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Can I take Cytomel at the same time as my Levoxyl?
Hello, I've been on generic Levoxyl for 15yrs. for Graves Disease...my T3 is low at 2.0 (range 2.0-4.8) I've tried a T3 supplement called Medi-stim and a Adrenal support supplement for a month now but absolutely no change as fas as the tiredness, foggy, sluggish feeling I've had for years. I'd like to start on Cytomel 5mcg..to bring up my T3. Can I take it at the same time as my morning Levoxyl? or when is the optimal time to take it? I'm also on Vit D 5,000 my level is 55.0 (range 30.0-100.0) Should I be taking Magnesium along with the Vit D? Vit K too? I've read a lot about how they all work together but do I really need all this? My B-12 is high 939 (range 243-894) which is good. This is the rest of my latest labs done in July. TSH 1.13 (range .45-4.50) T4Free 1.4 (range 0.8-1.7) T3Free 2.0 (range 2.0-4.8) Also, what do you think about Maca powder? heard a lot of good benefits for your thyroid. Any suggestions/answers would be much appreciated. Just want my mojo and energy back! Thank you : )
Free T3 has half life of less than a day, so that means that it reaches full effect on serum levels in a week. Symptom changes tend to lag a bit behind changes in serum levels of thyroid hormone, so it is good to be patient with changes. If you do increase to 5 mcg twice a day, I would wait about a month to re-test.
Yes, there is no reason to be concerned about taking T3 long term.
Yes, there is no reason to be concerned about taking T3 long term.
1 Comments
ok, thanks much!
Yes, it is a good idea to go slow with those increases, but there is an unnecessary fear about T3 causing palpitations. If it occurs, it is best to just back off on the dose; however, keep in mind that the thyroid gland produces some T3 along with T4. Also, that T4 is converted to T3 mostly in the cells throughout the body, that all need T3 for metabolism. And your Free T3 is terribly low, which will cause symptoms like those you mentioned.
Personally I would never take supplements like you mentioned unless there is a specific, identified need for which there is evidence that taking it will improve the problem. Otherwise why take it? Better to get your thyroid levels optimized first. Also your D and B12 are at good levels, but you need to also test for ferritin. Ferritin is a form of iron that is very important. It is one of the main factors affecting conversion of T4 to T3. Low ferritin can also cause many symptoms. Ferritin should be at least 70, and some say 100. So I suggest that you also get that tested and then supplement as needed to optimize. But the most important thing for you right now is to get your Free T3 optimal.
You mentioned an adrenal support supplement. What test has made you or the doctor think you needed that?
Personally I would never take supplements like you mentioned unless there is a specific, identified need for which there is evidence that taking it will improve the problem. Otherwise why take it? Better to get your thyroid levels optimized first. Also your D and B12 are at good levels, but you need to also test for ferritin. Ferritin is a form of iron that is very important. It is one of the main factors affecting conversion of T4 to T3. Low ferritin can also cause many symptoms. Ferritin should be at least 70, and some say 100. So I suggest that you also get that tested and then supplement as needed to optimize. But the most important thing for you right now is to get your Free T3 optimal.
You mentioned an adrenal support supplement. What test has made you or the doctor think you needed that?
3 Comments
Thanks for the info...I've started the 5mcg of cytomel 1xday and will see how I feel. I had no idea about the Ferritin...my Dr. has never tested me for that..I will ask for it next time. The adrenal support is just called Adrenal Manager by Xymogen it has Vit c, riboflavin, niacin, b6, pantothenic acid, etc..I guess it's like a vitamin/mineral supplement? She told me to take this because I was so exhausted and my adrenals were fatigued. Hasn't done anything for me. She didn't do any testing for it. Sounds like she's tried to make some money to me. : )
whoa! sorry about the numbers here...I typed it fine it's just added symbols and numbers when I hit reply..weird
how long should I be on the Cytomel before I get tested again for T3? Is it safe to be on this longterm? Thanks!
For your Graves' did you get RAI or a full thyroidectomy?
It is easy to understand why you have symptoms of being hypothyroid. Your Free T4 is fine, but your Free T3 is terribly low. Apparently your body is not adequately converting the T4 to T3. So adding some T3 to your med is directionally correct; however, 5 mcg is not going to be nearly enough. As a start I think you should discuss with your doctor adding 5 mcg twice a day. Most of our members say that symptom relief required Free T4 in the middle of its range, at minimum and Free T3 level in the upper third of its range, or as needed to relieve symptoms. Also, be aware that if increasing your Free T3 level adequately also causes your TSH to become suppressed, that does not mean you have become hyper. You are hyper only if having hyper symptoms due to excessive levels of Free T4 and Free T3. I mention this only to alert you that many hypo patients taking adequate doses of thyroid med find that their TSH becomes suppressed and their doctors erroneously want to reduce med dosage.
Yes, you can take T3 with your morning T4 med. T3 reaches peak effect in about 3-4 hours so it is frequently suggested to split the dose and take half in the morning and half in the early afternoon. But you can take it however it works best for you.
Regarding Vitamin D, I see no reason to increase further, since your level is 55. Your question about magnesium and K were answered on your other thread.
As for Maca, how would it even possibly benefit your thyroid if you don't have a thyroid gland?
It is easy to understand why you have symptoms of being hypothyroid. Your Free T4 is fine, but your Free T3 is terribly low. Apparently your body is not adequately converting the T4 to T3. So adding some T3 to your med is directionally correct; however, 5 mcg is not going to be nearly enough. As a start I think you should discuss with your doctor adding 5 mcg twice a day. Most of our members say that symptom relief required Free T4 in the middle of its range, at minimum and Free T3 level in the upper third of its range, or as needed to relieve symptoms. Also, be aware that if increasing your Free T3 level adequately also causes your TSH to become suppressed, that does not mean you have become hyper. You are hyper only if having hyper symptoms due to excessive levels of Free T4 and Free T3. I mention this only to alert you that many hypo patients taking adequate doses of thyroid med find that their TSH becomes suppressed and their doctors erroneously want to reduce med dosage.
Yes, you can take T3 with your morning T4 med. T3 reaches peak effect in about 3-4 hours so it is frequently suggested to split the dose and take half in the morning and half in the early afternoon. But you can take it however it works best for you.
Regarding Vitamin D, I see no reason to increase further, since your level is 55. Your question about magnesium and K were answered on your other thread.
As for Maca, how would it even possibly benefit your thyroid if you don't have a thyroid gland?
1 Comments
Yes, I've had the RAI 15yrs. ago. Thank you, I'm going to start slow with the Cytomel 5mcg 1x daily and see how I feel..maybe go to 2x daily..I'm just worried about getting too much and having heart palpitations..as I've had on a several occasions over the years..which was due to going on birth control pills to control hot flashes and the extra estrogen. I will also try splitting the does like you said. So if I do get heart palpitation should I just cut back on the Cytomel or lower my T4meds?Yes, I saw the thread about the magnesium..I was just so confused about all the articles on Vit. D and how you should never just take it D without magnesium. As for the Maca, it claims it can be good for thyroid support, libido, mental clarity, energy, hot flashes..just sounds like a good thing to try. Also, what do you think about adrenal support? is that something that I need to keep taking? Sorry, so many questions : )
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