confused

[123ek123]

I had my thyroid removed 4 years ago. I am on 75mg of cytomel only!!!!! After your response to my last question I am so worried. Iam going to make an appointment today with a specialist but in the mean time I am very concerned. My doctor last told me my tsh level was high but did not check t3 and t4. Have I been in danger only taking cytomel for the past year? If you dont have a throid anymore and only on t3, what effect does this have. thank you for your help so very much. Sincerely, liz

[GravesLady]

Your body still needs T4, in the right amount to T3.  Certain percentage of T4 turns into T3 when our body needs it, The ratio of T4 to T3 released in the blood is roughly 20 to 1. If you are taking T3 supplements and not T4, you might be taking more than the ratio needed causing T4 shortage.

Adding extra T3 supplement can cause med. induced hyperthyroid symptoms, T3 Toxicosis (suppressed T3 level), T4/T3 conversion problem.

High T3 levels can cause rapid heart beat, insomnia and anxiety and also can harm the heart and the bones.  T3 has a risk for dangerous cardiac arythmias and heart attacks.  T3 in this setting could interfere with protein and fat metabolism and interact synergistically with catecholamines to increase myocardial oxygen demand, with resultant increased arrhythmia, MI, heart failure, and death"


When taking T3 supplements, All three thyroid blood test  should be done. How else would you and your doctor know if you are getting the right dose/amount of medication that your body actually needs. If your doctor doesn't, it is very irresponsible to your health. Doctor is irresponsible!