T3 - is it taken like T4?: I mean, feeling a... - Thyroid UK

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T3 - is it taken like T4?

Hiphypo profile image
15 Replies

I mean, feeling a complete an utter idiot here, but do we have to observe all the same rules as we do with T4?

Like only with water, and so on? I have looked everywhere to see, but all advice seems to only apply to T4.

Oh, please come back brain, all is forgiven...

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Hiphypo
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15 Replies
Totoro profile image
Totoro

Hi,

You can generally take T3 with food which is handy.

You've reminded me of something when I first started taking T3, I felt that it did work better for me taken without food. I posted about it and most people felt no difference with or without food and one other person noticed a difference like me.

I do now take it with food, I can't remember when I changed over to that. It was so difficult otherwise in the morning. Taking it, waiting an hour for breakfast then I'd be sludgy mentally and physically foggy and slow for 2 hours before it got into my system.

So overall you should be fine taking it with food.

Totoro x

Hiphypo profile image
Hiphypo in reply to Totoro

That is very helpful - I could not find any guidance: so strange considering that there is so much written about T4. I will try taking it with food and see if it makes any difference. At the moment I have an alarm set for 6 am, roll over, swig down the whole dose with water and go back to sleep, job done.

Lily905 profile image
Lily905

I always take my T3 without food.

When I first started T3 I felt it "kick in" 15 to 20 minutes after taking it first thing in the morning. I avoid food for at least 30 minutes before & after. I always have a coffee with mine.

I think both answers are right. With or without food. Its about listening to your body to see what feels right for you & your lifestyle / routine.

Hiphypo profile image
Hiphypo in reply to Lily905

So taking it with a cup of tea (with milk) would be ok? the T4 would bind to the calcium in milk, but something different chemically must be going on with T3. Not a scientist at all - in fact, failed both Physics and Chemistry with a grade 9!

Jackie profile image
Jackie

Hi It can cause highs and side effects, start on a lesser dose than prescribed for a few days. Always , however, small a dose, split the dose, aim is 12 hours apart. It will make a huge difference, 3 test TSH, T4 and Free T3 in 6 weeks.FT3 , a lot of us need near the top of range, but it must not go over range.

Best wishes,

Jackie

Not sure if you know to reply to a specific post, click on "Reply to this" under that post

Hiphypo profile image
Hiphypo in reply to Jackie

Thanks Jackie,

I am on increasing doses, now have just gone from 80 to 100mcg.

I take mine all in one go, but if I get any side effects like speeded up heart rate, I split it up until it settles. Split dosing I find quite hard - well, at least if I don't have to worry about food, then it won't be so difficult any more. Perhaps I should give it another go.

I will be booking blood tests soon.

Jackie profile image
Jackie in reply to Hiphypo

It is hard to split the does, but with a cutter you can get quite expert! It is definitely best to split the dose, side effects and also a high after 2 to 3 hours after dosing.

Best wishes,

Jackie

Hiphypo profile image
Hiphypo in reply to Jackie

Yes, I have a cutter, but don't really need it as I take 4 x 25mcg pills, so can just space them out quite easily. Have never had a high - might be good! Am fast asleep until 9am, and take a good hour to come round and get going. Probably still have some way to go with the dosing.

Jackie profile image
Jackie in reply to Hiphypo

Lucky you! ( 9am)Just space them as best as you can, it is better,

Best wishes,

Jackie

Hiphypo profile image
Hiphypo in reply to Jackie

will give it a go, thanks for the advice

Jenni x

Jackie profile image
Jackie in reply to Hiphypo

Hi Jenni, Do you know insomnia is often under treated thyroid disease? Usually manage 10 mins and then awake about 3-4 hours! It can also be Hyper, but quite different., then really are just hyper.

Best wishes,

Jackie

Heloise profile image
Heloise

The only thing I read about taking T3 is to drink something acidic with it to help absorb.

Hiphypo profile image
Hiphypo in reply to Heloise

Interesting - what exactly would that be? Never heard of that.

Heloise profile image
Heloise in reply to Hiphypo

The T3 needs to be direct, NOT slow-release. Turns out that NDT can work for this, too, because of its T3 content, and it’s best to swallow it for the early morning dose to release the T3 more immediately. If you have HARD tablets, chew them up first. Use an acid in your drink like a small amount of Apple Cider Vinegar or lemon juice.

The excerpt above came from this article: stopthethyroidmadness.com/t...

Hiphypo profile image
Hiphypo in reply to Heloise

Well, just shows, I can never stop learning. So I can just wake up at 6am, crunch up tablets, swallow down some water and lemon juice, roll over and go back to sleep as usual. Then, if I am to split the dose as Jackie suggests, I can just do the same each time. Right. Will now go and follow the link you so kindly provided.

Many thanks,

Jenni x

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