Breathlessness

[Gyon]

Hi. Started t3 10 days ago. My t4 was reduced 125 to 100 and added 10mg t3. Feeling breathless my appetite gone. What shall I do? My endocrinologist app not till end of September. What if I just stop t3? Where should I go for help?

[Clutter]

Gyon, stop the T3 for day or two or until the breathlessness stops. T3 will be out of your system within 3 days of your last dose. When you feel okay you can start the T3 at half dose 5mcg for a week before increasing to 10mcg.

[Hidden]

Hello Gyon,

I just wanted you know that lots of us have suffered breathlessness and it is a common symptom for people with thyroid issues.

Hopefully after following Clutters excellent advice, you will feel better soon.

Flower007

[Gyon in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! I am stopping, no other choice. Shall let you know! I still don't get how taking t3 causes hypo symptoms

[Hidden in reply to Gyon]

Because your hormones have to rebalance. I assume you are taking T3 because your blood tests showed you were low so your body needs it Gyon. It just needs to readjust and probably found 10mcg a little too much too quickly.

Clutters advice is excellent, as starting and then completely stopping could cause further disruption. 5mcg is a better starting dose that should give you less troubles.

Give yourself time, have confidence and believe that you will feel better soon.

Good luck Gyon,

Flower007

[Gyon in reply to Hidden]

That's right. I did a genova test to show that I have conversion problems. Taking test to GP got me a referral to endo who did his adrenal test and another t4 and t3 . on 125 mcg levo my blood test was: TSH 0.22, Free T4:27, Free T3 4.1. He dropped my levo to 100 and added 10mg Liothyronine. in beginning I was feeling extreemly tired and fatigue. I did take ACE to support adrenal but stopped it due to tiredness to see whats causign the problem. then the breathlessness started. its really bad today

[Hidden in reply to Gyon]

I still suggest you follow Clutters advice Gyon,

Refrain from starting or stopping any other meds or supplements for a two weeks in order that your body can concentrate on adjusting to these much needed new hormones.

Understanding and thinking positively can help enormously when sometimes we have to feel worse to feel better.

I am going through a similar situation regarding glandulars which my endo and nutritionist say are extremely beneficial but my body reacts badly to.

Flower007

[Gyon in reply to Hidden]

I didnt take it this morning! yesterday morning had 5mg, none since. taking 1-3 days off then start on 5 mg is the plan. fingers crossed

[Hidden in reply to Gyon]

Good positive and sensible plan.

[secondhandrose2 in reply to Hidden]

That is so useful to read! I have not been diagnosed with hypothryoidism but have many symptoms which point to it - also breathlessness which has been diagnosed as asthma but that never felt correct. If it is a symptom of hypo then that makes sense. x

[Hidden in reply to secondhandrose2]

secondhandrose2,

Ask your doctor for thyroid hormone blood tests, T4, T3 and TSH.

Also thyroid antibodies, TPOAb and TGAb.

Also test levels in Vit B12, Vit D, Folate and Ferritin as people with thyroid issues are often deficient in these and high levels are required for good thyroid health.

Do not accept a doctors "normal" or "everything is fine". Insist on a copy of all your blood test results and post everything complete with ranges (numbers in brackets) for members to comment.

Thyroid issues are far reaching and show in many unusual symptoms.

Flower007

[secondhandrose2 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, I am thinking of doing one of the postal complete thyroid function tests as I am sure my GPs think I am neurotic!

Suex

[Hidden in reply to secondhandrose2]

You can insist, ask to see a different doctor or get privately tested and pay. Details on Thyroid UK website. Many of us end up paying for one thing or another.

Flower007

[secondhandrose2 in reply to Hidden]

Yes, thanks, that's where I have been looking. There are quite a few tests but the one that seems really good is on offer at the moment - I just have to persuade my husband that it's worth paying for, and that we can afford it!

Sue

[Gyon in reply to secondhandrose2]

it is worth paying for! I did and never regretted. opened my eyes! I used purehealthclinic.co.uk/ . the lady doing it is very nice. She does Genova tests. if you go directly to Genova, they will need an integrative doctor referal for which I didnt want to pay for . this website is run by one of doctor and she does the referal without paying for it. do make sure to get saliva test for cortisol done as well. thyroid and adrenal go hand in hand. with result you can go to GP and that will get their attention. good luck

[Hidden in reply to secondhandrose2]

My husband was reluctant to. Four years on and he has given me the cheque book as all he wants is the old happy vibrant girl he married back at whatever the cost.

The sooner your problems are dealt with the better for your health and the cheaper for your purse. Lol.

If I were you I would still insist on your GP doing general thyroid tests and pay for cortisol and any genetic testing you want investigated.

You can always close your eyes to your doctors condescending looks.

Flower007

[Marz]

Do you know your levels of Ferritin - Folate - Iron - B12 - VitD ? Being low could be contributing to the breathlessness. Good levels also needed for the metabolism of the T3. Hope you soon feel better....

[Gyon in reply to Marz]

Iron was fine last year. Few weeks ago Vit d was 152!!! And b12 above normal range.So defo not deficient.

[Gyon]

Well went today to a walk in centre. the doctor heard some wheezing in chest that might explain the breathless feeling. Got given blue puffer.

[Hidden]

T3 is potent stuff. I think it maps across to Levo at 100 mcg Levo = 25mcg T3 - so it's maybe not surprising you had the symptoms you did. Clutter's suggestion of starting on 5 mcg T3 when you do restart is wise. And before raising further you need to reduce Levo further.

Actually (Wise Ones of the Forum: views?) I rather wonder why your doc didn't just get you to stop 125mcg Levo and start 25mcg T3. Groping about for equivalencies (as your doc is having you do) often leads to this sort of problem.