Feel better on synthroid/cytomel?

[Sunshine_67]

Has anyone found they feel better on synthroid and cytomel instead of armour? I saw a new doc today who wasn't very helpful with adrenals or hormones, but at least she knew not to pay attention to TSH and suggested I switch back to synthroid/cytomel since I haven't been feeling any better on compounded armour. I just wonder if natural isn't always the best for everyone.

[Barb135]

Ahh, there's a pharmacy like that a distance from me, but I've never been there.

[Sunshine_67]

My pharmacist is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and works at a compounding pharmacy. He sees patients to treat adrenal issues, hormone imbalances and nutrition. He uses biomeridian testing as well as saliva cortisol and hormone testing. It's not a regular drugstore pharmacy where you just ask a question.

[Barb135]

Your pharmacist charges $125 for appointments?  I walk up to the counter and talk to my pharmacist; s/he answers any questions s/he can, and if s/he can't answer them, s/he tells me I need to talk to my doctor...  

Is your pharmacist licensed to practice medicine?

[Sunshine_67]

I had my RT3 tested a few weeks ago and it was normal so it must be adrenals. Finding a doc who knows how to properly treat adrenals (besides testing for just Addison's and Cushings) and also who takes insurance seems to be a big challenge. I can't afford the holistic docs anymore who don't take insurance, but they seem to be the only ones who know about it. My pharmacist might be able to help me. He charges $125 for appts,

[flyingfool]

Adrenal fatigue (cortisol) and also reverse T3 are extremely suspect in your case.  In fact it is almost a classic story.  Sometimes a RT3 issue can be called "thyroid resistance" because no matter how much medication they give the patient or how high the levels the patient still remains hypo.

I'm not any expert with adrenals.  But if you have not you should probably have your reverse T3 (RT3) tested.

Generally the rule of thumb is that if there is both an RT3 problem and adrenal issues, the adrenal issues should be worked out first. THEN if still an RT3 issue work on that.  Which usually involves limiting T4 medication and going strictly with T3. Since RT3 is ONLY produced during conversion of T4 into T3.  So the theory goes that if you limit the amount of T4,then you limit how much is converted and thus if less conversion then there is less RT3 produced.  The T3 meds are necessary to provide enough thyroid in your blood to keep you feeling well at all.  The theory also suggests that the RT3 molecules plug up cell receptors which then make them unavailable for the true Free T3 to do its work as there is "no room at the inn".  However once RT3 production is curtailed, and the RT3 leaves the cell receptors, then the T3 that is available due to the T3 meds has a place to go.  The fear with this technique is that a person can switch from being Hypo to going Hyper VERY fast.  So you have to be acutely aware of Hyper symptoms and stop or reduce the T3 medication ASAP at the first signs of hyper symptoms.

RT3 production is also increased due to stress.  So reducing stress may also help.

Again it sound like you KNOW you have a cortisol/adrenal imbalance and as mention this usually should be dealt with first.  So your best bet may be to try to find a Dr who is more knowledgeable in that area.

Hope this helps

[nat649]

i feel the same i dont seem to be getting better but worse am going doc on friday to see what eles he can do ill keep you posted and do let me no if there any change its been a nightmare a

[Sunshine_67]

I don't want to post labs because every time I do, everyone is stuck on the numbers and honestly, the past 4 years I've been on every dose and every type of thyroid meds and even when my levels were way too high, I was still extremely hypo. I've never been hyper the entire time no matter what dose I'm on. This is what stumps doctors. My latest labs were about one point from being out of range (too low) and even though this doc knows not to look at TSH, she still thought my labs were ok because they were "in range" so therefore they were normal. I feel like I just can't win with this. I have adrenal imbalances and she only tests for blood for everything. I told her I don't have Addison's or Cushings, but I have a cortisol imbalance. She had no clue what to do with that. I'm saying all this because something is obviously causing my body to not use the thyroid meds correctly but I can't find a doctor who can help me figure out why or what to do.

[Barb135]

First off, congratulations on finding a doctor who isn't a TSH lover......

Do you, by any chance have labs, with reference ranges to post?

I don't think "natural" is best for everyone.  There are some who really need the desiccated hormone, but really, what's "natural" about Armour? It's porcine, which contains much more T3 than the human body produces "naturally"; some people simply can't handle that much T3.  

I must confess that I've never taken Armour, but I have taken synthroid/cytomel.  Did okay on it, then got switched to generic levo + cytomel and did a lot better.  I'm now on Tirosint + generic T3 and doing really good......

One thing with the synthetic synthroid/cytomel is that you can adjust each individually; of course you have to give adequate time for levels to balance following dosage changes, but for me, the hardest part has been convincing my doctors that my VERY low TSH doesn't mean I'm hyper.  

Getting thyroid levels under control is often a trial and error process and there is no "one size fits all" treatment; my meds and/or dosages work for me, but might not work for you at all.  You have to do what's best for you, no matter what any of us might say...

The only thing I will say, is that starting off with small dosages of both T3 and T4 med is best, test after a few weeks (4-6 weeks), then increase in small increments.  Takes longer to get where you're going, but there's a lot less chance for adverse reaction along the way.