Following on from my previous post I am trying to remain positive prior to my meeting with the nurse practitioner to discuss my latest results. Although I have remained on the same dose of thyroxine 150 my percentages have changed. I had hoped to make a case for a trial of T3 to improve my T3 percentage. As one test was private & one NHS the ranges differ. Draw taken as always prior to 9am, 24hours between last dose of thyroxine & vitamins good too.
Any thoughts on these results please.
The sun is shining so that's a positive 🌞
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Seabird4
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Not being facetious here. I wish my T3 looked at least like that, even if it’s still not brilliant. Interesting you are seeing a nurse practitioner. The main problem with them is they will have to be even more rigid than GPs in their prescribing. I would say you have virtually no chance of a T3 prescription but if you do get one we will all be moving to your area pronto.
Chances are you might manage an expensive private prescription if you are lucky. It does not look like you need much. Perhaps try Roseway, it’s a cheap consultation and then pay your prescription privately.
Your TSH will likely be a problem wherever you go. Good luck though. You never know.
Thank you for responding. On a bit of a merry go round as I felt fine on 175 thyroxine but the Endo reduced to 150. I hadn't realized tgst Nurse Practicioners are more rigid. I'm not hopeful for a T3 trial but even if I can have my levo increased a bit gain I'd have to accept that for the time being to feel at my best. I want to get rid of the fatty liver bit that started. I did give the GP the research on that subject. My vitamins have been tested privately & good to go.
Merry go round is a perfect description for anyone attempting to sort out their thyroid medication and so little recognition/help from medics.
The nurse practitioners have even less leeway than GPs. They may be more sympathetic but it does not usually add up to anything useful.
I have found that doctors don’t want education from their patients. I do keep trying but sometimes I think of that old saying “When you are already digging for trouble, stop digging”. They are remarkably deaf to a multitude of symptoms and blind to any signs of hypo. TSH utterly blinds them and really, as long as that fits their idea of “job done” that’s as far as most people get without pushing into areas we should be able to rely on from our medical helpers.
The Forum is the best place to pick up ideas which might be useful.
I may have to dig in another location for the "pot of gold" but will see what my consult brings first before I put away my shovel or start digging elsewhere. You are dead right this forum has given me/us so much in terms of information & support & some health professionals need to join, read & digest what's going on with folk with thyroid & other autoimmune conditions. My understanding from the news the other day is that cholesterol has an impact on dementia & high cholesterol I believe is linked to undermedicated hypothyroidism, another wee merry go round. No wonder we get dizziness.Thank you for your reply.
High cholesterol (as far as I can make out) is not associated with poor outcomes of anything, although that’s certainly the message from medics. However you are completely correct that it is a sign of hypothyroidism and under medicated hypothyroidism also. Unfortunately it’s another bit of important information even endocrinologists are happy to overlook and are happy to support use of. There are other cholesterol lowering drugs for hypos (hypos can have problems with taking them) which again medics encourage. Apart from huge muscle problems (me) from their use, I find terrible gut problems ensued which also I can do without.
If they just treated hypo properly none of this would be a problem for us. I think they get paid a premium for prescribing statins or at least they used to.
Seabird keep digging but perhaps not in the same hole. Your treasure could be nearby.
I did reply earlier but lost it somehow. Shame you've had to deal with gut issues too. It would be helpful if health professionals looked at situations holistically instead of some conditions in isolation, resulting in unessesary treatment e.g. statins when it's the thyroid meds that need balanced. It would save NHS funds too.
I exercise etc. to keep my cholesterol in check a bit but it has started to rise a wee bit since my med reduction last year. I will monitor & keep that link with undermedicated hypothyroidism in my treasure chest if reference is made to that area in the future.
All the best to you too Seabird. If you can exercise, it’s one of the best contributions to keeping cholesterol looking healthier as well as real health benefits.
These new results look improved from the same dose - do you feel any different ?
A month ago your T4 was 72% with your T3 at 46% conversion ratio 4.74 :
This month your T4 is up at 77 % and your T3 up a little under 53% with a conversion ratio of 3.86 :
so your absorption and utilisation of the thyroid hormone replacement has improved :
We generally feel best when T4 is up in the top quadrant at around 80% - maybe you can get final push and add another small increase say 12.50 mcg T4 daily :
Are your vitamins and minerals now optimal - I aim for ferritin at around 100 - folate 20 - B12 125 ( serum B12 500++ ) and vitamin D 125.
Your comments are very welcomed thank you for taking the time to share them. I don't feel different with these figures really, weight increased, I've been stable for a long time on my previous dose. My vitamins are good, I get injections for Pernicious Anemia (GP reduced them from 6 to 8 weeks at the same time as levo reduction so could be contributing to my symptoms) The sun is shining the last few days so helping my vitD too. I suppliment with D3 & vitamins K drops in oil too.
The NHS guidance in this area for thyroid now refers to how the patient feels together with the results. I'll try and make reference to them if I can during my chat with the nurse.
Thorne Basic B recommended vitamin B complex that contains folate, but they are large capsules. (You can tip powder out if can’t swallow capsule) Thorne can be difficult to find at reasonable price, should be around £20-£25. iherb.com often have in stock. Or try ebay
IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 5-7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results
In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate folate supplement (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg)
Post discussing how biotin can affect test results
Thank you Slowdragon you are as always a font of knowledge. I have had my vitamins tested and take supplements. I also remembered to stop the biotin one so all good. I did try the Pink tribe softgels B complex last year after reading on the forum but I think they were too strong but returned to my original ones. Maybe I'm clutching at straws to get the GP/Endo to leave me settled with no changes, like they did last year when things were going OK
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