Update after starting T3

[Donutlight]

Hi everyone,

So I was on 75mcg Levo when my GP asked me to reduce by alternating 50/75 as my TSH was just under the range. I wasn't happy to do this as my FT3 had just got to the heady heights of 24% through the range after staying at 10% forever.

Anyway I introduced T3 and currently take 75mcg Levo and 18.5mcg Tiromel (purchased myself). The first immediate thing I noticed with the T3 was that suddenly my dry eyes and dry mouth were no longer a problem. I had a dry mouth for so long I couldn't tell when I was thirsty. Gone overnight. No more eye drops. I took 25mcg for a few weeks but it felt like slightly too much. Have not had bloods done as I feel better. And just can't be bothered explaining to GP.

I have histamine and oestrogen problems but I don't think my thyroid is the problem right now.

I felt an immediate difference on T3 and to think that so many people are told they can't have it. Due to stories on here I decided not to bother prostrating myself in front of an Endo (should I be granted an appointment), and just decided to self treat.

[shaws Administrator]

If you think your dose of 'T3' is a bit too much, you can quarter your 25mcg tablet and gradually increase/decrease always taking account of your clinical symptoms. 25mcg of T3 is approx equal to 100mcg of levothyroxine in its 'effect'.

[Donutlight in reply to shaws]

Yes, they are 25mcg so I am taking 3/4. The difference is huge, like being asleep/awake. I also experimented with no T4 for 3 weeks, thinking I might be okay just on T3, but I felt terrible. So combo it is. Dare I say it, but I feel almost normal.

[Josephineinamachine]

😊 thank you for the update! Really interesting dry eyes and mouth disappeared.

Just wondering... will you tell your GP? How will you manage future blood tests? What do people do about this when they start self treating?

Glad you’re feeling better!!

[Donutlight in reply to Josephineinamachine]

Thank you! I'm not sure about GP yet. I could let them test me and they might lower my T4, or they might get difficult about self medication. Either way I want to keep it polite and a bit removed, and I will buy what I need.

I have no confidence in my GP service in any case. When my husband went to them with fluid on his legs, they sent him to a nurse for support stockings. She made a great fuss about wearing them, etc, because he was relatively young. But he actually had acities and his liver failing because of liver cancer and 4 weeks later he was dead. So, I couldn't care less what they think.

[JudithW in reply to Donutlight]

I am puzzled as to why Shaws says the dose you are taking is too much. Surely the response you are having ie feeling much better, and as long as you are not having palpitations, is the main thing?

I have a theory about the research performed usingT4 and T3, where it is stated that there was little if any improvement with T3. I firmly believe that they were not giving a high enough dose of T3 to make a difference. This is supported by Dr Ruth Finkler 1959 (yes I know somewhat older than 5 years for research to be referenced)

Dose

Liothyronine dosage was established on an individual basis and adjusted in accordance to patient response. Initially, patients were given 25 micrograms (one tablet) daily for one week. Those who benefited without experiencing side effects were maintained on this dosage. In those who tolerated the drug without showing clinical improvement, the dosage was raised gradually until response was obtained or side-effects supervened. Most patients could be maintained on 50 to 75 micrograms daily without discomfort.

Finkler, 1959: Liothyronine as a replacement for thyroid therapy

[shaws Administrator in reply to JudithW]

My response was not as you have stated! I said:-

"If you think your dose of 'T3' is a bit too much etc",

[JudithW in reply to shaws]

Yes my apologies Shaws I should have put my glasses on, and not read so swiftly.

[shaws Administrator in reply to JudithW]

Don't worry - no harm done.

😄

[Josephineinamachine in reply to Donutlight]

Oh I’m so sorry! Well it’s totally understandable you don’t want to rely on the GP. My friend has been buying T3 for years (she’s told me the place to buy) and she just somehow works it for the blood tests. She said she’s happier and more confident treating herself using private blood tests. So, good luck to you and I hope it goes well 😊 x

[Blackapril80 in reply to Josephineinamachine]

Hi sorry to jump on your post but would you mind telling me where you get your T3 from? Could you pm me please. Thank you

[Donutlight in reply to Josephineinamachine]

I did a few priv blood tests when I felt really unwell, but I feel well so I'm not sure I should bother right now. Maybe I will if anything changes, which it probably will at some stage.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Donutlight]

If you feel fine, that's the best way to judge that your dose is optimal and you don't need a blood test to clarify.

I've not had a blood test for months. I feel in good health and symptom-free.