I was recently prescribed separate medications for levothyroxine and liothyronine around 6 weeks ago. I was told to take 2/3 of my lio in the AM with my Levo. And take the other 1/3 of lio in the evening.
I have found however that despite how tired I am during the day, no matter how active I am... I get into bed and realize I'm AWAKE haha. Just wondering if I should be taking my lio earlier in the day? My mum recommended taking it earlier and some quick online research also suggested the same as it can cause sleeplessness.
So just looking for some advice!
Thanks so much.
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Abirose97
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Hi Abirose97,I’ve had no trouble taking 1/3 Lio on an evening but my endo recently told me that it does affect sleep in some people and if affected try taking it in 2 (or 3) daytime doses. Definitely worth you trialling just daytime doses; hope this helps.
It's horses for courses. Initially I was told to take mine in two even doses 12 hours apart, but found I often forgot to take the evening one when I should so took it just before bed. This was a ridiculous 2 x 20mcg "starter dose"! At the next appointment, the dose was halved and I just took it in the morning with my levo ... and have stayed with that as I feel good on it.Other people take their in 3 x well spaced doses ... so it's just a question of working with timings tha suit you x
It was me who took it :)I assume the endo made a mistake as the next appointment lasted less than 30 seconds - basically as soon as he realised the initial dose he'd given me.
Having the gut of a rhino it was actually fine - but I did suffer "on the way down" as I just halved the dose in one go too [this was before I'd found this forum] - and it has given me (permanent) vitiligo - white patches - on my face and fingers, which is quite noticeable in the summer when the rest of me goes brown, which is annoying!
That sounds like cortisol raising in the evening giving you a 'second wind' instead of decreasing in the natural curve. If this is a new problem it could be adrenals are struggling to keep up with the sudden increase in your metabolism.
What doses of T4 & T3 have you been given and what are amounts are you taking when?
I've always taken my liothyronine in 3 divided doses morning, noon and before my evening meal. I've managed to reduce the dose over time by working on my gut and improving my zinc and selenium levels so I was probably converting T4 better.
I have never had a problem with my sleep. I agree with radd that it could be due to raised cortisol in the evening. To rule this out you could do an adrenal stress test which is done on saliva at various times during the day and night.
You would probably have to get it done through a practioner unless anyone on here knows otherwise. The doctors usually only test for one level during the day which is no good. Good luck in getting the puzzle solved.
Sadly can’t offer advice, I’ve lost faith in conventional medical health practices when it comes to autoimmune conditions, my doctor doesn’t give a hoot about how I feel or can offer little advice nor the specialist I’ve seen in the past ! Very little knowledge of the thyroid condition I found 👎 I found the best help has been my own efforts in researching functional health practices, looking at your dietary needs and sticking to an organic whole foods practice along with looking at your habits:sleep, exercise, relaxation, stress is a big factor too. I hope you find ways to help manage how you’re feeling x
Yes I kind of feel the same!!! I moved to Canada but the only specialist that ever did anything for me was in england!! Yes I am trying to control my stress levels more holistically
I also take Lio but always try to take it about 2 o’clock as I was told by my gp not to take it to late as it could prevent me sleeping, I was also told to take it about 5 hrs after the first does, at least with Lio you don’t have to worry about taking it away from any food or drink.
Hi Abirose97, I take my Lio on waking up, late morning and late afternoon (aiming for 4pm last dose). I’ve moved my Levo to just before bed, as it’s slower-acting. Still struggle sometimes with switching off, but I’ve found this much better than when I was taking my Levo first thing in the morning. Might be worth a try!
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