Adding Cytomel

Hi,

If I were to add Cytomel to my synthroid would I need to change the dose?

Thank You

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

It depends on where your levels lie. Have you got results for FT4 and FT3, with reference ranges?

[radd]

sandy,

Those adding T3 to their T4 dose need to reduce only if their T4 is high in range.

Can you post any recent blood test results complete with ranges (numbers in brackets) for members to comment.

You have just started adding a quarter grain of Nature-Thyroid to your T4, which manufacturers state is bioactively equivalent to 25mcg T4, so only 3.45mcg T3.

You will not need to medicate T4, NDT and T3 altogether as NDT incorporates both T4 & T3.

[Hidden in reply to radd]

Hi,

I didn't like the Nature thyroid so I quit taking it. Thought I would try cytomel. Will post labs tonight when I get home from work.

[Hidden in reply to radd]

T4,Free 1.49 (0.93-1.70)

TSH 1.230 (0.270-4.200)

T3,Free 2.3 (2.0-4.4)

[radd in reply to Hidden]

sandy,

Considering your results, if this were me I would leave dose of T4 at 75mcg which isn't a high dose anyway, & introduce 5mcg T3 slowly.

Many experience headaches and inner heat when first introducing T3, which eases after about 3 days. As you had a short period on NDT, you may find this acclimatisation period is easier, or your previous adverse symptoms may indicate a larger sensitivity to the T3 in which case it may take longer.

You will need to buy a pill cutter to split pills which may be taken at the same time as T4. Second increments may be introduced after a week or two if you feel ok and you will need to retest thyroid hormone levels after six weeks to avoid going too high.

[Hidden]

Thank You. These labs are on.88 mcg synthroid. Will adding Cytomel help with fatigue?

[radd in reply to Hidden]

Sandy,

T3 is the active hormone that gives well being. Your T3 levels are low.

However, thyroid meds only work for some with optimal iron, Vit B12, folate and Vit D.

Have you had these tested ? ?

Post results complete with ranges (numbers in brackets) for members to comment.

Difficulties in introducing T3 is commonly associated to an iron deficiency.

[Hidden in reply to radd]

Hi,

Here are my iron and vitd. No testing for folate, b12 was out of range-high.

Ferritin 24 (6-160)

Iron 56 (30-180)

TIBC 321 (260-490)

Iron Saturation 17 (15-50)

Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy 37 (30-150)

[Marz in reply to Hidden]

It would seem to me that your low Iron is the cause of your fatigue. It will need sorting before your thyroid hormones work well - both your own and the ones you take.

VitD also low - are you supplementing ?

[Hidden]

How do I fix my iron? And yes, take vitamin d3-1000mg with k2.

[Marz in reply to Hidden]

There are several types of iron so type Iron into the Search Box on here and previous posts will appear with so much information. I do not have an iron issue in spite if having Crohns and Hashimotos - but then I do love liver 😊 I have read that iron supplements are better absorbed with Vit C ....

[Hidden in reply to Marz]

Will do. Thank you.