My wife has had a full Thyroidectomy 10 years ago. She has struggled with health problems similar to Hypothyroidism. Lethargy, aches and pains, skin aging depression etc. Her symptoms are increasingly getting worse and more regular bouts of weakness and pain in the joints.
After much reading and doctor visiting she is convinced she requires the T3 drug. She has had two blood tests done and both come back without any mention of T3 levels, only Free T3.
She wants to know where/who will do a Full T3 test.
She realises that the NHS do not want to prescribe it because it can cost £200+ a month and so virtually wash their hands of the problem.
Can anybody direct her to where she could have a test.
With the correct information about her T3 level she can then start battling!
Written by
herdy24
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Welcome to the group. If you could complete your profile it helps members understand your thyroid journey so far and be able to advise you better. Click on your image icon to start. Fill out the free text box at the top.
Often GPs leave us inadequately replaced on Levo, there are also issues with low vitamin levels caused by being hypo. These in turn cause symptoms and we need optimal levels of vitamins for thyroid hormone to work well.
Free T3 is the test your wife needs along with TSH & FT4. If you have those results then do post them along with reference ranges - numbers in brackets after the result.
Its a post code lottery as to if you can get T3 prescribed on the NHS. Its not always ideal anyway as long wait times to see an Endo & then Endo's want TSH within range which doesnt work well with combination treatment. Private if possible is often better sadly.
It's ideal if you can always get the same brand of levo at every prescription. You can do this by getting GP to write the brand you prefer in the first line of the prescription. Many people find that different brands are not interchangeable.
Always take Levo on an empty stomach an hour away from food or caffeine containing drinks & other meds. Many people find taking it at bedtime works well for them.
When hypo we get low stomach acid which means we cannot absorb vitamins well from our food, regardless of a great diet. For thyroid hormone to work well we need OPTIMAL levels of vitamins.
Have you recently or could you ask your GP to test levels of ferritin, folate, B12 & D3? 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.
Do you do tests as per the protocol recommended here?
Recommended blood test protocol: Test at 9am (or as close as possible), fasting, last levo dose 24hrs before the blood draw & no biotin containing supplements for 3-7 days (Biotin can interfere with thyroid blood results as it is used in the testing process).
Testing like this gives consistency in your results and will show stable blood levels of hormone and highest TSH which varies throughout the day. Taking Levo/T3 just prior to blood draw can show a falsely elevated result and your GP/Endo might change your dose incorrectly as a result.
She realises that the NHS do not want to prescribe it because it can cost £200+ a month and so virtually wash their hands of the problem.
Actually cost of T3 is typically £15-40 per month…..but that’s still substantially more expensive than Levo
what was reason for thyroidectomy?
For full Thyroid evaluation she needs TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested
Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum
Low vitamin levels are extremely common when on replacement thyroid hormones
Lower vitamin levels more common as we get older
For good conversion of Ft4 (levothyroxine) to Ft3 (active hormone) we must maintain GOOD vitamin levels
What vitamin supplements is she taking
VERY important to test TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 together
How much levothyroxine is she taking
Does she always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription
Recommended that 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
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
If normally take levothyroxine at bedtime/in night ...adjust timings as follows prior to blood test
If testing Monday morning, delay Saturday evening dose levothyroxine until Sunday morning. Delay Sunday evening dose levothyroxine until after blood test on Monday morning. Take Monday evening dose levothyroxine as per normal
Monitor My Health (NHS private test service) offer thyroid and vitamin testing, plus cholesterol and HBA1C for £65
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Hashimotos 13 year old
Where to get hydrocortisone?
Full thyroid testing 
Follow up on Referral Letter
