Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Might adding T3 reduce LDL cholesterol?

  I am 57 and peri-menopausal, and have been on Synthroid 28 years, currently 88 mcg/day with TSH typically = 0.7.  I had gotten my LDL cholesterol down to 110 with diet and exercise.  While my hormones were fluctuatiing, my TSH plummeted to .37 and LDL shot up to 146, with no change in diet.  
  Two months later, with more stringent diet but no Synthroid change, TSH was back to .7 and LDL was down to 126.  Total chol = 204; HDL = 63.  Free T4 = 1.4 (.8-1.8) and Free T3 = 274 (230-420).  Ferritin = 38 (10-232).
  Might adding some T3 help bring down my cholesterol?  I have many, but mild, lingering hypo symptoms.
Thank you.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
97953 tn?1440865392
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The cholesterol is not likely linked to thyroid with a TSH in this range and adding T3 probably won't help the cholesterol but may be worth considering a small dose of cytomel (w/ a slight decrease in Synthroid) for the lingering hypo symptoms -- the results vary from person to person, but worth a try sometimes.
Helpful - 0
222507 tn?1485911446
Iam curious what the DR here will say about this. But to me it seems unrelated to the thyroid - at least not directly related.  Cholesterol is tricky and it has to do with steroid hormone production and fat absorbtion too - very complex - I think we cant just say that the thyroid causing it or T3 will help... usually hypothyroids have higher cholesterol - but not in all cases! There is a lot of stuff on the net on how to reduce cholesterol LDL and improve HDL - yes you already doing exercise and diet... But your body might be changing.... also some natural supplements proven well for reducing Cholesterol such as Red Yeast Rice, Niacin (I use te no flush kind), and Policosanol, CoQ10. Lots of juicing, veggies, fruits, lean protein, clean, filtered water, some whole grains,  good rest and exercise should reduce your LDL and increase your HDL. I am no expert I just know what worked for me and my husband. Good luck!
Also, check out: www.drlam.com for lots of very good info!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Cancer / Nodules & Hyperthyroidism Forum

Popular Resources
We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure
Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.