T3 question : I’m currently on T3 only because of... - Thyroid UK

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T3 question

ScriptMaz profile image
16 Replies

I’m currently on T3 only because of bad reaction with levothyroxine. I’ve been on Liothyronine 10mcg twice a day since 11 November. I haven’t been back to the doctors for a thyroid function test since October as I’ve read frequently that on T3 only they go more on symptoms than levels. I no longer have the chronic joint pain I had with levothyroxine so that’s a bonus. I still can’t shift the excess weight even though I’m able to exercise and I watch what I eat.

I now have numb feet. Could this be connected to my thyroid as I read somewhere that if you are under medicated then it can cause this issue. Is it worth going back to my gp or should I wait till my next appointment with endo on 9th of May?

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16 Replies
Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator

I don't think people in this group go on symptoms only on T3 monotherapy. Its still always good to see where your labs are at.

The day before blood test be sure to split your dose so that the last portion is taken 8-12 hours before the test.

20mcgs is a low dose of T3 for monotherapy. Most need somewhere around 60mcgs.

I suggest you get some bloods run before seeing the Endo and then you will have something to talk about other than symptoms.

How are your vitamin levels?

What supplements are you taking?

We need OPTIMAL vitamin levels for our thyroid hormone to work well.

Numb feet may be related to B12 levels.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toJaydee1507

I don't think people in this group go on symptoms only on T3 monotherapy.

I do. I haven't had a blood test since 2014.

ScriptMaz profile image
ScriptMaz in reply togreygoose

I knew someone on this forum had said that

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply togreygoose

Of course I was making a generalisation and there will always be members that do their own thing or what suits them but as a general rule in my view its always better to see a blood test.

Perhaps you could direct your attention to helping members.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toJaydee1507

I'm not sure I've understood your last comment. It sounds somewhat aggressive. You made a false statement and I corrected it. That does not mean that I don't help others.

DippyDame profile image
DippyDame in reply togreygoose

Goodness.....greygoose you absolutely help many people, myself included. And most of us appreciate that.

I don't have blood tests either and what's more my surgery respect that....but as you know that's a long story!

Symptoms were the diagnostic "tool" before lab tests and for T3-only, very reliable....once we understand how to monitor them!

Brightness14 profile image
Brightness14 in reply toJaydee1507

I disagree with you, Grey Goose has helped many people on the site, good for her.

We are allowed to disagree politely aren't we?

ScriptMaz profile image
ScriptMaz in reply toJaydee1507

I was told on this forum that starting on 20mcgs was too high. I was also told about getting a surge when I started the medication and that never happened. I don’t feel anything from taking it to be honest. I just know I can’t take levothyroxine so I will persist on the T3. I haven’t been to the gp in a while as they send me for tests and then they don’t follow up on them. I phone them for results and they say within range and no treatment required. I take NCAT ( recommended for Hashimoto’s patients), selenium, D12 and Magnesium powders

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toScriptMaz

The usual starting dose for T3 is 5 mcg, increasing by 5 mcg every two weeks maximum. Not many people can start on 20 mcg and tolerate it. But, it sounds as if you a bit like me - i.e. not very sensitive and in need of a high dose!

I was also told about getting a surge when I started the medication and that never happened. I don’t feel anything from taking it to be honest.

If you're still only taking 20 mcg then you're probably not taking enough to feel anything. Try an increase, and keep increasing until you do feel something.

I phone them for results and they say within range and no treatment required.

You need to ask at reception for a print-out of your results - it's your legal right to have one! Who cares if it's in range! It's not just about being in-range, it's about being in the right place within that range.

I take NCAT ( recommended for Hashimoto’s patients), selenium, D12 and Magnesium powders

What is NCAT? Google has not illuminated me!

Do you mean you take B12? Or D3?

ScriptMaz profile image
ScriptMaz in reply togreygoose

I’ve had a look and it’s NAC, apologies for my error. The endo put me on this dosage and then scheduled me in for a phone appointment in May. She also didn’t give me enough tablets on the repeat prescription to last until May. The only contact number on the letter was for an appointment booking service.

I agree I most certainly need an increase in dosage so I will ask her about it.

I think I need to schedule an appointment with my gp but I have no faith in them

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply toScriptMaz

Indeed starting on 20mcgs would have been too much to start with and 5mcgs dose increases allow for a smoother transition upward but 20mcgs is likely not enough for you.

When dealing with GPs you may need to be persistent and make a point of you following them up when you have blood tests. Its a matter of learning how to use the system to your best advantage.

If they say 'no further action' or similar and you think otherwise then its up to you to challenge them and get your point across.

Have you had bloods run for vitamins? I'd recommend you do that as you have remaining symptoms especially.

Private tests are available, see link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...

There is also a new company offering walk in& mail order blood tests in London, Kent, Sussex & Surrey areas. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...

Only do private tests on a Monday or Tuesday to avoid postal delays.

By far the majority of prescribing Endo's and doctors in the UK will want to see blood results.

ScriptMaz profile image
ScriptMaz in reply toJaydee1507

I have been persistent but my gp practice has many doctors and I haven’t seen the same one twice. I have also requested all my blood test results but since everything is in range they do not do anything. When they wouldn’t believe levothyroxine was causing me major problems I had to take the drastic step of stopping them to prove my point

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply toScriptMaz

I know its a very challenging system to work with, and seeing different doctors every time is awful. I really hope that at some point the system can return to being able to see the same doctor but for now we have to find a way to work with what we have.

If its your Endo prescribing the T3 then your GP won't be able to do much anyway. You could get them to run your vitamin tests though which would be really helpful.

ScriptMaz profile image
ScriptMaz in reply toJaydee1507

It’s the endo prescribing the T3 so I know I need to speak to her about the increase.

I will call my gp tomorrow and see if they know what could be causing my numb feet and if it’s something not connected to the thyroid. Thank you

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply toScriptMaz

Low B12 can cause numb feet so do ask for the vitamin tests.

ScriptMaz profile image
ScriptMaz in reply toJaydee1507

Thank you. I’ll speak to my gp then

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