Alternative Meds to Synthroid

[chrisspa]

I have been taking Synthroid 150 for the past ten years.  Don't believe it is working as well as it has in the past.  Please comment on drugs that give both T4 and T3 in one dose.

I also experienced weight gain over the past year.  TSH level 3.35, T4 normal, T3 36 (high).  What adjustments make it easier to loose or maintain weight?

[Smilerdeb]

The TSH which could be lower would be causing the aches and pains in the knee and leg.
I also suffer with them if my TSH rises.

[Barb135]

I don't think cytomel should be added unless a Free T3 test shows that T3 is actually low or low normal.  

Free T4 Index (T7) = 2.3   (range 1.4-3.8)  is about mid range - maybe your FT4 needs to come up a bit.  It's possible you might have a conversion problem, but there's no way to know that without an FT3 test.....mtkst13 is right - I don't think T3 uptake is of much use anymore - some doctors insist on staying "behind the times"....

I am on cytomel, along with my T4 med, but that's only because I have a conversion problem.  Cytomel (T3 med) is very powerful and adding it without knowing your FT3 levels, could be disasterous for you......... My cytomel actually had to be cut back recently and T4 med raised because of rapid heart rate, palps, etc but still hypo symptoms - tells me that I DO have a conversion problem but maybe not so bad...........

With all the necessary thyroid tests (Free T3, Free T4, TSH, antibody, etc) you might look at something along the lines of  Armour or Nature Throid or something like that.  A lot of people do really well on them, but it's my understanding that the T3 in those meds is much higher than your thyroid would normally produce.........

Maybe some of the other members who are on these meds will comment ......

[mtkst13]

also, since your total t4 is so high, maybe the doc could decrease the synthroid a little and add the cytomel (synthetic t3).  this combination may balance everything out.

you should post this with your most recent labs and symptoms in the expert forum.  i'd be interested in seeing his response.

[mtkst13]

your total t4 is really high, but your free t4 is normal.  t3 uptake is not the same as free t3, and i'm not sure that doctors use that value anymore.  you should ask your doc to run free t3 as well.  maybe you're low on that, which would mean you could benefit from cytomel.

[Barb135]

I don't see a Free T3 anywhere - that's one of the most important thyroid tests there is since it's actually the active hormone that your body uses.  Many doctors don't think it's important, and are reluctant to test for it, but without it, there's really no way to tell for sure what's happening.  Since you are being retested next week, ask you doctor if you can add a *free* T3 test.  Will this be the first time for antibody testing?

Being hypo/having Hashi's can cause muscle pains and cramps.  Are those the only symptoms you have?  

[chrisspa]

6/2009 Test
T3 Uptake = 36  (range 22-35%) High   -   T4 Total = 26.4   (range 4.5-12.5 mcg/dL)
Free T4 Index (T7) = 2.3   (range 1.4-3.8)  -  TSH, 3rd Gen =  3.38 High

2/2007 Test
T4 Total = 8.5  (same range)  -  Free T4 - 3.1  (same range)
TSH  =  0.61  (range .04-5.5 mIU/L)

6/2006 Test
T3 Uptake = 34 (range 22-35%)   -   T4 Total  =  7.1  (range 4.5-12.5)
Free T4 = 2.4  (range 1.4-3.8)   -  TSH  = 0.62  (range 0.4-5.5 MIU/L)

No thyroid test during 2008, but have take same dose of Synthroid (.150).  Over past year have experience muscle pains and cramps in upper leg and knee, doctor changed cholesterol medication from Zocor to Provocal (20mg), helped a little - current cholesterol level is normal.  Could these be related to elevated TSH levels.  I am set to retest all thyroid blood work next week, including Cortisol, DHEA, Vitimin D and Thyroid Antibodies.  Any additional test helpful???  Thanks for your input.

[laura1967]

Hi there....please give the ranges your lab used for T4 and T3 results and need to see the Free T4 results with the Free T3. Looking at both can show a lot such as conversion.
Your TSH shows you being hypo, the new ranges set by the AACE is .30-3.0. Many labs and doctors aren't using this new range yet.....don't understand why.
Were both your t4 and t3 tests Frees?
If your Free T3 level is high, then it is not an issue of needing more T3. But it also depends upon if the right test was done and the range used by lab.
Lets start there!  :)