Advice

Hello.  I was wondering if I could get some advice on my labs.  I was taking 112 mg of Synthroid and my labs are listed below:

TSH  1.772 (4.5 - 4.5)
Free T3  2.3 (2.3 - 4.2)
Free T4   1.2 (.61 0 1.76)

I have been on 125 before, and I became hyperthyroid.

So, with permission from my doc, I added 2.5 mcg of Cytomel to the 112.  See new labs:

TSH  .74 (4.5 - 4.5)
Free T3  3 (2.3 - 4.2)
Free T4  1.12  (.61 - 1.76)

I feel some better with the T3.  I was wondering if it would be a good idea to maybe drop the Synthroid to 100 and increase the Cytomel to 5 mcg of Cytomel.  Or, should I stick with the 112 +2.5 for awhile to see what happens.  Please advise.  Thank you.

[gimel]

Just to clarify, the currently recommended range for TSH is .3--3.0.  Congratulations on having a doctor that will listen and is not so regimented as to insist on only T4 meds, and tests for the Frees.  That is a big plus.

Regarding your question on med increase, in my opinion it depends on how long you have been on the Cytomel and whether your hypo symptoms have gone away or not.  If no symptoms, why change?  If still some symptoms, make sure you have given your current meds enough time to be fully effective, then evaluate.  If needed, there is plenty of room to increase, since your free T3 is still below midpoint.

[karenscar]

Hi.  Thank you for your interest.  I have been on the Synthroid 125 +2.5 Cytomel for about 6 weeks.  I am feeling some better, but not great.  Is it your opinion that I shouldn't lower my Synthroid, and any increases should be with the Cytomel?  Thank you so much for the input.

[gimel]

Yes, that's the approach I would take and try to tweak the free T3 up to at least the midpoint and see how you feel with that.  Let us know how it works out for you.

By the way, has your doctor determined any specific cause for your hypothyroidism?

[karenscar]

He thinks it is genetics.  It runs in my family.  Thank you again.

[stella5349]

I agree with gimel. Since you are looking to rid your hypo symptoms more - maybe a bump in Cytomel and an adjustment on Synthroid could achieve that.

Slow baby steps is my moto............   :)