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Too Much or Not Enough ?
How would one know if they're getting too much Cytomel (T3) ? Are there things to watch for before I get my next set of Blood tests done? How long should I give T3 before I give up? I'm so darn tired I just want to crawl in a hole. I'm currently using 12.5mcg of Cytomel and .75mg of Synthroid since July 14th. Help!
First, I assume that you meant .075 mg of Synthroid, correct? Second, even though you are taking Cytomel, as well as Synthroid, I think I would wait for 5 weeks before going back for more testing and a possible increase. With medication, hormone levels in your blood change faster than the resultant symptoms do. From what I've read, the body takes time to heal and show overt signs of improvement. Slow and steady is usually the best approach.
If you have test results for free T3 and free T4, please post the numbers and reference ranges. If not, I also think that on your next visit, I would insist on testing for the most active thyroid hormones, which are free T3 and free T4 (not total T3 and total T4). These are the ones that largely regulate metabolism and many other body functions. Relief of hypo symptoms frequently requires that the "Frees" are tested regularly and adjusted to the upper part of their ranges.
If you have test results for free T3 and free T4, please post the numbers and reference ranges. If not, I also think that on your next visit, I would insist on testing for the most active thyroid hormones, which are free T3 and free T4 (not total T3 and total T4). These are the ones that largely regulate metabolism and many other body functions. Relief of hypo symptoms frequently requires that the "Frees" are tested regularly and adjusted to the upper part of their ranges.
The only way to know if you're getting too much T3 is to have free T3 (FT3) tested regularly. Too much T3 usually causes hyperthyroid symptoms (anxiety, weight loss, insomnia, heart palpitations or tachycardia, intolerance to heat. etc. - although these can vary). T3 is about four times more powerful than T4, so it can also get you into trouble that much faster. When on a T3 med, it's doubly important to test FT3 along with FT4 and TSH. All thyroid meds take four to five weeks to reach stable levels, so you have a while to go (you've only been on current dose for eight days) before giving up and throwing in the towel. Reaching optimum levels is an arduous process...patience, patience, and when that fails...more patience! ;-)
Do you split your dose of Cytomel or take it all at once?
Do you split your dose of Cytomel or take it all at once?
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