Are there any major risks associated with a trial of T3?

[Renholder]

Hello everyone,

After boosting my testosterone levels considerably for a while now and not feeling any significant improvements, I am considering a trial with T3.

My thyroid looks great on the surface, with T3/T4 top range, however, my TSH is elevated fluctuating between 2.0 and 3.0 this year.

There are some theories that suggest that serum levels are not representative of what is happening or not happening on cell level, such that supplementing with T3 is warranted if people have symptoms. I have several symptoms, including cold hands and feet, easily gain weight, fatigue, lack of libido, weaker erections, etc. T3 has also been used to successfully "treat" fibromyalgia in patients with normal thyroid levels in trial.

I don`t mind doing a trial and see if it improves symptoms, but with a thyroid that looks even great, I`m reluctant if there is any risk associated with this, in particular permanent suppression of thyroid function.

Does anyone know anything about this?

I`m reading different opinions about this online, but most sources seem to state that thyroid function rather quickly returns to normal after quitting.

Thanks in advance,

Renholder

[endo518]

Kind of in the same boat. My TSH is 4.1 while my FT-3 is over the range high, while having all hypothyroidism symptoms including low waking temperature. I'm seeing an endo next week about it though.

[Renholder]

Please let me know what happens and what your endocrinologist says. Did you check your adrenals and cortisol?

4.1 seems very high.

Either way, I started the trial today. I will spend some more time doing research and if I discover anything, I suppose 2-3 days at 40-60 mcg will not hurt me. Everything I read seems to suggest that it`s safe though and does not lead to permanent suppression.

[Brazensol]

I've kind of got the opposite problem. My TSH is 0.45 (0.34 - 4.82) and my T3 is 118 ( 80 - 200) and T4 0.51 (0.60 - 1.35). I am considering trying Cytomel and Synthroid but just not sure. I'd like to try a higher Armour Thyroid dose but the doc thinks my TSH is perfect... Like you I have afternoon fatigue and hit or miss libido. I am feeling better than before starting and am able to lose weight now but still don't feel like I am where I should be.

[Renholder]

I started the trial. 60 mcg per day split in three doses. No adverse effects yet, but I`m feeling pretty drained and was excessively tired yesterday. Could possibly be the T3 driving my cortisol too low.

Just finished a training cycle with a heavy week and have been on a calorie deficit, so it could be that which is causing it as well. I will bump up my calorie intake today and tomorrow and then see what happens.

I believe I should know within a week, possibly sooner, whether it works or not. Still interested if anyone got any input.

[Renholder]

I've kind of got the opposite problem. My TSH is 0.45 (0.34 - 4.82) and my T3 is 118 ( 80 - 200) and T4 0.51 (0.60 - 1.35). I am considering trying Cytomel and Synthroid but just not sure. I'd like to try a higher Armour Thyroid dose but the doc thinks my TSH is perfect... Like you I have afternoon fatigue and hit or miss libido. I am feeling better than before starting and am able to lose weight now but still don't feel like I am where I should be.

So, you`re not using anything now?

T3 looks low and T4 is below range?

I think that takes precedence over the low TSH.

[Brazensol]

So, you`re not using anything now?

T3 looks low and T4 is below range?

I think that takes precedence over the low TSH.

I'm currently on 60 mgs armour thyroid. I agree with you about the TSH. T4/T3 should have priority along with symptom relief.

[Brazensol]

I forgot to ask. Are you going to use the T3 in addition to the armour thyroid? My doc wants to take me off armour if I go on the cytomel.

[Renholder]

I forgot to ask. Are you going to use the T3 in addition to the armour thyroid? My doc wants to take me off armour if I go on the cytomel.

Since you`re already on thyroid medications anyway, I suppose it would not hurt you to try it.

I have never used any thyroid medications prior to this, since my thyroid actually looks great, even RT3. The only concern is the elevated TSH, but personally, I`m not convinced it is a thyroid problem.

But it seems like the risk with a short trial is worth it for me.