Hi fredboy,
First, I'd like to direct your attention to the disclaimer at the
bottom of this page. I am not a physician or health care provider and
your family doctor should be consulted. I am only able to give you
general information which is not intended to substitute for informed
professional medical advice.
Sometimes an increase in the dose will relieve symptoms. Blood work
needs to be drawn on a regular basis to determine correct dosage.
I also suffer from hypothyroidism. After diagnosis was confirmed, my
doctor prescribed Synthroid (Levothyroxine) and I stayed on it for 5.5
months with little improvement. I did my research and discovered
information regarding T4 to T3 conversion. I asked my doctor to
change my prescription to Armour which is natural desiccated porcine
(pig) thyroid, not synthetic, and therefore is comprised of T4 and T3.
Within one week my symptoms began improving. I'm *not* advocating
a change for you, however, you might want to discuss this with your
doctor. A majority of patients will find improvement by adding T3.
"Optimum Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypothyroidism With Free T3 and
Free T4 Levels" by Dr. Joseph Mercola, DO © 1997-2000
http://www.mercola.com/article/hypothyroid/diagnosis_comp.htm
"If the Free T3 level is significantly lower than the Free T4 level,
it is next to useless to treat with Synthroid/ Levoxyl/Levothroid (T4)
only replacements. If the patient could not muster sufficient T3 from
their gland (which produces some T3 directly), then they are certainly
not going to convert enough T3 from T4 only. Traditional medicine
assumes that preparations like Synthroid which are T4 only converts
peripherally in the body to T3 in fairly standard amounts and at
fairly standard rates. Unfortunately, clinical experience shows this
is not true for the majority of patients. Consistent measuring of both
free T3 and free T4 blood levels in hypothyroid patients who are on T4
only therapy will very rapidly dispel this myth. A certain percentage
of hypothyroid patients do convert enough T4 to T3 at a sufficient
rate for T4 treatment to be adequate as a source of T3; but a
substantial proportion of patients require some combination of both
exogenous T3 and T4."
Find more on this subject at:
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/publicawareness/l/bl_t3refs.htm
II. Doctors' Websites
"Suggestions for an Approach to the Management of Thyroid Deficiency"
by Dr Barry J. Durrant-Peatfield
http://www.foxleylaneclinic.co.uk/Suggestions_1.htm
"...if natural thyroid is not to be used, then at least T4 should be
combined with T3 for a more satisfactory and more logical
replacement."
"Hypothyroidism (low thyroid)" by Richard I. Gracer, M.D.
http://gracermd.com/1999.htm#Hypothyroidism
"T4 is converted to T3 at cellular level by a specific enzyme. T4 is
not actually used by the cells. T3 is the active hormone. It seems
clear that the enzyme that changes T4 to T3 may be deficient, causing
symptoms of hypothyroidism even in people who have normal T4 levels.
These patients need to take T3."
Dr. John C. Lowe: drlowe.com Most Recent Q&As
http://www.drlowe.com/q&a/askdrlowe/mostrecent.htm
"this [T4 only] mandate is not scientifically based. Instead, it's
based on a powerful marketing campaign of a major pharmaceutical
company.As a result, they [conventional endocrinologists and thyroid
specialists] 've deprived themselves of clinical experience with any
thyroid preparation other than T4."
"Use of T3 Thyroid Hormone to Treat Depression" by Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
http://www.drmirkin.com/morehealth/G171.htm
"some people become depressed when they take just T4 and their
depression can be cured when they take both thyroid hormones, T3 and
T4."
III. Interviews With Doctors by Mary Shomon
An interview with John Dommisse, MD, FRCP, November 2000, in which he
discusses his self-published paper titled "Hypothyroidism: Sensitive
diagnosis and optimal treatment (of all types and grades) ~ A review
and comprehensive hypothesis."
http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa110300a.htm
"The endocrinology establishment has also argued against treatment
with any T3, even in combination preparations namely that each
morning/ daily treatment dose would cause peaks in the afternoon that
are too high, and valleys at night and in the morning that are too
low. It never seems to occur to them that this objection is very
easily overcome by prescribing all T3-containing preparations either
after breakfast and supper daily OR on an empty stomach every 8
hours."
An Interview with David Brownstein, MD, July 2000: "Natural Hormones
for Hypothyroidism"
http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa071700a.htm
"In my experience, Armour Thyroid provides the best results for the
majority of patients. Armour thyroid not only contains T3 and T4, but
it contains many other factors that facilitate the conversion of T4 to
T3 including calcitonin, T1, T2 and many other chemicals that we have
not even identified."
An Interview with Carol Roberts, MD, June 2000: "A Look at
Hypothyroidism and Armour Thyroid, Vitamin and Mineral Supplements,
Type A Personalities, and More..."
http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa062000a.htm
"The ideal thyroid replacement would be natural human thyroid in
exactly the right proportions. However, since this is not currently
available I use the desiccated animal product because it seems to work
well for most patients, much better certainly than synthetic T4 alone
(Synthroid)."
=================================================
Drugstore.com - ask your pharmacist - What do thyroid supplements contain?
http://www.drugstore.com/qxa1539_333181_sespider-what_do_thyroid_supplements_contain.htm
"The body makes two major types of thyroid hormone: triiodothyronine
(T3) and thyroxine (T4). While T3 is more potent, your body makes a
lot more T4, which makes up about 80 percent of the body's thyroid
hormone. Since the body automatically converts the T4 to T3 as needed,
you need only take T4 supplements for a thyroid deficiency. Although
some people report that they feel better when taking a product
containing T3, most medical research has found little additional
benefit from supplementing with T3.
Today, most people take synthetic thyroid supplements containing a
version of T4 called levothyroxine. Common brand names are Synthroid,
Levoxyl, and Levothroid. These have largely replaced the older,
natural thyroid supplements, such as Armour Thyroid, which contain
both T3 and T4. Compared with natural thyroid supplements,
levothyroxine causes fewer side effects and has a lower risk for
allergic reactions. It's also easier for manufacturers to guarantee
potency in synthetic supplements."
=================================================
T4-to-T3 Conversion and Hypothyroidism: Medical Journals
http://www.altsupportthyroid.org/t3/t3medrefs2.php
"Purpose of this compilation
To show that the T4-to-T3 conversion process often does not function
in hypothyroid patients as it does in euthyroid patients. For these
patients, T3 supplementation in addition to T4 is necessary to restore
health.
A. T4-to-T3 conversion process
1. "Thyroid insufficiency. Is TSH the only diagnostic tool?" (Belgium, 2000)
The explanation is that TSH is grossly in feedback with serum T4 only,
not so much with serum T3, while the patient's wellbeing depends on
the free T3 that is disposable inside the cells. As hypothyroid
patients are usually unable to convert inactive T4 into active T3,
owing to a lack of 5' -deiodinase in the liver and kidneys, the
administration of T4 can eventually correct the serum TSH level, but
rarely provides the patient with the T3 needed to be relieved of his
symptoms.
Basier VW, Hertoghe J, Eeekhaut W. Thyroid insufficiency. Is TSH the
only diagnostic tool? J Nutr Envir Med 2000;10,105-113.
2. "T3 is at least as important as T4 in all hypothyroid patients" (US, 1993)
It is assumed that, except in the 'euthyroid sick syndrome' and
certain special situations, such as lithium therapy (10. St Germain,
1987), T4 converts peripherally to T3 in fairly standard amounts and
at fairly standard rates. It only takes the consistent measuring of
both free-T3 and free-T4 bloodlevels, in all one's hypothyroid
patients, every time, to very rapidly dispell this myth. If one
believes that both the T3 and T4 hormones need to be in their mid- to
high-normal ranges, one soon discovers that, while a certain
percentage of hypothyroid patients do convert enough T4 to T3 at a
sufficient rate for T4 treatment to be adequate as a source of T3, a
substantial proportion of patients require some combination of both
exogenous T3 and T4.
Dommisse J. T3 is at least as important as T4 in all hypothyroid
patients. J Clin Psychiatry 1993;July.
Full Text
B. Laboratory findings
1. "Levothyroxine therapy and serum free thyroxine and free
triiodothyronine concentrations" (US, 2002)
These findings indicate that in hypothyroid patients
L-T4-replacement...that is sufficient to maintain a normal serum TSH,
is accompanied by a serum free T4 that is higher than that in
untreated euthyroid patients or normal individuals and may not result
in an appropriately normal serum free T3 concentration.
Woeber KA. Levothyroxine therapy and serum free thyroxine and free
triiodothyronine concentrations. J Endocrinol Invest 2002
Feb;25(2):106-9.
Abstract
2. "Effect of 3,5,3'L-triiodothyronine administration on serum thyroid
hormone levels in hypothyroid patients maintained on constant doses of
thyroxine" (Japan, 1980)
...3 patients with elevated TSH levels during T4 administration showed
almost normal TSH levels after T4 and T3 ingestion. The results showed
the reciprocal relationship between T3 and rT3 levels in serum after
T3 administration in hypothyroid patients maintained on constant doses
of T4. Furthermore, the present findings suggest that the
administration of both T4 and T3 might be a more suitable replacement
therapy in the patients with hypothyroidism than T4 alone."
Purpose of this collection
To show that treating hypothyroidism with T3 (triiodothyronine) in
addition to T4 has a scientific as well as a clinical basis, and that
for many hypothyroid patients, supplementing with T4 (thyroxine) alone
does not constitute adequate treatment.
I. Medical Journals
A. The Journal of Clinical Investigation
1995 Dec;96(6):2828-38 "Replacement therapy for hypothyroidism with
thyroxine alone does not ensure euthyroidism in all tissues, as
studied in thyroidectomized rats" by Escobar-Morreale HF; Obregon MJ;
Escobar del Rey F; Morreale de Escobar G of Madrid, Spain.
Not online at J Clin Invest; the abstract can be found via a Medscape
Medline search at http://www.medscape.com/server-java/MedlineSearchForm
(registration required for access)
"euthyroidism is not restored in plasma and all tissues of
thyroidectomized rats on T4 alone. These results may well be pertinent
to patients on T4 replacement therapy."
B. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
A summary was published in July 1993: "T3 is at least as important as
T4 in All Hypothyroid Patients" by John V Dommisse, MD, FRCPC
C. The New England Journal of Medicine
February 11, 1999 -- Vol. 340, No. 6 (abstract): "Effects of Thyroxine
as Compared with Thyroxine plus Triiodothyronine in Patients with
Hypothyroidism" by Robertas Bunevicius, Gintautas Kazanavicius, Rimas
Zalinkevicius, Arthur J. Prange, Jr.
http://www.nejm.org/content/1999/0340/0006/0424.asp
"In patients with hypothyroidism, partial substitution of
triiodothyronine [T3] for thyroxine [T4] may improve mood and
neuropsychological function; this finding suggests a specific effect
of the triiodothyronine normally secreted by the thyroid gland."
=================================================
Medical doctors
http://www.altsupportthyroid.org/t3/t3refs4.php
1. Ridha Arem, MD: The Thyroid Solution (1999)
Many people continue to suffer from symptoms of low metabolism. They
have difficulty losing weight, and they complain of hair loss, dry
skin, brittle nails, muscle cramps, and a host of physical symptoms.
These symptoms indicate that the body is not receiving exactly the
right amount of T3 from the conversion of T4. Many people suffer from
some degree of depression, also probably due to some extent to low T3
in the brain. [p. 285]
Arem R. The Thyroid Solution. New York: Ballantine Books; 1999.
From the inside back cover:
Ridha Arem, M.D., is Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division
of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Baylor College of Medicine in
Houston, Texas. He is also Chief of Endocrinology and Metobolism at
Ben Taub General Hospital in Houston.
2. Leslie DeGroot et al: The Thyroid and its Diseases (updated in 2002)
A recent study has shown that administration of T4 replacement doses
to hypothyroid rats achieving normal plasma T4 levels results in
subnormal plasma T3 levels not only because of the lack of T3
secretion but also because of a decreased T3 production by D1 in
peripheral tissues, since this enzyme is under positive control by T3
itself (5). This study as well as a recent clinical study (6) suggest
that thyroid hormone replacement of hypothyroid subjects is done best
by treatment with a combination of T4 and T3 (preferably as a
slow-release formulation) in proportion to their normal thyroidal
secretion. [from Chapter 3]
DeGroot L et al. The Thyroid and its Diseases. Online at
www.thyroidmanager.org and regularly updated by Leslie J. De Groot,
MD, and others (accessed 2003/09/02).
3. Richard Shames, MD, and Karilee Halo Shames, RN, PhD: Thyroid Power (2001)
A significant number of people might not do well, no matter what brand
or dose of thyroxine they take. The best improvement some people
achieve with thyroxine alone is only 60 or 80 percent of their former
sense of well-being. [p. 95]
With Cytomel [a synthetic brand of T3], there is no conversion problem
at all, since it is active T-3 thyroid hormone in the first place. By
taking the active component, you avoid having to convert it prior to
benefiting from it. [p. 97]
Shames RL, Shames KH. Thyroid Power. New York: HarperCollins Publishers Inc.; 2001.
From the inside back cover:
Richard L. Shames, M.D., is a graduate of Harvard College and the
University of Pennyslvania Medical School....
Karilee Halo Shames, R.N., Ph.D., is a clinical specialist in
psychiatric nursing and a certified holistic nurse.
B. Medical writers
Mary J. Shomon: Living Well With Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctors
Don't Tell You...That You Need to Know (2000)
Thyroid patients have wasted enough valuable time not feeling well,
living lives at half-speed, waiting to feel better, while doctors tell
us that more research is needed. They could literally research our
lives away. We already have the research findings that can help many
people. And we have the anecdotal knowledge of thousands upon
thousands of thyroid patients and their doctors who are able to live
well with the use of T3 drugs. Thyroid patients have waited long
enough. Responsible doctors owe it to their patients to carefully
consider whether or not T3 will benefit their patients. [p. 154]
Shomon MJ. Living Well With Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctors Don't
Tell You...That You Need to Know. New York: Harper Collins Publishers;
2000.
From the inside back cover:
Mary J. Shomon, a thyroid patient herself, writes and manages several
professional Web sites on thyroid disease....She is the author of
several previous books.
=================================================
REVIEWS "Living Well With Hypothyroidism"
http://thyroid.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.thyroid%2Dinfo.com/booktoc.htm
"Challenging Doctors and Patients Alike... -- Hypothyroidism is a
common, very treatable disorder that is also often poorly managed by
doctors. In this first-rate book by Mary Shomon, a thyroid patient and
professional writer, the disorder, its myths, and medicine's successes
and failures at dealing with it are thoroughly examined. This is not a
book that rehashes old facts on thyroid disease. Shomon instead
challenges patients and their doctors to look deeper and try harder to
resolve the complicated symptoms of hypothyroidism. For example, she
points out that a Thyroid Foundation survey showed that two-thirds of
patients still suffer symptoms after undergoing what doctors consider
sufficient treatment. In a fascinating chapter, Shomon, who also has a
Web site (http://thyroid.about.com and an online newsletter about the
disease, explores recent evidence that the addition of the thyroid
hormone T3 to the standard T4 (levothyroxine) may help some people
feel better. In addition, the section on babies born with
hypothyroidism, although brief, has the best advice on how to give
medication to an infant that I've seen. As Shomon writes: 'For years,
thyroid problems have been downplayed, misunderstood and portrayed as
unimportant.' With her advocacy, perhaps no more." -- Shari Roan
"As many as one in eight women have a thyroid condition. In Living
Well with Hypothyroidism, Mary Shomon outlines the most common of
these--too little thyroid hormones in the body. Weight gain,
depression, fatigue, and what patients call "brain fog, Brillo hair,
and prune skin" result. Because the symptoms of hypothyroidism mimic
so many other conditions..."
=================================================
Synthroid: Not FDA Approved By David Dahlman
http://www.citybeat.com/2001-10-25/altheath.shtml
"I'll bet you thought the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was there
to protect you, didn't you?
Your physicians would never prescribe a drug for you that hadn't been
tested properly, would they? Surprisingly, there are many untested and
unapproved medications. Synthroid for hypothyroidism and Ritalin for
attention-deficit disorder in children are two examples. This is
surprising mostly for those who place blind trust in the medical
establishment and imagine that there are some who will not take herbal
or nutritional products because they aren't FDA approved.
In the case of Synthroid, developed in 1955 to treat the symptoms of
hypothyroidism (fatigue and weakness, weight gain, dry skin, cold
intolerance, muscle cramps and pain, carpal tunnel constipation), it
has become the third-most prescribed drug in America, behind Lipitor
for high cholesterol and Premarin for menopause.
Synthroid has been constantly surrounded by controversy. Due to a
powerful marketing campaign by its manufacturer -- Knoll
Pharmaceuticals, recently purchased by Abbott Laboratories -- it is
prescribed by mainstream physicians almost exclusively for
hypothyroidism. This marketing campaign has led to class action
lawsuits that resulted from an investigation, begun in 1996, that
alleged Knoll was violating consumer protection laws by attempting to
prevent publication of the results of a research study showing that
generic and competitive brand names were equivalent to the Synthroid
brand.
The case was decided against the manufacturer, and the proceeds from
an escrow account -- approximately $100 million plus interest -- will
be paid to consumers who agree to release all claims against Knoll.
Remember Synthroid hasn't been approved for use in hypothyroid
patients, and Knoll recently applied for a waiver of requirements for
"adequate and controlled studies." But that's not the worst. It's
ineffective. Maybe that's why there are no adequate and controlled
studies.
There are more effective natural therapies. You might be comforted to
know that Abbott Labs finally submitted a new drug application on Aug.
1.
To understand why Synthroid doesn't work, a simple explanation is
needed. There are two glands involved, the anterior pituitary and the
thyroid; and three hormones, thyroid-stimulating hormone and T3 and
T4. Though the human body is very complex, some processes are very
simple.
Think of it this way: When a hormone is released, instructions are
communicated to another part of the body to perform another function.
With that in mind, the anterior pituitary, which also monitors blood
levels of many hormones, releases thyroid-stimulating hormone,
stimulating the thyroid to secrete T3 and T4 for use in other parts of
the body. T4 is converted into T3 in healthy people, and T3 is the
main hormone needed to overcome the symptoms associated with
hypothyroidism.
Unfortunately, Synthroid contains only T4, and not everyone is healthy
enough to make the conversion into T3. A simple lack of selenium, the
most deficient mineral in our diets, is only one of many possible
deficiencies that will make you "unhealthy" enough to prevent this
conversion.
The reason Synthroid contains only T4 is because T4 signals the
anterior pituitary to produce "normal" levels of thyroid-stimulating
hormone, and the traditional medical establishment, in its infinite
wisdom, believes "normal" thyroid-stimulating hormone levels define a
healthy patient.
Wouldn't it be more effective to take a medication that contains T3 in
proper amounts and T4 in smaller amounts or none at all?
Thyroid-stimulating hormone would not be artificially normalized to
suggest an inaccurate picture of health, and T3 would be present to
help overcome the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Along with dietary changes and proper nutritional supplementation,
there still remains an outside chance for restoration of proper
thyroid function using none of these medications, depending on many
circumstances.
Hypothyroidism might also be missed as a diagnosis in many patients.
Lab results from traditional laboratories are not sensitive enough to
differentiate between T3 and rT3. Suffice it to say rT3 is not used by
the human body and should not be counted in the overall amount for T3.
Traditional medicine doesn't make this very important distinction,
leaving many patients unaware that they have deficient levels of T3
and therefore have hypothyroidism.
Once again, don't take for granted that you are receiving the best
care available; ask questions. Always ask an alternative physician.
You might be surprised what you'll learn. Your health might depend on
it."
=================================================
Healthboards.com
http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=160385
Re: For Midwest
"When I said Synthroid didn't work for me, what I should have said is
that it worked too well.
I started on .075. After 6 weeks, TSH went from 6.98 to .13, and FT4
was above range. The dose was reduced to .050, and 6 weeks later TSH
was .02, FT4 was .1 below top range, and FT3 above range. At that
point I was clearly hyper and the med was stopped. The endo said I was
"hypersensitive" to it for some reason, she couldn't drop the dose any
further... said that .025 is a "non-dose" which wouldn't help. I knew
that she wouldn't Rx Armour, and she didn't have any other suggestions
to try except to wait till I was more hypo, so I quit her and went to
the MD I now have. I never felt good while on the Synthroid. The only
positive thing it did was eliminate the brain fog, but physically, I
felt like I'd been hit by a Mack truck.
As I think I told you before, I've not had that problem with
Armour.... Haven't had any problems with it. It simply agrees with my
system when the synthetic did not. Last test showed TSH was 2.89 (down
from 6.42 at the start), FT4 .9 [.8-1.8], FT3 333 [230-420]. You can
see how low my FT4 still is, and the FT3 could be higher too; we have
some dose tweaking left to do. This angel of a doctor said these exact
words to me, "Some doctors would look at these numbers and say they're
fine. They probably aren't optimal for you, so we will increase the
dose." Wish everybody could find one like him.
As I recall, you've been in treatment for about 9 weeks, right? (In
"thyroid time" that really isn't very long, you know.) Your FT4 did
increase, but only to about mid-range so far... right? If your doctor
is willing to increase the Synthroid to bring your FT4 even higher,
you could try waiting it out. But if he/she won't increase, I think
you'd be wise to try the Armour you've been given.
Here's what I think... In a perfect world, low T4 should be easily
treated by taking supplemental T4. Nice in theory... but in reality,
most people have some degree of inability to make use of all that T4.
Either their liver doesn't convert it to T3 very well, or their cells
can't absorb the T3, or there's some other kind of malfunction that
makes the pure T4 unusable. I'd wager that few people do smashingly
well on synthetic T4 alone. (That's my story and I'm sticking with
it... LOL.)"
=================================================
University of Maryland Medicine: Hypothyroidism
http://www.umm.edu/endocrin/hypot.htm
Keyword search:
hypothyroidism + T4 + T3
T4 conversion to T3
symptoms of low T3
Synthroid T4 to T3 conversion
Levothyroxine
synthetic thyroid medication
natural thyroid T3
Armour thyroid
thyroid condtion T4 and T3
Best regards,
tlspiegel |
Clarification of Answer by
tlspiegel-ga
on
14 Apr 2004 20:44 PDT
Hi fredboy,
One of the main reasons I asked my doctor to switch me to natural
thyroid, was because my long hair was falling out in groups and wasn't
improving on the Synthroid. (Frequently hair loss can be one of the
first signs of a thyroid disorder.)
Within a few weeks of being on Armour my hair was restored to perfect
health. Of course, you must realize this is my experience and might
not apply to you if you are experiencing hair loss.
In addition, the feeling of being cold all the time stopped. I also
experienced no more "brain fog", and needed much less sleep.
Sadly, the weight gain that I experienced prior to diagnosis hasn't
improved. Over time, I might be fortunate and be able to drop the
excess pounds.
I noticed an improvement in mental acuity, alertness, my pulse rate
increased to a normal level, along with my body temperature almost
reaching 98.6 degrees. My blood pressure increased to normal levels
when prior to appropriate medication it had hovered at a dangerously
low level.
As for the long list of hypothyroid symptoms I had about 80%, and I
now feel human again. When you're properly diagnosed and on the right
medication for you, you'll find an almost immediate improvement.
=================================================
Ridha Arem, MD: The Thyroid Solution (1999)
Many people continue to suffer from symptoms of low metabolism. They
have difficulty losing weight, and they complain of hair loss, dry
skin, brittle nails, muscle cramps, and a host of physical symptoms.
These symptoms indicate that the body is not receiving exactly the
right amount of T3 from the conversion of T4. Many people suffer from
some degree of depression, also probably due to some extent to low T3
in the brain. [p. 285]
=================================================
Cytomel
http://www.thyroid-info.com/drugs/cytomel.htm
Generic Name: Liothyronine - Manufactured by: King Pharmaceuticals
Cytomel is a brand name of the generic drug Liothyronine, (pronounced
lye-oh-THYE-roe-neen), which is a synthetic form of the T3 thyroid
hormone. It is being more commonly added to levothyroxine treatment,
to provide both T4 and T3 as part of the thyroid hormone replacement
treatment. Cytomel is the only brandname of liothyronine available in
the U.S.
=================================================
BRAND NAME: Cytomel, Triostat
http://www.medicinenet.com/liothyronine_sodium/article.htm
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Liothyronine sodium is a synthetic
(man-made) version of one of the two hormones made by the thyroid
gland, triiodothyronine. It is used for treating individuals who are
hypothyroid (do not produce enough thyroid hormones). Thyroid hormones
increase the metabolism (activity) of all cells in the body. In the
fetus, newborn infant and child, thyroid hormones promote growth and
development of tissues. In adults, thyroid hormones help to maintain
the function of the brain, the use of food by the body, and body
temperature.
=================================================
USE OF T3 THYROID HORMONE TO TREAT DEPRESSION - Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
http://www.drmirkin.com/morehealth/G171.htm
"If you are tired much of the time, your doctor will order blood tests
for the two thyroid hormones called T3 and T4 and for the brain
hormones called TSH and prolactin. If your TSH is high and your
prolactin is normal, you are probably hypothyroid and need to take
thyroid hormone to give you more energy and prevent heart and blood
vessel damage.
Doctors treat people with low thyroid function with thyroid pills
called T4 (Levothroid, one brand name is Synthroid). Many doctors
think that a person needs only T4 because the thyroid gland makes T4
and then it is converted to T3 in other tissues. However, some people
become depressed when they take just T4 and their depression can be
cured when they take both thyroid hormones, T3 and T4.
When a depressed patient comes to me and is taking thyroid hormone,
T4, I immediately order a blood test called TSH to check if he or she
is getting the correct dose. If the TSH is normal, I reduce the dose
of T4 by 50% and add a very low dose of T3 (brand name, Cytomel)
because it safer to prescribe too low a dose, rather than too high a
dose. Overdoses cause shakiness, irritability, irregular heart beats,
clots, and osteoporosis. The patient returns in one month for a blood
test, TSH, to see if the total thyroid dose is correct. If the TSH is
too high, the thyroid dose is too low and I raise the T3 (Cytomel)
dose by 5 to 10 m5 each month until the TSH is normal. Then once a
year I check TSH blood levels to make sure that the person's
requirements for thyroid hormone are being met."
=================================================
Hypothyroidism - Diagnose Me
http://www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C20336.html
"T4 and T3 in combination produced greater benefits than T4 alone,
especially in the area of mental functioning."
[edit]
"As the T3 hormone levels in the blood drop to low levels, the
patient's body temperature can subsequently drop below normal. When
the body temperature decreases so does the function of important
enzymes, as their activity is determined by temperature."
=================================================
DIANNE'S STORY
http://home.velocitus.net/deecee/dianne.htm
"In 1999 I asked my endocrinologist to switch me to a replacement
hormone containing both T4 and T3 to see if it helped. He was
hesitant, but tested my Free T4 (which was slightly higher than normal
and also tested my Free T3, which was borderline between normal and
low--so he prescribed 160 mcg of Armour Thyroid taken in twice-daily
doses. Within 2-3 days I experienced remarkable improvements in mood,
energy, and brain function; and now I would never go back!
For the first time in many years I didn't have to struggle to get out
of bed in the morning (this has lasted nearly 5 years now), and my
interest in productive living increased. The dose was raised twice
more over the next two years, and in 2002 I finally had a year without
any of the symptoms I associated with becoming hypothyroid following
my 1996 RAI. In late 2002 my doctor switched my replacement hormone
to Synthroid (T4) daily plus Cytomel (T3) [taken in three daily doses
to keep blood levels of T3 even] for reasons discussed on the
replacement hormone page. The amount of T3 I received in the Cytomel
was less than the T3 in the Armour, and that combination didn't work
for me. I felt unwell again, so my doctor switched me back to Armour,
and I felt much better very soon."
=================================================
Optimal thyroid hormone replacement (The following is a long article
which explains the benefits of using T3.)
http://www.mythyroid.com/optimal_thyroid_hormone_replacement.htm
=================================================
Google Groups alt.support.thyroid
http://groups.google.com/groups?group=alt.support.thyroid
=================================================
MayoClinic.com - Hypothyroidism
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=021FF7E0-FECE-4FE8-B7EBF6632546B116&dsection=9
Complementary and alternative medicine
"Although most doctors recommend synthetic thyroxine, natural extracts
containing thyroid hormone derived from the thyroid glands of pigs are
also available. These products Armour Desiccated Thyroid Hormone and
Westhroid more closely resemble natural thyroid hormones because they
contain both thyroxine and triidothyronine. Synthetic thyroid
medications contain thyroxine only.
Extracts are available by prescription only and shouldn't be confused
with the glandular concentrates sold in natural foods stores.
Glandulars are dried concentrates of glands derived from animals.
These products aren't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration,
and their potency isn't guaranteed. What's more, using them raises
concerns about exposure to bovine spongiform encephalopathy, a
progressive neurologic disorder of cattle. Some, but not all,
glandular products are derived from range-fed cattle from New Zealand
or Argentina, which are more likely to be disease-free."
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=DCDC450F-B900-45AB-9CB724CB57A18105
"Question: Hypothyroidism: Can it cause joint pain?
What can you tell me about thyroid-induced arthritis? I have
underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and have been experiencing severe
arthritis-like pain in my shoulder, wrist and hip.
Answer: People with underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) often have
joint and muscle symptoms caused by low levels of thyroid hormone.
These may include:
Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness, especially in the shoulders and hips
Pain and stiffness in the joints
Swelling of the knees or small joints in the hands and feet
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Joint problems due to hypothyroidism can be difficult to distinguish
from rheumatoid arthritis. Both can cause painful, swollen and stiff
joints often worse after rest. But people with underactive thyroid
often have less morning stiffness. People with hypothyroidism may also
have attacks of pseudogout, a form of arthritis caused by crystal
deposits in the joints.
Treatment of joint and muscle problems due to hypothyroidism is
directed at the underlying thyroid disorder. These problems often
improve dramatically with thyroid hormone treatment. Pain relievers
may..."
I hope this information has been helpful to you.
Best regards,
tlspiegel
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