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Avatar universal

When to use T3 and T4 replacement?

I have hypothyroidism and take levothyroxine (T4). I seem to be doing okay, but I've read that some people feel even better on a regimen that includes T3 and T4, like Thyrolar. My T3 and T4 are normal, and my TSH has dropped into the high normal range, too since single replacement has been initiated.  

Can you comment on the current consensus on T4 vs. T3/T4 replacement?

What things lead a doctor to prescribe T4 versus a T3/T4 combo?

Thanks!
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Avatar universal
T4 only meds never worked for me.  I only got some relief on T3 combo.  One of the lovely things that happened was I lost the "white rabbit sydnrome" as I call it - feeling that there's never enough time and so you're always in a hurry!
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97953 tn?1440865392
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Some people feel better. The medical literature says there is no proven advantage of combo over T4 alone.  So the academic consensus is "don't bother".

I sometimes use it when the patient has symptoms that may be hypothyroid and the TSH is optimized (around 1.0) on T4 alone.
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