Anyone with hypothyroidism is using melatonin (and finding it helpful)?

[Giugiugiu]

Hi there, I’m currently on 100mg levo and 15 mcg t3, I changed my doses a few weeks ago and now waiting some more weeks to retest.

I’ve tried to find out if melatonin could be useful (i have troubles falling asleep and I get up still tired) with my condition but I found studies (on rats) claiming melatonin can lower ft3 and ft4... so I’m asking if anyone here takes it and what you all think about it.

Many thanks!

Giulia

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Giulia

I take a small dose of melatonin (0.75mg) which was originally suggested by a practioner I used to consult with. My sleep has always been terrible and I have found that it helps me. I don't necessarily find it makes me fall asleep more quickly, but overall I sleep better and because I regularly get up during the night for the bathroom a couple of times then I don't usually have any trouble getting back off to sleep now.

I can't say I've noticed it lowers my FT4 and FT3 levels, but as I regularly test them I keep them where I need them to be anyway.

[Giugiugiu in reply to SeasideSusie]

Oh wonderful! Thank you seasideSusie, always so incredible fast and kind with your replies.

I’ll definitely give it a try then!

Giulia

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Giugiugiu]

I did have to try 2 or 3 brands before I found one to suit (no idea why), also I found that a lower dose was better than a higher dose.

[Giugiugiu in reply to SeasideSusie]

Oh, that’s unfortunate!

I’ll try and see what happens on myself!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Do you split your T3 dose? As 2 or 3 doses

Have you tried taking 5mcg T3 before bed.

Many people find this improves sleep

Magnesium supplements in afternoon or evening may help too (must be four hours away from levothyroxine)

[Giugiugiu in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes I already split my t3 in 3 doses:

7am

3pm

11pm

[asidist]

15-30 mcg (.15-.3 mg) is what some experts advise is needed vs the very large doses that are typically sold, and they advise that it be used to help reset your circadian rhythm rather than on an ongoing basis. i typically just divide a 1 mg sublingual pill into fourths or sixths and that amount works well for me in helping me fall asleep when i use it. however, i find i have to get up early the morning before and after in order for it to really work (regularly getting sun on your eyes in the early morning is an incredibly powerful way to reset your circadian rhythm - even one day of doing that has an effect). also, if i take melatonin more than two or three nights in a row it causes me to become depressed - i start feeling like there’s constantly a grey cloud hanging over me and it can take a week or so to shake. melatonin has that affect on some people while others are fine taking it daily.

lastly, fwiw, i believe too much t4 was causing my insomnia for years. even though i became much more hypo when i reduced t4 (i’ve been on and off added t3 since, sometimes off for 2 months), i’ve had a MUCH easier time falling asleep, whether i’m taking T3 or not. i believe i need more t3 to feel well - for me having high in range t4 with bottom of range t3 was not a proper substitute for having adequate t3, and was causing many problems.