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So 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?
There’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.
Personally, 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.
Yeah, 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.
I 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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