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What Causes Heavy Weak Arms And Legs?

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Posted on Mon, 25 Aug 2014
Question: I took my first dosage of Cytomel and my arms and legs feel very heavy and I woke up tired? I am on armor thyroid 120mg and Cytomel 5 mcg bid? What is the correct dosage? When will I see results. synthroid does not work.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Thyroid

Detailed Answer:
Armor thyroid and cytomel are not recommended by thyroid experts. I see that synthroid does not work for you. But I encourage you to try other brands or generic levothyroxine.
Levo thyroxine alone is considered sufficient for the treatment of an under active thyroid ie hypothyroidism.
If you insist on being on cytomel and armor thyroid then work with an endocrinologist in person to see if you can manage to keep the TSH in the target range.
If you do not have severe untreated osteoporosis, an irregular heart rhythm problem or chest pains from heart disease, then generally endocrinologists aim for a TSH of 0.4 to 2.5
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (5 minutes later)
Do you know why the heavy hands and legs. Please answer the question. Thanks. What other meds would you suggest to elevate T3.
What are the other brands besides synthroid.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (12 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
1 If the thyroid blood test results such as the TSH and Free T4 are not in the normal range then a variety of symptoms can occur. If despite normalizing these, your hands and feet still feel heavy then it is unlikely due to the thyroid.

2 There are a few brand names of levothyroxine in US such as
Levothroid
Unithroid
Levoxyl
Tirosint

3 When the human body receives Levothyroxine , which is T4, it converts this to T3 inside the cells depending on each cells' requirements of T3.
Therefore, guidelines by professional societies such as the XXXXXXX Thyroid Association have reinforced the fact that only levothyroxine is necessary to treat hypothyroidism.
There are no medications available to directly raise the T3 levels. Taking adequate amounts of T4 typically results in a rise of T3 into the normal range.
Now please be careful in interpreting the 'Free T3' test result because the test method is not very accurate and reliable. As such it can be misleading. I do not order it at all.
Again, guidelines have recommended checking only TSH and free T4 for determining the adequacy of levothyroxine replacement.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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What Causes Heavy Weak Arms And Legs?

Brief Answer: Thyroid Detailed Answer: Armor thyroid and cytomel are not recommended by thyroid experts. I see that synthroid does not work for you. But I encourage you to try other brands or generic levothyroxine. Levo thyroxine alone is considered sufficient for the treatment of an under active thyroid ie hypothyroidism. If you insist on being on cytomel and armor thyroid then work with an endocrinologist in person to see if you can manage to keep the TSH in the target range. If you do not have severe untreated osteoporosis, an irregular heart rhythm problem or chest pains from heart disease, then generally endocrinologists aim for a TSH of 0.4 to 2.5