(TBS #8) Do T4 Medications Actually Work? Who Should Use Them & Who Shouldn't
This is video#8 in my thyroid beginner series and it's all about T4 thyroid medication.
T4 thyroid medications like Synthroid, Levothyroxine and Tirosint are among the most commonly prescribed thyroid medications but they don't always work.
But why don't they work?
Doctors make the assumption that your body will be able to convert T4 into T3 (to activate the hormone) at 100% efficiency. The problem is that we know, through genetic studies, that up to 15% of people struggle with this process.
Some people have SNP's which alter the function of deiodinase enzymes and therefore reduce this conversion process.
So why do Doctors still use them?
Because T4 medications have a long half-life and are considered to be very safe (fewer side effects) when compared to other medications. In addition, many doctors aren't comfortable or familiar with other thyroid medications.
Is all hope lost?
No, because you can still use some strategies to improve thyroid function in your body even if you are taking thyroid medication.
Use these 3 tips:
#1. Switch to a different type or brand of T4 medication. Switch from Synthroid to levothyroxine or from levothyroxine to Synthroid and so forth.
#2. Use thyroid medication in doses of 50mcg increments. The 50mcg tablet has fewer dyes and fillers when compared to other dosages of these medicines.
#3. Consider taking your thyroid medication at night. Taking your thyroid medication at night may increase your free thyroid hormones and help you feel better!
Hey guys!
I'm Dr. Westin Childs and I focus on thyroid health, hormone balance, and weight loss. I write about thyroid disorders, weight loss, insulin resistance, estrogen/progesterone balance on my blog. I truly believe that hormone balance is the key to managing your weight, your mood and your quality of life which is why I'm so passionate about it.
I take a personalized/functional medicine approach to management of conditions. I'm not accepting patients but you can learn more and get plenty of information on my blog!
You can learn more about high-quality supplements that I create (and personally use) here:
https://www.restartmed.com/shop/
You can find more general information on my site here:
https://www.restartmed.com/
If you enjoyed this video please subscribe on youtube or leave a comment on my podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-westin-childs-podcast-thyroid-weight-loss-hormones/id1141207688?mt=2
This video is not intended to be used as medical advice. If you have questions about your health please consult your physician or primary care provider. Dr. Westin Childs goes to great lengths to produce high-quality content but this is NOT a substitute for medical care.
Do you have any topics or video ideas? Please say so in the comments below!
T4 thyroid medications like Synthroid, Levothyroxine and Tirosint are among the most commonly prescribed thyroid medications but they don't always work.
But why don't they work?
Doctors make the assumption that your body will be able to convert T4 into T3 (to activate the hormone) at 100% efficiency. The problem is that we know, through genetic studies, that up to 15% of people struggle with this process.
Some people have SNP's which alter the function of deiodinase enzymes and therefore reduce this conversion process.
So why do Doctors still use them?
Because T4 medications have a long half-life and are considered to be very safe (fewer side effects) when compared to other medications. In addition, many doctors aren't comfortable or familiar with other thyroid medications.
Is all hope lost?
No, because you can still use some strategies to improve thyroid function in your body even if you are taking thyroid medication.
Use these 3 tips:
#1. Switch to a different type or brand of T4 medication. Switch from Synthroid to levothyroxine or from levothyroxine to Synthroid and so forth.
#2. Use thyroid medication in doses of 50mcg increments. The 50mcg tablet has fewer dyes and fillers when compared to other dosages of these medicines.
#3. Consider taking your thyroid medication at night. Taking your thyroid medication at night may increase your free thyroid hormones and help you feel better!
Hey guys!
I'm Dr. Westin Childs and I focus on thyroid health, hormone balance, and weight loss. I write about thyroid disorders, weight loss, insulin resistance, estrogen/progesterone balance on my blog. I truly believe that hormone balance is the key to managing your weight, your mood and your quality of life which is why I'm so passionate about it.
I take a personalized/functional medicine approach to management of conditions. I'm not accepting patients but you can learn more and get plenty of information on my blog!
You can learn more about high-quality supplements that I create (and personally use) here:
https://www.restartmed.com/shop/
You can find more general information on my site here:
https://www.restartmed.com/
If you enjoyed this video please subscribe on youtube or leave a comment on my podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-westin-childs-podcast-thyroid-weight-loss-hormones/id1141207688?mt=2
This video is not intended to be used as medical advice. If you have questions about your health please consult your physician or primary care provider. Dr. Westin Childs goes to great lengths to produce high-quality content but this is NOT a substitute for medical care.
Do you have any topics or video ideas? Please say so in the comments below!
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