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Hashimoto's

Combination T-4/T-3 hasn't been successful in treating my Hashimoto's, neither has Synthroid by itself.  I am trying compounded T-3 only (bio-identical), slowing increasing the dose 32.7 mcg once daily for 10 days, 50 mcg once daily for 10 days to 62.5 mcg once daily.  Only been five days so not seeing a huge difference yet.  I guess my question is do you know what the rate of success is for people on T-3 only?  I do know that it from a reputable compounding pharmacy but not sure how they are time relased, do you have information on that?

Seems like treatment should be pretty straightforward but it's not, i'm realizing how individual it is just from reading all of these posts.  It's not so mysterious how it all works, very fascinating.

Thanks.
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Avatar universal
I had a similar thing happen with armour thyroid and I found out my reverse T3 levels were high, which means my body was turning the T4 into Reverse T3 which was blocking the actual T3 from working. I am trying sustained release T3 now  with cytomel and I am not having luck with it, I prefer cytomel alone (I used it before)-it works much more effectively for me. You might need some adrenal support like cortef to continue, and you should check your ferritin levels too. Mine are low, which was probably another reason why stuff wasn't working for me. Synthroid probably won't do it for you, if it hasn't already, just my opinion. Get some blood tests and try some cytomel if you can.
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Avatar universal
Hi, it's been a while since posting...I gave up on the bioidentical treatment compounded T-3 and am back on high dose synthroid.  The compounded T-3 worked for a while but then it was like someone turned the switch off and that was that, no success.  Feeling just okay, still tired all the time though...had a recent ultrasound and found new nodules  that they want to watch.  Otherwise, it's back to seeing an Endocrinologist...and listening to them tell you are normal and shouldn't have symptoms if you're thyroid is being treated properly.  As for other symptoms, for me, it's usually joint pain and fatigue.  I never had a problem with hair loss, brittle nails, etc. but some people do.  Thanks.
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Avatar universal
This is a pretty interesting website, take a look.  Something I just came across while searching.

http://www.drlowe.com/jcl/comentry/t3dangerous.htm
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Avatar universal
In my recent bloodwork my ACTH was slightly above reference, but my free Cortisol was normal.  My antibodies level definitely indicate Hashi's and have been repeatedly diagnosed hypothyroid.  I'll definitely check out the website though.
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314892 tn?1264623903
Have you had any adrenal function tests?
Cortisol, ACTH Stimulation Test?
CFS is now thought to be an endocrine disorder. My endo agrees and I just had the ACTH/aldosterone Stimulation test.
The symptoms can be similar to hypo.

Here is a link:

http://www.endotext.org/adrenal/adrenal33/adrenalframe33b.htm
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Avatar universal
Since I was a kid I've had this problem, used to be hyper, then in college developed Hashimoto's and have been hypo ever since.  So, have been on Synthroid 20 plus years.  Lingering symptoms include fatigue, memory issues, lack of concentration, hip joint pain.  Have been diagnosed with CFS.  I should correct the holistic statement, the doctor i'm seeing is an MD not a naturopath, but she is convinced that T4 does not work well for Hashimoto's.  They tested a whole lot more than just the below, such as antibodies, etc., also tested other hormone function, etc.

One concern is that my body is converting too much T4 to Reverse T3 instead of T3.  Reverse T3 is at the high end of normal range and T3 at low end.  The doctor told me she likes to see T3 around 400.

The below results, I was still taking T4 100 mcg (once daily) and T3 5mcg (once daily) as prescribed by my endo.

TSH - 3.72
Reverse T3 - 318
Free T3 - 256
Free T4 - 1.2
Thyroglobulin Antibodies - 72
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies - >1000
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314892 tn?1264623903
The t3 was compounded as time release because it has a very short half life. It is normally taken in divided doses throughout the day to keep the levels steady, so time release avoid this multiple dosing.

I have read that t3 alone is not a good idea. Our body converts t4 into t3 in our tissues. T3 is the most active form of thyroxine. It is possible to get too much t3.

What is your current TSH, free t3/4 and what are the lingering symptoms?
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213044 tn?1236527460
I've been reading thyroid thyroid boards and thyroid medical sources for almost two years, and I've never heard of this therapy.

That's why I was asking about it in your other thread.

However, I have pretty much ignored the holistic community, so I am ignorant of many treatment options, I suppose.

I've put my trust in the traditional medical community, and been disapointed several times, so I am not in a position to dismiss your choice of therapy out of hand.

I don't understand how this compound works, but am interested in seeing how you fare on it.

I hope you get several responses to your question. My guess is you will get a few ?????

I would like to learm more about it.
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