Re: Thyroid hormone options

[Guest guest]

>

> I probably need long-term thyroid hormone supplementation.

>

> There seem to be several options: time release T3, non-time-release T3,

> and combination T3/T4 products. Is there a clear advantage to a

> particular type of product or regimen? Or is this individual?

>

I think it is individual. In " From Fatigued to Fantastic " , Teitelbaum

says that some do better with Synthroid, and some better with Armour

(he is talking about people with chronic pain and fatigue, and doesn't

seem aware of the mercury issue).

From what I can tell, people with mercury toxicity and thyroid issues,

who find that they don't get enough support from otc supplements, need

at least some T3 supplementation.

> One thing I disliked about taking T4 when I used it years ago (I

> stopped) was the jolt after the morning dose. Time release sounds

> appealing, to smooth things out -- if it works.

>

> I would prefer synthetic hormones, unless there is an overwhelmingly

> clear advantage to animal-derived products.

>

> Any thoughts would be appreciated.

>

I started with Synthroid, then " Thyroid " (which is the Canadian

equivalent of Armour), then Synthroid and Cytomel, then sustained

release T3 (compounded) plus Synthroid. The sustained release T3

feels best for me. I believe that someone who has stronger adrenals

than mine would be ok on Synthroid and Cytomel.

The jolts were most obvious when I was taking Cytomel, even when I

spread the dose through the day and took Cortef with every dose. It

must be meant for people with adrenals stronger than mine.

There is another synthetic product that contains both T4 and T3, I

can't recall the name right now. A pharmacist should know.

If these are not covered by insurance cost is a factor to take into

consideration - another question for the pharmacist.

Blood tests of free T3 and free T4 can help to determine the

appropriate dose (plus tracking temperatures, pulse, and other

symptoms). Andy says that the free T3, free T4 optimally should be in

the top 1/4 to 1/3 of the normal range. T4 is the one that causes the

heart to race, so if pulse goes too high it is T4 dose that is too high.

J