T3 timing: I have been prescribed and take 7.5mg... - Thyroid UK

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T3 timing

Mothebear profile image
12 Replies

I have been prescribed and take 7.5mg of Liothyronine every day in 3 doses (6am, 12am and 5pm).

I understand it has a limited active period in the body. I also understand that the body needs it 24/7 as it is necessary for converting (if that is the right word) T4 which I also take. I am just wondering why I don’t spread the doses more evenly, as my body/cells need convertible T4 24/7 and not just when I am awake and active.

I do hope this makes sense.

Any thoughts much appreciated.

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Mothebear profile image
Mothebear
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12 Replies
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

yes…..many patients find it better to spread evenly across day

If on 3 doses ….. every 8 hours

If on 4 doses every 6 hours

Many members find small dose at bedtime improves sleep and is relaxing

But it doesn’t suit everyone

Try it and see

Medics often believe (erroneously) that T3 is like speed and has to be taken early in day

Mothebear profile image
Mothebear in reply toSlowDragon

Thank you Slow Dragon

DippyDame profile image
DippyDame

There is some misunderstanding here I'm afraid

T3 stays stable in the serum for about 12 hours ….but it stays in the cells for a few days. It is the level of cellular T3 that really counts

That cellular T3 is released in waves, and works throughout the day and night.....I think this was puzzling you!

For good health every cell in the body must be flooded with T3 by way of an adequate and constant supply

T4 is converted to T3 in various tissues of the body eg liver and kidneys. You sound unsure about T4 to T3 conversion

The T3 travels in the serum to the cells of the body, when it reaches the nuclei of the cells it attaches to T3 receptors and finally becomes active

I need a high dose of T3-only which I take as a single dose at bedtime....no dose splitting. It works for me but we are all different

Follow the directions you have been given for taking the T3.....after 6 weeks on that steady dose you need to test again, the results will show if your dose needs to be adjusted

Mothebear profile image
Mothebear in reply toDippyDame

Thank you DippyDame that certainly makes it clear and yes I was not accurate in my understanding.

DippyDame profile image
DippyDame in reply toMothebear

It will take time, possibly with bumps along the way as the body adapts to the replacement hormones.

Be patient, I didn't realise how important that is when I started my thyroid journet some years ago!.

You will soon begin to understand your medication,and reading posts here should help .

Hope you soon feel better

Mothebear profile image
Mothebear in reply toDippyDame

Insights much appreciated.

BumbleyM profile image
BumbleyM

Hi Mothebear,As said above, we all react differently- I split my dose of Liothyronine two thirds am, and one third late afternoon- I am retired, and don't stay up to the early hours, so that suits me - if I forget the late afternoon one, transformation into a forgetful slug occurs.... try and find the scheme that suits you. Good luck.

Mothebear profile image
Mothebear in reply toBumbleyM

Thank you BumbleyM

Pbell profile image
Pbell

Hello there. I can only speak from my experience. I couldn’t tolerate the T4 dose required to bring my thyroid blood test results into the normal range so GP put me on 10g liothyronine in addition to continuing 50g levothyroxine. I am monitored annually by my GP and by a consultant endocrinologist. Thyroid has been completely stable for about 10 years and I am fine. The consultant suggests I take it about 2pm daily though often take it between 12 and 2pm. My biggest issue is that I have to obtain it with private prescription if possible through friends going to France or Germany or buy it from an importing pharmacy in UK. I live in the area of an NHS trust who refuse to pay for it despite my GP having prescribed it initially before this NHS policy was introduced.

Mothebear profile image
Mothebear in reply toPbell

Thank you Pbell. You might try citing the most recent NICE update on T3 because it states clearly that Trust have to prescribe if there is evident reason to and clearly you have evident need if you cannot cope without it!

jaglan profile image
jaglan

I’m on 30mg of Liothyrone only. I can’t take liverthyroxine. Spelling ? 🤦‍♀️ but for me I don’t take it evenly. As it helps energy levels. I know when I haven’t taken it as I’m exhausted shaky and rheumatic.

Mothebear profile image
Mothebear in reply tojaglan

Jaglan thank you, yes, there are very different ways of taking it I can see.

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