T3 initiation and fatigue

[vroooom5]

Recently started T3, keeping T4 steady, after careful analysis and review of my labs, dosage, timings and supplements.

I am feeling quite fatigued (not sleepy) since first day of initiation.

I have seen one post where many people have complained of this, but not with any explanation or a follow up whether this resolved or not.

Why would T3 initiation bring in this feeling of fatigue! Are there any theories? Is it because body is finally beginning to metabolize at a better rate? then should i not feel more active? is this settlement period?

Thanks

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

Could well be that it is highlighting your low folate (previous post) when you add T3 it increases your metabolism so will also put more importance on good vit and min levels.

Low folate makes you feel tired

[vroooom5 in reply to TiggerMe]

thank you, getting higher dose of folate now. Read your profile— encouraging. It says you benefitted from T3. Was the benefit gradual and when do you started noticing it? Any words of encouragement would be helpful at this stage, thanks.

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to vroooom5]

Yes T3 has been a game changer, initially a big change and then a more gradual continued improvement both physically and mentally with me being able to shrug off post exertional malaise, memory improving and regained some resilience to life ups and downs. I've been able to gradually increase my exercise levels, really important to support your body by optimising all your vits and mins, sorting out any iron issues and adrenal / cortisol levels also working out what in your diet is helping and hindering you whether it's dairy, gluten, nightshades or maybe histamine.... get plenty of good sleep

I'd say even with T3 it is a long steady rehabilitation back to the real you, so have patience, listen to your body and don't push too hard else it will backfire.... it's going to take a while for your red blood cells to regenerate and benefit from your improved levels

Have a little faith in the process things may take a while and then one morning you wake up feeling a lot more you 🤗

p.s. worth getting your testosterone levels tested as it can effect sex hormones

[vroooom5 in reply to TiggerMe]

thank you for detailed response.

My current theory is that my excess T4 and lack of T3 has impacted me in three ways:

- Hypothyroid: Obviously I am happy hypothyroid symptoms like lethargy, muscle pain after exertion, coldness and related issues.

- Poor cortisol: Tested twice serum cortisol 8am, and both times the reading is on lower side. This, as per Paul Robinson book, can cause body to raise adrenaline (to handle glucose). I think this is causing me day time anxiety.

- Poor testosterone: Again getting low readings for Testosterone and SHBG. This is generally leading to muscle issues and other things.

My anxiety has been bad, so I am trying to take it day by day, My first goal is to optimise T3/T4 levels, then see where my adrenal and sex hormones are.

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to vroooom5]

To aid your adrenals a good supply of Vit C and salt is needed as these are adrenal food a well timed adrenal cocktail can work wonders!

Perhaps take a look at Adrenal cortex supplement as T3 is quite hard on your adrenals?

Approach your GP about getting some Testogel it makes a big difference for us girls so I'd image you'll really reap the benefits 🤗

[MindfulMoments in reply to TiggerMe]

Sorry to butt into the conversation, but I'm intrigued.... What do you mean when you say salt? Extra shakes of table salt, sea salt etc onto your meal, and actually how much? I thought higher levels of salt in your diet is bad for your health?

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to MindfulMoments]

Sea salt or Himalayan pink (no iodine) cream of tartar and orange juice is a basic adrenal cocktail providing a balance of salt and potassium along with Vit C

Yes we all got told too much salt is bad but not enough is worse as you are starving your adrenals, they are surprisingly good when you hit the buffers at 10am or 2pm

drlamcoaching.com/blog/the-...

[MindfulMoments in reply to TiggerMe]

Thank you TiggerMe, that's really helpful information. I only buy sea salt, rock salt and Himalayan to add to cooking or meals. I will now sprinkle with glee 😄.

[vroooom5 in reply to TiggerMe]

thanks, will try adrenal cortex.

[Housemartins]

I found periodic private blood testing helped , I had a food allergy test which helped me identify foods which increased inflammation in my body and a comprehensive test for all things thyroid which helped inform me of my thyroid hormone levels including reverse t 3 which was effected by among other things inflammation ,food allergies etc. This has helped me improve my thyroid hormone levels,health and well being through changing my diet and being aware that periodic testing helps inform me if changes are working and if changes are required! Good luck, hope this helps.

[vroooom5 in reply to Housemartins]

thank you, i am getting private blood tests, will keep doing