The best magazine
- 1). Determine you are truly hypothyroid. Diagnosing a slow thyroid is done by a physician with blood tests and evaluation of symptoms. The blood tests include checking the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), T3 and T4 thyroid hormone levels. Many doctors now check for thyroid problems by using a Free (non-binding) T3 and Free T4 test. Getting an accurate diagnosis can be challenging, so make sure your health-care practitioner is using the newest recommended ranges and tests for Free T3.
- 2). Use the right kind and amount of T3. Treatment for thyroid problems comes in three different types. Prescription synthetic thyroid, prescription natural thyroid and over-the-counter weak forms of natural thyroid. The kind you use depends on the severity of your hypothyroidism and person preference.
- 3). Take T3 as a synthetic equivalent of the hormone, as in the prescription Cytomel. This medication causes the same processes in the body as if the thyroid were to produce the T3 hormone. The most commonly prescribed thyroid hormone, Synthroid (levothyroxine), contains only T4. Many doctors mistakenly believe that Synthroid contains T3; it is important to work with a doctor who understands the difference. Thyroid-info.com has a list of experienced physicians who prescribe both T3 and T4.
- 4). Try a natural version of a T3 containing prescription, such as Armour or NT (Natural Thyroid). Both of these medications contain both T3 and T4 and are only available through prescribed dosages obtained through a pharmacy. They shouldn't be confused with the glandular concentrates or thyroid formulas that are sold in natural food stores.
The most common starting dose for Armour is ideally 45 milligrams (mg) taken twice a day, once after breakfast and once after dinner. Taking it after meals also helps to reduce stability of the blood-level of T3. - 5). Monitor your hormone levels regularly to make sure the T3 you are taking is adequate. Free T3 and Free T4 levels should be checked every month---and the hormone therapy adjusted until the Free T3 and Free T4 levels are in the specific levels the doctor wants to achieve. Once levels are stable, monitoring can be done once a year.
Source: ...