Help with T3 please

[Winniepoo15]

Hello everyone. I hope all is well. I’ve recently had T3 added to my Levo & would like advice on the best way to take it. I was given a prescription for 90x5mcg tabs & told to take first dose morning with my Levo, next dose at 12 then 3pm. How much I take is up to me. I have had high cortisol levels afternoon & evening & am concerned about my anxiety. Could someone please advise me the best way forward. Many thanks.

[greygoose]

The best way to take it is the way that suits you best. And we're all different where that is concerned.

But, I would not start off on 3x5 mcg if I were you. That's a much too high a starting dose. Best to start on 5 mcg with your levo for a couple of weeks, and if all goes well, add in a second 5 mcg at whatever time is convenient for you. We have to find what's best for us by trial and error. There is no best that suits everyone.

[Winniepoo15 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you grey goose for your help. I have spread the doses out & have had No palpitations or side effects. What I have had since starting is fatigue. Can this happen when first starting T3. I do have pernicious anemia but never had this before. I’ve noticed the more I’ve taken the fatigue has increased to a point where it’s effecting me every day now. I’m thinking of coming off to see if it is this. Would really appreciate your view on this. Tia

[greygoose in reply to Winniepoo15]

How much are you taking now?

I've never heard of T3 causing fatigue, it's usually the other way around. But all things are possible. I would not advise coming off it to see if it helps, that would be a step backwards. But you could try taking it all in one go. Some people do need to do that. We're all different and have to find out what suits us best by trial and error.

[Winniepoo15 in reply to greygoose]

Oh ok, I’ll give a try. I’m up to 5mcg early morn, then 2.5 at midday then another 2.5 at 5pm. Been taking since 2nd Oct. Maybe I’ve increased too quickly. I don’t sleep well at all so would it help if took a dose a bedtime? I’m really struggling with the fatigue & it only started few days after starting the T3.

[greygoose in reply to Winniepoo15]

This is only my opinion but it could be that the problem is 2.5 is such a small dose that it may be doing more harm than good. Maybe try 5 mcg in the morning, on rising, and 5 pm just before bed. It might very well help with your sleep and relieve your fatigue.

[Winniepoo15 in reply to greygoose]

Hi Greygoose. Just to tell you I took 5mcg before bed & I had the best sleep in almost 3 years. I was so chuffed & no other meds. Think you’re right about the dosing, taken 3x5mcg doses today & fatigue barely happened. Thank you for all your info & support- much appreciated

[greygoose in reply to Winniepoo15]

You're very welcome. Glad to hear you slept well.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

What are your most recent TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 and vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 results

Important to know Ft4 and Ft3 results before starting T3

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking and which brand

Has endocrinologist reduced levothyroxine, if yes by how much?

vitamins need to be at be at good levels

What vitamin supplements are you taking

Do you have Hashimoto’s

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Once you are on T3 - day before test split T3 as 2 or 3 smaller doses spread through the day with last dose 8-12 hours before test

As greygoose says …..best to start very SLOWLY

5mcg in morning….or 2.5mcg morning and 2.5mcg mid afternoon initially

After week increase to 5mcg x 2 per day ….waking and mid afternoon

See how that is

Then you might need to add 3rd 5mcg dose after another week or so

Retest 6-8 weeks after being on constant dose