Early days on T3

[Flamingo60]

Good morning, I started T3 just under 3 weeks ago as prescribed by a private Endo. He started me on 10mcg daily which I took for the first week. After reading some posts on this forum I reduced the dose to 5mcg daily as I was experiencing palpitations. A further 2 weeks in and the palpitations seem more frequent and a bit worse. They are a 20mcg pill so difficult to divide any further. Just wanted to ask if it's a case of sticking it out or should I think about stopping it? I'm finding the experience uncomfortable and a bit disconcerting. My latest results are in my profile (followed protocol). Any advice would be gratefully received.

[FallingInReverse]

My personal experience starting T3.

I was 50 Levo. Then 25 Levo + 10 Lio (T3). It was before I found this board and my doctor was very well intentioned but absolutely clueless.

Upon starting T3, the palpitations were constant, a bit scary, and lasted FOREVER - about 9 months.

I found this board and was told to stick it out. I agree, in retrospect, that stick it out was right for me. Over the months I read similar posts to your and my opinion is - we are all different, and yes, some of us may have heart concerns, and by all means don’t ignore what you know about yourself that might be related to heart issues. But in my case and from what I read many others, you just stick it out.

Looking back, the palpitations were definitely the T3 too much too quick. I also think they may have been just general under-replacement (Since adding T3 I titrate my T4 slowly from 25 to 50 to 62.5 then to my current 75). I had thought my low ferritin was contributing- but I still have the same low ferritin today and the palpitations have subsided. I only get them maybe once a week maybe? Used to be CONSTANT!

Personally for me jumping into 10 a day was too much.

If I were you I would stick with the 5 for a while. If you have the 20 mcg pills, I’m impressed you’re cutting them that much. Mine crumble half the time, it’s the worst!

I know you’ll get other good perspective from others here. Ps I haven’t read any of your other posts/backfround.

[Flamingo60 in reply to FallingInReverse]

Thanks FallingInReverse it’s reassuring hearing a similar story. I am generally very fit so no worries about an existing heart condition. I’m more concerned that I might be causing one in the future! However, I’m going to stick with it and see how it goes. Like you I have low ferritin and I’m starting to consider if iron is my issue. Read a couple of interesting articles via this forum about iron deficiency without anaemia 🤔 Going to get a full iron panel done alongside thyroid at my next test and see where my levels are.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Did your Endo have you reduce your levo at all or did you just add the T3?

It may just be that you are having some settling in symptoms caused by having low T3. Its unlikely that just 5mcg will resolve your symptoms.

Perhaps give it a further week before adding the second 5mcgs in the late afternoon, so 2 doses of 5mcgs a day.

[Flamingo60 in reply to Jaydee1507]

Hi Jaydee1507 no he said to leave the Levo dose where it is i.e. only change one thing at a time. I’ll stick with it and do as suggested which was what I was considering anyway. Thanks for your advice.

[Catseyes235]

I started like you with T3 in addition to 75 instead of my usual 100 mcg Thyroxine. Palpitations were horrendous and actually increased . (I thought people could see my whole body moving ! ). I’m back up to 100 mcg T4 with extra 25 mcg three times a week plus 5mcg of T3 daily but even that I have to divide taking half capsule in water at night and the remaining half in the capsule next day. Endo did say I seem particularly sensitive to T3 but I have no palpitations and with the additional 75 mcg I feel pretty good!

I’m a poor converter so it was important to raise my T4 while reducing T3 …good luck!

[Flamingo60 in reply to Catseyes235]

Thanks for your reply Catseyes235 glad to hear you have arrived at a good place, gives me hope 😊