Where I'm At - August 2008 - My Answer??

Within a few days of my last post I had a revelation of sorts. I felt bad on Armour, felt bad on combinations of Synthroid and Cytomel and on Synthroid alone. What was left? Plain Cytomel (T3)? Nah, that wouldn't work for me I thought... remembering the blood test (high T3 levels) that I had while on high doses of Armour... the same time I felt at my absolute worst. But then I read about Reverse T3... the standard T3 blood test doesn't distinguish between Ordinary T3 and the inactive RT3. IF most of the T3 in my blood at that time was RT3 - that might account for how terrible I felt!

T4 makes both T3 and RT3. During times of stress, the body makes more RT3. The inactive RT3 fits into the T3 receptors (kind of like a mirror image of the real T3) and blocks T3... no T3 into the receptors and your Hypothyroid symptoms will come back. For a better explanation Click here.
Problems with too much RT3 are treated with plain T3 - not Armour and not Synthroid, nor any combinations. Plain T3 (Cytomel or sometimes time-released T3) only.

I could also have thyroid hormone resistance which is also treated with T3 only. Usually people with this problem will need large amounts of plain T3.

Right now I am up to 30mcg of Cytomel split into 2 doses (morning and afternoon). I am feeling better today than I have for a couple years - I am thinking clearly, am motivated, no more midday slump, more energetic. Still having some muscle aches and light fatigue.. new problems are excess sweating (in has been in the 90's here though) and slight headache when upping doses. I've been doing some projects around the house and some long overdue cleaning.

My bedroom overhaul - I painted several furniture pieces and did a couple little decorating projects. I did the entire room for under $130. (the new bedding was the bulk of that). Yeah, I know this has nothing to do with Hypothyroidism, but I am so proud of myself! I got off the couch and accomplished something!!





I'm excited again about waking up in the morning and have lots of new project ideas popping into my head. I'm pretty sure I'll have to continue raising the Cytomel, I'd like to start weaning off the Hydrocort as well. The weight is still a issue, but I am hoping the T3 will start to increase my metabolism and I can see the pounds start to fall off.

If Armour or Synthroid isn't working for you, look into getting your RT3 checked. Have it checked with your Free T3 so that you can figure out your ratio. This is how to determine if your RT3 is too high:
Divide Free T3 by RT3 and it should be greater than 0.020 for pg/ml or greater than 19 if FT3 is measured in pg/ml and RT3 is in ng/ml.
IF your doctor okays you to take just Cytomel - DON'T start too high (even if it is prescribed to you in a high dose, this stuff is pretty powerful).. start slow.. like 5mcg twice a day.. then in a week add another 5.. and continue like that until all your Hypo symptoms are gone!