When normal thyroid treatment isn't working it could be RT3

I've always been curious about Reverse T3 (RT3) because its one of the many variations in the hypothyroid world. So I read up on RT3 all day and found some great resources to share with you.  First off, could you have RT3?

If you are taking the right dose of thyroid medicine (natural desiccated), and perhaps are even getting adrenal support, but still have many hypothyroid symptoms you may have Reverse T3 (RT3).  If this sounds like you read all about Reverse T3 here for great info on getting treatment.

xxoo

Lizzy

Comments

[tracy jones]

I was just put on t327/t4114mcg was wondering what this means i also have a cortisol level of 2 i was on cortef but my growth hormone went over 400 but also my t3 was very high i am in so much pain i cannot walk fromone room to anotheer in my house my blood sugar drops and i fall asleep just if i sit down and am not busy my dr took me off the cortef because of weight gain which i think is because of the high tg and high Gh any suggestion i feel terrible and my dr is running all the test but cant tell me what to do or how to control anything i am going crazy please help me I will try to go get my latest labs if i feel well enough to drive i do not even go anywhere i hurt so bad

[Lizzy]

Hi Tracy,

I'm sorry to hear you feel so bad, it must be terrible. Your situation along with RT3 sounds very complex. I suggest joining the Yahoo Adrenal and RT3 groups. They are quick to respond, and collectively have tons of knowledge.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/RT3_T3/
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/NaturalThyroidHormonesADRENALS

Wish I could offer more!
xxoo
Lizzy

[judygirl]

Thank Lizzy, for posting the RT3 information. I was one who definitely needed to know about RT3.

In 2003 I diagnosed my own hypothyroidism after reading Mary Shomone's book and got my Free T3 labs back with my results in the very bottom range. This after being told ALL my life my thyroid labs were "normal" but I felt so bad. I took T4(synthroid) for 5 yrs. and just got worse and worse till I heard about Armour T4/T3 and started that, Wow! felt 100% better and continued to get better until the "re-formulation"... Oh no.... went from Armour to Naturethroid but now was regressing and feeling progressively worse each day. Not "synthyroid" bad but bad never the less.

That's when I found the STTM website and read about RT3. Well my RT3 lab result came back at 509, the very top of normal was only around 300. So I definitely had a problem. I'm following the directions on Nick's wonderful website that you referenced, and Val and Ann advice on the Yahoo RT3 Group website and am slowly getting better.

All total it has taken me 8 years to find out about my RT3 issues. My doctor didn't know why the thyroid meds weren't working. My hypothyroidism would never be resolved with just T4 meds because of RT3.

I am not "optimal" yet but I'm about 80% and working on clearing a iron deficiency which should give me clearance and "opitimal" levels some day soon.

Judy