Hypo to Hyper??

[HMGates]

In August 06 I was dignosed with hypothyroidism.  I began taking Armour Thyroid.  Now I am having hyperthyroidism symptoms.  My total TSH is .54 but my T3 is high...3.1 and my T4 is still low.  Do I need to ask to be switched to Synthroid instead of Armour since it contains T3??

[cheshire]

I wish doctors would not prescribe Armour unless they understand the Adrenal Thyroid relationship. A very HIGH freeT3 with a LOW Free T4 is a clear sign of low cortisol.

The active thyroid hormone remains in the bloodstream, not entering the cells because the blood need cortisol to carry the hormone. Sometime people experience heart palps along with this, thinking they are HYPER, but they are not hyper, just VERY HYPO with low cortisol. the blood test for cortisol is not reliable so you should order and 4-point saliva cortisol test, that tests your levels at all times of the day and will give a clear picture of what is happening.

I'm sorry this happened to both of you. It's not rocket science, and it is a shame the most of the medical community hasn't figured this out yet. i went through the same thing on Armour, then ordered saliva testing and found myself to be low but not quite addison's. I then took 20 mg of HC (cortef) for six months (a gradual increase over three weeks, 10mgs morn, 5 mgs noon and 5 mgs at night). Then I was able to gradually raise my Armour until I reached 4 grains or 240 mgs, with NO HYPER symtpoms. i am now off HC and my free T3 is at the TOP of the range (where it should be on Armour), Free T4 is in the high-middle of the range, and TSH is 0.005, almost nothing. On Armour, your TSH will be close to zero because of the postive feedback loop with the active T3 and pituitary. The TSH is not a useful test when taking Armour.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

already answered.  Please try not to post 2x -- it prevents others from submitting questions.

[brbangle]

You should post your lab ranges for Dr. Mark, as they are different for every lab. However, I had the same thing happen to me when I tried Armour -- TSH dropped below normal range, FT3 increased above normal range, and I had all the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Turns out, there was just too much T3 in Armour for me. So, my doctor suggested a Synthroid/Cytomel combination, which allowed him to have more control over the T4:T3 ratio. I've also heard of people who supplement Synthroid/Levoxyl with Armour because they need slightly more T4 to balance the ratio of T4:T3 in Armour. I, personally, have felt better with Synthroid alone. Different things work for different people; but, luckily, there are several options available when it comes to thyroid medications! Good luck!