In reading up on the thyroid and getting involved with "Stop the Thyroid Madness" on Facebook all I have heard is that the TSH test is not helpful with thyroid problems and to get to the bottom of things T4, T3, and reverse T3 needed to be checked. It was an interesting article! Thank you.

All endos treat you according with what your TSH blood level is! They don’t care about Free T4 level or Free T3 they only want your TSH in range despite how you feel. In my experience. I know I feel best with a TSH of around 0.02 to 0.2 and Free T3 in mid range of around 5. You need to be tested for TSH FreeT4 and Free T3.. don’t be fiobbed off with ‘your TSH is in normal range.’. Get vitamins tested too, calcium, vit B12, Ferritin, vit D3,all should be mid range.. Thyroid antibodies should be tested and also testef for Coeliac disease. Read as much as you can to become more informed to make your own decisions. Hoe you feel should determine if your treatment is suitable. Hopefully you have a sympathetic GP.

I think we all have to be good at "the number game." I had to demand the "frees" be taken and not the "totals." They always want to run the TSH. During MY appointment I discussed the Frees results and told them at what numbers I felt best at. Then I would discuss whether I needed an increase or decrease in dose. It took me awhile to learn that I had to TELL them to run the Frees. I also learned that when I didn't know much in the beginning of my diagnoses, they only ran the TSH. When I took control of MY appointment, they didn't have much to say. When I didn't see the FT3, I had one doctor tell me--"it's there." That was the last time I saw her! I took control and told them which tests to run. I think they avoid this because it seems to be a pricey test.