Increasing T3

[infomaniac]

Just after a little bit of advice please. I take 125mcg Levo / 12.5mcg T3. I'm OK but I'm dogged by a couple of symptoms that won't go away so I'm thinking of reducing Levo to 100mcg (I always do things reeeeeaaallly slowly!) and increasing T3 slightly. Can anyone advise how much to increase it to please?

[shaws Administrator]

Dr Lowe advised that a 1/4 tablet (of whatever thyroid hormone we take) be added every two weeks until symptom-free. I'd take pulse/temp before increasing T3 so that if you feel quite hot or pulse too fast you can drop to previous dose. Sometimes I've found that my temp hasn't changed at all despite feeling warmer. He always advised one daily dose of whatever conconction we take for hypo.

[infomaniac in reply to shaws]

So I'd have to add another 1/4 of T3 on top of what I'm taking? I'm not keen on doing that really Shaws. I take two levo tabs (100 + 25) and as levo has never really done much for me I'm looking to drop the 25mcg one altogether...it would be a psychological boost!

[shaws Administrator in reply to infomaniac]

That's fine to drop the 25mcg of levo. I only got better when I stopped levo altogether but research has proven that many who aren't improving on levo do so when T3 is added. Research has shown that a 3:1 (T4/T3) ratio works well for many.

[greygoose]

Never increase T3 by more than 6.25 mcg every two weeks. You will stress your body, otherwise.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

You might just try adding the extra T3 and not reduce the Levo at all.

Personally I need FT4 and FT3 at good levels.

What were your last blood test results for TSH, FT3, TT4 and FT4?

Presumably your vitamin levels are optimal?

[infomaniac in reply to SlowDragon]

My last test was in March and I remember I made a bit of a blunder as I stopped my T3 as well as my T4 24 hours before so the following wont be totally correct.

TSH 0.07

T4 1.20 (0.80 - 1.80)

T3 1.02 (0.59-2)

I want to hopefully do away with the 25mcg levo tablet and increase T3 a little if possible.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to infomaniac]

Personally I would just add a bit more T3. Another 1/4 tablet

If, at next test FT4 was getting too near 1.80, then I might consider dropping to 100/125 alternate days

[infomaniac in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks SlowDragon. How long would you leave it before getting tested again after the increase?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to infomaniac]

8-10 weeks, if you bear to wait that long. 6-8 if not

Read my profile. My Levo was reduced from 125 to 100. Caused no end of problems.

But we are all different

I have Hashimoto's, gluten intolerant, vitamin deficiencies and heterozygous DIO2

[infomaniac in reply to SlowDragon]

Wow, SlowDragon I've just read your profile...you've really been through the mill haven't you? So glad you've finally got it all sorted out

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to infomaniac]

Absolutely strictly Gluten free was key. Despite zero gut symptoms. Also correcting resultant vitamin deficiencies too. Couldn't tolerate T3 before that.