Why your thyroid medication may not be working for you!

Artist: Ginger Slonaker. Used with permission

Artist: Ginger Slonaker. Used with permission

Are you taking Synthroid or Tirosint (levothyroxine)? Levothyroxine is the thyroid hormone T4. Did you know that the most active thyroid hormone in your body is T3. T3 is converted from T4 in the liver, kidneys and muscles. This conversion requires an enzyme called 

5’deiodinase, and the nutrients selenium, zinc, copper, vitamins A, B2, B3, B6,and C. If you are not converting your natural T4 or T4 medication to T3 you may not be getting enough circulating thyroid hormone. Factors that reduce conversion and will interfere with the efficacy of your thyroid medication include:

  • Stress
  • Environmental toxins (plastics and heavy metals)
  • Inadequate protein intake
  • High carbohydrate diet
  • Elevated cortisol 
  • Chronic illness
  • Decreased kidney or liver function
  • Inflammation
  • Medications (Birth control pills, Propanolol, Premarin….) 
  • Nutrient deficiencies
    • Iodine (high in Seaweed)
    • Iron (high red meat, mushrooms, kale)
    • Selenium (high in brazil nuts)
    • Zinc (high in shellfish)
    • Vitamins A, B2, B6, B12


Dr.E finds her patients feel much better one a T4/T3 combination treatment or a Natural thyroid alternative such as Nature-Throid or WP Thyroid. Ask your doctor to test your Free T3 levels, thehealthy range is 3.0-3.4ng/L and deficiency below 2.4ng/L. If you suspect your thyroid medication is not working for you ask Dr.Escobedo to evaluate your labs.