Can someone please offer some advise please on the following.
I live in Australia and have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism (hashimotos). I am taking thyroxine 50mg. Since taking this dose my TSH has dropped from 12 to 3.9 (range 0.4-3.5). My free T3 however has also dropped from 5.5 to 4.3 (range 3.9-6.8) I know my T3 is in range but it is at the lower end of the scale.
I am still suffering my initial symptoms, weight gain, tired, low heart beat, always hungry, cold hands/feet etc.
My question is, is there any medication available in Australia which has T3 included as well? and do you think if I am able to raise my T3 levels through medication would my symptoms improve?
Any advice would be appreciated as I feel really crappy and I am losing faith with my doctor who works to the ranges. My doctor also stated that to the best of her knowledge Thyroxine is the only medication available in Australia to treat hypothyroidism.
Welcome to the board although I'm sorry for the reason you're here.
Unfortunately I have no knowledge whether some and which T3 medication would be available in Australia. ^Hope others can help in that regard.
Was your FT4 tested? I only see TSH and FT3 mentioned. that beign said, although within ranges your TSH is still high so did your doctor suggested a dosage increase? Since you need an increase and although FT4 would give more information in that regard it's possible that increase would bring both your levels (FT4 and FT3) up.
With those levels it's quite normal you're not feelign well.
A simple google search learns me that 'tetroxin' might be the T3 brand available in Australia. might be something to check into further.
Before starting T3 I would ask to have your FT4 checked and increase the dosage though. If you're not having conversion issues, it's possible T4 might bring you where you need to be. It's easier to build up with T4 and when FT3 remains low or proportionally too low, add a bit T3 to the mix.
Welcome to the board although I'm sorry for the reason you're here.
Unfortunately I have no knowledge whether some and which T3 medication would be available in Australia. ^Hope others can help in that regard.
Was your FT4 tested? I only see TSH and FT3 mentioned. that beign said, although within ranges your TSH is still high so did your doctor suggested a dosage increase? Since you need an increase and although FT4 would give more information in that regard it's possible that increase would bring both your levels (FT4 and FT3) up.
With those levels it's quite normal you're not feelign well.
hang in there
Hello,
Thank you for responding. My free T4 was last checked at 14.5 ( range 10 - 23) My doctor/specialist did not suggest and further changes to my medication. So I'm still on 50mg even though my TSH is higher than normal.
do you think you can get your doctor to increase your dosage? an argument which might work is that although it's within range/normal, it might not be your normal and that there is still room within the ranges so an increase would still keep your levels within range but might make you feel better.
if not, then i think it's time for a backup plan (meaning look for another doctor if possible).
do you think you can get your doctor to increase your dosage? an argument which might work is that although it's within range/normal, it might not be your normal and that there is still room within the ranges so an increase would still keep your levels within range but might make you feel better.
if not, then i think it's time for a backup plan (meaning look for another doctor if possible).
Hello,
Unfortunately my specialist did not recommend or want to increase my dose. I think you might be right, time for a new specialist.
The T3 drug available in Australia is called Cytomel (Liothyronine). I have been taking Cytomel for 2 months along with 75 mcg Thyroxine. Although I am not at optimum yet I am feeling much better.
My original dosage was 100 mcg Thyroxine only, I did not feel well and my t3 was 4.3. The doctor said my TSH of 0.7 and T4 of 18 was fine, but I did not feel well. I went to another doctor who reduced the Thyroxine to 50 mcg and added Cymotel 20 mcg. After 6 weeks I still didn't feel right, my T3 levels had not increased so the thyroxine was increased to 75 mcg. At first I always feel good when my dosage is increased but then slip back a bit after a few weeks. I have also started a gluten free diet and am finding that helpful, I am not so tired in the afternoons which is a bonus.
I hope you feel better soon, sometimes you just need a good doctor who will listen to you and who knows about thyroid conditions.
The T3 drug available in Australia is called Cytomel (Liothyronine). I have been taking Cytomel for 2 months along with 75 mcg Thyroxine. Although I am not at optimum yet I am feeling much better.
My original dosage was 100 mcg Thyroxine only, I did not feel well and my t3 was 4.3. The doctor said my TSH of 0.7 and T4 of 18 was fine, but I did not feel well. I went to another doctor who reduced the Thyroxine to 50 mcg and added Cymotel 20 mcg. After 6 weeks I still didn't feel right, my T3 levels had not increased so the thyroxine was increased to 75 mcg. At first I always feel good when my dosage is increased but then slip back a bit after a few weeks. I have also started a gluten free diet and am finding that helpful, I am not so tired in the afternoons which is a bonus.
I hope you feel better soon, sometimes you just need a good doctor who will listen to you and who knows about thyroid conditions.
Hello,
Thank you for responding. I think I need to go to your doctor. I went yesterday to my doctor complaining again of my symptoms to which he suggested I do yoga.
I too have started a gluten free diet to see if that helps also. I truly wish doctors had a better understanding of thyroid issues. Thank you again for responding your post has been most helpful.
Yes I agree you need to see a new doctor. I feel your pain as I had been unwell for four years before being diagnosed, but this seems normal for Hashimoto's disease diagnosis. You could google doctors in Sydney to see if any specialise in Thyroid conditions, I find female doctors are more compationate.
I am also taking selenium supplementation as suggested by my doctor, I find this is helping. Google selenium and research as much as you can. Research is what has helped me. I have seen 3 doctors before finding the one who will listen to me. If you have a doctor on your side you will reach optimum and feel better a lot quicker. Take care and I hope you find a doctor who can help you.
Yes I agree you need to see a new doctor. I feel your pain as I had been unwell for four years before being diagnosed, but this seems normal for Hashimoto's disease diagnosis. You could google doctors in Sydney to see if any specialise in Thyroid conditions, I find female doctors are more compationate.
I am also taking selenium supplementation as suggested by my doctor, I find this is helping. Google selenium and research as much as you can. Research is what has helped me. I have seen 3 doctors before finding the one who will listen to me. If you have a doctor on your side you will reach optimum and feel better a lot quicker. Take care and I hope you find a doctor who can help you.
I will definitely look for another doctor and try selenium. Thank you again I too am very frustrated with doctors at the moment.
