap between T3 and test

We are advised to test at 9am to achieve the highest TSH and to test at least an hour away from food and drinks.

FT3 followed by FT4 are the most important labs.

TSH is not a reliable marker after initiation of medication...not understood by all medics

I need high dose T3-only to function ....I self medicate...and no longer rely on blood tests....my GP understands this.

Symptoms are also an important part of diagnosis

We're all here to help....just ask!

Good luck.

[Lalatoot]

I do my blood test at 2pm which means I can take my lio at 6am as usual. I take my levo after the blood test. TSH is not important to me or my doctor.

[McPammy]

I take my T3 5mcg at 7.30am. Second dose 5mcg at 3pm.

I take my levo t4 35mcg at 11am. Then second dose at 4.30pm. Total 75mcg liquid levo

Sounds a faff but it works well for myself.

I do not alter my t3 dose when I get my 9am blood draw. I do bring forward my levo first dose to 7am on that morning.

I want to know how high my levels are ‘with’ taking medications so I don’t go over medicated and my TSH stays in range. On occasions I have checked bloods without taking my medication and there is a drop in my levels. Tsh remains the same with or without meds. It’s just the levels that change.i do both with and without. Importantly i feel very well and symptom free.