Daft question but

How would I know if I was not absorbing T3 on a higer than average dose

[Jackie]

Hi Free T3 test. It is actually important to have a Free T3 test before starting on it, then repeats to check on the dose. I always have had them with my TSH, T4, even, when there was no T3. It is the only way to check the dose is right etc. Of course, it does lower the TSh but that is not enough of a guide. Now,unfortunately my NHS will not test Free T3, so I have to pay for it. However, my endo and I consider the test essential.It takes a onth after starting T3 to alter the blood test totally.

I hope that helps.

Jackie

[nobodysdriving in reply to Jackie]

I would politely 'disagree' as for people on high doses of T3 only (like in Reikimaster's case) the fT3 will always be raised! this is not by any means proof that they are not absorbing or that they are over-medicated.

The only way to check if the dose is right is to look at signs and symptoms (including reflexes, ECGs, metabolic rate which none of us have tested by the way, etc etc) There is lots of good info and research about this in dr John Lowe's book 'the metabolic treatment of fibromyalgia'

[Jackie in reply to nobodysdriving]

Hi I did not know she was on just T3, I agree that is different.You are right of course, I understood it differently. I would not attempt to answer some one who is on just T3, as I do not have any experience of this.

Jackie

[nobodysdriving in reply to Jackie]

that's ok Jackie, I was not intending to 'have a go at you', as you said, you may not know, however I had to reply as otherwise both you and reikimaster could carry on thinking there is no other way xx

ps thank you for helping so much on my private insurance thread by the way

[Jackie in reply to nobodysdriving]

Good, not that is fine, I never mind people disagreeing, so long as not unpleasant, which you were not.I hope you sort out the insurance Ok as if you spend long thinking about it, something could change. Insurance is so expensive but I do really like having private cover, even though, I cannot use it for hospitals because I never go in unless emergencies and not suitable.

Best wishes,

Jackie

[nobodysdriving]

Reikimaster, I don't think you can prove this easily to be honest and then who would it benefit? whatever proof you'd find your NHS gp or endo may probably not pay any respect/attention to it.

My private doctor, Dr M is 'interested' (not worried) as to why I need 160mcg T3 daily. For this purpose she has asked me if I wanted to test for an 'overload' of 'toxic metals'.

She said that if I have an overload these toxic metals can block my cell receptors and stop my thyroid hormones from working well.

There is a 'cure' for this and it's chelation therapy which she would prescribe for me if I need it.

I have done the test and am awaiting results now.

If I come out with an overload and I do chelation therapy I'll let you know if I end up on a lower dose of T3

also you may know already that poor iron/ferritin/b12/vitD/folate/cortisol/blood sugars/insulin resistance will impair how well you absorb the hormones (and/or utilise them)

[Hidden in reply to nobodysdriving]

I WANT YOUR ENDO!

Have you changed to a different endo now?

I am not feeling right, I really do think im having trouble with absorbing the T3 now, I dont take iron supps. I really think I ought to re think which vitamins I do need for optimum health troubel is I dont know which ones to get- there are so many on the market????? And I dont want to be spending a fortune.

I feel im getting all my body needs thru diet- but what I think and how I feel are two differednt things.......

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

CORRECTION--Different things , see I told you I did not feel right

[LinDonaldson]

Hi there,

I am very confused. I am taking Cytomel and am concerned that there seems to be no way of measuring its efficacy through the NHS. If an FT3 test is no help and GPs or Endocrinologists do not check signs and symptoms then how do you know it the treatment is working? Can someone please advise because I am very worried now.

Regards

Lin

[LinDonaldson]

Ol re-read posts and as I have a fairly low dose of T3 maybe the FT3 test is helpful?