T3 Headaches Should I Continue?

[Caroline369]

So after years of being afraid to try anything for my cfs fatigue I finally got T3 prescribed to also improve a little my FT3 levels and my low under range morning cortisol 11 (14 -25 optimal range) (7 - 30 Reference Range) and low in range midday cortisol.

TSH 2.09 (0.27 - 4.2)

FT3 4.5 (3.1 - 6.8)

FT4 14.4 (12-22)

So was going to follow the CT3M method so started on 5mg on Friday at 11am just to see how I reacted. So went OK bit of fuzzy head and very very low level headache that went away , heart rate, temp and blood pressure ok.

So Saturday I did 5mg at 6.30am and 5mg at 11am. Vitals all fine again but felt more tired all day and then had a severe headache that evening, like so bad.

Was afraid to take any at all today / Sunday and headache gone.

Is T3 the best idea for my bloods and cortisol issues ?? Or should I go back to trying adrenal cortex??

[McPammy]

I take my T3 8hrs apart otherwise my level gets too high. I take 5mcg twice a day 7.30 am and 3pm. I also had under range cortisol. The T3 introduction boosted my cortisol levels within 6 weeks of starting T3 and remains good 4 years on. I’d stick with taking the T3 as your blood results for T3 are lowish and also your TSH would be ok to reduce to about 1.00. But I would leave about 8hrs between each dose and don’t take in the evening just in case you can’t sleep afterwards.

[Caroline369 in reply to McPammy]

Thank you McPammy for ur advice. Wow 6 weeks to increase your cortisol! That's a great improvement so quickly. I am surprised it was so quick.

OK that has convinced me to give it another try then , i will try tomorrow. I will go with 6.30am and 2.30pm so 8hr space instead of my original 4 5 hr gap. Like you say too much T3 build up for me too quickly.

Do u monitor ur heart rate , blood pressure and temperature when on T3 ??

I have never been on thyroid meds before, I was wondering if I get my cortisol higher and T3 higher could I then in time reduce my T3 and then come off it ?? or would I have to stay on maybe 5mg a day?? . I guess I am wondering if I fix my low cortisol can I then come off it or will it just depend on bloods rest results and how I feel ??

I know I have to start taking it properly first !!!!!

Thanks for ur reply, really appreciate it as told husband I was not for taking it again but now u have convinced me !!

[McPammy in reply to Caroline369]

have you had conformation that you do have a thyroid issue?

[Caroline369 in reply to McPammy]

Well I had a consult with a Dr and he prescribed me T3 and T4 based on trying to get my levels to optimum in range . I have had low level fatigue for years with s few other possible hypo symptoms. I did also have a consultation with Paul Robinson who gave me various treatment options with T4, T3&T4 or T3 only. He also thought my bloods could have higher in range T3 and T4 . I kinda wanted to try the T3 only as I bought his healing with T3 book and it sounded a good way to go especially with the low cortisol.

[McPammy in reply to Caroline369]

I do monitor my heart rate as I use an Apple Nike watch which gives me loads of health info. My resting heart rate is usually around 54-58bpm. Weirdly I found a previous brand of levothyroxine I was on for ages use to make my hr drop to the 40’s after changing brands my hr doesn’t drop that low anymore. I haven’t changed my T3 medication so it can only be the change in levo brand ( I’m on liquid levo).

I hope you can get sorted with your regimen and dose timing.