Thyroxine and T3

[ZoBo]

I am currently on 125mcg of Thyroxine (2 different manufacturers)and am about to add 10mcg twice a day. Is there any advice as to the best time of day to take these. I had a thyroidectomy in 2013. Thanks very any input.

[greygoose]

Starting T3 on 20 mcg a day is really not advisable. Normally, we start on 5 mcg once a day for a couple of weeks, and if that's ok, add in another 5 mcg - either at the same time, or later in the day. With hormones you really need to start low and work up slowly, to give the body time to adjust. Starting on 20 mcg would be a terrific shock to the system, and might give you the impression that you can't tolerate T3.

[ZoBo in reply to greygoose]

Thanks so much greygoose. I haven't started yet as my gut is not so good. I'll take your advice.

[greygoose in reply to ZoBo]

You're welcome.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Before considering adding T3…..you need GOOD vitamin levels

what are your most recent vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 results

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

Please add most recent thyroid results

Always test thyroid levels early morning, ideally before 9am and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Which different brands are you currently taking

[ZoBo in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks Slowdragon for responding. Do you think the GP would be prepared to check my vitamin levels?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to ZoBo]

Well they are supposed to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 of anyone with hypothyroidism

No harm in asking

Otherwise test privately

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning….watch out for postal strikes

Adding T3 ….looking like have you haven’t started yet?

If not …test first

If yes….don’t test until 6-8 weeks on constant unchanging dose levothyroxine and T3

Which brand of levothyroxine are you currently taking

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

List of private testing options and money off codes

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3

£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

monitormyhealth.org.uk/

NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £29 via

vitamindtest.org.uk

Before starting T3 ….you need to get all four vitamins optimal

Get Ft4 and Ft3 tested ….test early morning and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Depending where Ft4 is within range….depends if you need to reduce levothyroxine before adding T3

Eg if range is 12-22

Ft4 result of 22 or higher - reduce dose levothyroxine by 25mcg ….wait 4-5 days before adding 5mcg T3

If Ft4 17-21 - probably don’t need to reduce dose levothyroxine. Start on 5mcg T3

Ft4 below 16 - increase in levothyroxine first and retest in 6-8 weeks