 Cytomel / Liothyronine Dilemma.....
I have Hashimotos and am currently taking Levothroid 100 micrograms since January. I continue to have fatigue and achiness. Here are my most recent labs.
TSH 1.7 (.1-5.5)
Free T3 270 (210-440)
Free T4 1/5 (.8-1.7)
With these labs my doctor informed me that my levels were all normal and told me to continue the 100 micrograms of Levothroid. I asked her since my Free T3 was in the low normal range if I could try some Cytomel to go along with my Levothroid. She agreed and prescribed me the generic form of Cytomel, Liothyronine, 5 micrograms, once daily.
I started the Liothyronine,T3, at one pill a day on Sunday(4 days ago). About one hour after taking it I noticed that about 60% of my fatigue and achiness went away!! I was so impressed! Unfortunately, because of the short pill halflife my achiness and fatigue begin to creep up on me about 6-7 hours later.
I asked my Endocrinologist if I could try taking 7.5 micrograms(1 1/2 pills) in the morning and that maybe ALL of my fatigue and achiness would go away. And then if I could take another dose in the afternoon. She told me that because my thyroid labs were within normal range before she prescribed the Liothyronine(T3) to me she did not want to up the dose. My Endocrinologist said "Overdosing runs the risk of flipping your heart rhythm into atrial fibrillation which carries a risk of having a stroke, and I have seen this happen to other patients, and I don't want that to happen to you."
I am so frustrated. I finally am getting some relief with the Liothyronine(t3) and want to feel back to 100% again.
My question is: If I continue to take the Liothyronine (T3), 5 micrograms, will it gradually raise my Free T3 level, or does it only raise it as much as it is going to raise it in one dosage/days worth of pill? Will I possibly see even more improvement over the first couple of weeks?
I want to get others opinions on this before contacting my doctor on how I feel about this.
By the way, I tried taking 1/2 of my pill in the morning and I was going to take the other half later in the day, but 1/2 pill doesn't take any of my achiness and fatigue away.
Please, any input would be greatly appreciated!
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