Weight creeping up on T3+levo

[Slappiduck]

Hello,

I started on T3 6 weeks ago (10mcg ) and am on 125mcg levo. Initially I lost a few pounds, felt less tired etc. The last couple of weeks I have put the weight back on plus another few pounds and started feeling tired again. As advised I tried splitting my T3 which hasn’t really made much difference. I am due for bloods next week before my endo review at the end of the month.

During this period I also stopped the contraceptive pill and started weaning off Sertaline, I am taking 50mg a day from 150mg. I am aware perhaps this was not the most sensible course of action to do it all at once but I am sick of taking unnecessary medications!

I suspect I may need the T3 increasing because of tiredness and weight increasing, how will I know from the blood test? Also should I not take any thyroid meds at all for the 24hours prior to the test?

I wonder if I am taking my meds incorrectly, as I don’t always take them on an empty stomach due to work times.

Thanks 🙂

[greygoose]

If you don't always take them on an empty stomach, then you aren't always getting the same level of absorption. To be able to find your sweet spot, you need to always take your hormone under the same circumstances, which would not only mean always taking your hormone with the same level of stomach content, but exactly the same food in your stomach. So, it's much easier just to always take it on an empty stomach.

Leave 24 hours between your last dose of levo and the blood draw, but only 12 hours for the T3. Early morning blood draw and fasting over night.

When you get the print-out of your results, you need to look at the FT3 to know if you're taking enough T3. If it's low in range, then you're not taking enough. But, as your symptoms have started creeping back, you already know you're not taking enough.

[Slappiduck in reply to greygoose]

Thank you as always GG 🙂

[Jazzw]

I recently discovered the incredible difference it makes taking thyroid hormones on an empty stomach. Two sets of blood test results, 2 weeks apart. I don’t have Hashi’s so it wasn’t like that was a factor. All I did was change when I took my little white-ish pills from first thing with my morning cuppa to the middle of the night with water.

The difference was so stark I actually questioned whether the second set of results were mine. (I’m still not convinced as I feel rubbish despite much better results - but that’s another story... )

Do you work shifts, is that the problem?

I reckon you probably do need more T3 though. Test first though. You’re looking for your FT3 to be in the very top part of the FT3 range.

[Slappiduck in reply to Jazzw]

Hi, I missed typed. I meant waking patterns. I have an 18m old and nearly 4 year old so my nights/early mornings are very unpredictable. I know I should set my alarm and wake up at 4am but if I’ve only got to sleep at 2am the thought makes me want to cry. I suppose I could take it all at bedtime (1030pm ish) as I have an empty stomach?

[Jazzw in reply to Slappiduck]

Yes, perfect - taking it at night time is absolutely fine. Hope it helps x