Seasonal fluctuations in thyroid dosing

[helen_m]

Hi

I've been stable for around a year on T3/. T4 combo. My endocrinologist explained the last time I saw him that he doesn't believe in tweaking my dose over winter, that he believes you should naturally slow down, wrap up warm etc. I did find last winter quite hard but have had an amazing summer with lots of energy. The last two weeks I've been really tired, bad pains started in my neck, my knee, my hands. I started getting constipation again. Although I don't have blood test results for the last two weeks, I feel that I'm getting slightly underactive again, due to the weather getting a bit colder.

I was thinking of adding a wee bit extra T3. I'm currently on 100mcg of levothyroxine and 20mcg of T3 (split into 2 doses morning and afternoon). I started doing this two days ago, increased by 5mcg. The wee bit extra stops the aches and pains, but now not sleeping. This could be adrenal-related or could be the T3. My vitamin levels are all good, except for folate which is low and I'm currently supplementing.

Any suggestions what I could do please?

Many thanks x

[Hidden]

My medically-unqualified opinion is to go by how you feel, so I'd add in a tad more T3 if that's what it takes. Why suffer because your Endo doesn't understand dosing via how a patient feels, not the numbers. He doesn't have to suffer with the cold. Hope you can enjoy a more comfortable winter.

[Hidden]

I meant to add, what time of day are you taking your T3 doses? Do you take magnesium at all? That's good for sleep if taken in the evening.

[helen_m in reply to Hidden]

First thing in the morning and I can't quite get my afternoon dose right - trying for 4pm (although this is hard to do as I'm out quite a lot for work). I slept really well when I took it last thing at night - though did mean I got tired early evening. Maybe I need to go to three doses a day. I take magnesium glycinate in the evening, couldn't live without my magnesium

[greygoose]

I don't believe in endos.

However, I would want my FT3 tested before adding anything in, just to be sure. You could do that privately, if your doctors won't do it.

[helen_m in reply to greygoose]

I have a total t3 test result from a few months ago that I can get hold of. I'm mostly in the middle of the range, went from low to middle over the summer. I might be able to get my doctor to test but they said I was stable and only needed a yearly test from now on! I will look into FT3 testing, thanks!

[greygoose in reply to helen_m]

A total T3 test is of absolutely no use. It gives you no useful information. It's the FT3 you need.

[helen_m in reply to greygoose]

Thanks, I have ordered a FT3 test. Will update this when I get a result.

[helen_m in reply to helen_m]

This is probably a silly question, but should I quit taking my t3/levo a day before the test as usual, or should I test at any time?

[helen_m]

This is probably a silly question, but should I quit taking my t3/levo a day before the test as usual, or should I test at any time?

[JazzMom]

Hi, Helen --I just joined this forum. I have similar symptoms and especially across the past several years have noticed the seasonal pattern in terms of muscle pain and dizziness. Once my endo added T3 last year, my dizziness left (yay!--I also noticed it happened Oct-Feb and by Feb I was sometimes falling over). This year, however, I am so cold (hands and feet) that bundling up doesn't matter and it is distracting to my daily life. I am sitting at the computer with "little hottie" hand warmers right now! So, your endo doesn't quite understand what it is like, I suspect. I see my endo next week after he adjusted my levo dose about 1 month ago. I am sure I will need more adjustment. My seasonal patterns are quite obvious to me. My endo is good at listening to how I feel; still, we haven't quite hit the sweet spot yet on my meds. I am finally realizing, though, just how many of my symptoms are thyroid related after years of looking to other variables instead. Good luck!