T3 trial and testing

I’m in week 6 of a 12 week T3 trial. levo reduced from 200mcg to 100mcg and introduction of 20mcg Lio.

I transitioned easily over 2 weeks, so this is week 4 on the revised dosages.

I feel so much better, some changes are dramatic (mental acuity, appetite ), some are more subtle but equally significant.

I feel keen to get a blood test to know how the meds have changed my results - but wonder if it would be better to wait a further 2 weeks or more - closer to my next Endo appt .

Previously I had the cheapest test available - but am considering paying more for a complete view as I have been eating much better and I’d like to know how it all looks . I can’t easily afford to pay for multiple tests so would appreciate advice on recommended test and best timing .

For my next Endo appt he has only requested TSH, T4 and T3.

I’m also thinking about how I articulate all the positive changes at the end of the trial ….. I only really care about the blood results as a tool to back up my wish to retain the T3 prescription .I think it will be impossible to see the NHS result before I see the Endo again.

I would appreciate any advice .

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Previous post discussing that reduction by 100mcg was massive

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

How quickly did you reduce levothyroxine to 100mcg

Likely to see dramatic drop in Ft4.

How long have you been on 20mcg T3 (as 2 x 10mcg ? )

We see far too many patients having levothyroxine reduced too much.

Obviously you need to ensure vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 are OPTIMAL

Suggest you get FULL thyroid and vitamin testing done 8-10 weeks after being on constant unchanging dose and brand of levothyroxine

Always test as early as possible in morning before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Day before test, split into 3 or 4 smaller doses

Last 5mcg T3 approx 8-12 hours before test

Are you on strictly gluten free diet

Or dairy free diet

[Hidden in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes it was a big drop but I believe the high dose of Levo has caused me problems for a long time - but previously reducing it left me with hypo symptoms.

This is the 4th week of twice daily dosing of 10mcg Lio - 8am and 2pm which I am finding v comfortable . I’ve monitored my BP and heart rate and noticed a slightly raised systolic number - 143 at its highest - but it resolved within a few days and, more importantly (for me), I have not experienced the big drop in BP and HR I used to get on days I felt awful .

I’m not gluten or dairy free but the only dairy I eat is plain yoghurt - .

My appetite is so much better lately and I am eating some meat - in fact, enjoying food and looking forward to meals which I haven’t done for a long time . Unless anything indicates otherwise in future testing, I prefer to carry on as I am.

Wrt Levo I have consistently had Teva (I have never specified a choice) and have enough to stick to that for the trial.

Thank you v much for your response . I shall wait another few weeks before testing as advised.

I know it’s early days .

Currently, the only time I am aware of any unpleasant reaction to T3 is if I delay the second dose much beyond 2pm - which has happened just a couple of times when I’ve forgotten the time or been away from home without it .

I have changed my activities during this trial to allow myself a less physical routine and more time to rest if I have felt the need to.

Many thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Hidden]

So stick on current regime and then get retested

After next test ……

You might consider splitting 2nd dose into 5mcg 2-3pm and 5mcg at 11pm

It’s all trial and error what suits each person

But many of us find small dose T3 at bedtime improves sleep

As you start doing more physically, you may need to possibly increase levothyroxine slightly……but

A) see how low Ft4 is at next test

B) if Ft4 drops even lower at follow up test a further 8-10 weeks after next test

[Hidden in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you v much: I have thought I may have to increase T4 and I am itching to know where the numbers are now .

I might try smaller dose at 2pm and then add one at bedtime: I take HRT at bedtime so it’s well away from other hormone meds.

The current split fits in with my daily activity which tends to be most demanding from 10- 1pm then 3 - 5 although I have cut back and it will change with the winter and I may benefit from adjusting again .

For now I was trying to stick to a routine consistently before first test to give it a chance to me meaningful .

Thanks again for your response - very much appreciated

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Hidden]

T3 at bedtime would need to be away from HRT

Stay as you are for now

[shaws Administrator in reply to Hidden]

I take T3 once daily with one glass of water, when I awake and wait an hour before I eat and following Dr John Lowe's advice (now deceased).

I have no clinical symtoms and his advice with regard to taking T3. His method works for me. He was an Adviser to Thyroiduk.org.uk before his accidental death.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Hidden in reply to shaws]

Hi, I’ve read your posts and thought about trying this . My thinking has been that it’s better till I’ve been taking it for several weeks - give myself a chance to get accustomed to the change.

Did you do this from the first day you took T3?

[Josephineinamachine]

Lovely to see good news!! 😊