[bbootsdi]

#1019350

I’m new to the website today and it’s been great reading everyone’s posts, thanks to all for sharing. I have GD and had RAI about 14 years ago and on replacement since then at different levels. Have recently been extremely tired, some depression, high cholesterol, dry skin, etc., feel just like being hypothyroid. Had tests done several months ago and was a little low T3. Just had another test and still low T3 but GP said everything was fine and no need to change Synthroid dose. TSH is in the middle but used to always be on the lower side (so had higher thyroid levels). GP is now prescribing T3 supplement, Cytomel. This is new to me and not sure what to expect. Any advise or has anyone taken it or had any problems and if so, what? Also, is this something I should be seeking an Endocrinologist for? Thanks for your help and support!

[Ski]

#1071072

T3 supplementation can be very helpful in cases where the patient has some difficulty converting T4 into T3 for use in the body. It can be tricky ~ I believe it needs to be taken several times a day, which is a little bit complicated, especially since it’s a thyroid hormone and so needs to be taken separate from some other substances, also typically on an empty stomach. In addition to that, T3 is potent stuff, so treatment with T3 is not taken lightly. Some people I know have begun T3 supplementation and felt great at first, only to find themselves in the throes of hyper symptoms several months hence. In your case, with a T3 level that tested low twice, several months apart, it is possible that you are one of those patients who do have an issue with conversion, so supplementation may be just what you’re looking for.

Make sure you take it as directed, and it also might be a good idea to keep a symptom diary that indicates the time of day when your symptoms occur, so you and your doctor have good data to make a decision upon as you proceed through this part of your treatment.

Good luck! Let us know how it’s going!

[mamabear]

#1071073

Currently trying to figure out my own symptoms and not sure what to make of them. I don’t have any advice for you but wanted to say hello and welcome and hope you can find what you need through your dr. and support through us!!

[npatterson]

#1071074

The things to know about T3 include that it actually a very potent concentration of hormone. The response I usually give is three-fold:
1. If it makes you feel hyper -(heart racing, tremors, can’t sleep etc.) STOP
2. If it has no effect – you don’t feel any different – STOP
3. If you DO feel better, continue to take it with your doctor’s supervision, have Free T3 and Free T4 testing done, get a bone density test done (excess thyroid hormone depletes calcium in your bones), & get your doctor to suggest the proper calcium supplement. Take care of your heart (excess thyroid hormone stresses your heart) – exercise, nutrition, stress management–you know the drill. CONTINUE

If #1, or #2 appear – STOP

It is never a treatment for the newly diagnosed.

It has immediate effect, and that effect wears off every day. There is not a buildup of the hormone.

BE CAREFUL, and stay in touch.

[bbootsdi]

#1071075

Thank you all so much for your advise. It’s great having some support, wish I’d done it years ago. You all are doing such a good service for others…..many many thanks!

I’ve been on the meds for 4 days now and have been having some stomach problems. Not as bad as the first day though. Seeing the doctor on Friday. Still not sure why they don’t just up the Synthroid dose a couple of days a week so that it levels off. TSH has been going higher consistantly but slowly. I think I’m just more comfortable at the lower TSH level and the T3 was good then too. Is this something that should be considered or maybe even safer?

[Ski]

#1071076

That’s a great question for your doctor ~ make sure you ask ALL the questions you have. If it’s true that your body is having trouble converting T4 to T3, though, taking more T4 wouldn’t help as much as taking T3 directly. It is definitely a tightrope. Just make sure you’re aware of what’s going on with you, and keep in touch with your doctor, and everything should work out okay.

[Author]

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