Potency of T3 vs T4 medications

[goolarra]

I have read that T3 is "several times" more potent than T4, when taken for hypothyroidism.  Does anyone know specific numbers? range?  For example, if I wanted to replace 25mcg of T4 with T3, how much T3 would that be?

[goolarra]

Very true.  She does know about the conversion, but actually sat there and said that the T4 would not cause a problem with the tachy unless I went all the way over to being hyper.  Even confronted with the evidence, she looks at me like I'm out of my mind.  The 88 mcg she started me out on says it all...she has no clue what she's doing.  If she had started me at 12.5 to 25 mcg, I might have had an entirely different experience.  Meanwhile, I've paid the price, not her.  She has one mantra - low FT3 and FT4, high TSH - "need more thyroid" (actual quote).  I'm working on it!

[Smilerdeb]

Doesnt the current PCP know that T4 converts into T3 ????
T3 causes heart palps and fibrillation???
Thats the problem I think....WE educate our Doctors as they know very little about the Thyroid.
Sad to say :(

[goolarra]

I'm in the process of finding a new doc...excruciating  process.  Complicated by the fact that I live in rural Oregon.  Four PCPs in our little town, two married (to each other - net 3 PCPs).  Three endos in the "big" town 20 miles from here.  Next market 125 miles away over "the pass", which becomes the impasse once the snow flies (which it already has)!

I agree...treat ME, not the numbers...easier said than done.  Current doc went absolutely ballistic at the mention of Armour, although I've heard that T1 or T2 (can't remember which), which are in Amour, have a lot to do with heart regulation (on the positive side).

Current PCP suggested T3, seems to think the tachy has nothing to do with the T4.  Assured me I'd have to be hyper before it would cause me a problem.  Yeah, right.  I agree she is NUTS, but no one else seems to think so, except you and me.

I'm sending questionnaires to the local endos...don't know who else to pursue...very frustrating.

[Smilerdeb]

T3 wont lower the TSH but will bring on Thyroid storm if it is increased in your situation.
I would be starting to look at finding a Doc who knows what hes talking about.
My thyroid is dead and non functioning and when I went hypo , for me it was hell.
But my Free T's were also 'down' too.
Not many Doctors will entertain T3 with someone with heart conditions, especially with a history of Supraventricular Fibrillations.
Thats madness.

[pep88]

T3 will only make your heart palps worse not better.  If all your hypo symptoms are gone your doc is NUTS for force feeding you meds (especially T3) to just to appease him/herself and make you an official TSH poster child!  Find a new doc.

[goolarra]

I agree about the variables, which is why I really want to change only one thing at a time to isolate its effect.  That's why I wanted to know the potency of T3 vs T4.  Control the overall dose at pre-change levels, then there's only one thing responsible for any changes in symptoms.

Please see comments above for more on my situation.

I  agree it takes a lot of time, and we're all different.  As I said above, I feel like I'm the only one in my situation.  Labs look like I should have raging hypo symptoms, but I don't.  Most people complain they have absolutely "normal" labs, but raging symptoms.

I'm beginning to feel like a freak!