T3 Headaches Should I Continue?: So after years... - Thyroid UK

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T3 Headaches Should I Continue?

Caroline369 profile image
5 Replies

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??

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Caroline369
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McPammy profile image
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 profile image
Caroline369 in reply toMcPammy

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 profile image
McPammy in reply toCaroline369

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

Caroline369 profile image
Caroline369 in reply toMcPammy

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 profile image
McPammy in reply toCaroline369

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.

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