T3 defeciency

[carla559]

Have been diagnosed with T3 defeciency, value 200 on free T3 test.  TSH and freeT4 have come back normal
ranges.  I had a time to get them to test the T3.  I was given levothyroxine 50mcgs.  Have taken for 9 days,
Question - isn't T3 a better hormone to give than the levothyroxine?  I know I have not been on this for long- have
lots of muscle issues, tingling in hands and legs ,burning and prickling sensations. These all seem to be worse
when the muscles become very tight.  They come and go. Have had carpal tunnel surgery bi-lateral and cubital tunnel
release in L and R elbow so I know my nerves are not compressed.  This whole thryoid issue seems very complicated
and many different view points on trying to get the right dose of hormone.  I had a very stressful divorce and 5 months
later a arm surgery on left arm, then they symptons got real bad.  Can't walk fast without muscle fatgue I was fine
before all my stressful events. It just seemed like body fell apart. Take 3 mgs of ativan a day this seems to help ease
muscle tension somewhat and some of the symptons, and have flexiril also which I cut in half.Also a small dose of Prozac 7 mgs.  This has been very frustrating to get some one to be interested enough to help knock out these symptons.  Will be seeing a new internest next week and a neurologist tomorrow.  I appreciate any helpful suggestions or ideas for relief.  I want to be active again and have faith in the medical profession.
Thanks,
Carla

[carla559]

Thanks much for your info.........will try magnesium, etc. and make sure MD knows about
antibodies,
carla

[Barb135]

Right now, I still have to say that 9 days is not long enough know whether you have a conversion problem or not.  It takes several weeks for the med to reach its full effect.  You should be retested after 5-6 weeks to see what your levels are then and if necessary a dosage change could be made then, with another retest after 5-6 weeks.  Since you haven't been on med long enough to get the full effect of it, there's no way I would recommend a T3 med at this point.

T4 is converted by the body into T3 and once you've been taking the med for a while, you will most likely feel much better.  T3 meds are about 4 times more potent than T4 meds and can make you go hyper very quickly.  Also, when taking T3 meds, it's essential to have Free T3 tested EVERY time you have blood work.  

I take 200 mg magnesium, with 1/2 of daily calcium dose and vitamin C at bedtime.  Magnesium not only helps ease the aches and pains, it's also calming and may help you sleep - that's the reason for taking it at night.  

I DO take 200 mg selenium daily, but I take that to help keep the Hashi antibodies a bit "tamer", but does nothing for muscle aches/pains, etc.  I might suggest that you get your vitamin B12 tested.  I have pernicious anemia and tingling, burning, pricking sensations are symptoms of that, as is fatigue.......

I might also suggest that you ask to have thyroid antibodies tested to see if you have Hashimoto's.  

[carla559]

Also how much magnesium do you take at night and do you eat something with it?
How bout selenium any use for this for the muscles?

[carla559]

The TSH tested within 3 month time were 2.04 amd 1.970,
the free t4 was 1.4 and the free T3 was 200 the ranges being 230-420 mine being
lower.

[Barb135]

What is the range of the free T3 test you had done.  Also what were your TSH and Free T4 levels, along with their ranges?  Just because you fall into the "normal" range on the lab report doesn't mean it's normal for YOU.    

Normally, levothyroxine is prescribed first and after it's been given a chance, it might be possible to add cytomel, which is a T3 med or switch to a natural med, such as Armour or NaturThroid.  

T3 meds are usually only prescribed if there is a problem converting T4 to T3, but it takes several weeks for the T4 med to reach it's full effect, so 9 days is not nearly long enough..........

Typically, you should be on the med for several weeks, then retest your levels and it's extremely important to get your doctor to let you have both Free T3 and Free T4 tested EVERY time you get blood work done.  

I'm on cytomel, but that's only because I have a conversion problem.