Hypothyroidism Support Group
Hypothyroidism is the disease state caused by insufficient production of thyrohormone by the thyroid gland. There are several distinct causes for chronic hypothyroidism, the most common being Hashimoto's thyroiditis and hypothyroidism following radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism. Advanced hypothyroidism may cause severe complications, the most serious one of which is...
I see various drs: my endocrinologist, who is malleable but not up to date; my GP who treats patients by going down a computer algorithm LOL(he admits when he doesn't know) and I see a hormone specialist GP private pay.
On Monday I see the private pay DR. She has been useful with MTFR protocol, restoring energy levels, doing allergy testing ect. She believes in the T3 only protocol.
This is my question: Do I need T3 compounding?
I think both my FT3 and FT4 are low because I was" drained" by taking tapasol also half my thyroid was enlarged as shown on ultra sound so I think I can't produce thyroxine due to cellular damage. I think my body just needs more of everything. The sponge needs to soak.
Getting my RT3 done would cost 300$$ so I haven't done it.
Second question. Should I get 24hr saliva testing. I think this is also around $300
I have high levels of anxiety which I have read is indicative of poor cortisol levels.(3 years ago I was under a lot of pressure but am relatively stress free now) My am and pm levels are normal. Can I trust the blood test or do I need a 24 hr saliva test? Can I wait and do it later if the my symptoms persist ?
Thank you again, This board has been very helpful. I am not use to self advocating with the dr.
On Monday I see the private pay DR. She has been useful with MTFR protocol, restoring energy levels, doing allergy testing ect. She believes in the T3 only protocol.
This is my question: Do I need T3 compounding?
I think both my FT3 and FT4 are low because I was" drained" by taking tapasol also half my thyroid was enlarged as shown on ultra sound so I think I can't produce thyroxine due to cellular damage. I think my body just needs more of everything. The sponge needs to soak.
Getting my RT3 done would cost 300$$ so I haven't done it.
Second question. Should I get 24hr saliva testing. I think this is also around $300
I have high levels of anxiety which I have read is indicative of poor cortisol levels.(3 years ago I was under a lot of pressure but am relatively stress free now) My am and pm levels are normal. Can I trust the blood test or do I need a 24 hr saliva test? Can I wait and do it later if the my symptoms persist ?
Thank you again, This board has been very helpful. I am not use to self advocating with the dr.
Not that many of us have had doctors who following the prescribing information but, I know the prescribing info for the thyroid meds I take indicate that "adrenal sufficiency" needs to be confirmed before starting them. That's what the 24-hr saliva testing will accomplish.
I know many people say the saliva test is the only way to go but I know a medical technologist who says blood tests taken throughout the day are more accurate.
Since I did well without adrenal testing (except a VERY recent AM cortisol blood test that was normal), I'm not inclined to say you should get the saliva test now in light of your blood results.
And, I think you should trust your gut when you mention that you think your body needs more of everything. While some people only need T3, most of us also need T4.
Certain parts of our body (the brain, the pituitary, muscles, etc.) need "fresh" T4 "on-site" to convert to T3.
I'd feel more comfortable about the private Dr. if she prescribed thyroid meds based upon symptoms and labs. I would hope she will work with you.
Most people need both their FreeT4 and FreeT3 levels in the upper part of their ranges to be free from thyroid symptoms.
Taking compounded T3 is a personal decision. I would imagine it's more expensive than "regular" T3.
Also, Dr. Alan Christenson (author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Thyroid Disease") brings up what I consider a valid point: since compounded T3 is "made to order", the risk of pharmacist error is greater.
An error could translate into the patient being given waaayyy too much T3 which could have dire consequences. He told the story of a patient dying from cardiac arrest due to pharmacist error with compounded T3.
You may know that thyroid hormone is supplied in microgram amounts. Well, there are 1000 micrograms in one gram.....28 grams in one ounce.
The most common T3 starting dose is 5mcg so I think you can see how easy it might be for an error to be made with compounding.
If the standard T3 preparations that come in 5mcg tablets work for you, it would be easier to adjust your dose. Otherwise, you'd need new preparations made each time.
I don't think you need a rT3 test done. That test shows how much T3 is being converted into the inactive form.
Bottom line - you need to know how much active T3 you have (FreeT3)....and if you don't have enough, you take proper doses of T3.
I am not a doctor.....I share my thoughts and opinions based upon the research I've done and my personal experience.
Best wishes to you!
Please let us know how things go with the doctor tomorrow.