Low and high cortisol levels! What's the best t... - Thyroid UK

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Low and high cortisol levels! What's the best time to take T3?

DizzyD profile image
6 Replies

Hi for past few weeks I have been dosing with 75mcg levo and 5mcg T3. Take at morning time.

My cortisol saliva test reveals that I have low cortisol in the morning (just about in range) but by noon it goes even lower and drops out of range and starts to pick up mid afternoon. Considering low cortisol issue, is this the adequate time to take T3 or would it be more beneficial to take it during evening/night highs?

Thank you most kindly in advance

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DizzyD
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Lalatoot profile image
Lalatoot

Paul Robinson has a method for dosing with T3 and low cortisol. Might be worth searching info on his site. google.com/url?sa=t&source=...

McPammy profile image
McPammy

Hi. I had low cortisol which was under range. I had a Synacthen test and that was ok so no adrenal issues. It was only when I introduced T3 medication along with Levothyroxine that my cortisol became normal and well within range. I take 75mcg Levothyroxine a day plus 5mcg T3 twice a day. I take my T3 about 7.30am and my second dose at 2.30pm. T3 only lasts about 8hrs but it does have a half life that lasts about 2 days also. So, if you want to feel well throughout the day some people need to take it 8hrs apart, especially if you are a poor converter of T4 Levothyroxine. Have you tried taking a second dose.

DizzyD profile image
DizzyD in reply toMcPammy

Hi McPammy thank you for the informative reply. It's so reassuring to hear your low cortisol levelled out after you introduced T3 alongside levo. I am at my wits end with adrenal problem can't tolerate adaptogens so hopefully with the T3 My adrenals will adjust accordingly given time.Have been taking it slow with the T3 and was contemplating taking an additional dose in the afternoon which I will start today. You have inspired me to soldier on...priceless!

Yep I am a poor converter of T4.

I use adrenal cocktail to support adrenals along with high doses of vitamin C so all in all only time and saliva test will reveal any improvements.

Have a rewarding lovely.

Thanks again

clairel996 profile image
clairel996 in reply toDizzyD

Hi DizzyD I know this post is very old but wondering if you ever got your cortisol levels raised? Did you find adrenal cocktails helpful? My recent test results are similar to your initial ones so been looking to see if you had any improvements?Claire

McPammy profile image
McPammy

For my vit C I eat a grapefruit and orange every day. Sounds like you may have a similar situation to myself if you’re a poor converter. Try adding a 2nd T3 dose as see how you feel. My GP was genuinely amazed at how my cortisol improved once T3 added. It did take a few weeks. And I did get some slight pain in my lower back at first. My private only Endocrinologist told me to continue with the T3 plus T4 medications. About a month later the pains went and I’ve been great since. It was just my adrenals waking up after years of being sluggish when I was only on Levothyroxine. I feel many years younger now with lots of energy and strength.

Good luck. Hope the extra dose goes well for you.

DizzyD profile image
DizzyD

Ohhh so glad you mentioned pain in your back (pleased it's rectified itself) I got pain in cheeks of my butt (bones) since starting T3 but it is less severe now. Regardless, I am sticking with the T3 and added a dose this afternoon. It's early days yet but I been on levo only for 32 years so trying to hopefully reverse some of the damage caused by years of low T3 and being over medicated with thyroxine.The only way is UP but for now I in the slow lane, no I parked on the hard shoulder for now but given time will press my foot on the accelerator.

Sounds like you are running on you own power now which is brilliant to hear and so inspirational: Well done you. Well done T3 😁

Have a prosperous evening

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