When you should consider trying T3 medication
Have you heard of T3 medication for an underactive thyroid? T3 (triiodothyronine) is one of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. But we hear a lot less about it compared to thyroxine, or T4.
Many people don’t do well on thyroxine therapy alone. So when should you consider T3 as an option, and what options are there? Let’s take a closer look at this controversial medication.
What is T3?
T3 is a thyroid hormone. When we talk about it as a medication, it is a replacement therapy for those with an underactive thyroid or a total thyroidectomy.
The important thing to note with T3 is that it is an active form of hormone. Thyroxine is a precursor that needs to be converted by the body into T3. So by taking T3, you’re skipping the step of conversion into active form.
How can I take T3?
There are a few ways that T3 can be taken as a thyroid replacement therapy. They include:
Synthetic T3 combined with thyroxine – this is where you will take T3 alongside T4. This is typically done in a ratio of 1:4, which is the ratio that the human body itself will produce when healthy.
T3-only medication
Natural desiccated thyroid extract or NDT – a combination of T3 and T4 from the thyroid glands of pigs. Unlike synthetic options, the hormones in NDT are bioidentical to what the human body produces.
What are the benefits of T3?
There are a few reasons why T3 can be a useful tool for hypothyroidism.
Firstly, as we discussed earlier, it skips the conversion step. So you’re not relying on your body to convert the medication – which is a big issue for many people with chronic health issues!
Secondly, it’s more potent, meaning you can experience relief quickly. Many of my clients have seen massive improvements in their symptoms within 4-6 weeks, and some report benefits in just a few days.
It can also overcome the issue of lingering hypothyroid symptoms for many. There are studies showing that 15% of people with hypothyroidism who are on thyroxine still experience hypothyroid symptoms, even when their TSH levels are within range. One reason for this can be low T3, which can be alleviated by taking T3 (alone or in combination with thyroxine).
What are the potential downsides?
Like any medication, T3 comes with potential issues as well. Some of them include:
Risk of overdose – because T3 is active, it can have a higher risk of taking too much and inducing a state of hyperthyroidism. When you first start using T3, it’s important to watch out for symptoms such as anxiety, rapid heart rate, significant weight loss and feeling ‘tired but wired’.
Shorter half-life – to put it simply, your body will use and process T3 quicker than T4. This can mean you need to dose multiple times per day unless it’s a slow-release version or combined with T4.
Harder to access – T3 isn’t as widely available as T4. Compounding pharmacies will be able to access it for you with a prescription, but it may not be at your usual local pharmacy.
Interactions with other medications and supplements – like thyroxine, T3 absorption can be hindered by other things that you’re taking or consuming. However, many of the factors that inhibit conversion at the same as thyroxine (which you can learn more about here).
How do I know if I should consider using T3?
Every case is unique. However, there are a few signs that I see in clinic regularly that suggest that T3 might be able to help:
In blood tests, your T4 is consistently on the higher end of normal but T3 is on the lower end of normal – this suggests you’re not converting T4 sufficiently
You’ve been on thyroxine for some time but you’re experiencing lingering symptoms even though your bloods suggest your levels are normal
You’ve had a thyroidectomy so your body is no longer producing any thyroid hormone
Even after having other potential issues ruled out, you still feel the same as you did when your hypothyroidism was first diagnosed
However, it’s important to keep in mind that you need a GP or specialist who can support you on this journey. It can take time to find the right doctor, and even longer to find the right dose for you. But I have seen plenty of clients who have felt human again after shifting to a T3-based option – so be patient!
THE POWER IS IN YOUR HANDS
When you receive a thyroid disease diagnosis, there’s a good chance you’ll feel overwhelmed and powerless. It could even be that you’re not clear on what’s driving it or where it came from!
But even if you’re still uncovering the cause, it doesn’t mean you need to suffer the symptoms forever! Your daily habits can make a massive difference – all you need to do is learn about your condition and empower yourself.