Sophia Cameron

It is shocking that you can be knowingly left undermedicated and have to purchase T3 privately.

This post really resonates with me as after being told for years that my TSH thyroid result was fine on levothyroxine alone and that my symptoms were probably due to the monopause, I did my own research. Like Katie I sourced private blood tests which showed a normal TSH, T4 at the top of the range and a low T3 result. A couple of times I become overmedicated suffering symptoms associated with an over active thyroid which was extremely unpleasant. Finally a private genetic test showed that I also have the genes which cause poor conversion of T4 to T3. When I tried to discuss with a GP I was totally dismissed. I was recommended a local endocronologist who I saw privately. She agreed to a trial of T3 and T4 in combo and after 2 days I felt transformed for the better. From barely being able to stagger 3 miles I walked for 16 miles without a problem. I was no longer making mistakes at work, most of the normal symptoms listed on the NHS website disappeared My first 3 month prescription was an eye watering £724. I also found cheaper alternatived until I managed to get transferred to the NHS and finally got my prescriptions from my GP and a shared care agreement. Without much perserverance and the income to pay privately I would still be living a half life undermedicated on levothyroxine. Current NICE guidelines and GP training do not favour people like me with T4 to T3 conversion issues.