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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is A Combination Of Cytomel And Synthroid Advisable Post A Total Thyroidectomy?

I had a total thyroidectomy for papillary cancer in 2004. I have been on 224 mcq Synthyroid since then and now my new doctor says my level is too high .... ,04.........my original dr said he wanted me on the higher side to keep cancer coming back somewhere else...my weight in 2009 was 147. I gained 30 lbs last yr..keeps creeping up, gained other 30 since 2009....now my synthroid is 170mcq...I cannot gain much more weight due to heart conditions..also insurlin resistant..metformin 7.5 mg...could it help to take cytomel combo with synthroid....
Thu, 4 Oct 2018
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

The thyroid gland produces the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The thyroid gland produces more T4 than T3, and, in fact, most of the T3 in the body actually results from conversion of T4 to T3 outside the thyroid gland.

Levothyroxine (Synthroid) is a synthetic version of T4, and liothyronine (Cytomel) is a synthetic version of T3. Both are used for the treatment of hypothyroidism, but Levothyroxine is preferred because T3 is absorbed from the intestine very rapidly, and this may cause mild thyroid hormone toxicity (hyperthyroidism) in some patients.

Since T4 is converted to T3 in the body, there is no advantage to administering T3 products. So you may get it done pet scan or radio iodine scan to locate the secondaries. Better to take only Levothyroxin under your doctor guidance.

Please consult your endocrinologist he will examine and treat you accordingly.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Penchila Prasad Kandikattu,
Internal Medicine Specialist
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Is A Combination Of Cytomel And Synthroid Advisable Post A Total Thyroidectomy?

Hi, The thyroid gland produces the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The thyroid gland produces more T4 than T3, and, in fact, most of the T3 in the body actually results from conversion of T4 to T3 outside the thyroid gland. Levothyroxine (Synthroid) is a synthetic version of T4, and liothyronine (Cytomel) is a synthetic version of T3. Both are used for the treatment of hypothyroidism, but Levothyroxine is preferred because T3 is absorbed from the intestine very rapidly, and this may cause mild thyroid hormone toxicity (hyperthyroidism) in some patients. Since T4 is converted to T3 in the body, there is no advantage to administering T3 products. So you may get it done pet scan or radio iodine scan to locate the secondaries. Better to take only Levothyroxin under your doctor guidance. Please consult your endocrinologist he will examine and treat you accordingly. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Penchila Prasad Kandikattu, Internal Medicine Specialist