• HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Who We Are
    • Our Story
  • BEGIN HERE
    • About Thyroid Disease
    • Testing & Diagnosis
    • Treatment Options
    • Foundational Treatment
  • RESOURCES
    • Find a Doctor
    • Online Consults
    • Patient Forums
    • Resource Library
    • Useful Websites
  • PRODUCTS
    • Clearly Filtered
    • Supplements
    • Helpful Books
    • Thyroid Programs
    • Other Health Products
  • FAQ
    • FAQ for Patients
    • FAQ for Physicians
  • COMMUNITY
    • Patient Forums
    • Join Our Network
    • Recommend a Doctor
    • Other Ways to Help
  • BLOG
    • Articles
    • Submissions
  • CONTACT
    • Contact
    • Partners and Affiliates
    • Make a Donation
ThyroidChange

3 Reasons Why Patients Don't Feel Well On T4-Only Medication

2/19/2020

4 Comments

 
Why Patients Don't Feel Well on T4-Only Medication
Aside from not being on the correct dose, what are the reasons why you may not be feeling well on T4-only medication (e.g. Synthroid, levothyroxine)? Thyroid medication options and dosing are as varied as the individual patient. Many patients and practitioners report that T4-only medication doesn't always resolve patient symptoms. There are reasons for this. ThyroidChange contributing writer, Kent Holtorf, MD, discusses three important reasons why in the following article. 
​

What You'll Learn:

  • Why are hypothyroid patients still suffering?

  • What is T4 (thyroxine) hormone?

  • What is the standard treatment for hypothyroidism?
​
  • What impacts the efficacy of T4-only medication?
    ​

  • What are the alternatives?
​​​

​______
​
​
by Kent Holtorf, MD
ThyroidChange Contributor and Medical Director of Holtorf Medical Group

​Updated 11/21/2020 ​
 
Those who are feeling sluggish, have difficulty thinking clearly, and seem to be incapable of losing unwanted weight may be suffering from hypothyroidism. This common thyroid disorder is not only difficult to diagnose but also challenging to treat.

Hypothyroidism is a common disorder described as a decline in thyroid activity that results in a decrease of thyroid hormone.

​Poor thyroid function contributes to a slowing of numerous systems throughout the body and is typically accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, depression, aches and pains, infertility, hair loss, and cognitive difficulties.
 
​Experts estimate that anywhere between 10 to 40 percent of Americans suffer from undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Sadly, many of these individuals do not improve even if they receive treatment for their condition. This is most often due to reliance on ineffective T4-only approaches.

Sadly, many hypothyroid patients are receiving suboptimal care in the form of T4-only treatments (ie. levothyroxine, Synthroid).

Effectively treating thyroid disease in any form requires patient-specific optimization of many different systems throughout the body. Unfortunately, much of the medical community incorrectly believes that hypothyroidism can be resolved with a standardized one-size-fits-all approach.

​This has caused many patients to suffer from continued symptoms of hypothyroidism despite receiving treatment for their condition.


______

What is T4 (Thyroxine)?

The thyroid is a small gland located at the base of the neck. This system is responsible for regulating numerous bodily functions including energy level, mood, focus, weight management, and more.

Before diving into thyroid hormone replacement medication options when there is a lack of thyroid hormone produced or available to every cell in the body, it's important to understand what T4 is in relation to the other thyroid hormones. 

The most notable are:
​

1. Thyroxine (T4):

T4 is the storage form of thyroid hormone that can be converted to T3.
​

2. Triiodothyrononine (T3):

T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone that accelerates bodily activity.
​

3. Reverse Triiodothyrononine (RT3):

Reverse T3 is the opposite or mirrored form of T3 that helps regulate the effect of T3.
​

T4 (thyroxine) is the main hormone secreted into the bloodstream by the thyroid gland.  It contains four iodine atoms, hence the name "T4" and is considered the "thyroid storage hormone". 

To have an effect on the body, it needs to be converted to T3 (triiodothyronine) by the removal of an iodine atom. This conversion happens mainly in the liver and in certain tissues where T3 acts, such as in the brain. 
​
Then, about 20% of T4 converts to a “mirror image” version of T3 called Reverse T3 (reverse triiodothyronine).  Reverse T3 will bind to thyroid receptors but not activate them, and will inhibit conversion of T4 into too much T3. Reverse T3 can be thought of as a type of "regulator" for the conversion to take place.

The important point for the purpose of this article is that T4, the storage hormone, must convert to T3, the active thyroid hormone, for cellular use and to resolve hypothyroid symptoms. 


______

The Standard Treatment for Hypothyroidism

The standard method of treating hypothyroidism is hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine; the generic brand for synthetic T4 to replace the inadequate amount of the thyroid storange hormone, T4. This involves taking a once-daily pill in the morning at least an hour before the first meal of the day.
 
Perhaps the main reason that T4-only therapies have become the standard treatment for hypothyroidism is an over-reliance on TSH for assessing thyroid function.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is the hormone responsible for triggering thyroid hormone production from the pituitary gland in the brain to the thyroid bland in the neck. Unfortunately, doctors continue to wrongfully assume that “normal” TSH levels equate to proper thyroid function and hormone values.

​However, testing TSH only provides information on how well the body is communicating and not if its thyroid needs are being fulfilled and utilized by every cell of the body.

A full thyroid panel will give a much better picture of your overall thyroid status. You can order your own through 
LetsGetChecked.
 
Improving T4 levels with medication like levothyroxine can bring TSH values into the “normal” range but that does not necessarily mean the thyroid is working properly or optimally converting T4 to T3 (the active thyroid hormone).

Sadly, because of the misplaced trust in TSH values, many doctors believe that T4 medications are the only intervention needed to resolve hypothyroidism.   

Additionally, because of this over-reliance, many patients continue to experience symptoms of hypothyroidism despite undergoing treatment and receiving reassurance from their doctor that their condition has improved.


In my practice, we have found that a combination approach of T4/T3 tailored to patients' individual needs works for most patients while focusing attention on optimal thyroid panel ranges and careful attention to symptoms.
​

​______

What Impacts the Efficacy of T4-only?

The concept behind T4-only treatment is that the synthetic hormone provided will naturally convert into T3 thereby improving thyroid function and alleviating hypothyroidism.

However, common components of hypothyroidism including conversion issues, transportation problems, and autoimmune disorders significantly reduce the efficacy of T4 treatments.
​

1. Conversion Issues

To maintain healthy bodily function, T4 must be converted into T3. Disruption or limitation of the conversion process results in a T3 deficit and ultimately hypothyroidism.

If a patient’s condition is caused by poor T4 to T3 conversion, the standard treatment of supplying the body with additional T4 provides little benefit. In fact, the addition of T4 can actually make the condition worse.

 
Two common causes or poor thyroid hormone conversion are chronic stress and adrenal dysfunction. If the body remains in a heightened state of stress and/or adrenal activation, conversion of T4 to T3 decreases while conversion of T4 to RT3 increases.

Therefore, in this type of situation, treatment with only levothroxine tend to exacerbate the issue. Worse still, patients with conversion issues often exhibit “normal” TSH levels, which can lead to an incorrect diagnosis.


2. Transportation Problems

In order to influence bodily function, thyroid hormone must be delivered to the appropriate cells and tissues. There are multiple factors that may impede thyroid hormone transport including:

  • Health conditions such as insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes

  • Mood disorders including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder

  • Chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and leaky gut
    ​
  • Neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s

Problematically, hypothyroidism and other forms of thyroid dysfunction increase the risk of developing the above conditions thereby creating a cycle of declining thyroid function.
 
Levothyroxine-only treatments do not improve hypothyroidism caused by poor hormone transportation. If the body’s ability to deliver thyroid hormone is inhibited, additional T4 will simply remain unused, which increases the risk of hormone imbalances.


3. Autoimmune Disease

One of the leading causes of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The condition causes an individual’s own immune system to attack their thyroid resulting in reduced thyroid activity.
 

Autoimmune thyroid disorders are notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat.

It is often the case that Hashimoto’s patients being treated with levothyroxine-only experience minimal and at most, a temporary improvement of their condition.

​In order to effectively treat hypothyroidism caused by autoimmune dysfunction, a more thorough multi-system approach must be taken. Doing so allows for individualized optimization of the multiple systems and factors involved.
​

​
______
​

Summary: T4-Only Works Some of the Time

The incorrect and dangerous belief that all cases of hypothyroidism can be resolved simply through levothyroxine-only treatments has pervaded the medical community.

It is often the case that factors of hypothyroidism such as poor conversion, limited hormone transport, and autoimmune disease are present in patients, which dramatically reduces the efficacy of T4-only medications (ie. levothyroxine, Synthroid).

​Only through thorough understanding of hypothyroidism and its underlying causes can the issues of levoxthyroxine-only treatments be avoided and one’s condition improved. Many do well with a combination approach of levothyroxine and liothyronine. 

​
For assistance in finding a good thyroid doctor, please visit our Find a Doctor page. 

To order a thyroid panel beyond just TSH, visit LetsGetChecked. They have a user-friendly app and easy, home-kit finger prick system. Plus, it's affordable! ​Use code "ThyroidChange" for 20% off.
Updated 11/21/2020​
Picture

Order Your Own Thyroid Labs!

With LetsGetChecked, you can order your own thyroid panel beyond TSH. Use code "ThyroidChange" for 20% off! 
Order Here!

​
​Resources

1.H F Escobar-Morreale et al. “Replacement therapy for hypothyroidism with thyroxine alone does not ensure euthyroidism in all tissues, as studied in thyroidectomized rats.” Endocrinology 137(6):2490-2502.

2.Kent Holtorf, MD. “Thyroid Hormone Transport into Cellular Tissue.” Journal Compilation, AARM, DOI 10.14200/jrm.2014.3.0104

3.Kent Holtorf, MD. “Understanding Local Control of Thyroid Hormones: (Deiodinases Function and Activity).” https://www.nahypothyroidism.org/deiodinases/

4.Kent Holtorf, MD. “Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism: Are we getting what we want from TSH testing?” https://www.nahypothyroidism.org/how-accurate-is-tsh-testing/

5.Kent Holtorf, MD. “Why Doesn’t My Endocrinologist Know All of This?” https://www.nahypothyroidism.org/why-doesnt-my-doctor-know-all-of-this/

6.Kent Holtorf, MD. “Tissue and pituitary levels of T3 with T4 only preparations.” https://www.holtorfmed.com/download/thyroid-fatigue-and-weight-loss/Tissue_Levels_of_T3_with_T4_Only_Preparations.pdf

7.Fraser, W D et al. “Are biochemical tests of thyroid function of any value in monitoring patients receiving thyroxine replacement?” British medical journal (Clinical research ed.) vol. 293,6550 (1986): 808-10.

8.Kent Holtorf, MD. “Standard thyroid tests lack the accuracy to determine the proper dose of thyroid replacement.” https://www.holtorfmed.com/download/thyroid-fatigue-and-weight-loss/Standard_Thyroid_Tests_and_Proper_Thyroid_Dose.pdf

About the Author
Picture
Kent Holtorf, MD is a ThyroidChange contributing author, an American physician, and a board examiner of the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine (ABAAM). Dr. Holtorf is the founder and medical director of the non-profit, multidisciplinary medical society, The National Academy of Hypothyroidism (NAH) which is dedicated to the dissemination of new information on the diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism.
​
Dr. Holtorf is also the founder of Holtorf Medical Group , a practice of five centers that specializes in the treatment and management of medical conditions and disorders including adrenal fatigue, complex endocrine dysfunction, hypothyroidism, and more. 
4 Comments
Laura Smith Biswas link
8/20/2020 10:39:03 am

Dr. Holtorf, as a prior cancer patient with a thyroidectomy (full removal) does this apply just as well to me? I have not had my endocrinologist measuring t3 (though I take armour thyroid since the std therapy didn't work at all for me) and have been directed by my functional medical doctor to your work. My T3 level is low and I'm fatigued even though my endo keeps reducing my medicine based on other lab levels. I'm trying to figure out what scientific articles to share with her. Many thanks, Laura

Reply
Denise at ThyroidChange link
8/20/2020 12:19:02 pm

Hi Laura,
Thank you for your response. You can share some of these scientific studies under our "Research" tab: http://www.thyroidchange.org/resource-library.html

Also, you can share with her the cited sources on this page. See the bottom for reference list: http://www.thyroidchange.org/testing.html

Wishing you the best of luck. Dr. Holtorf can be reached here. He is a pioneer in thyroid health: https://www.holtorfmed.com/

Reply
Genee Williams
9/29/2020 01:27:08 pm

My 18 year old has her thyroid removed due to cancer (Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma) and is on Levothyroxine. Her period no longer regular and now comes anywhere from 1 week late to skipping a month. She is also still dealing with hair thinning (has been on meds for 5 months). Her doctor says he will not change medicine or dosage because its the only med that controls TSH. Should I consult another doctor?

Reply
Denise at ThyroidChange link
11/19/2020 03:19:12 pm

Hi Genee,
I'm so sorry to hear of the struggle. I completely understand. Yes. Absolutely...find another doctor. Here are 2 reasons:

1.) TSH is not the only indicator of properly functioning thyroid production and utilization. There are other tests that give a better picture: Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TSH and thyroid antibody tests. Total T3 and Total T4 can be useful, too, but most find an adequate enough picture with Free T3, Free T4, TSH, thyroid antibodies and Reverse T3. You can read more here about why the TSH test isn't good enough here. Scroll down to the second paragraph and look at the recommended testing, too:
https://www.thyroidchange.org/testing.html

If your doctor is only running this test, it's time to get a new doctor.

2.) If your doctor is saying that there is only one treatment option, T4-only medication (levothyroxine or Synthroid), it's time to find a new doctor. T4-only medication only works as well as the conversion process in the body. If there is an issue with converting the storage T4 to the more active T3 hormone, then all the T4 medication in the world won't eliminate the symptoms. Many patients experience this conversion problem and don't do well on T4-only for this reason. You can read more about treatment options here: https://www.thyroidchange.org/treatment-options.html


Please take a look at our Find A Doctor page and see the lists and tips located there. My recommendation to thyroid cancer patients is to have 2 doctors on board for their thyroid cancer issue: 1. Their oncologist/endocrinologist to manage reoccurrence of cancer and 2. an integrative of functional medicine physician to manage their hormonal care. A thyroid condition is a multi-hormonal condition...all of the hormones are intricately related, including cortisol. If the doctor is not factoring this in, too, it's time to find a new doctor.

Good luck. I hope this helps to get her on the right path! <3

Check out the Find A Doctor page here: https://www.thyroidchange.org/find-a-doctor1.html

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Subscribe! 
    Receive our newsletter and the latest blog articles.

    RSS Feed

    ​Submit
    Click here to learn how you can submit a patient story or thyroid health article to our blog!

    The opinions in our blog do not necessarily express the official feelings or opinions of ThyroidChange.

CONTACT
© 2020 ThyroidChange, LLC.  All rights reserved.

ABOUT
Our Mission
Our History
Get Involved
​
Legal Notice
Affiliate Disclosure
​

QUICK LINKS
Where to Begin?
Find a Thyroid Doctor
​Testing & Diagnosis

Resources

Read the Blog
TRANSLATIONS
50+ Languages