self medicating T3

[Auders]

Afternoon everyone, a quick question. I’m self medicating Tiromel 25mcg. I’m on my second week, taking 6.25mcg in the morning along with 50mcg Levo. I’d like to try to up the dose of T3. I take 25mcg at bedtime too. When is best time to take second dose? I was thinking of taking at bedtime too, or would mid afternoon be better? I’ve reduced levo to 50mcg from 75mcg so I’ve got more wriggle room if I need it. I don’t sleep well so would a bedtime dose make it worse? Thanking you all, hoping everyone is well 🙏

[shaws Administrator]

I have no clinical symptoms and feel well.

I now take 20mcg T3 once daily with one glass of water when I awake (before breakfast which I take one hour later).

I have no clinical symptoms on T3.

I used to take 25mcg of T3 which is approx equal (in its effect) to 100mcg of levo for sometime but I now get it prescribed in UK.

I have never split the dose as I followed a scientist/researcher/specialist on T3 who was an Adviser to TUK before his death due to an accident.

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

He took his dose of T3 in the middle of the night so that nothing interfered with its uptake.

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

[Auders in reply to shaws]

Thank you for your reply. Did you build up gradually to 25mcg?

[shaws Administrator in reply to Auders]

No, I didn't work up as I had been taking levothyroxine (T4) when first diagnosed. It gave me immense palpitations.

Liothyronine (T3) resolved all symptoms.

[Auders in reply to shaws]

thank you for your reply.

[DippyDame]

To clarify....

I'm on my second week.....

Am I understanding correctly that you are taking....

Morning - 50mcg levo + 6.25mcg T3

Bedtime 25mcg

Is that 25mcg T3?

So, have you been taking 31.25mcg T3 since day one?

If so, that is a huge starting dose of T3

I’d like to try to up the dose of T3.

T3 needs to be added very slowly in small increases.....6.25mcg every 6 weeks.

It needs that time, at least, for T3 to settle in the system

You take your dose when it suits you best....often trial and error because we are all different

Some split their dose, some do not.

it's not like taking paracetamol for a headache!

I need high dose T3-only and I take the full dose at bedtime.

Important question....how do you feel?

Good luck.

[Auders in reply to DippyDame]

sorry not very clear am I? I’m taking 25mcg Levo and 6.25mcg T3 in the morning. I take 25mcg of Levo at bedtime too. I was thinking of increasing to 12.5mcg a day (2x6.25) T3. Just wondering best time to take it. As I take second dose of Levo (25mcg) at bedtime I was wondering if that was better or to try a mid afternoon dose of T3? 🙏

[DippyDame in reply to Auders]

That's ok, I maybe need to unscramble my brain!!

I was just concerned that you had started with a hefty dose.....sorry if I misunderstood.

I'd be inclined to take the second 6.25mcg T3 at bedtime....easier to keep it away from food and drinks and can improve sleep.

After being on a steady dose of 12.5mcg ( 2× 6.25mcg) for 6 weeks (more even) I would test again. That will give you an idea of how you feel in relation to your dose and test levels. You may find it's enough, if not you can add a further 6.25mcg.

Repeat as before...if you feel you need more

Your TSH and FT4 will drop ....that's how the body works when T3 is added, so nothing to worry about.

Unless your FT3 rises above the reference range you are unlikely to be overmedicated

I'm afraid patience is important and if you're like me. that's a challenge.....but it pays off in the end.

[Auders in reply to DippyDame]

again, thank you so much for your advice, I really appreciate it 🙏

[Auders in reply to DippyDame]

I’ve just seen that you recommend waiting 6 weeks before increasing dose. I feel ok, still not anything like I’d like to be. I will have to be more patient then!😢 would you get your bloods done before the next increase? Thank you

[Lalatoot in reply to Auders]

Auders you can increase T3 by a quarter of a tablet every 2 weeks and then definitely stop increases when you reach a total daily intake of 1 tablet. You can stop on a smaller dose if you want and take things slower. Then wait 6 - 8 weeks and do bloods which must include ft3.

I would take the 2nd dose with your bedtime levo. Why?:

Dosing morning and night leaves the whole day free for supplements when necessary. You need to take supplements 2 - 4 hours away from thyroid hormones.

In the natural normal rhythm T3 peaks in an individual around 4am. During the night our gut and our brain are functioning doing their housekeeping as it were. The brain and gut are big users of thyroid hormones.

[Auders in reply to Lalatoot]

thank you so much, seems like a good plan!🙏

[BiscuitBaby in reply to Auders]

I take t3 at bedtime and morning. I think it helps my sleep when i take it at bedtime also i find it easier to remember to take it then. Its by my toothbrush. If i had to take it at another time I'd forget, even with alarms! Everyone is different though but you'll quite quickly know if a bedtime dose disrupts your sleep! Then you can move it to earlier.

[Auders in reply to BiscuitBaby]

thank you so much, I really appreciate your advice 🙏

[SlowDragon Administrator]

I would try adding 2nd 6.25mcg dose T3 at bedtime along with your levothyroxine

Many people find small 1/4 tablet T3 at bedtime improves sleep

Retest thyroid levels 6-8 weeks after adding 2nd dose T3

Test early morning before 9am

last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

So day before test take 50mcg levothyroxine waking

Day before test take last T3 dose approx 9pm

[Auders in reply to SlowDragon]

thank you so much 🙏