Day 12 on T3

[Wired123]

As a lot of you know I’ve been on T4 for 12 years and now on a trial of T3 and T4.

My dose of T4 is the same and has not changed at 150mcg daily in the morning on waking.

The first week I took T3 (5mcg in the morning with T4) I have had a few days of uncomfortable chest sensation and some tummy discomfort.

These went away and I’ve definitely felt much better, more energised, alert and blitzing through my work, much improved mood.

I then added the second dose of T3 5mcg around lunchtime so 10mcg in total.

Yesterday (day 11 of the trial, day 4 of 10mcg) I had some strange symptoms. I felt a little more tired, I actually fell asleep at 9.30pm (usual bed time about 11.30) and then woke today at 8am (a LOT of sleep).

Today I’m feeling quite tired, feeling a discomfort in my chest/anxiety, cannot concentrate at work/brain fog and just feeling a bit bleurgh!

Is this normal? Should I continue as is and see if it settles in a few days?

I’m tracking my heart rate and it’s not elevated compared to normal.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Common to feel sleepy when first start on T3

Would suggest you try moving second dose a bit later .....try around 3pm

Ideally if staying on only 2 doses.....aim for roughly 12 hours apart

Some people find T3 keeps them awake at night....

But many people find T3 improves sleep

It’s all trial and error

If/when add third dose .....aiming for 8 hour intervals.....last dose at bedtime (assuming it doesn’t keep you awake)

[Wired123 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks for the advice.

I’ve been having the T3 at around 2pm, will try 3pm today.

But I’m having the tiredness, anxiety and brain fog today even before the second dose. Can’t understand why as I was feeling fine before.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Wired123]

It’s often not easy to get started T3

I nearly chucked the whole lot in the bin several times!

It’s a much more sudden jolt to metabolism

Small amount of regular exercise - if feeling anxious, a short walk around the block or something similar

[Wired123 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks will try that. It’s strange that side effects come on after a few days rather than on day 1. Will have to keep calm and carry on!

[DippyDame]

I am T3-only and take a single dose at bedtime.Splitting the dose didn't work for me

Finding what suits you best can be the result trial and error!

[Wired123 in reply to DippyDame]

What difference did the split dose make vs single dose? Keen to hear of your experience as I will also discuss with my endo

[DippyDame in reply to Wired123]

I responded better....and it's easier! But, I am T3-only.I took levo for 20 years until I became very unwell

I now self medicate

It takes some time for the body to adapt to a new dose...around 6 weeks...perhaps you just need to wait a bit longer.....it takes time as SlowDragon has pointed out. It took me many months to find my optimal dose.

In part Iù followed the work of the late Dr John Lowe who always took his T3 in a single dose in the early hours

Also, it turned out I have a form of thyroid hormone resistance and the bigger dose provided a "push" against the resistance allowing at least some of the dose to reach cellular/tissue level and the T3 receptors

Old post...links may be helpful

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

And...

drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/Thyroid...

healthrising.org/blog/2019/...

Hope this doesn't confuse the issue....in haste so it's a bit muddled

I'm not the biggest fan of endos, most of them are diabetic, not thyroid, specialists. My best advice came from experienced and well informed members here. I read a lot about my condition and my medics now accept my decision to self medicate

Hope things improve and progress

Best...

DD

[Wired123 in reply to DippyDame]

Thanks. I think Endos need to split into sub-specialisms as diabetes is complex enough as is thyroid disease in all its forms.

How is thyroid resistance diagnosed? Is there a test?

[DippyDame in reply to Wired123]

Absolutely re endos!

RTH is a very complicated condition there is one genetic test I know of relating to the alpha and beta receptors but there are acquired forms too...

From the information I had gathered/read and advice from members who have the condition I eventually concluded I have a type of RTH when I was tolerating large doses of T3 with no symptoms of overmedication....and daily monitored basic temperature and heart rate

There are no tests to monitor the dose only clinical, evaluation.

The endo I saw briefly (a diabetic specialist) would not entertain the possibility, he was aware of the genetic test but was not prepared to consider anything else.

He wanted me to take levothyroxine...which made me unwell!!

A geneticist told me later that it is possible that as yet undiscovered genetic variants may be involved.....they just don't know.

I'm fortunate that I have open minded GPs who understand my need to self medicate with T3 in order to to survive....without a constant and adequate supply of T3 the body will begin to shut down.

I also have the Dio2 polymorphism, inherited from both parents, which research concluded, increasingly impairs T4 to T3 conversion .....so low T3 as a consequence and possibly RTH to some degree all my life.

Diagnosed Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,... research concludes a high percentage of patients have low T3

Was also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia....but never convinced about either syndrome, possibly both low T3 in my case.

I note from your labs 2 months ago that your FT4 was 109.00% through the lab range with FT3 only 54.05% ....

I'm sure you know that on (combo treatment) both should be close to 75% through their respective ranges for good health so you have some work to do and a long way to go....it takes patience which I found a challenge!

Optimise nutrients

Ensure conversion is adequate

Titrate T4/T3 very slowly so that you don't miss the therapeutic dose.

Monitor carefully

Keep a journal of all changes and symptoms

Feel free to post questions re RTH if you have any...it is the last resort!

This is my experience only, I'm not a medic

Rant over!

Good luck!

[Wired123 in reply to DippyDame]

Thanks for the advice. I’m now on 10mcg of T3. I definitely feel much better so let’s hope it continues!

[DippyDame in reply to Wired123]

It takes time...be patient!