Aa
MedHelp.org will cease operations on May 31, 2024. It has been our pleasure to join you on your health journey for the past 30 years. For more info, click here.
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Potency of T3 vs T4 medications

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?
27 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
No problem. I've done so much research on this stuff, I feel like I should have a medical degree by now. Glad to help. Good luck.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks a lot!  These are the first "hard' numbers I've seen.  Just trying to keep the doctors in line!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
On an average it's usually 2 or 2.5 times as potent as T4, depending on the brand. Cytomel is 2 times as strong as Synthroid, as an example. However, T3 is not as long lasting. The T4 gets converted to T3 while the T3 is just absorped. Depending on your symptoms you might have to take the T3 dosage a few times a day as opposed to only one T4 dosage. Hope this helps.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Disorders Community

Top Thyroid Answerers
649848 tn?1534633700
FL
Avatar universal
MI
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
Learn About Top Answerers
Popular Resources
We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure
Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.