Restarting T3- palpitations

[Suzi_]

Since my endo is refusing to restart me on T 3, is it safe to restart without telling him? I have leftover T3 from last prescription.

I am on 75 mcg levothyroxine.

Blood test done yesterday.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Well what are you going to do when T3 prescription runs out

[TaraJR]

What are your latest results like?

Why won't he restart you on T3?

[Suzi_ in reply to TaraJR]

Waiting for the results Endo thinks T 3 has negative effects, I am 78. I will discuss with him on my next appointment in 2 weeks.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Suzi_]

I hope Endo prescribes T3 for you but some have weird ideas i.e. is patient too old etc. or it is too expensive or only want to prescribe the cheapest replacement thyroid hormone which would be T4.

I think many Endos - due to cost of T3 don't like to prescribe it.

Ask for a trial, i.e. either T3 added to T4 or T3 only for a few months.

I have had T3 restored and I am so fortunate as it makes me feel well and am now symptom-free again.

It puzzles me that more don't prescribe T3 - even a trial first - especally if it restores the patient's health and be symptom-free.

(I know in UK the cost for T3 went sky-high. The reason for increased cost I am puzzled.)

I have trialled quite a number of thyroid hormone replacements but only one restored my health and that is T3 alone. Another T3 made by a different pharma company didn't work so well so it doesn't always restores everyone's health.

T4 (levothyroxine) is inactive and supposed to convert to T3.

T3 (liothyronine) is the active thyroid hormone and is required by the millions of T3 receptor cells and brain and heart contain the most.

[Suzi_ in reply to shaws]

In USA, I have two insurances so don’t pay v much for my generic meds. I intend to ask endo to let me try T 3 & see how it goes., I have to convince him that at my age a small dose won’t have negative effects. Thanks for your input,

[shaws Administrator in reply to Suzi_]

I think T3 is miraculous as on T4 I was more unwell than when I was, finally, diagnosed and TSH was 100 . The doctor phoned to tell me that my blood tests were fine but I was fortunate to be a member of TUK and I knew I was very hypothyroid.

Even after I was diagnosed and given T4 I had many, many overnight heart recordings for severe palpitations and the Cardiologist couldn't figure out why these were happening and was contemplating putting an implant in my heart 'to see what was going on'. Just then T3 was added to a reduced T4 and I immediately felt an improvement. When I stopped T4 altogether and took T3, that alone restored my health.

I would recommend reading the following link and it is by Dr Lowe (deceased) who was an expert in the use of T3 and took it himself.

Unfortunately he had a bad fall that caused a brain bleed.

google.com/search?client=fi...

[10mile in reply to shaws]

I'm on T3 only as well, and I feel better than I have in years.

[shaws Administrator in reply to 10mile]

That's good news and am pleased you're benefitting too.

The fact that those we expect to be able to diagnose/prescribe according to 'symptoms' few GPs know anything at all about how to diagnose/treat symptoms and can only prescribe levo.

[10mile in reply to shaws]

Yes. I fully relied on periodic blood tests, and the doctor's direction for years. I was always beyond exhausted. Until I came to a crisis, and realized how inept my doctor was. Being able to tweak my dose abit - depending on what my body is telling me, has made all the difference. I feel great. T3 only has been a huge blessing, and this page, with you experts, came through with great tips on how to get started on it. Many thanks.

[TaraJR]

Stand your ground if your T4 and T3 results aren't too high, and you feel better on it. it's a case of risk - do you want to risk anything versus the benefits you get from it