Adding cytomel to Natural Dessicated Thyroid

[schmede]

I have sub-laboratoy hypothyroid.  I started taking T3 (worked up to 25mcg/day) while I waited for my Erfa to come from Canada.  I took the T3 for probably three weeks and felt pretty good.  Then slowly weened from that onto Erfa.  I am now taking 60 mcg of erfa and I feel Ok, but I am not feeling as well as when I was taking 45 mcg of erfa and 5mcg of T3.  Do you think I am one of those people that just needs a little extra T3?

My dose is low, but I only weigh 114 lbs. (I have lost 5 lbs. of the ten I gained this year, since starting the meds) so I don't know if it should be much higher.

Any thought are greatly appreciated.

[gimel]

Just my opinion but I think I would get retested for FT3 and FT4 after about 4-6 weeks of being on the 60 mcg of NDT, to make sure you know the levels that are reflected in your general feelings/symptoms.  Always make sure to get a copy of the lab report and note on there your meds and your symptoms at the time.  These data become very valuable for future reference.  You are likely on the right track regarding your meds, but I would also discuss with doctor before making the change, just to make sure the doctor is in agreement and to maintain a good working relationship.

[schmede]

I had my testing done and my FT3 and FT4 were both in the very bottom of the range. That is why I started therapy.  I think it is probably too early for me to retest since I was on cytomel only for a few weeks and then as I switched to NDT I slowly took away the cytomel as I added more NDT. (a process that took about four more weeks)

My question is...If I felt good on 45 mcg of NDT and 5mcg of cytomel, shouldn't I feel good on 60 mcg of NDT since basically I replace that 5mcg of cytomel (T3) with about 4mcg of T3 plus extra T4?  After a week on 60 mcg of NDT (and no cytomel) my symptoms are all returning.  Maybe a little extra T3 is the ticket for me?  Is there a problem with going with this combo for a month or so?  

[gimel]

I suggest that you should get tested for free T3 and free T4 (not the same as total T3 and total T4), to see what your levels are currently.  If the doctor resists doing those tests, just insist on it and don't take no for an answer.  Remember that you are the customer.  Then get a copy of the lab report and post results from prior tests and also the new results, along with reference ranges shown on the lab report, so that members can help interpret and advise further.