Dr changed t3/t4 dose? How do i do it? - Thyroid UK

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Dr changed t3/t4 dose? How do i do it?

BiscuitBaby profile image
16 Replies

HiMy endocrinologist changed my dose this morning. I was taking 125 levo 10 lio for 3 months. These are my blood results

T3 3.9 (2.4-6)

t4 14.5 (8-19.1)

Tsh 0.01

She has changed it to 100 levo 15 t3. I'd appreciate advice on how I go about changing. Do I just jump in and do it? I'm feeling pretty rough at the moment.

Thanks again in advance.

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BiscuitBaby
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16 Replies
Lalatoot profile image
Lalatoot

BiscuitBaby with those results I wouldn't reduce the levo at all as ft4 isn't that far over halfway through range and more T3 will reduce it slightly anyway. BUT I know you will have to follow the endo's prescription. I think I know the endo well - she will only increase 1 thing by decreasing the other!

If you want to be gentle on your system reduce the levo for 1 week to bring your level down and then add in the extra T3. You may feel rough as I suspect your ft4 will then be too low going by my experience - hopefully you will be different.

On the other hand you could just go for it and accept that may as well get it over and done with and you are feeling YUK! anyway.

Sorry not to be more positively supportive.

BiscuitBaby profile image
BiscuitBaby in reply toLalatoot

Thanks Lalatoot. I was considering just going for it. I've felt really bad this last couple if weeks. No appetite, poor sleep, nausea etc etc. Can't bear feeling like this any longer. I was surprised she agreed to a change at all. The two before her said no to that dose! Just goes to show how much is down to personal opinion! I think I might just jump in. Thanks for your great advice as ever Lalatoot!

Lalatoot profile image
Lalatoot in reply toBiscuitBaby

Sorry your not good. Just when you need your strength to battle the snow, work and Christmas. Hang in there better days will come.

BiscuitBaby profile image
BiscuitBaby in reply toLalatoot

Thanks Lalatoot. Yes could definitely do without having to shovel snow before work!!! And deal with the cold!! 🥶 fingers crossed better days are ahead. I'm hopeful about this dose! She will discharge me after this. My three month trial has turned into 9 months!!! 😅

BiscuitBaby profile image
BiscuitBaby in reply toLalatoot

Hope you are coping with cold and snow too!

Lalatoot profile image
Lalatoot in reply toBiscuitBaby

Meant to be going to glasgow on fri for the weekend!

BiscuitBaby profile image
BiscuitBaby in reply toLalatoot

😬 it might get a bit milder. Fingers crossed!! Stay safe though!

Aurealis profile image
Aurealis in reply toBiscuitBaby

Follow your instinct, it’s all you have. There’s nothing in your test results to suggest you shouldn’t.

BiscuitBaby profile image
BiscuitBaby in reply toAurealis

That's what I was thinking. Both ts have wiggle room. Thank you. I just needed reassuring I think.

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador

Hi, I'd say dive straight in as the extra T3 is likely to make you feel a whole lot better pretty quickly and dropping your T4 dose won't be dramatic as it will relatively gradually fall to the new dosing level, it won't crash like T3 does as it is longer acting in the system.

If you perk up to start with and feel crappy in a couple of weeks then it might be that your T4 has dropped too low 😉

All personal I know, wishing you luck 🤗

BiscuitBaby profile image
BiscuitBaby in reply toTiggerMe

Thanks Eeyore100 I appreciate you taking the time to reply. I think I'll just do it. I've been on 15 before but t4 was 75 and I think he cut my dose too much. I'm hopeful for 100/15. I was surprised how low my t3 had gone taking 10mcg. I was thinking I might have been overmedicated as I was feeling so rough!

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toBiscuitBaby

Sounds like a pretty good ratio 🙂 It's looking like it might be my sweet spot too.

I take all my T4 and 2/3rds T3 am and a cheeky little 1/3rd pm

BiscuitBaby profile image
BiscuitBaby in reply toTiggerMe

I'm hoping it's going to be fine. I can't be bothered with my health on a permanent roller coaster. I want it settled. When I was on 75/15 I split my t4 and took 10 t3 pm and 5 am. That worked well. I'm glad it's working out for you. It's just so hard!

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMeAmbassador in reply toBiscuitBaby

It is amazing how getting the timing/split right is almost as important as the dose size. We all obviously have different activation speeds to add to the mix 🙄

Here's hoping you are sorted 🙏

McPammy profile image
McPammy

I suffer quite badly if my TSH is suppressed like yours due to over medication. I’m taking levothyroxine and liothyronine also. I sleep badly. Dizziness. Skin feels like it’s crawling. Nauseous. I’m much better when my T4 and T3 levels are low mid range. For me this brings my TSH just about in range 0.89(0.35-5.50). I had my bloods done this week. I feel full of energy and go the gym now 4 times a week. If I’m over medicated I cannot walk properly feeling very heavy especially my legs. It’s all about getting the balance right for you. Not all people do well with suppressed TSH. I also split my levo dose to twice a day and also my T3 liothyronine dose to rice a day. I find doing this is much kinder on my body.

We are all different and for me I had to listen to my body and try and work out my best doses and timings. I take 68mcg levothyroxine a day split. Also 5mcg T3 twice a day 8hrs apart 7.30am then 3pm. My private and Endocrinologists are both very happy with my bloods and more importantly I’m very well and feel better than I have in years. My mantra is dose yourself ‘adequately’ don’t overdo it. My endocrinologists also agree with me and are fully supportive with my prescriptions. I never have any issues getting liothyronine due to within range TSH.

BiscuitBaby profile image
BiscuitBaby in reply toMcPammy

Hi McPammyThanks for taking the time to reply. I can understand your concern about low tsh but my tsh has been low for some time, before i started t3 and when i was on a relatively low dose of t4! When it was in range I couldn't function. It's a risk i have to take in order to have a life with any enjoyment!! It's good that you are symptom free and enjoy a busy, active life.

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