RE: Reactions to thyroxine

[Guest guest]

Hello (what do we call you?)

You are quite probably a candidate for the ACTIVE thyroid

hormone replacement Liothyronine (T3) and NOT the mainly INACTIVE thyroid

hormone L-thyroxine (T4). The thyroid gland secretes approximately 85% of T4,

and 15% T3. It is T3 that every cell in your body and brain needs to make them

function. T4 is supposed to convert through the liver, kidneys, brain, skin and

many other thyroid hormone receptors throughout the body into T3, but for a

large minority of us, we are unable to convert it so T4 lies in the blood, with

nowhere to go and causes some of us to have symptoms of toxicity. When serum

thyroid function tests are returned within the so called 'normal' reference

range, doctors tell you that you are normal, and that you do not have a thyroid

problem. When you continue to complain of symptoms, they often give a 'dustbin'

diagnosis of ME, CFS, FM and depression. Studies have shown that many such

patients respond well to the active thyroid hormone T3.

You need your doctor to test your thyroid stimulating hormone

(TSH), free t4 and free T3, together with tests to see whether you have thyroid

antibodies. These last two tests are TPO and TgAb. If you have antibodies you

should also be treated with T3 and not T4, and you should start a gluten free

diet because antibodies thrive on gluten. If you have been tested for thyroid

antibodies before and it was found your results showed a negative results, then

two weeks prior to having your blood drawn for another test, go on a high

gluten diet, and the antibodies should then show up.

When you get your results, ask your doctor for the actual

numbers for each test done together with the reference range for each test done

and post them on the forum so we can help with their interpretation. Doctors

cannot withhold anything that is in your medical notes under the Freedom of

Information Act.

You might want to ask your GP to refer you to a good

endocrinologist and if he is prepared to do this, I can let you have a list of

recommended doctors who will prescribe using T3 or natural thyroid extract if

their patients don't do well on T4 only.

I have attached a document you should read as to possible causes

for thyroid hormone replacement not working.

Luv - Sheila

My doctor is gradually increasing my dose in 25 mcg doses and reviewing with

blood tests and an appointment after a month.

The first month on 25 mcg started ok, but by the end of the month I was feeling

much worse, very drugged and able to do little but sleep. I assumed it was a

problem with the brand. I changed brand when I got my new prescription for 50

mcg and started to feel quite a bit better so thought this confirmed my

previous problems were brand-related.

However, now I'm into the third week of 50 mcg of the new brand, I am again

getting that very groggy, want to sleep all the time feeling.

1 of 1 File(s)

Why thyroid hormone stops working (2).doc

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie, I've heard of this happening before- what seems to be going on is that you have some residual thyroid activity and when you take the T4 your body thinks 'ooh this is nice', then as the TSH drops your thyroid sighs and gives up the struggle and produces less- with another boost as dose increases- you'll only really begin to feel the benefit of the T4 when you are taking a dose that is higher that your own thyroid was producing- a full replacment dose is usually around 125 or 150mcg. Yes, you are right in that some folk do not do well on certain brands- ask you doc to specify the brand that seems to work best, and talk to the pharmcist who will then stock it for you- most folk who do well on T4 like one made by goldshield- but the name escapes me at the moment. > thyroid treatment > From: debbie.garside@...> Date: Wed, 1 Jun 2011 13:04:50 +0000> Subject: Reactions to thyroxine> > > My doctor is gradually increasing my dose in 25 mcg doses and reviewing with blood tests and an appointment after a month.> The first month on 25 mcg started ok, but by the end of the month I was feeling much worse, very drugged and able to do little but sleep. I assumed it was a problem with the brand. I changed brand when I got my new prescription for 50 mcg and started to feel quite a bit better so thought this confirmed my previous problems were brand-related.> > However, now I'm into the third week of 50 mcg of the new brand, I am again getting that very groggy, want to sleep all the time feeling.> > I wonder if anyone else has had a similar experience? Is this part of the adjustment period?> .> > Many thanks for your help.> > > > ------------------------------------> > TPA is not medically qualified. Consult with a qualified medical practitioner before changing medication.> >