Synthroid AND Cytomel for cancer survivors?

Because I felt great on Cytomel (T3) while I was off my Synthroid (T4) in preparation for my follow up scan, I want to ask my endo if I could possibly take a combo of Cytomel and Synthroid on a daily basis.

When on Cytomel only, I had more energy and I felt fantastic.  I also felt great emotionally and experienced a new level of "clear headeness" that I didn't realize I was missing.  I realized that I haven't felt that way since before my total thyroidectomy (due to cancer) years ago. 

Any cancer survivors out there who take both T3 and T4 who've had a total thyroidectomy?  Can you let me know you're experiences with that?  Do endo's usually prescribe this to patients in my situation?

Hi!  Read your posting.  I'm currently on Cytomel awaiting my visit to my endocrinologist next Tuesday to get ready for my upcoming rad treatment.  I had my surgery on 7/31/07 and what I was told is that Cytomel is a short term hormone that you leave the hospital with unitl a decision is made on you next course of treatment.  The benefit of Cytomel except for like you said, feeling pretty good as if you did not lose a thyroid, is that is leaves your body quickly, two weeks, so you can be in  the hyper state for a shorter period of time vs. stopping Syntrhoid for example which can take 4 to 6 weeks to leave your system..  My understanding is that once my treatment is over I will be switched to a long acting hormone that will both suppress thryoid making tissue and serve as a replacement for the hormone production I can no longer make, probably Synthroid or the brand name.  I'm not sure why you can't take Cytomel long term, I know it is only a T3 but it is a good question for your doctor.  I'm sure there is a  reason.

On 8/16/2007 Lise3535 wrote:

Yes you can take both. I am currently taking levothyroxine & cytomel. It has only been about 2 1/2 months since my TT and about a week since my RAI. My doc says the combo has great results for sensitive people. Guess time will tell. Definately talk to your doctor. Everyone is different, but maybe you need that extra boost. Good luck!

How did you get your DR to agree?  My endo is pretty old school and even though I tell him my quality of life is poor due to fatigue and fog, he will not put me on both.  I was on T3 and T4 treatment for a little over a month last year (new Endo who moved) and never felt better.  Then the DRS found my cancer had recurred.  I had my RAI last November and am still suffering the hypo effects from preparing for it and trying to be medicated properly (currently on .175. 

I would rather get osteoporosis and any other side effect from the dual treatment than live as I feel right now.  I can barely teach school, my house is a disaster and my libido does not exist.  If I could get Cytomel on the black market.......kidding.

 Is there an endocrinologist in Los Angeles that will medicate you based on how you feel and not on the numbers??  Please help

I too am trying to convince my endo to put me on a combination of Cytomel and Synthroid.

I went on Cytomel for a month before my RAI scan (just a follow up).  My insomia was gone.  My heart palpitations went away and my energy returned.

A psychiatrist friend of mine said that Synthroid may not have enough T3 and T3 is the metabolic element.  He says it also enhances alertness.  He prescribes it for patients who take antidepressants and have drowsiness problems.

 What's the deal?  Why do so many endos have a problem with combining these two drugs?

On 8/15/2007 Jediso wrote:

Because I felt great on Cytomel (T3) while I was off my Synthroid (T4) in preparation for my follow up scan, I want to ask my endo if I could possibly take a combo of Cytomel and Synthroid on a daily basis.

When on Cytomel only, I had more energy and I felt fantastic.  I also felt great emotionally and experienced a new level of "clear headeness" that I didn't realize I was missing.  I realized that I haven't felt that way since before my total thyroidectomy (due to cancer) years ago. 

Any cancer survivors out there who take both T3 and T4 who've had a total thyroidectomy?  Can you let me know you're experiences with that?  Do endo's usually prescribe this to patients in my situation?

Hi.  I was curious to see what happened with your medications. While on just Cytomel how was your weight?  Did you lose any hair?  What are you on now and how is your weight and hair?  From what I have read our bodies need both T3 and T4 so I am curious. 

I am on Armour which is both and I know Thyrolar is also both. 

Thanks for an update.  Blessings, Kathy

I am on both, since the thyroid removal a few years ago.  When I was on a lower dose of cytomel I was pretty dull in the head. Much better now. I do feel a bit more antsy near the end of the day than I used to. I found running helps.

The person who felt run down and unable to teach, if your doctor wont not let you be on both and your levels are off, you should get a new doctor.

I also felt great when on both, after surgery and before RAI.  However, my Endo insists that Cytomel CANNOT be used long term due to bone loss.  This may be a fight you can win with your doctor if you are older and really just want to enjoy the last years of your life.  For me I am 27 and to be realistic I cannot take the med for the rest of my life.  I would be boneless at 50.  I'm extremely frustrated.  The Synthroid doesn't help with the exhaustion and my depression is beyond horrible.  The endo has cut back my Synthroid dosage and says he will gradually increase it to where it needs to be.  However, this does not seem to be helping enough with the depression.

 Oh, btw I had very well managed depression prior to all this.  The Synthroid just seems to make it unbearable, I think because of the exhaustion.

On 8/6/2009 Nicole1982 wrote:

I also felt great when on both, after surgery and before RAI.  However, my Endo insists that Cytomel CANNOT be used long term due to bone loss.  This may be a fight you can win with your doctor if you are older and really just want to enjoy the last years of your life.  For me I am 27 and to be realistic I cannot take the med for the rest of my life.  I would be boneless at 50.  I'm extremely frustrated.  The Synthroid doesn't help with the exhaustion and my depression is beyond horrible.  The endo has cut back my Synthroid dosage and says he will gradually increase it to where it needs to be.  However, this does not seem to be helping enough with the depression.

 Oh, btw I had very well managed depression prior to all this.  The Synthroid just seems to make it unbearable, I think because of the exhaustion.