I want to change from Levo to T3 as Levo is making me ill

[McPammy]

Hi. I need to change from Levo to T 3.

I have recently developed a low cortisol issue. When I now take Levo within 2 hours I can hardly walk. All little strength (cortisol) I have left reduces. Reducing me to only can lay down flat

Has anyone else had this from Levo with low cortisol and how difficult was it to change to T3. I did request this through my Endo but he said no. I cannot take Levothyroxine anymore as it’s making me so ill now.

Thanks

[cjrsquared]

If you have a cortisol problem it will be just as bad on t3. Ideally you should try and sort your adrenals out before looking to address thyroid problems. Do you have recent blood test results you could share. Have you tested for adrenal problems?

[McPammy in reply to cjrsquared]

Hi. Thanks for replying. I agree on the adrenal first issue but if the thyroid came first and Levo now not working!?? I. don’t wish to take T3 to cure the cortisol issue. It’s more that now since the low cortisol has come on when I take Levo after 2 hours it wipes me out and I can’t even walk. It never used to do this but now it does. If I don’t take Levothyroxine I’m much better and walking normally. So I was thinking of changing to T3. I have heard people say that if they have secondary adrenal insufficiency they now cannot take Levo.

My cortisol on admission to hospital was 68. Then second submission was 69. My ACTH was 0.2. I passed 2 SST’s and was border line. My Endo told me last Fri that the range has been reduced last week by NHS! I’m waiting for insulin stress test to find out if pituitary or hypothalamus issue.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

So can you add your most recent blood test results and ranges for thyroid and vitamins

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3

plus very important- do you have high TPO and TG thyroid antibodies? Have these been tested ?

Have you also got test results and ranges for vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

On inadequate dose of Levo, or raised antibodies or low vitamins can all significantly affect adrenals

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. When on Levothyroxine, don't take in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

Is this how you do your tests

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

[McPammy]

Hi Yes the NHS has reduced the pass and fail range so my Endo who is a Professor told me last week. I’m really ill with no real help I feel.