haven’t posted in a while

[Lisalee123456]

hi there haven’t posted in a while- just sort of been cracking on with things and trying my best to carry on- my tsh is <100 and the aim is for it to be under 1 ideally- I take my levothyroxine every day but for some reason I struggle to absorb it- I had a absorbtion test which showed when I had a large dose so 1000mg I absorbed a little- so this tells me that I can absorb it but clearly need a larger dose- so currently I’m prescribed 225mg a day but am taking 300mg a day as I am fed up with keep waiting for blood test results etc…… so I figured if my body has too much it will tell me and I can cut it down…..anyway after speaking to the endocrinologist he has suggested liotynoine I think that’s how it’s spelt? Has anyone had any improvement on this and is it different to levothyroxine?

[greygoose]

T3 (liothyronine) is the active thyroid hormone. T4 (levothyroxine) is basically a storage hormone that doesn't do much until it is converted into T3. So, T3 has a much more immediate effect. And, I believe, is easier to absorb. But, they are both thyroid hormones.

How much is he suggesting you start on.

Even if T3 is said to be easier to absorb, it would be best - as you have a known absorption problem - to treat it the way you treat levo. That is to say:

- take on an empty stomach

- leave at least one hour before eating or drinking anything other than water

- take it at least two hours away from other supplements/medication - four hours for calcium, iron, magnesium, vit D and estrogen.

[grumpyold]

Golly, if your endo is offering you T3, I'd snap his/her hand off and try it!

I have been self sourcing my own T3 for several years and I can honestly say that it's made a huge difference.

As greygoose says, how much has he suggested you start on? And follow forum advice guidelines on starting low and slow and not reducing levo too much too soon.

[McPammy]

I would definitely opt for the suggestion by your endocrinologist to be prescribed liothyronine which is T3 hormone. T3 is the most important hormone. T4 levothyroxine sits in your body waiting to be converted to T3. Maybe you’re a poor converter of T4 to T3. Another option is liquid levothyroxine ( I’m on this). It’s must more absorbent than tablets. I’d go for the introduction of liothyronine and I’d also request you trial liquid levothyroxine. They are both expensive so you might get some push back but I’d stress you need to have a 3/6 month trial.