I take 125mcg of levothyroxine per day and up until a week ago I was taking 12.5mcg in liothyronine and have increased by another 6.25mcg because I thought my level in the above results could do with a boost. I suffer with significant anxiety and depression and it seems to be getting worse. I don’t know if this is circumstantial or if the increase could be a factor. I just don’t know what to do. Would a rose in my t3 help my depression? I read somewhere that t3 used to be used to treat people with depression. Any advice or experiences would be welcomed.
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JBL312
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I would say you have done the right thing by increasing T3 as your free T3 is below 1/2 way through range but T4 near top. I would hold on that and retest in six weeks. I'm afraid it's a slow process getting to sweet spot. Are your vitamins and minerals optimum? Vit d, b12, ferritin, folate all need to be optimum. Do you take Selenium? It is said to help with T4 -T3 conversion.
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Sorry no-one answered your query. It happens that posts get over-looked.
So, when those labs were done you were taking 125 mcg levo and 12.5 mcg T3, is that right? How did you feel on that dose? Were you suffering from anxiety and depression at that point? Or did it start when you increased the T3? If so, try decreasing again and see if it goes away.
Anxiety and depression are symptoms of hypo/under-medication. So, it seems strange that they're getting worse since you increased your T3. Your FT3 was very low. But, if it was only a week ago that you increased, then maybe you should just wait a while - another week - see how you feel, and if you don't feel any better, try increasing by another 6.25. That will take you up to 25 mcg, so hold there for six weeks and retest.
You're right, T3 is sometimes used to treat depression. But, less and less so, I imagine, since it got so expensive. Now, it's pretty rare to get T3 prescribed for any reason.
Have you had your nutrients tested: vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin? These need to be optimal for your body to be able to use thyroid hormone correctly. And, if low, can cause anxiety and depression themselves. Funny as it may sound, I always feel anxious if I get a bit dehydrated.
Many of us find 3 small doses per day gives best results. 6.25mcg waking, mid afternoon and evening
Others find one single dose is better
Do you take your Levothyroxine in morning or in evening?
Very important to regularly test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Have you had these tested ? Add results and ranges if you have
What vitamin supplements do you currently take?
Do you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies?
If you have Hashimoto's have you tried strictly gluten free diet. This can give many people a reduction in symptoms. Gluten intolerance can cause anxiety.
Hypothyroidism made me very low. I was given t3 by a psychiatrist to help depression, and found the starting dose of 5mcg helpful, but as we increased the dose too far, anxiety got worse and worse, so we eventually settled on a dose of 10mcg. 15 mcg was awful, and I started to get sharp nerve pains across my face. So we supplemented the t3 with a very low dose of a psychiatric drug. I’m thinking you could benefit from professional advice. It’s hard to deal with anxiety and depression on your own. Ps I was also monitored by an endo to make sure my levels were good.
Since raising my thyroxine to 125mcg I am more or less back to my old self which is wonderful plus a gluten free diet. I'm afraid I can't help regarding T3 for you as I tried it & it didn't suit me. An advisor on here thought I might be able to help you but I feel I'm not adequately knowledgeable to help you regarding the other matters. This site has helped me immensely so keep asking for their advice & I'm sure someone will guide you in the right direction. Don't give up, we all know what you are going through.
Thank you all so much for your advice. I should have added that I have Hashimoto’s and tried gluten free but it didn’t help. I had my bloods done and I am supplementing In anything that isn’t optimal and I am under the mental health team and I am trying to withdraw from an anti seizure medication (Pregabalin) that was used off label for my anxiety and depression, due to the side effects and long term effects. Thank you once again.
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