Maff wrote:Hi Banksy,
It seems that this is a common problem in people like us who suffer from ME/CFS. Usually the normal thyroid tests (TSH, T4) are normal but ME/CFS patients often have low body temperature and various symptoms which suggest hypothyroidism.
Doctors specializing in ME/CFS and thyroid disorders including Drs. Teitelbaum, Myhill, Durrant-Peatfield and Lowe have found that the problem lies with lack of activity of T3, the active hormone, which the articles on this site discuss at length.
The two options to directly supplement T3 hormone levels are Armour Thyroid which is an extract taken from thyroid glands of pigs. It supplies both T4 and T3 hormones. Personally I didn't find this medication to be very effective. Many other people seem to swear by it however. The other option is synthetic T3 medication such as Cytomel or a timed-release version to make sure levels in the body remjain steady throughout the day (T3 is metabolized quickly). After failing to see any improvement with other approaches I found that Cytomel gave me very rapid increases in energy, mental clarity and mood even on very low doses. I hope to try the timed-release version as part of my overall treatment program once I have resolved my adrenal issues (improtant to have healthy adrenal function before treating the thyroid).
I'm afraid I don't have any experience with any of the herbal alternatives but friends and other site members have mentioned that some are very helpful.
As is usually the case with these conditions it is a case of trial and error (under the supervision of a doctor when using medications) but there are certainly things that do work.
Good luck

Oh my, I can see I am going to learn a lot here.
I was wondering, do you have a thyroid, or is just low?
I take Synthroid 125mcg, and Cytomel 5mg. I did not know there was a time released pill. What is the name of it please?
But now I find that my adrenals are very low.... so much going on with me. I must be careful what I do. I am hypothyroid, menopause, post benzodiazepine addiction and taper 17 mos ago, and I am must literally beat up now. I need help.
Thank you and I will read around and post some more and hope to learn much.