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Thyroid (Expert Forum)
Adding T3
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Dr. Mark Lupo. Topics covered include goiter, graves disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, thyroid cancers, thyroiditis, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
Adding T3
by zachslp, Oct 09, 2006 12:00AM
I've been hypothyroid for 25 years (I'm 36)and for most of the time on Synthroid or Levoxyl, with my dosages increasing over the years to 200 mcg. Looking back, I think I have "settled" for always being tired, mildly depressed, and with cold intolerance, even though my TSH has been "normal". This summer, my PCP tested my TSH, found it to be low (.274)and said she needed to lower my meds to 175 mcg. After about 3 weeks on this dose, I noticed an increase in my fatigue, depression, and other symptoms. At 6 weeks, I was retested and found that my TSH hadn't changed and so I was lowered again to 150 mcg. The symptoms worsened and so I (for the first time ever) began researching online and through books to find out what I can do.
I have found through research that some people have success with starting on Cytomel (T3) to aid in improving symptoms and maintaining a normal TSH.
My question(s): 1.Are PCP's educated enough re: Cytomel and/or Armour or should I only go to an endocrinolgist (haven't had luck with them in the past)? 2.It's been 4 weeks since my last test... do I have to wait 2 more wks (6 wks total) until retesting TSH and possibly starting Cytomel, or can I begin Cytomel trials now? 3. Any info re: Cytomel and/or Armour and it's cost?
Thank you!
I have found through research that some people have success with starting on Cytomel (T3) to aid in improving symptoms and maintaining a normal TSH.
My question(s): 1.Are PCP's educated enough re: Cytomel and/or Armour or should I only go to an endocrinolgist (haven't had luck with them in the past)? 2.It's been 4 weeks since my last test... do I have to wait 2 more wks (6 wks total) until retesting TSH and possibly starting Cytomel, or can I begin Cytomel trials now? 3. Any info re: Cytomel and/or Armour and it's cost?
Thank you!
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Oct 09, 2006 12:00AM
, Oct 09, 2006 12:00AM
1) depends on the PCP (and the endo) -- I would try adding some cytomel or simply let your TSH be 0.25 or greater on the higher dose of T4.
2) Wait 6 weeks in general but adding T3 now that you are on a lower T4 dose for 4 weeks is likely okay -- I usually start with 5mcg in am and again at 2-3pm
3) Armour is cheaper I believe, but harder to regulate in some patients and contains a much higher T3/T4 ratio than most humans need.
2) Wait 6 weeks in general but adding T3 now that you are on a lower T4 dose for 4 weeks is likely okay -- I usually start with 5mcg in am and again at 2-3pm
3) Armour is cheaper I believe, but harder to regulate in some patients and contains a much higher T3/T4 ratio than most humans need.
Your body (thyroid) makes T1, T2, T3, T4, and Calcitonin.
The synthetic T4 only meds are exactly that T4 only. Desiccated thyroid (Armour, etc) has all 5 parts.
The TSH worshipers will keep you severely under medicated. If you receive an adequate dose of thyroid, your TSH will be suppressed. You will also feel better than you have in many years.
Drop into the "Stop the thyroid madness" web site
<< http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/index.html >>
They have a lot of good information.
Also check out the NaturalThyroidHormone group on Yahoo.