Guest guest Posted April 17, 2004 Report Share Posted April 17, 2004 Gracia, I was on Armour. Something in it did not agree with me.....I felt so awful on it.....tried many dosages.....I didn't care if I lived or died. I was on T3 only before....up to 75 mcg. when I went hyper and had to go completely off it. The thing about my current doc is that he refuses to do any blood work. I had my PCP do it....that's the only way I know what my levels are. I think going up to 120 mg of t3 is dangerous of 20 mg is giving me a near normal reading. Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2004 Report Share Posted April 17, 2004 well I don't think that was such bad advice. Usually we have to crawl on our bellies like a reptile to get enough T3. But I don't take those meds, I take Armour. Gracia > Hi! I am currently on 75mg levoxyl/15 mg cytomel. Recent test results show > both free t3 and free t4 a little below normal. Should I increase the levoxyl or > the cytomel? My last doc told me to increase the cytomel by 5 mg weekly all > the way up to 120 mg if needed. Needless to say I did not do that and am > looking for a new doc. Thanks for any help you can give me. > Dee > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2004 Report Share Posted April 17, 2004 So Peatfield says your need for cortisol is by your DHEA levels. What if my Dhea is low normal (in the normal range)? Normal is normal is normal to the lab and physican. Yet may be sub normal for me in the normal range? Optimal is not the same as normal. Chris Re: Need t3/t4 help well I don't think that was such bad advice. Usually we have to crawl on our bellies like a reptile to get enough T3. But I don't take those meds, I take Armour. Gracia > Hi! I am currently on 75mg levoxyl/15 mg cytomel. Recent test results show > both free t3 and free t4 a little below normal. Should I increase the levoxyl or > the cytomel? My last doc told me to increase the cytomel by 5 mg weekly all > the way up to 120 mg if needed. Needless to say I did not do that and am > looking for a new doc. Thanks for any help you can give me. > Dee > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2004 Report Share Posted April 17, 2004 Try it! How old are you? I like the 7-keto 50mg but be sure to look for pharmaceutical grade. Gracia > So Peatfield says your need for cortisol is by your DHEA levels. What if my Dhea is low normal (in the normal range)? Normal is normal is normal to the lab and physican. Yet may be sub normal for me in the normal range? Optimal is not the same as normal. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2004 Report Share Posted April 17, 2004 I am 37 years old now. Re: Need t3/t4 help Try it! How old are you? I like the 7-keto 50mg but be sure to look for pharmaceutical grade. Gracia > So Peatfield says your need for cortisol is by your DHEA levels. What if my Dhea is low normal (in the normal range)? Normal is normal is normal to the lab and physican. Yet may be sub normal for me in the normal range? Optimal is not the same as normal. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2004 Report Share Posted April 17, 2004 What??? He told you to increase the Cytomel up to 120 mgs., if needed???!!! He's nuts!!! No wonder you're not going to continue seeing him!!! Are you taking the 15 mcg of Cytomel once or twice a day? take care, sheila dm12420@... wrote: Hi! I am currently on 75mg levoxyl/15 mg cytomel. Recent test results show both free t3 and free t4 a little below normal. Should I increase the levoxyl or the cytomel? My last doc told me to increase the cytomel by 5 mg weekly all the way up to 120 mg if needed. Needless to say I did not do that and am looking for a new doc. Thanks for any help you can give me. Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 , I tried Ken Blanchard's ratio and it left me with more hypo symptoms. I'm feeling better now than I was before but still suffering with many hypo symptoms. Thanks for your input. Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 Sheila, I'm taking it once a day. I've tried the twice and day and it didn't seem to make a difference. Will the t4 level stay the same if I increase only t3. Is it true the t3 needs to be at a higher range than the t4? Thanks for your input, Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 Hi Dee! I've just finished reading What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Hypothyroidism, A Simple Plan for Extraordinary Results, by Ken Blanchard, forward by J. Shomon. Here's an excerpt from his philosophy on T/4 & T/3: " The Hypothyroid Body Needs More Than Most Doctors Think It is my belief that the majority of people with hypothyroidism need more than T4 supplementation. They also need T3 (and quite possibly the other Ts supplied only by natural thyroid). And the body requires these two hormones in physiologic doses that address deficits both in the thyroid glad and at the tissue level. Based on close observation of thousands of patients, through twenty-five years of fine tuning their doses, I arrived at the 2 percent solution: a physiologic ratio of 98 percent T4 and 2 percent T3. " Based on his formula - looks like your ratio is off -- may be too much T3? But, are you at your optimum thyroid level to begin with??? How are you " feeling " ? Need t3/t4 help Hi! I am currently on 75mg levoxyl/15 mg cytomel. Recent test results show both free t3 and free t4 a little below normal. Should I increase the levoxyl or the cytomel? My last doc told me to increase the cytomel by 5 mg weekly all the way up to 120 mg if needed. Needless to say I did not do that and am looking for a new doc. Thanks for any help you can give me. Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 Hi Dee! I've just finished reading What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Hypothyroidism, A Simple Plan for Extraordinary Results, by Ken Blanchard, forward by J. Shomon. Here's an excerpt from his philosophy on T/4 & T/3: " The Hypothyroid Body Needs More Than Most Doctors Think It is my belief that the majority of people with hypothyroidism need more than T4 supplementation. They also need T3 (and quite possibly the other Ts supplied only by natural thyroid). And the body requires these two hormones in physiologic doses that address deficits both in the thyroid glad and at the tissue level. Based on close observation of thousands of patients, through twenty-five years of fine tuning their doses, I arrived at the 2 percent solution: a physiologic ratio of 98 percent T4 and 2 percent T3. " Based on his formula - looks like your ratio is off -- may be too much T3? But, are you at your optimum thyroid level to begin with??? How are you " feeling " ? Need t3/t4 help Hi! I am currently on 75mg levoxyl/15 mg cytomel. Recent test results show both free t3 and free t4 a little below normal. Should I increase the levoxyl or the cytomel? My last doc told me to increase the cytomel by 5 mg weekly all the way up to 120 mg if needed. Needless to say I did not do that and am looking for a new doc. Thanks for any help you can give me. Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 Hi Dee, Everyone's body reacts differently, so it's hard to know what will be best for you. I don't know if your T4 levels will stay the same if you increase only the T3; however, I can tell you what happened with my body. My T4 levels never stayed the same...even when I was on the same dosage of T4/T3. The pattern I had was while I was on the same dosage of T4/T3, the T4 levels continued to drop. I started the combo in June 2003, and my T4 levels were in the middle range. By Dec, my T4 level was in the normal range...but on the low end. I started taking Armour in Dec. and this has been great for me...much better than the synthetics. I know you can't take Armour though. Anyway, I cut this from the Armour site. This is their ratio of T4 to T3: The ratio of T4 to T3 equals 4.22:1 (4.22 parts of T4 to one part of T3). I believe I've always read that the ratio for T4 to T3 should be that the T4 should be at a higher. I know there are some folks with FM or 's that don't go by this protocol. I think with 's they use all T3. Those with FM seem to do well on Armour. if they're not on Armour, I'm thinking they may need a higher ratio of T3. I can't remember your situation and background too much, Dee. Sorry. I do kinda remember you were having a lot of problems finding the right dose and that your doc wasn't too helpful. take care. Hugs, Sheila dm12420@... wrote: Sheila, I'm taking it once a day. I've tried the twice and day and it didn't seem to make a difference. Will the t4 level stay the same if I increase only t3. Is it true the t3 needs to be at a higher range than the t4? Thanks for your input, Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 I didn't understand that he wanted you to go up to 120 mcg of T3. I understood that he said add 5mcg every week until you find what works for you. The reason you had trouble on Armour and are having trouble now is that you need adrenal hormones. (cortef) I would think this doc might know about that? Gracia > Gracia, > I was on Armour. Something in it did not agree with me.....I felt so awful > on it.....tried many dosages.....I didn't care if I lived or died. I was on > T3 only before....up to 75 mcg. when I went hyper and had to go completely off > it. The thing about my current doc is that he refuses to do any blood work. I > had my PCP do it....that's the only way I know what my levels are. I think > going up to 120 mg of t3 is dangerous of 20 mg is giving me a near normal > reading. > Dee > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 Your thyroid gland is a small gland, normally weighing less than one ounce, located in the front of the neck. It is made up of two halves, called lobes, that lie along the windpipe (trachea) and are joined together by a narrow band of thyroid tissue, known as the isthmus. The thyroid is situated just below your " apple " or larynx. During development (inside the womb) the thyroid gland originates in the back of the tongue, but it normally migrates to the front of the neck before birth. Sometimes it fails to migrate properly and is located high in the neck or even in the back of the tongue (lingual thyroid) This is very rare. At other times it may migrate too far and ends up in the chest (this is also rare). The function of the thyroid gland is to take iodine, found in many foods, and convert it into thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid cells are the only cells in the body which can absorb iodine. These cells combine iodine and the amino acid tyrosine to make T3 and T4. T3 and T4 are then released into the blood stream and are transported throughout the body where they control metabolism (conversion of oxygen and calories to energy). Every cell in the body depends upon thyroid hormones for regulation of their metabolism. The normal thyroid gland produces about 80% T4 and about 20% T3, however, T3 possesses about four times the hormone " strength " as T4. The thyroid gland is under the control of the pituitary gland, a small gland the size of a peanut at the base of the brain (shown here in orange). When the level of thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) drops too low, the pituitary gland produces Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce more hormones. Under the influence of TSH, the thyroid will manufacture and secrete T3 and T4 thereby raising their blood levels. The pituitary senses this and responds by decreasing its TSH production. One can imagine the thyroid gland as a furnace and the pituitary gland as the thermostat. Thyroid hormones are like heat. When the heat gets back to the thermostat, it turns the thermostat off. As the room cools (the thyroid hormone levels drop), the thermostat turns back on (TSH increases) and the furnace produces more heat (thyroid hormones). The pituitary gland itself is regulated by another gland, known as the hypothalamus(shown in our picture in light blue). The hypothalamus is part of the brain and produces TSH Releasing Hormone (TRH) which tells the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid gland (release TSH). One might imagine the hypothalamus as the person who regulates the thermostat since it tells the pituitary gland at what level the thyroid should be set. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 Anybody know how to deal with reactive hypoglycemia, always weak and hungry, panicky, agitated, edgy, and irritable. Is this ALL adrenal? Or digestive? Eating doesn't seem to resolve it very easily. I have maldigestion and malabsorption problems. Digestion problems. LIke my body isn't utilizing food very well. My body is overstressed. Always in flight and fight all the time. Chris Re: Need t3/t4 help well I don't think that was such bad advice. Usually we have to crawl on our bellies like a reptile to get enough T3. But I don't take those meds, I take Armour. Gracia > Hi! I am currently on 75mg levoxyl/15 mg cytomel. Recent test results show > both free t3 and free t4 a little below normal. Should I increase the levoxyl or > the cytomel? My last doc told me to increase the cytomel by 5 mg weekly all > the way up to 120 mg if needed. Needless to say I did not do that and am > looking for a new doc. Thanks for any help you can give me. > Dee > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 what everyone really needs to do is realize that these problems are a multiple list of symptoms and they need multiple, constant, ever changing supplements. So what does this mean---you need to go after all the problems at once and keep on trying different supplements and drugs on top of changing them when your symptoms change. For example --adrenal problems are hypoglycemic in nature, they are also reflective of many allergies--also body is not getting enough oxygen as well--and where does all of this start---the answer is you are lacking something or many things all at once. Digestive problems need digestive enzymes to start--then you need to add vitamins to your diet everyday---doesn't work if it's only once in awhile--you need to sleep and you need to think---I need to heal, rest, breathe, exercise and eat enough to get better. As far as testing goes I am all for it but at the same time as you wait you wither at the vine--you will only get worse if you think there is a doctor who is willing to do all the correct testing and to know exactly what you need--because there is no such treatment or place---because everyone has a different problem associated with this disease and muliple diseases that tag along or are a result of. for example we know yeast is a big one with hypo--didn't know that before--also allergies, skin rashes, hair falling out---ect. ect. ect. If you think one doctor is going to have the one pill to fix everything you are mistaken and if you wait for a test group to find your answer you will be waiting forever because with the mulitude of different problems and possiblities there will not be that perfect test group, so as you wait you will get lupus, or MS or any other auto-immune disease---or you will get adreanl problems with your thyroid or you will get other side effects from the drugs you are taking---(notice no side effects with armour vs. synthetics) (from one of my posts)---or become diabetic--this is not something you can just wait around hoping someone gives a dam. you are in the middle of over cortisol production---these are every symptom---you know all the sites, what to take what to do---no one needs a doctor to help them--it's all there in every site what to take or try and how to find out--- drrind.com drlam.com adrenalfatigue.org ithryoid.com all the answers are out there and what you have to do is put yourself into the best hands that you know of and that my friends is your own!!! get the testing done if you need too--figure out what is wrong if you can and go to doctors if you can afford it---but do not stop trying and wait for something to happen--because your life is in your own hands!!!! change doctors if one is not working---give him books, info- -whatever it takes--or do what I do and DO IT MYSELF!!!! If I waited my daughter would not be in school, she would not be doing better, she would be very ill right now--- don't be so afraid--all these sites really give you all the info to help yourselves!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 I think it is all adrenal, right thyroid and adrenal meds will make you feel much better. Gracia > Anybody know how to deal with reactive hypoglycemia, always weak and hungry, panicky, agitated, edgy, and irritable. Is this ALL adrenal? Or digestive? Eating doesn't seem to resolve it very easily. I have maldigestion and malabsorption problems. Digestion problems. LIke my body isn't utilizing food very well. My body is overstressed. Always in flight and fight all the time. > > > Chris > Re: Need t3/t4 help > > > > well I don't think that was such bad advice. Usually we have to crawl on > our bellies like a reptile to get enough T3. But I don't take those meds, > I take Armour. > Gracia > > > Hi! I am currently on 75mg levoxyl/15 mg cytomel. Recent test results show > > both free t3 and free t4 a little below normal. Should I increase the > levoxyl or > > the cytomel? My last doc told me to increase the cytomel by 5 mg weekly > all > > the way up to 120 mg if needed. Needless to say I did not do that and am > > looking for a new doc. Thanks for any help you can give me. > > Dee > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2004 Report Share Posted April 18, 2004 Thank you Tina. You are very helpful. Re: Need t3/t4 help what everyone really needs to do is realize that these problems are a multiple list of symptoms and they need multiple, constant, ever changing supplements. So what does this mean---you need to go after all the problems at once and keep on trying different supplements and drugs on top of changing them when your symptoms change. For example --adrenal problems are hypoglycemic in nature, they are also reflective of many allergies--also body is not getting enough oxygen as well--and where does all of this start---the answer is you are lacking something or many things all at once. Digestive problems need digestive enzymes to start--then you need to add vitamins to your diet everyday---doesn't work if it's only once in awhile--you need to sleep and you need to think---I need to heal, rest, breathe, exercise and eat enough to get better. As far as testing goes I am all for it but at the same time as you wait you wither at the vine--you will only get worse if you think there is a doctor who is willing to do all the correct testing and to know exactly what you need--because there is no such treatment or place---because everyone has a different problem associated with this disease and muliple diseases that tag along or are a result of. for example we know yeast is a big one with hypo--didn't know that before--also allergies, skin rashes, hair falling out---ect. ect. ect. If you think one doctor is going to have the one pill to fix everything you are mistaken and if you wait for a test group to find your answer you will be waiting forever because with the mulitude of different problems and possiblities there will not be that perfect test group, so as you wait you will get lupus, or MS or any other auto-immune disease---or you will get adreanl problems with your thyroid or you will get other side effects from the drugs you are taking---(notice no side effects with armour vs. synthetics) (from one of my posts)---or become diabetic--this is not something you can just wait around hoping someone gives a dam. you are in the middle of over cortisol production---these are every symptom---you know all the sites, what to take what to do---no one needs a doctor to help them--it's all there in every site what to take or try and how to find out--- drrind.com drlam.com adrenalfatigue.org ithryoid.com all the answers are out there and what you have to do is put yourself into the best hands that you know of and that my friends is your own!!! get the testing done if you need too--figure out what is wrong if you can and go to doctors if you can afford it---but do not stop trying and wait for something to happen--because your life is in your own hands!!!! change doctors if one is not working---give him books, info- -whatever it takes--or do what I do and DO IT MYSELF!!!! If I waited my daughter would not be in school, she would not be doing better, she would be very ill right now--- don't be so afraid--all these sites really give you all the info to help yourselves!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 2004 Report Share Posted April 19, 2004 Great advice, ! This has been my experience also. Another matter to look at is fat intake. When I switched to skim milk it took me a while to realise that it caused even nonsugar cereals to through my blood sugar off. But the inclusion of healthy fat with the carbs balanced matters. In looking at my diet I realized I had gone so low fat that I wasn't getting enough. I make a point to allow plenty of good fats and do supplement with fish oil tabs. Also, if you can tolerate it, chromium picolinate helps tremendously. Sherry > > No, you don't need 50% of carbs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2004 Report Share Posted April 20, 2004 glandulars are very weak, did nothing for me, cortisol works great and is safe. Gracia Same thing happen to my daughter when she took only t3--and that was because we did not know you had to fix the adrenals FIRST!!!! was the one who told me what to do. But we did not do cortisol---just adrenal glandulars. --What happens when your body has adrenals problems you just can't start on thyroid medication it even says so in the flyers of thyroid drugs!! You just need to get on adrenal glandulars and those are so easy to buy on line!!!!! If you need some let me know--I'll post them tina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2004 Report Share Posted May 26, 2004 Hi Dee, I am not completely up on the lab numbers right now, so I am sure you will get good feedback from others. Regarding adjusting to T3 increase, I too did the same. I adjusted after a week and some of the weight, temperature, other issues were back. You do want to increase slowly because it is a shock to your heart. I think you do have a little room to manuever with increasing the meds if you don't have heart issues - pounding, high BP or pulse, or slight almost pain. Pain is too strong of a word, but when I was overmedicated I felt like I was on the verge of pain. I find it works best to adjust my T3 by adding a second dose in the afternoon when needed. I don't add more than 1/2 of the regular dose. Scant periods can be a sign of hyper. Heavy ones are definately hypo related. > Hi All, > > In need of help again. I can't tolerate Armour so I have to stick to the > synthetics. I am on Levoxyl because it is lactose free. > > Last labs on 75 mcg. levoxyl and 15 mcg cytomel: > > Tsh .01 > > ft3: 304 (230-420) > > ft4: 1.2 (.8-1.8) > > Still had hypo symptoms. Doc told me to increase both meds. Here's the > results of combo 88/25: > > tsh .01 > > ft3 380 (230-420) > > ft4 1.0 (.8-1.8) > > When I first made the switch I had four days of no constipation and thought I > had finally found the right combo. Results didn't last. Constipation, weight > gain, muscle weakness, nail breakage worse. When you increase t3 does that > make your t4 go down more? My doc doesn't like blood tests...but goes by how I > feel and would prefer to keep increasing t3 without having blood tests. I had my > pcp do the test because of the way I was feeling. I just increased the > levoxyl to 100 to see if that would help me. I've been in hyper land before so want > to go slow on any increases. Any input would greatly be appreciated. Thank you > so much. > > Dee > P.S. Maybe I should add in here.....I had an IUD removed in January. Had no > periods with IUD....just a little monthly spotting which they said was quite > nomal. Since removal of IUD.....no periods. Was tested by gyno. and said I am > not menopausal....is this hypo symptom too. Prior to IUD while hypo periods were > very heavy. Are no periods a hypo symptom? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2004 Report Share Posted May 26, 2004 > Dee > P.S. Maybe I should add in here.....I had an IUD removed in January. Had no > periods with IUD....just a little monthly spotting which they said was quite > nomal. Since removal of IUD.....no periods. Was tested by gyno. and said I am > not menopausal....is this hypo symptom too. Prior to IUD while hypo periods were > very heavy. Are no periods a hypo symptom? Irregular periods are a symptom and I know that I have gone as long as 5 months without a period. I too have been tested and it is not perimenopause. I have been very irregular most of my life, but since my last child was born they have been irratic. I was breastfeeding so didn't have one for 15 mos after her birth, and when it came it was soooo heavy and lasted over 100 days. I had to have a D & C to make it stop. Since that time my periods have been heavy, but fortunately have only lasted as long as 4-5 days...phew. and have mostly been every other month, but sometimes the time inbetween is longer than that. HTH, --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.688 / Virus Database: 449 - Release Date: 05/18/2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2004 Report Share Posted May 26, 2004 Hi Dee, *Usually* with hypo we have very heavy periods of long duration. My T4 went up as I increased T3 (when I was on Levoxyl/Cytomel combo). I don't know if this is typical or not. I think one of the first signs that I'm in a hyper mode is when I start getting really bad diarrhea. Interestingly enough, when I was in the hyper mode, my TSH was in the HYPO range...of course, with Hashi's, we know those stinkin' antibodies DO skew TSH results. Also, when I was in a hyper mode, I had the shakes really bad...hungry every single second...felt like everyone around me was moving like a turtle because everything about me was racing. I was also very anxious and irritable. Hope this helps a little! Good luck! Hugs, sheila Sherry <hary722001@...> wrote: Hi Dee, I am not completely up on the lab numbers right now, so I am sure you will get good feedback from others. Regarding adjusting to T3 increase, I too did the same. I adjusted after a week and some of the weight, temperature, other issues were back. You do want to increase slowly because it is a shock to your heart. I think you do have a little room to manuever with increasing the meds if you don't have heart issues - pounding, high BP or pulse, or slight almost pain. Pain is too strong of a word, but when I was overmedicated I felt like I was on the verge of pain. I find it works best to adjust my T3 by adding a second dose in the afternoon when needed. I don't add more than 1/2 of the regular dose. Scant periods can be a sign of hyper. Heavy ones are definately hypo related. > Hi All, > > In need of help again. I can't tolerate Armour so I have to stick to the > synthetics. I am on Levoxyl because it is lactose free. > > Last labs on 75 mcg. levoxyl and 15 mcg cytomel: > > Tsh .01 > > ft3: 304 (230-420) > > ft4: 1.2 (.8-1.8) > > Still had hypo symptoms. Doc told me to increase both meds. Here's the > results of combo 88/25: > > tsh .01 > > ft3 380 (230-420) > > ft4 1.0 (.8-1.8) > > When I first made the switch I had four days of no constipation and thought I > had finally found the right combo. Results didn't last. Constipation, weight > gain, muscle weakness, nail breakage worse. When you increase t3 does that > make your t4 go down more? My doc doesn't like blood tests...but goes by how I > feel and would prefer to keep increasing t3 without having blood tests. I had my > pcp do the test because of the way I was feeling. I just increased the > levoxyl to 100 to see if that would help me. I've been in hyper land before so want > to go slow on any increases. Any input would greatly be appreciated. Thank you > so much. > > Dee > P.S. Maybe I should add in here.....I had an IUD removed in January. Had no > periods with IUD....just a little monthly spotting which they said was quite > nomal. Since removal of IUD.....no periods. Was tested by gyno. and said I am > not menopausal....is this hypo symptom too. Prior to IUD while hypo periods were > very heavy. Are no periods a hypo symptom? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2004 Report Share Posted May 26, 2004 Hi Dee, *Usually* with hypo we have very heavy periods of long duration. My T4 went up as I increased T3 (when I was on Levoxyl/Cytomel combo). I don't know if this is typical or not. I think one of the first signs that I'm in a hyper mode is when I start getting really bad diarrhea. Interestingly enough, when I was in the hyper mode, my TSH was in the HYPO range...of course, with Hashi's, we know those stinkin' antibodies DO skew TSH results. Also, when I was in a hyper mode, I had the shakes really bad...hungry every single second...felt like everyone around me was moving like a turtle because everything about me was racing. I was also very anxious and irritable. Hope this helps a little! Good luck! Hugs, sheila Sherry <hary722001@...> wrote: Hi Dee, I am not completely up on the lab numbers right now, so I am sure you will get good feedback from others. Regarding adjusting to T3 increase, I too did the same. I adjusted after a week and some of the weight, temperature, other issues were back. You do want to increase slowly because it is a shock to your heart. I think you do have a little room to manuever with increasing the meds if you don't have heart issues - pounding, high BP or pulse, or slight almost pain. Pain is too strong of a word, but when I was overmedicated I felt like I was on the verge of pain. I find it works best to adjust my T3 by adding a second dose in the afternoon when needed. I don't add more than 1/2 of the regular dose. Scant periods can be a sign of hyper. Heavy ones are definately hypo related. > Hi All, > > In need of help again. I can't tolerate Armour so I have to stick to the > synthetics. I am on Levoxyl because it is lactose free. > > Last labs on 75 mcg. levoxyl and 15 mcg cytomel: > > Tsh .01 > > ft3: 304 (230-420) > > ft4: 1.2 (.8-1.8) > > Still had hypo symptoms. Doc told me to increase both meds. Here's the > results of combo 88/25: > > tsh .01 > > ft3 380 (230-420) > > ft4 1.0 (.8-1.8) > > When I first made the switch I had four days of no constipation and thought I > had finally found the right combo. Results didn't last. Constipation, weight > gain, muscle weakness, nail breakage worse. When you increase t3 does that > make your t4 go down more? My doc doesn't like blood tests...but goes by how I > feel and would prefer to keep increasing t3 without having blood tests. I had my > pcp do the test because of the way I was feeling. I just increased the > levoxyl to 100 to see if that would help me. I've been in hyper land before so want > to go slow on any increases. Any input would greatly be appreciated. Thank you > so much. > > Dee > P.S. Maybe I should add in here.....I had an IUD removed in January. Had no > periods with IUD....just a little monthly spotting which they said was quite > nomal. Since removal of IUD.....no periods. Was tested by gyno. and said I am > not menopausal....is this hypo symptom too. Prior to IUD while hypo periods were > very heavy. Are no periods a hypo symptom? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2004 Report Share Posted May 27, 2004 tsh really means nothing when you are on meds---tsh shows how much your pituitary tells the thyroid to produce and when there is enough in your system from the drugs your tsh number will drop because you don't need to inform your pituitary gland to produce more---(the only way to know your true tsh test is to go off everything for 6 weeks) Your numbers look really good and we have found that when your numbers are good for thyroid--you have to look at your adrenals--if they can't keep up with the increased meds you will still feel sick and increasing the dosage only makes you worse---you could try it and if you feel worse than you know to look elsewhere. and if you go into hyper land than you know this is the right dose and you must look into those adrenals---loss of period and no period has to do with the pit and adrenals, more than thyroid (thyroid is ususally troubled periods but complete loss is ususally the others and you also have to look into early menopause which is more commmon with hypo as well. Looks like your t3 is really good on this dose!!!--- Other thought is you need your free t3 and free t4 (to see what is being absorb into the cells)---very important----this could be the other reason---there are many to look into---tina > Hi All, > > In need of help again. I can't tolerate Armour so I have to stick to the > synthetics. I am on Levoxyl because it is lactose free. > > Last labs on 75 mcg. levoxyl and 15 mcg cytomel: > > Tsh .01 > > ft3: 304 (230-420) > > ft4: 1.2 (.8-1.8) > > Still had hypo symptoms. Doc told me to increase both meds. Here's the > results of combo 88/25: > > tsh .01 > > ft3 380 (230-420) > > ft4 1.0 (.8-1.8) > > When I first made the switch I had four days of no constipation and thought I > had finally found the right combo. Results didn't last. Constipation, weight > gain, muscle weakness, nail breakage worse. When you increase t3 does that > make your t4 go down more? My doc doesn't like blood tests...but goes by how I > feel and would prefer to keep increasing t3 without having blood tests. I had my > pcp do the test because of the way I was feeling. I just increased the > levoxyl to 100 to see if that would help me. I've been in hyper land before so want > to go slow on any increases. Any input would greatly be appreciated. Thank you > so much. > > Dee > P.S. Maybe I should add in here.....I had an IUD removed in January. Had no > periods with IUD....just a little monthly spotting which they said was quite > nomal. Since removal of IUD.....no periods. Was tested by gyno. and said I am > not menopausal....is this hypo symptom too. Prior to IUD while hypo periods were > very heavy. Are no periods a hypo symptom? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2004 Report Share Posted May 27, 2004 Re: Need t3/t4 help <snipping some really good stuff....sorry> > and if you go into hyper land than you know this is the right dose > and you must look into those adrenals---loss of period and no period > has to do with the pit and adrenals, more than thyroid (thyroid is > ususally troubled periods but complete loss is ususally the others > and you also have to look into early menopause which is more commmon > with hypo as well. Do you know what tests would help narrow down the problem? > Other thought is you need your free t3 and free t4 (to see what is > being absorb into the cells)---very important----this could be the > other reason---there are many to look into---tina I'm going in next week to ask for more tests. I'm going to ask for the anti-tpo, free t3 and free t4. Do I also need to get the t4 and t3? At one point I was thinking of checking the levels of ALL my hormones, but thought, nah that is a little impractical. LOL Any other tests that I need????? Thanks, --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.688 / Virus Database: 449 - Release Date: 05/18/2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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