Symptoms of hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormone) are varied and may include: fatigue, cold and heat intolerance, hypotension, fluid retention, dry skin and/or hair, constipation, headaches, low sexual desire, infertility, irregular menstrual periods, aching muscles and joints, depression, anxiety, slowed metabolism and decreased heart rate, memory impairment, weight gain, hypoglycemia, as well as high cholesterol and triglycerides.
Although both T4 (thyroxine, an inactive form that is converted to T3 in other areas of the body) and T3 (tri-iodothyronine, the active form) are secreted by normal thyroid glands, many hypothyroid patients are treated only with levothyroxine (synthetic T4), which the body then converts steadily into the active T3 form.
This treatment may be insufficient for some patients however, and immediate acting T3 may also be required. The only commercially available form of T3 however, Cytomel, exists only in an immediate release form that enters circulation in a sudden spike — possibly resulting in higher than normal T3 concentrations and causing serious side effects such as heart palpitations. A smoother slow release sustained form of T3 is thus preferred, with studies showing that many patients experience greater comfort from taking capsules containing both T3 and T4 in slow release formulations.
We are able to source and compound both immediate and long release forms of T3 and T4 powders in specific ratios as prescribed. As well, certain fillers and excipients (non drug components) may not be tolerated by all patients, and we are to find substitutes which may work — please contact us to find more information today!