Comments on: Hypothyroid? Will You Benefit From T3 (Cytomel)? http://www.metabolism.com/2008/08/23/hypothyroid-benefit-t3-cytomel?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hypothyroid-benefit-t3-cytomel Metabolism, weight loss, diabetes, thyroid and more. Join the experts! Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:39:30 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: AnalogDog http://www.metabolism.com/2008/08/23/hypothyroid-benefit-t3-cytomel#comment-13252 AnalogDog Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:51:31 +0000 http://metabolism.defaultroute.net/?p=256#comment-13252 Very helpful posts. Had Graves/papillary cancer. Total thyroidectomy 2008. Worked up to Levoxyl 175mcg. Did OK, but nagging little problems becoming worse. To wit:no outer eyebrows, nails tear ridiculously easy, and now I'm getting tendonitis at the drop of a hat. Any little thing. Not good when you're a serious cyclist like I am! Come to find that 'brittle tendons' like this is OFTEN a sign of low T3. Sure didn't have this prob. before my thyroidectomy! My endo has no clue, won't supplement with T3. She thinks measuring free T3 is "...worthless, since it's all over the place, anyway." I'm not somebody who feels 'awful' like a lot of folks do on synthetic, but I've clearly GOT to find somebody who'll supplement my Levo. with some Cytomel! Very helpful posts. Had Graves/papillary cancer. Total thyroidectomy 2008. Worked up to Levoxyl 175mcg. Did OK, but nagging little problems becoming worse. To wit:no outer eyebrows, nails tear ridiculously easy, and now I’m getting tendonitis at the drop of a hat.
Any little thing. Not good when you’re a serious cyclist like I am!
Come to find that ‘brittle tendons’ like this is OFTEN a sign of low T3. Sure didn’t have this prob. before my thyroidectomy!
My endo has no clue, won’t supplement with T3. She thinks measuring free T3 is “…worthless, since it’s all over the place, anyway.”
I’m not somebody who feels ‘awful’ like a lot of folks do on synthetic, but I’ve clearly GOT to find somebody who’ll supplement my Levo. with some Cytomel!

]]> By: Gary Pepper M.D. http://www.metabolism.com/2008/08/23/hypothyroid-benefit-t3-cytomel#comment-13248 Gary Pepper M.D. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:09:41 +0000 http://metabolism.defaultroute.net/?p=256#comment-13248 Jackie As you know I can't offer medical advice on the internet but I can give you some information you might find helpful to use in conversation with your own doctor. When someone has a multinodular goiter (enlarged thyroid) that immediately tells you that the thyroid is not normal. Enlargement of the thyroid implies that the thyroid environment is not normal in some way and that there is a possibility that the "normal" hormone balance of thyroid hormones has been disrupted. In such cases the normal ranges of thyroid hormone may not be as relevant. These issues are covered in my book <a href="http://www.metabolism.com/shop/metabolism-book" title="The Metabolism.com book" rel="nofollow">Metabolism.com</a> If you are seeing an endocrinologist they should explain your lab results to you. The cortisol level you posted is actually low if it was drawn first thing in the morning but could be normal in the afternoon or evening. This is due to the natural rhythm cycle of the adrenal gland known as the circadian rhythm. I hope this information is useful. Let us know how it goes. Jackie

As you know I can’t offer medical advice on the internet but I can give you some information you might find helpful to use in conversation with your own doctor. When someone has a multinodular goiter (enlarged thyroid) that immediately tells you that the thyroid is not normal. Enlargement of the thyroid implies that the thyroid environment is not normal in some way and that there is a possibility that the “normal” hormone balance of thyroid hormones has been disrupted. In such cases the normal ranges of thyroid hormone may not be as relevant. These issues are covered in my book Metabolism.com

If you are seeing an endocrinologist they should explain your lab results to you. The cortisol level you posted is actually low if it was drawn first thing in the morning but could be normal in the afternoon or evening. This is due to the natural rhythm cycle of the adrenal gland known as the circadian rhythm.

I hope this information is useful. Let us know how it goes.

]]> By: Gary Pepper M.D. http://www.metabolism.com/2008/08/23/hypothyroid-benefit-t3-cytomel#comment-13245 Gary Pepper M.D. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:37:38 +0000 http://metabolism.defaultroute.net/?p=256#comment-13245 Michele Great news! Sounds like you are getting on track with your new doctor. Keep us posted on your progress. Dr. P. Michele

Great news! Sounds like you are getting on track with your new doctor. Keep us posted on your progress.

Dr. P.

]]> By: Nicky http://www.metabolism.com/2008/08/23/hypothyroid-benefit-t3-cytomel#comment-13240 Nicky Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:05:09 +0000 http://metabolism.defaultroute.net/?p=256#comment-13240 Have had Hypothyroidism since age 2. Will turn 50 this year. Have been on Synthroid or Eltroxn all my life. A couple of dosage raises, most recently from 150 to 175. Very overweight @ 287 despite regular exercise and a very healthy diet. Am now seeing an internal medicine dr. He has ordered blood tests. I am going to ask him about Cytomel. I am even contemplating bariatric surgery. I have recently dropped 28 pounds after adjusting from 1500 calories a day to 1200, and upping my exercise regiment. Have had Hypothyroidism since age 2. Will turn 50 this year. Have been on Synthroid or Eltroxn all my life. A couple of dosage raises, most recently from
150 to 175. Very overweight @ 287 despite regular exercise and a very healthy diet. Am now seeing an internal medicine dr. He has ordered blood tests.
I am going to ask him about Cytomel. I am even contemplating bariatric surgery. I have recently dropped 28 pounds after adjusting from 1500 calories a day to 1200, and upping my exercise regiment.

]]> By: Jackie http://www.metabolism.com/2008/08/23/hypothyroid-benefit-t3-cytomel#comment-13220 Jackie Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:32:28 +0000 http://metabolism.defaultroute.net/?p=256#comment-13220 Dear Dr. Pepper, I am 49 years old soon to be 50 year old woman living in FL. I was diagnosed with multi-nodular hypothyroidism in 1998. I was placed on a low dose of Synthroid for approximately a year then told by the Endo that I no longer needed to be on medication because my levels were normal. After years of no visits and three Endo’s later I found someone new. I am still suffering from all of the known symptoms (dry brittle, and thinning hair, brittle nails with deep ridges, no outer eyebrows to speak of, I am always freezing, palpitations, muscle and joint pain, brain fog, tired, no energy. I also have very bad constipation despite eating a very healthy diet, etc….. ). I'm still being told that I don't need medication, but I'm not feeling any better. Actually I feel worst; my current Endo has been running test after test and I go back for another ultrasound next week and my latest lab results. Last year she's mentioned maybe putting me on a low dose of Synthroid to see if my symptoms improve, but nothing yet. I plan on asking her to give me something because doing nothing is not helping; I am going to ask her to try Cytomel as well. In 07/2011 my TSH = 0.50, TSH BLD = 0.66, T4 FREE = 1.1, T3 = 179, CORTISOL = 1.9, FSH = 55.8; I don't know how to interrupt these results, but it seems as if my T3 and cortisol is very high. Any advice you can offer in how to approach my Endo or questions I should be asking would be greatly appreciated. Dear Dr. Pepper,
I am 49 years old soon to be 50 year old woman living in FL. I was diagnosed with multi-nodular hypothyroidism in 1998. I was placed on a low dose of Synthroid for approximately a year then told by the Endo that I no longer needed to be on medication because my levels were normal. After years of no visits and three Endo’s later I found someone new. I am still suffering from all of the known symptoms (dry brittle, and thinning hair, brittle nails with deep ridges, no outer eyebrows to speak of, I am always freezing, palpitations, muscle and joint pain, brain fog, tired, no energy. I also have very bad constipation despite eating a very healthy diet, etc….. ). I’m still being told that I don’t need medication, but I’m not feeling any better. Actually I feel worst; my current Endo has been running test after test and I go back for another ultrasound next week and my latest lab results. Last year she’s mentioned maybe putting me on a low dose of Synthroid to see if my symptoms improve, but nothing yet. I plan on asking her to give me something because doing nothing is not helping; I am going to ask her to try Cytomel as well. In 07/2011 my TSH = 0.50, TSH BLD = 0.66, T4 FREE = 1.1, T3 = 179, CORTISOL = 1.9, FSH = 55.8; I don’t know how to interrupt these results, but it seems as if my T3 and cortisol is very high. Any advice you can offer in how to approach my Endo or questions I should be asking would be greatly appreciated.

]]> By: Michele P http://www.metabolism.com/2008/08/23/hypothyroid-benefit-t3-cytomel#comment-13202 Michele P Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:49:28 +0000 http://metabolism.defaultroute.net/?p=256#comment-13202 Dr. Pepper, After my appointment with my Endo Dr., I'm continuing Cytomel (liothyronine) 5mcg twice daily and Levothyroxine 75 mcg daily. Endo says that I should've never been taken off of Synthroid entirely, the Cytomel needed to be added. She was perplex to my Primary Dr's treatment method. She assures me that I do not need to worry about thyroid resistance or Refetoff Syndrome at this time. I'm to have labs taken in 6 wks. I let her be aware that my husband and I have been trying to conceive since August. My Primary Dr says that I should not worry with low tsh levels.. My Endo says to refrain from trying to conceive until my Tsh is at least 2.0. She says once she gives me the "go", I will have to stop Cytomel prior to pregnancy and while breast feeding. There hasn't been any confirmed cases where a baby has successfully been healthy while the mother is on Cytomel. I'm thankful to finally be in the care of a Dr who is properly educating me, my husband and I are using caution and will wait to conceive. This could've been a terrifying experience if I were pregnant. I will keep you posted to my next lab tests. Michele P. Dr. Pepper,
After my appointment with my Endo Dr., I’m continuing Cytomel (liothyronine) 5mcg twice daily and Levothyroxine 75 mcg daily.
Endo says that I should’ve never been taken off of Synthroid entirely, the Cytomel needed to be added. She was perplex to my Primary Dr’s treatment method.
She assures me that I do not need to worry about thyroid resistance or Refetoff Syndrome at this time. I’m to have labs taken in 6 wks.
I let her be aware that my husband and I have been trying to conceive since August. My Primary Dr says that I should not worry with low tsh levels.. My Endo says to refrain from trying to conceive until my Tsh is at least 2.0. She says once she gives me the “go”, I will have to stop Cytomel prior to pregnancy and while breast feeding. There hasn’t been any confirmed cases where a baby has successfully been healthy while the mother is on Cytomel.
I’m thankful to finally be in the care of a Dr who is properly educating me, my husband and I are using caution and will wait to conceive. This could’ve been a terrifying experience if I were pregnant.
I will keep you posted to my next lab tests.
Michele P.

]]> By: Michelle http://www.metabolism.com/2008/08/23/hypothyroid-benefit-t3-cytomel#comment-13193 Michelle Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:59:13 +0000 http://metabolism.defaultroute.net/?p=256#comment-13193 Dear Dr. Pepper, My endo said porcine (Armour) is 50% T3 and 50% T4. He says humans are 90% T4 and 10% T3. He will not prescribe Amour based on this. What are your feelings on this? Dear Dr. Pepper,
My endo said porcine (Armour) is 50% T3 and 50% T4. He says humans are 90% T4 and 10% T3. He will not prescribe Amour based on this. What are your feelings on this?

]]> By: Lisa http://www.metabolism.com/2008/08/23/hypothyroid-benefit-t3-cytomel#comment-13078 Lisa Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:02:51 +0000 http://metabolism.defaultroute.net/?p=256#comment-13078 Dear Dr. Pepper; I also wanted to mention that someone brought to my attention an article stating that T3 does in fact cross the blood brain barrier and that my new doctor Dr. Freidman is incorrect when he told me that the brain needs T4, any thoughts, here are the articles: http://www.drlowe.com/jcl/comentry/notransthyretin.htm http://www.drlowe.com/jcl/comentry/t3entersbrain.htm Dear Dr. Pepper;
I also wanted to mention that someone brought to my attention an article stating that T3 does in fact cross the blood brain barrier and that my new doctor Dr. Freidman is incorrect when he told me that the brain needs T4, any thoughts, here are the articles:
http://www.drlowe.com/jcl/comentry/notransthyretin.htm
http://www.drlowe.com/jcl/comentry/t3entersbrain.htm

]]> By: Lisa http://www.metabolism.com/2008/08/23/hypothyroid-benefit-t3-cytomel#comment-13077 Lisa Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:54:24 +0000 http://metabolism.defaultroute.net/?p=256#comment-13077 Hi John, I went from T4 only Synthroid 125 mcg to T3 only, I was started at a low dose of T3 and worked up to where I am now 87.5 mcg. LabCorp is having some sort of issue with my reverse T3 results, they do not have testing materials or something like that, so I am still waiting on those results. But my SHBG is very high I think from the T3 only, which might not be good for you if it messes with your testosterone, so check into it first. My hair finally stopped falling out on the T3 and I can eat more and not gain weight, so I like it FAR better than Synthroid. My new doc wants me to start taking Armour/T4, but I'm not sure I want to give up my T3 yet, it's very confusing. I'll post my RT3 results as soon as I have them. Hi John, I went from T4 only Synthroid 125 mcg to T3 only, I was started at a low dose of T3 and worked up to where I am now 87.5 mcg. LabCorp is having some sort of issue with my reverse T3 results, they do not have testing materials or something like that, so I am still waiting on those results. But my SHBG is very high I think from the T3 only, which might not be good for you if it messes with your testosterone, so check into it first. My hair finally stopped falling out on the T3 and I can eat more and not gain weight, so I like it FAR better than Synthroid. My new doc wants me to start taking Armour/T4, but I’m not sure I want to give up my T3 yet, it’s very confusing. I’ll post my RT3 results as soon as I have them.

]]> By: John http://www.metabolism.com/2008/08/23/hypothyroid-benefit-t3-cytomel#comment-13071 John Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:42:16 +0000 http://metabolism.defaultroute.net/?p=256#comment-13071 Lisa, I cannot offer any advice, but I do have a question. I too am in a similar boat with the RT 3 thing. Is it an issue? Is it a REAL issue? My current doctor wants to try me on SRT3 as well to see if bringing down my RT3 helps with my exhaustion. You mentioned that your doctor (Laufer) wanted to see your RT3 numbers under 200. Did you ever get them under that? Did you notice improvement in symptoms as these numbers went down? Thanks! Lisa,
I cannot offer any advice, but I do have a question. I too am in a similar boat with the RT 3 thing. Is it an issue? Is it a REAL issue? My current doctor wants to try me on SRT3 as well to see if bringing down my RT3 helps with my exhaustion. You mentioned that your doctor (Laufer) wanted to see your RT3 numbers under 200. Did you ever get them under that? Did you notice improvement in symptoms as these numbers went down?

Thanks!

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