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What Causes Low T4 Levels While On Cytomel?
Question: Hello, I am a female, 56 yrs. old, and have Hypothyroidism. Currently taking cytomel,which has been ok, but I am looking for vitamins to help boost my health.
Recently my doctor changed my medicine to Synthroid which through my body out of whack. I am back on my Cytomel and feel better again. However, my T-4 is a little low. Any suggestions? I am taking vit e, B complex, Vit D, selinium, vit A, iron, zinc, DHEA (just started yesturday), biotin (for hair fallout),Vit C 1000 mg, meletonin 3 mg,
iodine, magnesium, and calcium, L-Lysine.
Recently my doctor changed my medicine to Synthroid which through my body out of whack. I am back on my Cytomel and feel better again. However, my T-4 is a little low. Any suggestions? I am taking vit e, B complex, Vit D, selinium, vit A, iron, zinc, DHEA (just started yesturday), biotin (for hair fallout),Vit C 1000 mg, meletonin 3 mg,
iodine, magnesium, and calcium, L-Lysine.
Brief Answer:
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
1 When a person takes cytomel it is often seen that the T4 levels are on the lower side. This is because cytomel is T3
2 Cytomel is generally not recommended by thyroid experts as it is deemed unsafe
3 Taking biotin has recently been shown to affect blood test results for thyroid. Check with the laboratory if such an interference in reporting is possible withthe method used by them
4 You will be best served by seeing an endocrinologist in person who will have the opportunity to examine you, and manage the complexities of hypothyroidism
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your 3 month glucose average)
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH
Free T4
Anti Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) antibodies
Anti Thyroglobulin antibodies
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
1 When a person takes cytomel it is often seen that the T4 levels are on the lower side. This is because cytomel is T3
2 Cytomel is generally not recommended by thyroid experts as it is deemed unsafe
3 Taking biotin has recently been shown to affect blood test results for thyroid. Check with the laboratory if such an interference in reporting is possible withthe method used by them
4 You will be best served by seeing an endocrinologist in person who will have the opportunity to examine you, and manage the complexities of hypothyroidism
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your 3 month glucose average)
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH
Free T4
Anti Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) antibodies
Anti Thyroglobulin antibodies
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
My question was "what vitamins /mineral/herbs will help to give me more energy, and to support my Hypothyroidism?
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Iodine intake needs to be adequate. There is no published evidence in scientific literature to suggest any other vitamins, minerals or herbs to support hypothyroidism.
Individually, they can be useful if you are deficient in respective elements.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Iodine intake needs to be adequate. There is no published evidence in scientific literature to suggest any other vitamins, minerals or herbs to support hypothyroidism.
Individually, they can be useful if you are deficient in respective elements.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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