Starting cytomel- have???

[sick and tired 47]

Hi! I am to start cytomel ( T3). My endo has suggested it with my checkup, I have been SO fatigued ( feeling like I am walking in wet cement), big weight gain ( no energy to exercise), extreme hair loss. She says will also most likely increase my synthyroid too, but one thing at a time.
I am going back in two weeks, so I will get copies of my labs ( forgot this time) but she said my TSH was very normal range, free T3 very low, Free T4 low.
I am surprised she did not just increase synthyroid, but nervous about T3- I could not tolerate armour ( 2 years ago) . It caused my heart rate to go up and stay high.
I am starting on the lowest dose -1/2 of a 5 mg tablet to see how it goes, then increasing slowly.
Any advice or experience?
Thank you.

[sick and tired 47]

Thank you for the info.
Perhaps I will consider talking to her  AFTER I get the T3 stablized and comfortable trying a generic.
Congrats on feeling better. Nice to read some good news for inspiration !

[Barb135]

I have been on T3 med for almost 2 years, along with my T4 med.  I'm only on 5 mcg/day T3 - started out with cytomel, then both my endo and pharmacist said that generic was the same.  I've been on the generic for well over a year and had no issues with it at all. It's done wonders for the way I feel.

[sick and tired 47]

Oh yes- forgot to add I am on only name brand synthyroid and cytomel. My endo will not write prescription for generics, says they vary too much - just as you experienced.
Thank you.

[sick and tired 47]

Thank you all!  I went today  for my yearly thyroid ultrasound and asked for a copy of my labs too. The ultrasound was unchanged- a nodule in remaining lobe exactly  as last year.
Here they are:
TSH-  1.01                 Range .4-4.5
Total T4      6.7           Range 4.5-12.5
Free T4       1.1          Range .8-1.8
Free t3        88           Range 76-181

Thanks again! Have a great weekend all!

[stella5349]

I think based off your post that if the Free T3 was low then adding in the Cytomel could be helpful - especially slow if your didn't tolerate Armour thyroid well.

Armour is a much higher ratio of T3 so going to this synthetic form in tiny steps may help you.

Testing often with each change in meds is good and going slow is best. You should be fine

Post your labs when you get a chance after you get them.

Good Luck

[egbrew]

Talk to her until you get an answer. That's what you PAY her to do!