T4 versus T3

[otho1919]

I have been dealing with hypothyroidism for over two years after removal of my right thyroid.  I had a follicular adenoma removed along with the right thyroid.  I have been on various combinations of T4 only and T3 plus T4 medications without success in relieving my symptoms.  Can T3 (specificaly Cytomel) be taken alone to treat Hypothyroidism?  Is this better for some patients in terms of relieving fatigue and other symptoms?

[otho1919]

Do some patients do better with a lower T4/T3 ratio.  Most suggest a 4:1 ratio of T4 to T3.  Do some patients do better with a lower ratio, e.g., 2:1.

[otho1919]

I also have low testosterone (under 200).  I have been on several T supplements withouit success in relieving symptoms.  Androgel resulted in my PSA going from 1.4 to over 5.  I was advised to stop the Androgel after which my PSA returned to 1.4.  I am on testosterone injections currently and my fatigue is worse.  I just finished a blood draw yesterday and the results are not available yet.  My last results showed a TSH of 0.6, T3 of 2.3, and T4 of 1.1.  I am currently on 88mcg of Synthroid and 10 mcg of Cytomel. My symptoms of fatigue, hair loss, weight gain (more fat than weight), tinnitus, and muscle cramps are still with me.  I am just over 5'9" and weigh 170.

[FTB4]

T4 medication lasts longer in the system then T3, That is the reason for prescribing both, this way the T4 provides a residual (Longer lasting or a Cushion) while the T3 is direct and wears off or disipates after 5 or six hours. Even with a conversion issue that some have (The reason for taking a T3 med) a percentage of the T4 is converted to T3, If you just take T3, you would have periods of no residual Free T3 available to run on. Do you split your T3 medication or take the whole dose at once, most do better by splitting the dose, this way the T3 lasts longer, Once in the am and once in the afternoon. Don't take it in the evening, it could keep from sleeping.  Good Luck FTB4

[AJWS6]

Hello friend, yes but not long term.  What do your blood labs state, can you post up for us, with referance range?  Do you have any other health disease besides thyroid?