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Is Cytomel Better Than Synthroid?

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Posted on Tue, 12 Sep 2017
Question: I take synthroid but do best when on Cytomel as well . I have not thyroid due to surgery and radiation. How can I explain that to my new md who doesnt get it. XXXX

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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Thoughts on this

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,

It may be that your new doctor isn't familiar with using Cytomel as nowadays Synthroid is prescribed alone more often.

It may also be that you feel better with Cytomel as it has a shorter "half-life" and you can feel the effects faster. Because of this you know it is working whereas Synthroid takes longer to work and you may not be as aware of its effects for awhile. So, it's possible, if you haven't tried the Synthroid alone for 3 months, that it may be adequate for you in the long run without the Cytomel.

However, if you used to take both together and did well on them, you can make a case for continuing this regimen based on that you felt better taking both. This is assuming that on both, your TSH was in a fairly normal range.

You can question your doctor and ask why the change if you didn't have problems in the past with the two meds, had normal TSH on them, and felt better when taking both. He may have a rationale for why he does not want both. If he does not, and is inflexible, then you may want another doctor. A doctor should be open to discussion.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Is Cytomel Better Than Synthroid?

Brief Answer: Thoughts on this Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX, It may be that your new doctor isn't familiar with using Cytomel as nowadays Synthroid is prescribed alone more often. It may also be that you feel better with Cytomel as it has a shorter "half-life" and you can feel the effects faster. Because of this you know it is working whereas Synthroid takes longer to work and you may not be as aware of its effects for awhile. So, it's possible, if you haven't tried the Synthroid alone for 3 months, that it may be adequate for you in the long run without the Cytomel. However, if you used to take both together and did well on them, you can make a case for continuing this regimen based on that you felt better taking both. This is assuming that on both, your TSH was in a fairly normal range. You can question your doctor and ask why the change if you didn't have problems in the past with the two meds, had normal TSH on them, and felt better when taking both. He may have a rationale for why he does not want both. If he does not, and is inflexible, then you may want another doctor. A doctor should be open to discussion. I hope this helps. Good luck.