T4, T3, schedule

[Coachgeorge]

Today, I changed my med schedule from 7.25mcg in the morning when I take 50mcg of Levothyroxine to 5mcg with the levo and 2.25 around 1:00. I typically have weakness, chills and jitters in the afternoon. Today, jitters and chills were mild but the weakness is pretty severe. I’m wondering if this might indicate I need more levo. I feel like the t3 is doing it’s job but there isn’t enough T4 to work with. Does this make any sense? Thanks

[Greekchick]

Hi Coach,

It is way to early to tell. You need to stay on one dose for a least a few weeks to know that. The timing of the dosing you can switch up, but you really need to just stick with one dose in order for your body to adjust and then check your blood work to see what is happening. You can’t just keep changing what you take so quickly. Thyroid replacement doesn’t work that way.

Good luck and at least you are feeling a little better!

Good luck! All the best.

[Coachgeorge in reply to Greekchick]

Thanks! I been on the 5mcg and 50 for about 4 weeks. Draw is in two weeks. Patience isn’t my strong suit. I did have a pretty good morning!!!! Appreciate the support!

[McPammy in reply to Greekchick]

You get a much quicker response with T3 as it’s life is only a maximum of 8 hrs. T4 Levothyroxine is a different story and yes it will take at least 4 weeks to see those results but T3 changes daily if you change your dose daily.

[Coachgeorge in reply to McPammy]

Thank you. I’m trying to stay at 7.5 daily until I adjust. Others have suggested I should be at 5 and 5 instead of 5 and 2.5. I was trying to go slowly to get to 20. Guess, I’m not doing it right.

[McPammy in reply to Coachgeorge]

5 and 5 might be a more steady state for your body. Rather than 7.5 and then 2.5 sending it nose diving.

I hope you find the right level soon.

[Greekchick in reply to McPammy]

Hi McPammy,

I am aware of the shorter half life of T3, but my endo has advised me that T3 is also absorbed in your tissues and dosing should be changed every 4-5 days to allow the hormone to reach a steady state in your body. I have also read about this in several clinical studies. That way you will see the maximum results and also give your body time to adjust to the new dose. I have observed this in my own body, so I will continue to follow my doctor’s advice. I think everyone should do what works for them because we are all so different when it comes to our thyroid issues.

Sending good wishes your way today!

[Coachgeorge in reply to Greekchick]

Having a lot of skin burning this morning, nausea and jitters. Could this be the brand if T3, is my body still adjusting? I’m so tired of this battle

[Greekchick in reply to Coachgeorge]

Hi Coach,

What dose are you on now and when do you take the T3?

[Coachgeorge in reply to Greekchick]

I took 5 mcg of T3 and 50 mcg of levo at 5:00 am, about 6 hours ago. I’ve had symptoms for the past 2 hours including tinnitus. Also have pain in the left side of my throat. Am supposed to take another 2.5 of T3 soon but I’m afraid it’s causing the problem

[Greekchick in reply to Coachgeorge]

Coach,

I think it may be the lack of T3 causing the problem since it’s 6 hours since you dosed and whatever T3 you took in the morning is now beginning to wear off. It could also conceivably be that you need more T4 with your T3 as mentioned by someone else. You will need to see your next set of blood tests to know the answer.

But for right now, don’t change your dose please!!!

You need to see what dose works and the only way to do that is to give it time. You can spread the dose out over the day - 2.5 X 3 times to see if that helps. It is all trial and error and you will get as many suggestions as there are people on the forum. Also, I’m not sure the pain in your throat is necessarily due to the hormones.

I know you are really suffering and I empathize. I’ve been there myself and patience was never my strong suit either. But I had to learn how for dealing with this thyroid situation. You must be patient - everything thyroid is slow. Nothing happens fast, including adjustments to your hormones. Some people take 1-2 years to fine tune their meds. I am still fine tuning after 6 months post TT - and not there yet and don’t expect to be for several months yet.

If you are able, can you find something to distract you - a good book, a series on TV or Netflix you enjoy - or a phone call with a friend or family member if you have the energy? When I was feeling ill after my TT , I caught up on my reading and some of the Netflix series I enjoy watching but never had the time. If you can - and I know it is hard - try to focus on something else. The more you concentrate on your symptoms, the worse you will feel.

As painful as it is, there is an adjustment period that is very long and uncomfortable and many of us with thyroid disease have suffered through it. Unfortunately, there is no short cut or easy way to manage it.

Hoping you feel better soon. All the best.

[Coachgeorge in reply to Greekchick]

I so appreciate everyone’s patience with me. I’m constantly complaining and looking for solutions. Sometimes, I feel like I’m nothing more than a pain in the butt for my family and this forum. I will stick with my doses. Maybe, I’ll try the 2.5 3 times a day tomorrow. My grandkids are here and it’s hard to visit but I’m going to try. I watch a lot of TV to distract myself. We are in the midst of downsizing so I’ll try to pack some boxes. Thank you for helping me. I’m in tears most days and feel hopeless but I’m sure that will pass, too. I’m tired of this. You are so strong.

[Greekchick in reply to Coachgeorge]

I wish I was that strong, but believe me, there are days I am reduced to tears myself - and that was just yesterday. I just do my best and try to find things that keep my mind off my health - and that’s all anyone can do.

Please don’t pack boxes (unless you are sitting down and they are small) or do anything strenuous - it will use up your T3 and you will feel even worse than you do now. You need to preserve your T3 until you see how you are doing.

Give yourself the time to rest and get your sea legs back. You’ll get there. Slow and a steady wins the race.

[Coachgeorge in reply to Greekchick]

I didn’t realize. I have so much to learn but have no brain power to do it. Thank you

[Greekchick in reply to Coachgeorge]

There is too much for anyone to absorb - be kind to yourself. 🤗

[Coachgeorge in reply to Greekchick]

Thank you

[JAmanda in reply to Greekchick]

Can you explain a bit more this post re changing t3 every few days please? And links to studies if poss? I’m trying to get used to it and am not doing badly but I’m really doing it by way I feel and would love more info if you have it.

[Greekchick in reply to JAmanda]

Hi JAmanda,

I think you are asking about the dosing of T3. What I meant was that if you are taking T3 and you need more, you would take the new dose you were given and then wait about 4-5 days before increasing it if it were necessary. You would do the same thing if you were decreasing the dose as well.

The studies I refer to are those I came across in my research when I had a TT 6 months ago, but there was just too much information to save as you can imagine. Since this was confirmed by my endo, I just follow that pattern and it is working for me.

Hope this is helpful and glad you are progressing in your T3 journey. Wishing you all the best.

[greygoose]

Well, yes and no. Some people do need more levo than others. But you are so recently started on T3, and taking such a tiny dose, that I think you ought to work on raising the T3 a bit before you start thinking about the levo. That's my opinion, anyway.

[Coachgeorge in reply to greygoose]

Thank you! The T3 really kicks my butt! It’s a very difficult adjustment

[greygoose in reply to Coachgeorge]

You're welcome.

[deb25426]

I was advised not to take it together... I used to take my T3 about 6am then my T4 bout 8 am then take my 2nd dose of T3 bout 2pm. Was told it would work better that way. Body needs time to adjust to changing the way you take your meds.. needs to give it a few weeks.

[MaisieGray in reply to deb25426]

There's no evidence that I'm aware of that proves it works better to take T3 and T4 separately and/or in divided doses. People wouldn't do well taking NDT for instance, if that were the case; but there are plenty of people who like me, happily take T3 and T4 together.

[Coachgeorge in reply to MaisieGray]

I’m learning. I’m not sure what is it isn’t working anymore. I’m going to try some of the suggestions as I have nothing to lose at this point. Thank you

[McPammy]

I think you need more T3 in the afternoon. If you take 7.5mcg and feel sort of ok. Then by only taking 2.5mcg at 1pm, you will certainly feel a dip and weaker. You need to take 7.5mcg in the morning and same 6/7 hours later. If you’re not converting very well from the T4 to T3 you will always have a big dip when the T3 is low.

You need to take the same dose of T3 6/7 hours apart. You really do! Or if you want to keep it to 10mcg in 24hrs take 5mcg then another 5mcg later

Once you take your T3 in the morning set the alarm on your phone for 6.5 hours. Then you’ll have it right. T3 medication only lasts a maximum of 8 hrs. It’s nit like T4 which builds up over time. And if you have trouble converting you’ll hardly get any T3 from the T4 to keep you going.

Please I’m no Dr. I’m just going on how long T3 works.

[Coachgeorge in reply to McPammy]

I’m working my way up to 10mcg. I think your point is a good one. I seem to do fairly well with the 5mcg in the morning. It took awhile to get used to as it made me ill. I just started the 2.5 in the pm this week. I need to think about changing that 2.5 to 5. Thank you

[McPammy in reply to Coachgeorge]

Ok. Good luck. I do hope you improve and the T3 works for you. 👍

[shaws Administrator]

This link may be helpful. Read Safely Getting Well on Thyroid Hormones:-

naturalthyroidsolutions.com...

[Coachgeorge in reply to shaws]

A must read for everyone!

[Lalatoot]

Please don't apologise for your posts. I find them helpful and the replies useful. I am hoping to try t3 soon and you are trail blazing for me! Moving is a stressful time so that can throw your thyroid off kilter too. Be kind to yourself.

[Coachgeorge in reply to Lalatoot]

Thank you. I want to be useful on this forum, just struggling