Total T3 and T3

[Fionna]

What is the difference between Total T3 test and T3 tests?

Thank you,

Fionna

[GravesLady]

All three test should be done no matter which thyroid medication or drug taken. t3, especially when taking armour or t3 alone.  Its rough to know when to do test when taking combo t4 and t3 like armour or even t3 alone but with t4. one pill t4 last in the system for approx. 6 1/2 days but the effect in our blood and levels for blood test is 6 to 12 weeks after each med. dose adjustment.  however, one t3 pill last approx 4 hours in the system and due to this fast turn over thyroid blood test should be done 4 weeks after each med. dose adjustment.  so you see the difficulties.

TSH alone tells if we are hyper or hypo.  TSH testing is used to
diagnose a thyroid disorder in a person with symptoms,
screen healthy adults for thyroid disorders as recommended by the American Thyroid Association, screen newborns for an underactive thyroid,  
monitor thyroid replacement therapy in people with hypothyroidism, and
diagnose and monitor female infertility problems.  
Extreme stress and acute illness may also affect TSH test results, and results may be low during the first trimester of pregnancy


TSH along with  FT-4 tells the thyroid status of hyper or hypo.

A FT-4 test TELLS whether the thyroid is performing properly and aids in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. The test may also be used to help evaluate a patient with an enlarged thyroid gland, called a goiter. It may also aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of female infertility problems.

TSH along with F/T-3 tells the thyroid status of hyper or hypo.

A total or free F/T-3 test DETERMINES whether the thyroid is performing properly, and is used mainly to help diagnose hyperthyroidism.

TSH along with both  FT-4 and  FT-3 on how they relate to each other tells what the thyroid condition is caused from or even non-thyroid issues, i.e.  Graves', hashi, early stages or advanced stages and if its shows we are these, then it tells that we have antibodies to these conditions. also relates to adrenal issues, allergies, what type of hypo or hyper - there are several types of each, hormone resistance, chronic infection, etc.

hope this helps.



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[Fionna]

Thank You,

Even though I have been hypo for eons, I have never asked about my tests until now. Still waiting the Docs to send my lasts tests to me.

In 5 weeks I am supposed to get new tests done. On the order he gave me it only says TSH, Free T4, and Total T3.

I have no idea what the tests are for or any of the other tests done.  

I do know  that this Doc prefers other meds instead of armour, which is what I take. Only after problems with the other did he put me back on it.

So not sure what tests would be better for someone on armour or the t4 only drugs.

Fionna

[GravesLady]

they are one in the same.

are you meaning Totals T3 verses FT-3,  i.e.  Free T-3