Submitted by Justine W.
Rochester, MI, USA
Patient Question: "I'm currently on T3-only (Cytomel) for thyroid resistance (I also have adrenal issues which my doctor and I are addressing). However, I'm confused about how we will know if I'm ready to introduce NDT or T4-only medication to my T3 medication. Also, I would love more information about Reverse T3 and Free T3/Reverse T3 ratios. Thank you! My questions are below:
Rochester, MI, USA
Patient Question: "I'm currently on T3-only (Cytomel) for thyroid resistance (I also have adrenal issues which my doctor and I are addressing). However, I'm confused about how we will know if I'm ready to introduce NDT or T4-only medication to my T3 medication. Also, I would love more information about Reverse T3 and Free T3/Reverse T3 ratios. Thank you! My questions are below:
1. What indicators tell you that a patient is ready to introduce T4-only medication or natural desiccated thyroid medication to their T3-only medication that he/she might have been on for thyroid resistance?
2. What are optimal values for Reverse T3? How do you evaluate Reverse T3 and Free T3? Is their an optimal ratio between the two labs?"
2. What are optimal values for Reverse T3? How do you evaluate Reverse T3 and Free T3? Is their an optimal ratio between the two labs?"
Response by: David Borenstein, MD
Manhattan Integrative Medicine
"Hi Justine. Thank you for your questions. Let me address your questions in 3 parts:
Thyroid Resistance and T3 Drugs
Thyroid resistance refers to the situation where T3 -- the active thyroid hormone -- is not able to effectively enter cells -- delivering oxygen and energy. This leaves people hypothyroid at the cellular level. They are physiologically hypothyroid, and may experience hypothyroid symptoms, but TSH, and even Free T4 and Free T3 may appear to fall within the "normal" reference range.
There are several causes for this situation. In some cases, there is insufficient Free T3 -- unbound, available T3 -- to sufficiently meet the body's needs. Insufficient Free T3 can be due to the body's ability to convert T4 into T3 - as a result of chronic stress, adrenal dysfunction, genetic factors and/or nutritional deficiencies, among other causes.
In other cases, even if conversion is taking place, there is simply not enough Free T3 to "do the job," because there is not enough Free T4 available for conversion or the conversion is imperfect. There is also a situation known as cellular resistance, where cells essentially block the T3 from entering. This can be due to genetic issues, or can result from the presence of thyroid-like substances that mimic thyroid hormone and block the transport ability of the T3 to get into cells. Some of these thyroid-lilke substances include estrogens and phytogestrogens - such as soy.
Finally, T4 is converted into either T3, or Reverse T3. Reverse T3 production goes up during periods of chronic stress, illness, or in the presence of nutritional deficiencies. Reverse T3 is an inactive form of T3 that does not deliver oxygen and energy to cells. Instead, it merely takes up space, and can in some cases actually block the cell's ability to take on active T3.
Some physicians prescribe a straight T3 drug -- a synthetic form of T3 -- whether in form of the brand name Cytomel, the generic liothyronine, or a time-released or sustained-release preparation of liothyronine prepared by a compounding pharmacy. The idea is that by providing the actual T3 hormone, the T3 will at minimum reach the cells and resolve the cellular hypothyroidism, and in some cases, help to overcome thyroid resistance, and transport problems, which the causes of these issues are addressed.
Some of my patients have found that they feel best on T3-only thyroid hormone replacement. While they are on T3-only therapy, I also work with them on the other underlying issues, including:
1. Optimizing and balancing adrenal function - ideally we want to see a healthy and sufficient cortisol levels throughout the day, following the normal daily cortisol curve that includes highest cortisol levels in the morning. This can involve dietary changes, supplements and adaptogenic herbs, lifestyle changes and stress management, treating underlying chronic infections, and in some cases, DHEA and pregnenolone supplementation, and prescription hydrocortisone treatment.
2. Dealing with nutritional deficiencies and imbalances, particularly in the areas of B vitamins, tyrosine, selenium, iodine, Vitamin D, and iron.
3. Dealing with other hormone imbalances, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
4. Dealing with any gut and digestive issues, including food sensitivities, gluten or wheat intolerance or sensitivity, inflammation in the intestines ("Leaky Gut") and other issues that impair absorption. These issues are addressed through dietary changes and supplementation.
When patients have achieved a healthy adrenal balance without the need for supplemental hydrocortisone, and do not have any other areas of significant nutritional or hormonal imbalance, or gut/digestive dysfunction we can consider a switch to a T4/T3 medication. I don't typically go from a T3-only therapy to a T4-only therapy, as the majority of my hypothyroid patients -- even those without a history of adrenal imbalance or elevated Reverse T3 -- typically feel their best and have optimal thyroid function on a T4/T3 combination therapy of some sort.
I would typically introduce a small amount of synthetic T4, and then recheck in 8 to 12 weeks (TSH, Free T4, Free T3 and Reverse T3) to determine if that T4 is converting properly. If the Reverse T3 is elevated and the Free T3 is low, this tells me that conversion is not likely happening. If conversion is happening, and symptoms haven't worsened, I would increase the dose of synthetic T4, and drop the T3 to compensate, and again, recheck. If a patient has a strong preference, or a past history of doing better with natural desiccated thyroid (NDT), I can instead introduce NDT, and again, follow the same process of rechecking and recalibrating. All in all, it's a trial and error process that takes time, that relies on not only testing, but careful assessment of symptoms, to determine at which point to stabilize the thyroid treatment approach.
Reverse T3 and T3/Reverse T3 Ratios
Reverse T3 can be measured a blood test. Some amount of Reverse T3 is considered normal. But high or high-normal Reverse T3 can be evidence that T3 is not reaching the cells, meaning that some degree of resistance is present, and T3 therapy may be indicated in a hypothyroid patient.
Some physicians compare the ratio of T3 to Reverse T3 - and consider certain cutoff points to be evidence of dysfunction. For example, some physicians feel that the Free T3/Reverse T3 ratio should be at least 20. (That means, that if Reverse T3 is 10, Free T3 should be at least 200.)
When Total T3 is used (Free T3 measurement is preferable) the Total T3/Reverse T3 ratio should fall above 10.
Keep in mind that you need to use the same unit of measurement for the Free T3 (or Total T3), and the Reverse T3.
These measurements are:
* pmol/L - Picomoles per liter
* pg/Ml - Picograms per milliliter
* pg/Dl - Picograms per deciliter
* ng/Dl 0 Nanograms per deciliter
If you have results in two different units, then convert to the same units. there's a handy online converter at the EndMemo site, at www.endmemo.com/sconvert/pg_mlng_dl.php
Lowering Reverse T3
Lowering Reverse T3 is best done under the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner, who can help patients best determine the most effective approaches for them, which can include:
* Changing the T4/T3 ratio in thyroid hormone replacement medications, or switching to a T3-only drug
* Addressing adrenal deficiencies and balancing adrenal function
* Managing chronic physical stress, such as infections, allergies, sensitivities
* Managing chronic life stress, including lack of sleep, emotional stress
* Testing for and managing ferritin deficiency
* Nutritional and digestive support
* Detoxification and liver function support"
Manhattan Integrative Medicine
"Hi Justine. Thank you for your questions. Let me address your questions in 3 parts:
Thyroid Resistance and T3 Drugs
Thyroid resistance refers to the situation where T3 -- the active thyroid hormone -- is not able to effectively enter cells -- delivering oxygen and energy. This leaves people hypothyroid at the cellular level. They are physiologically hypothyroid, and may experience hypothyroid symptoms, but TSH, and even Free T4 and Free T3 may appear to fall within the "normal" reference range.
There are several causes for this situation. In some cases, there is insufficient Free T3 -- unbound, available T3 -- to sufficiently meet the body's needs. Insufficient Free T3 can be due to the body's ability to convert T4 into T3 - as a result of chronic stress, adrenal dysfunction, genetic factors and/or nutritional deficiencies, among other causes.
In other cases, even if conversion is taking place, there is simply not enough Free T3 to "do the job," because there is not enough Free T4 available for conversion or the conversion is imperfect. There is also a situation known as cellular resistance, where cells essentially block the T3 from entering. This can be due to genetic issues, or can result from the presence of thyroid-like substances that mimic thyroid hormone and block the transport ability of the T3 to get into cells. Some of these thyroid-lilke substances include estrogens and phytogestrogens - such as soy.
Finally, T4 is converted into either T3, or Reverse T3. Reverse T3 production goes up during periods of chronic stress, illness, or in the presence of nutritional deficiencies. Reverse T3 is an inactive form of T3 that does not deliver oxygen and energy to cells. Instead, it merely takes up space, and can in some cases actually block the cell's ability to take on active T3.
Some physicians prescribe a straight T3 drug -- a synthetic form of T3 -- whether in form of the brand name Cytomel, the generic liothyronine, or a time-released or sustained-release preparation of liothyronine prepared by a compounding pharmacy. The idea is that by providing the actual T3 hormone, the T3 will at minimum reach the cells and resolve the cellular hypothyroidism, and in some cases, help to overcome thyroid resistance, and transport problems, which the causes of these issues are addressed.
Some of my patients have found that they feel best on T3-only thyroid hormone replacement. While they are on T3-only therapy, I also work with them on the other underlying issues, including:
1. Optimizing and balancing adrenal function - ideally we want to see a healthy and sufficient cortisol levels throughout the day, following the normal daily cortisol curve that includes highest cortisol levels in the morning. This can involve dietary changes, supplements and adaptogenic herbs, lifestyle changes and stress management, treating underlying chronic infections, and in some cases, DHEA and pregnenolone supplementation, and prescription hydrocortisone treatment.
2. Dealing with nutritional deficiencies and imbalances, particularly in the areas of B vitamins, tyrosine, selenium, iodine, Vitamin D, and iron.
3. Dealing with other hormone imbalances, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
4. Dealing with any gut and digestive issues, including food sensitivities, gluten or wheat intolerance or sensitivity, inflammation in the intestines ("Leaky Gut") and other issues that impair absorption. These issues are addressed through dietary changes and supplementation.
When patients have achieved a healthy adrenal balance without the need for supplemental hydrocortisone, and do not have any other areas of significant nutritional or hormonal imbalance, or gut/digestive dysfunction we can consider a switch to a T4/T3 medication. I don't typically go from a T3-only therapy to a T4-only therapy, as the majority of my hypothyroid patients -- even those without a history of adrenal imbalance or elevated Reverse T3 -- typically feel their best and have optimal thyroid function on a T4/T3 combination therapy of some sort.
I would typically introduce a small amount of synthetic T4, and then recheck in 8 to 12 weeks (TSH, Free T4, Free T3 and Reverse T3) to determine if that T4 is converting properly. If the Reverse T3 is elevated and the Free T3 is low, this tells me that conversion is not likely happening. If conversion is happening, and symptoms haven't worsened, I would increase the dose of synthetic T4, and drop the T3 to compensate, and again, recheck. If a patient has a strong preference, or a past history of doing better with natural desiccated thyroid (NDT), I can instead introduce NDT, and again, follow the same process of rechecking and recalibrating. All in all, it's a trial and error process that takes time, that relies on not only testing, but careful assessment of symptoms, to determine at which point to stabilize the thyroid treatment approach.
Reverse T3 and T3/Reverse T3 Ratios
Reverse T3 can be measured a blood test. Some amount of Reverse T3 is considered normal. But high or high-normal Reverse T3 can be evidence that T3 is not reaching the cells, meaning that some degree of resistance is present, and T3 therapy may be indicated in a hypothyroid patient.
Some physicians compare the ratio of T3 to Reverse T3 - and consider certain cutoff points to be evidence of dysfunction. For example, some physicians feel that the Free T3/Reverse T3 ratio should be at least 20. (That means, that if Reverse T3 is 10, Free T3 should be at least 200.)
When Total T3 is used (Free T3 measurement is preferable) the Total T3/Reverse T3 ratio should fall above 10.
Keep in mind that you need to use the same unit of measurement for the Free T3 (or Total T3), and the Reverse T3.
These measurements are:
* pmol/L - Picomoles per liter
* pg/Ml - Picograms per milliliter
* pg/Dl - Picograms per deciliter
* ng/Dl 0 Nanograms per deciliter
If you have results in two different units, then convert to the same units. there's a handy online converter at the EndMemo site, at www.endmemo.com/sconvert/pg_mlng_dl.php
Lowering Reverse T3
Lowering Reverse T3 is best done under the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner, who can help patients best determine the most effective approaches for them, which can include:
* Changing the T4/T3 ratio in thyroid hormone replacement medications, or switching to a T3-only drug
* Addressing adrenal deficiencies and balancing adrenal function
* Managing chronic physical stress, such as infections, allergies, sensitivities
* Managing chronic life stress, including lack of sleep, emotional stress
* Testing for and managing ferritin deficiency
* Nutritional and digestive support
* Detoxification and liver function support"
About the Doctor
David Borentein, MD (www.davidborensteinmd.com): is one of New York's leading integrative medicine physicians and practices at Manhattan Integrative Medicine in New York, NY, specializing in thyroid disease, adrenal fatigue, and other metabolic disorders. Dr. Borenstein is certified with the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and with the American Academy of Environmental Medicine. Dr. Borenstein has also held many prestigious clinical appointments and positions in leading medical facilities and is published in the European Journal of Ultrasound.
The Q&A Doctor Series brings some of the world's leading experts in thyroid healthcare together to answer your important questions! This ongoing series aims to highlight the best practices in thyroid healthcare to an international audience. Click here to read more Q&A responses.
ThyroidChange is an online movement that is dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease through a physician-patient cooperative approach.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this series is for general information only and is not intended to replace a diagnosis or treatment. ThyroidChange and participating physicians are not responsible nor liable for any advice or course of treatment that individuals choose to embark on. Please review all information regarding any medical condition with your physician.
ThyroidChange is an online movement that is dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease through a physician-patient cooperative approach.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this series is for general information only and is not intended to replace a diagnosis or treatment. ThyroidChange and participating physicians are not responsible nor liable for any advice or course of treatment that individuals choose to embark on. Please review all information regarding any medical condition with your physician.
RSS Feed
