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My mother, aged 80, is hypothyroid. Her T4 and TSH are within normal limits now with Levoxyl but her T3 is very low. She has mulitple joint and muscle aches during the past 6 months. Her cholesterol is elevated. She is tired a lot and never seems very happy. Would you consider T3 supplimentation?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at March 26, 2009 9:44 PM by Dr. Kennedy.

T3 is the more active form by a ratio of 8:1. However, it also is more disruptive of the heart rhythm if there is a conduction defect or an arrhythmia. Straight T3 is often a problem, even for younger people because of sudden entry of a large dose of T3 into the system. Time Release T3, on the other hand, mimics rather well the way the thyroid system itself works in healthy youth and is something to consider. Time Release T3/T4 combined would be another option as well.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at March 26, 2009 9:45 PM by Dr. Kennedy.

In that case, can you suggest where we shold look for a doctor willing to work with Mom in a safe way to correct her hormonal imbalance? I am more afraid of the effects of hypothyroidism than the effects of treatment. Should I be?

As I do not know your mother I cannot tell you what you should be most concerned about. As to finding a doctor, see that little yellow tab in the upper left which reads "Find A Doctor?" Use that.