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Tagged: cytomel, hypothyroid, synthroid
- This topic has 4 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 10 months ago by
RegL.
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July 17, 2013 at 10:03 pm #9344
Scarlet Pimpernel
ParticipantSo if Peat and Barnes recommend/ed thyroid supplements, is it ever a good idea to use Synthroid (or Synthroid with Cytomel)? Or even Cytomel alone? Even for a short time? Or are they completely useless and/or harmful?
July 18, 2013 at 5:36 am #9372Betsy
ParticipantThere’s nothing really wrong with them, it just depends on what your body does best with. I used to be fairly active on a thyroid group. Most people in the group used Armour or it’s equivalent. But there were some who were fine with the synthetics. The group moderator herself used Armour with a bit of synthetic T4, and that’s what gave her the best results. She had half her thyroid removed.
Cytomel is not generally used for routine hypothyroid issues.
July 18, 2013 at 10:45 am #9401The Real Amy
ModeratorPersonally, I recommend extreme caution if using thyroid meds when not diagnosed as hypothyroid (hopefully working with a good endo). Some may disagree with me, but I would not take that risk personally. Too much room for screwing things up more.
Just anecdotally, my hypothyroid grammy used synthroid for years and was fine with it, and I know several other people in my personal life on it with good outcomes.
Based on my own experience, Cytomel is something I would be really cautious with. I was given it once by what I now consider a quack endocrinologist. I was under stress but he said I had some reverse T3 issue. I was not hypothyroid, so maybe it would be different for someone with real thyroid issues. But it made my heart race like I have never experienced. A couple of days was more than enough for me. I also remember Tierney, who posts on here sometimes, said Cytomel led to a major health and emotional breakdown. I’m sure there are people who have benefits, so I wouldn’t say never use it, but just be very aware and cautious if you do.
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This reply was modified 9 years, 10 months ago by
The Real Amy.
July 18, 2013 at 8:46 pm #9463Betsy
ParticipantYeah, Cytomel is sorta like uppers, or so I understand. I was on it for a while, but only because I was in the middle of treatment for thyroid cancer and they didn’t want me to have any T4 meds until after the radioactive iodine dose. That was a fun summer. You know your metabolism is in the tank when you go sleep in your car at lunchtime in south Texas in July – and think it’s comfortable.
July 20, 2013 at 6:33 pm #9649RegL
ParticipantI have Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism. I take a combination of Synthroid and Cytomel. I take the lowest Cytomel dosage (5mcg) Monday-Friday. For me, adding the Cytomel stabilized my levels and it just makes me feel better, which makes me think I have a conversion issue.
I would echo Amy’s opinion that taking Cytomel, or any thyroid hormone, when you don’t have a thyroid disorder can be dangerous and should never be attempted without close medical supervision. The endocrine system works through a delicate system of feedback, so taking any hormone, and especially thyroid, can damage the system. Too much thyroid hormone can cause heart arrythmia, among other things.
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