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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
Low T3 and anxiety
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 Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.
Low T3 and anxiety
by brbangle, Jul 24, 2007 12:00AM
I have been experiencing frequent anxiety/panic attacks. They started back in early May, when my endocrinologist tried me on supplemental T3.
I was on the supplemental T3 (still taking Synthroid), for only a month before I had the first panic attack. My lab results even showed high T3 and low TSH at the time. After trying several times to reduce the dosage of T3 with no relief of hyperthyroid symptoms, my doctor told me to stop taking the T3 altogether. The problem is that I am still having a lot of anxiety accompanied by rapid heartbeat, chest pain, diarrhea, fatigue, etc., even though I stopped taking the T3 in mid-June.
In addition, since taking the supplemental T3, my lab results are now showing low T3 levels, whereas they have never been markedly low before. When I questioned him about the now low T3, he admitted that it was most likely something caused by the medication. Here are my most recent lab results:
TSH 1.480 (Ref. 0.350-5.5)
Free T4 1.11 (Ref. 0.73-2.3)
Free T3 1.82 (Ref. 1.9-5.0) *Low*
Does it sound likely that the recent anxiety and the low T3 are related and were possibly caused by the recent T3 supplementation? If this is the case, should I expect that my T3 level will eventually return to the normal range it had always been in prior to the T3 supplmentation?
I was on the supplemental T3 (still taking Synthroid), for only a month before I had the first panic attack. My lab results even showed high T3 and low TSH at the time. After trying several times to reduce the dosage of T3 with no relief of hyperthyroid symptoms, my doctor told me to stop taking the T3 altogether. The problem is that I am still having a lot of anxiety accompanied by rapid heartbeat, chest pain, diarrhea, fatigue, etc., even though I stopped taking the T3 in mid-June.
In addition, since taking the supplemental T3, my lab results are now showing low T3 levels, whereas they have never been markedly low before. When I questioned him about the now low T3, he admitted that it was most likely something caused by the medication. Here are my most recent lab results:
TSH 1.480 (Ref. 0.350-5.5)
Free T4 1.11 (Ref. 0.73-2.3)
Free T3 1.82 (Ref. 1.9-5.0) *Low*
Does it sound likely that the recent anxiety and the low T3 are related and were possibly caused by the recent T3 supplementation? If this is the case, should I expect that my T3 level will eventually return to the normal range it had always been in prior to the T3 supplmentation?
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Jul 25, 2007 12:00AM
, Jul 25, 2007 12:00AM
The labs are all consistent with too much T3 supplementation and recovery from same. If the symptoms persist, then may need to have other testing as the current thyroid levels are not consistent with rapid HR, palpitations, chest pain, etc -- so a cardiac evaluation may be appropriate.
I was told I do not have a active Thyroid gland.
Now I am told I have a low
T3 and was put on medication for it.
After 6 weeks I was told my T3 is too high.
Now I have to have another blood test to
see if by taking me off of it, it will be normal
with the first medication.
I started getting anxiety and panic attacks
in the 80's. It seems like I have to suggest
to the doctors when I should have blood tests
and it is fraustrating. I have Kidney disease,
reflux disease, arthritis with fibromyalgia real
bad, bones in my legs hurt, I get swollen feet,
feel so bad, but I don't think the doctors can
do anything for me.
Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you.