Cytomel reducing/hampering the conversion of T4 to T3

[EuroJewel]

My question is: Does any one know if supplementing w/ Cytomel reduces or hinders to conversion or production of T3 naturally? Thank you in advance. EuroJewel

[AR-10]

Supplementing with Cytomel will cause the body to convert less T4 into T3, because you will need less. It will also lower the amount of Free T4 in your blood.

At least that is the way I understand it.

It is not a permanent change, just an adjustment to try to keep the two hormones in balance.

[EuroJewel]

Thank you for your reply. May I ask if you know how long between stopping T3/Cytomel does it take for the T4/Levothyrox to start balancing naturally? Thank you in advance.
EuroJewel

[AR-10]

If you are not already taking a T4 med, it will take six weeks to come up to full strength in your system.

If you are taking Levo already, it would probably take a couple of days to transition. The day you stop taking Cytomel your T4 will start behaving differently. Less of it will be bound and made useless.

If you are taking both now, and you have a choice, it would probably be good to cut your Cytomel dosage in half for a few days before stopping it. That's just an opinion based on nothing in particular.

If you are NOT taking Levo now, then I don't know the best way to transition from one drug to the other.

[EuroJewel]

Thank you again for your time. I have been on 0.1 mg levo for 6 weeks w/ 2.5 mg Cytomel dly split in morning and afternoon after my levels dropped from RAI. I started on 0.125 mg levo two days ago. My T3 has been low and doc wants me to take only the T4 and "wait see" how it goes. I prefer to feel better over waiting and seeing I guess. There is a huge difference in my energy level and mood when I take Cytomel than when I don't. But, I don't want to shoot myself in the foot either. I think I'm tired of being "sick" and want to return to normal as soon as possible. If I slowly wean off of Cytomel should it be soon that I start converting my own T4 to T3? Thank you again in advance. EuroJewel

[AR-10]

The higher dosage of Levo will take a week or two to kick in.

To be honest I think you are trading an apple for an apple.
Upping the Levo and removing the Cytomel should cancel each other out, unless you are having a T4/T3 conversion problem.

I understand your apprehension. No one really knows how the med change will work out. It is a "try it and see" situaton. It may actually work better and smooth out your T3 level, but time will tell.

Good luck.

[EuroJewel]

Thank you... I feel better about "waiting and seeing" now. Take good care!

EuroJewel