Why I Use Cytomel for Thyroid Patients: Finding the Right Balance

Why I Use Cytomel for Thyroid Patients: Finding the Right Balance

Good morning, everyone!

Today, I want to dive into why I use Cytomel (a synthetic T3) for some of my thyroid patients and how it can make a big difference in your treatment. At Modern Thyroid Clinic, we’re all about finding the right balance to help you feel your best.

When and Why I Use Cytomel

I prescribe Cytomel when a person is producing enough T4 (inactive hormone) on their own or has too much T4. Cytomel helps increase the active hormone, T3, and balances the levels of T4. Here's why this is important:

1. Avoiding Excess T4: While we don't want T4 levels to be too low, having excessive T4 can artificially suppress TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and lead to an increase in reverse T3, which is an inhibitory hormone.
2. Managing Reverse T3: Even if your T3 levels look great on paper, a high reverse T3 means your body isn’t absorbing the active hormone as it should. This can leave you feeling tired and symptomatic despite what the lab results show.

The Downside of Compounded Thyroid Medications

I actually never advocate for compounded thyroid medications. Here’s why, using an analogy from Dr. Alan Christianson, who is amazing and someone you should definitely follow:

Imagine you’re baking muffins and trying to get an even amount of blueberries or chocolate chips in each one. It’s kind of possible but not always precise. The same goes for compounded medications – getting the exact right amount of T3 and T4 in each dose can be tricky and inconsistent.

The Goal: Balanced Thyroid Hormones

The key to effective thyroid treatment is balance. By using Cytomel strategically, we can help you achieve better T3 levels without letting T4 get too high, thus avoiding the pitfalls of excess reverse T3 and suppressed TSH.

If you’re struggling with your current thyroid medication or think you might benefit from a different approach, reach out to us at Modern Thyroid Clinic. We’re here to help you find the right balance and feel your best.

Stay healthy and balanced!

Modern Thyroid Clinic

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