My GP won’t test my free T3

[Biddy51]

Are there any GP’s out there in the U.K. that will test free T3 and should I be getting this tested annually?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

GPs can ask for FT3 to be tested but it's the lab that makes the decision, generally they only do it when there's something wrong with TSH and/or FT4.

The lab my surgery uses will do it when TSH is suppressed, mine gets done every time because my TSH is always suppressed.

It is a very useful test to have, but most of us have a thyroid panel with Medichecks or Blue Horizon if we want it tested, if you do that then get TSH/FT4/FT3 all tested at the same time. FT3 needs to be compared with FT4.

[Biddy51 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you!

[bantam12]

My surgery tests it routinely.

[Biddy51 in reply to bantam12]

What part of the country are you? I’m moving lol 😉😂

[bantam12 in reply to Biddy51]

Somerset 👍

[Lynneypin in reply to bantam12]

Wow! If requested by gp lab never does it.

[shaws Administrator]

Unfortunately, I understand that the stipulation is TSH and T4 only. If GP does request and TSH is in range I doubt the lab will test more except T4. A Full Thyroid Function Test is:-

TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. Your GP should test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate.

The ones stated above, if not all are tested, you can get a private blood test and the lab will do the ones not tested or you can have a Full Thyroid Function test privately from Blue Horizon or Medichecks.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[Biddy51 in reply to shaws]

Thank you!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Some do, but increasingly, due to budget cuts, they don't. Even if GP requests, lab refuses

That's why so many on here have to test privately

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies. Plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.

Essential to test thyroid antibodies, FT3 plus vitamins

Private tests are available

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

Medichecks have an offer on today

All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, and T3 12 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's

[Biddy51 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you. Yes I have Hashimoto’s. It would be nice if my GP would do a full blood work test annually, but he’s not going to. I believe THRIVA also do blood tests, so will be looking at this at some point in the future. Thanks for your help.

[Biddy51]

Thank you! Not sure what secondary or tertiary Hypothyroid is. I have Hashimoto’s.

[Ansteynomad]

Where I live, the lab won’t test FT3 even if TSH is suppressed and FT4 over range! I have it in writing for them that this is because “it is of little diagnostic value”. Well there you go.

[Archway]

I only have my TSH and FT4 tested. I once asked my GP about my T3 and he just looked at me blankly.

[Biddy51 in reply to Archway]

Push to see and endo. But take printed evidence in with you from several different sites why it is so important to check T3.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[penny]

If one came to this discussion without prior knowledge it would read as a surrealist dialogue...the doctor requests the laboratory to do a test, they refuse. Who does the laboratory work for? This does seem rather arbitrary.

[Biddy51 in reply to penny]

I know! I’ve had a phone call from the practise to say they will now do it. Won’t hold my breath. Are we waiting for the U.K. to play catch up. Seems they are mostly tested in the USA

[LAHs in reply to Biddy51]

No, we have the same TSH and T4 docs over here (USA). We get to the point were we are so sick that we spend much of our time researching and asking around in desperation, then we realize that we must pay for our own lab tests then self medicate or kick up a big fuss to get proper medication. I pay for a full thyroid panel about once a year and thank god I have a reasonable GP and Endo who prescribe NDT. If the AMA ever gets to either of them, I guess I am screwed. Fortunately the Endo is very young, energetic and from Thailand (I think) and does not seem to be the sort to be dictated to by authorities who don't appear to have all of their facts straight regarding the thyroid.

[Biddy51]

It really sucks! We’re all in the same boat then. 😬