T3 potency

Just wondering how many times stronger T3 is than T4?

Thanks x

[Moggie]

Some say 4 times stronger and some say 5 times stronger but what I do know is that a NHS doctor will reduce your levo by 50mcg's to add in 10mcgs of T3.

Moggie x

[Hidden in reply to Moggie]

Thanks Moggie I've just switched to Armour from thyroxine and have been trying to work out whether I've had a dose increase or not. So it seems I haven't but I feel loads better anyway

[Moggie]

Go for 5 times stronger and if symptoms persist (which it looks like they are not) then recalculate to the 4.

Glad to hear you are load better.

Moggie x

[shaws Administrator]

I'm glad too that you are feeling better on T3. I think it is about 5 times (Dr Toft says reduce 50mcg T4 for 10mcg T3).

[Hidden in reply to shaws]

Hi Shaws, thanks, actually if I go with 5 times I have had a slight increase but not by much. Still looking forward to my next increase though

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

There is no real "stronger than" ratio. After all, if the T4 isn't doing the job then it doesn't matter how much you take!

The rule of thumb is that one third of T4 is converted to T3, one third to rT3, and one third passes through. That would give three-to-one. But for reasons of caution it is usual to start at four-to-one or five-to-one and see how it goes.

Rod

[Hidden in reply to helvella]

Interesting, thanks for your reply. If it is 3 to 1 then I have had a decrease... I guess it's hard to tell really then. All I know is that I feel an improvement and can't be happier than that

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Hidden]

Rules of thumb are very often inaccurate!

In addition to the above, you can add dozens of other factors. Maybe you only absorb 70% of the T4 you take? (That is, somewhat less than is usually estimated.)

I have long suspected that a number of people who drop their T4 by 50 to add in 10 T3 feel great for a few days then go downhill as their T4 levels drop rather too far.

About all you can do at this precise moment is try to be aware and think about what happens day by day.

Rod

[Hidden in reply to helvella]

Yes maybe I don't absorb it all. I hadn't thought of that ! I must admit I am quite bad at taking my pills early in the morning so usually have breakfast (which does include milk) pretty soon after taking them. I've been taking the Armour sublingually though so perhaps I absorb more that way rather than swallowing the thyroxine which mingles more with my food... food for thought !

[hymermad]

Diamond Fire, excuse my ignorance but how to you take your armour sublingually? Do you keep it under your tongue until it disappears?

[Hidden in reply to hymermad]

Hi hymermad, sorry for the slow reply. I've just seen your response. Yes I do just keep it under my tongue until it disappears. I suppose I must swallow some of it without realising but I think the idea is that it gets absorbed through the tissue under the tongue better.

[hymermad]

Thanks Diamond fire. I thought as much but was not sure!!! I have tried that with T3 but armour tastes horrid. X