Feeling your heartbeat in your chest can be an anxiety-provoking experience and it’s something that many thyroid patients will experience at some point along their journey.
That’s the bad news.
The good news is that the vast majority of the time, the heart palpitations that you’ll experience are 100% harmless.
That’s not always the case, though, which is the reason for this article.
If you’re a thyroid patient and you’ve experienced heart palpitations at some point in your life then this is the article for you.
We’ll talk about what causes these palpitations, what to do if you have them, and how you may be able to get rid of them starting right now.
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What Are Heart Palpitations?
First off, let’s start with some basics:
What are heart palpitations?
A heart palpitation is just the sensation that your heart is beating in your chest (1), nothing more.
A more accurate way to describe this feeling is as a symptom (2), just like fatigue or pain, but it’s a symptom that is specific to your heart.
As a symptom, it doesn’t mean much by itself, which is why it can be confusing for people who experience them.
Because the heart is so important and because most people are acutely aware that heart disease is the #1 killer in adults (3), there’s often an automatic assumption that heart palpitations are always serious or that they mean something is wrong with their heart.
But that’s actually not usually the case.
While it is definitely true that sometimes heart palpitations can be a sign of serious trouble which we will talk about later, they are most often benign.
Benign is just the medical word used to describe something that isn’t harmful.
Even though you may feel like your heart is beating out of your chest, it’s often the case that your heart is completely normal, you are just more sensitive to the sensation of it beating for a variety of reasons.
Some common reasons for experiencing heart palpitations include:
- Taking thyroid medication (which we are just about to discuss)
- Anxiety (4)
- Stress
- Being overly tired (not sleeping enough)
- Other hormonal changes (like menopause)
- Consuming too much caffeine
- Drinking alcohol
- Or taking other medications
If you’ll notice, #1 on the list above is thyroid medication which is probably why you’re here right now.
Why Does Thyroid Medication Cause Heart Palpitations
Does taking thyroid medication cause heart palpitations?
Well, it certainly can.
There are many thyroid patients who live long and healthy life taking their thyroid medication every single day and who never experience heart palpitations.
And then there are others who take even super-small doses of thyroid medication and feel like their heart is going to explode.
So what gives? Why does this happen?
In order to understand why this occurs you need to understand how thyroid medication impacts your heart.
I’ve said many times before that I think that the thyroid gland is the most important gland in your body because it has the ability to impact every other system.
And when you take thyroid medication, you’re putting the very hormone that your thyroid gland produces into your body where it can impact those systems and cells.
In addition to its impact on your hair, skin, nails, gut, and more, the thyroid hormone found in thyroid medication also impacts your heart in two different ways:
What we call them #1. genomic effects and #2. non-genomic effects.
Genomic effects refer to thyroid hormones’ ability to change your DNA and genes.
In the heart, thyroid hormone acts to increase the expression of proteins which impacts the flow of ions in your heart cells (5).
These changes are slow, take time to take effect, and are dose-dependent meaning the higher your dose of thyroid medication, the more likely you are to see changes.
Unlike non-genomic effects, the genomic effects build up slowly over time sort of like a tidal wave.
So if you’ve been taking thyroid medication for years and suddenly you’re experiencing heart palpitations then this may be the cause.
The net effect of these changes is an increase in the force of contraction of the heart with each pump (6).
In other words, the genomic effects of thyroid hormone cause your heart to beat stronger.
And if you are somebody who happens to be sensitive to this sensation, taking thyroid hormone may make you more aware of it.
The next way it can impact your heart is through what are called non-genomic effects.
These non-genomic effects are much more immediate and occur as soon as thyroid hormone hits your heart via the bloodstream.
So if you are someone who takes thyroid medication in the morning and then experiences heart palpitations within a few hours, they are most likely related to this effect.
The net effect is increased contractility and decreased relaxation of heart muscles.
In other words, thyroid hormone gives your heart less time to relax and causes it to beat stronger with each beat.
These effects are always occurring when you are taking thyroid medication and that isn’t necessarily a problem.
The reason for this is that you’re taking thyroid medication for a reason!
If you’re taking something like levothyroxine then it means that your body needs it.
So these changes to your heart are really just bringing your body and heart back into balance.
Unless…
The 3 Biggest Concerns When You Get Heart Palpitations
You’re not taking the right dose of thyroid medication.
And this is where things can get a little tricky.
Two things could be true if you are experiencing heart palpitations while taking thyroid medication:
The first is that your thyroid level is completely normal and you are just a little more sensitive to thyroid medication than the next person.
As a result, you experience harmless heart palpitations but your thyroid and heart are otherwise normal.
The second is that you may be accidentally taking a dose of thyroid medication that is too high.
An excessively high dose of thyroid medication may indeed cause heart palpitations that are not normal and may be an early sign that your body is getting too much.
For this reason, if you experience heart palpitations while taking thyroid medication you should be aware of these 3 concerns:
#1. Your Medication Dose is Too High.
As mentioned, your dose of thyroid medication is very important not only for your heart but for your entire body.
When you take too much thyroid medication you may put yourself into a state of hyperthyroidism.
The state of hyperthyroidism is well known to cause several heart problems including issues with your heart rate and rhythm.
For this reason, if you’re experiencing heart palpitations while taking thyroid medication you always want to make sure you aren’t taking too much of it.
The good news is that even though taking thyroid medication can put you into a state of hyperthyroidism, this state is not equivalent in terms of its risk to your heart from having true endogenous hyperthyroidism.
In other words, even though having hyperthyroidism from any cause is problematic, having hyperthyroidism from taking too much thyroid medication is less severe.
#2. You May Have Atrial Fibrillation
Perhaps the biggest concern when taking thyroid medication is that it may be associated with a condition called atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm which is concerning because of its association with stroke.
Based on available studies, there is no risk of atrial fibrillation associated with the hypothyroid state.
But this is not true of the hyperthyroid state (8).
Hyperthyroidism, caused by taking too much thyroid medication, may induce a state of atrial fibrillation which may result in heart palpitations.
Many people who have atrial fibrillation have no idea they are in this rhythm but there are some people who do experience a sensation when they enter it.
Because of the association between thyroid disease and atrial fibrillation, you’ll always want to keep this condition in mind if you have heart palpitations.
#3. You May Have Sinus Tachycardia
Another side effect of taking thyroid medication is a rapid heart rate.
As you might remember, I said that taking thyroid medication can increase the force of contraction of your heart.
This means your heart is pumping and contracting with more force and more strength.
But in addition to this, taking thyroid medication can also increase your heart rate.
If your dose of thyroid medication is too high (and puts you into a state of thyroid medication-induced hyperthyroidism) then you may develop sinus tachycardia (9).
Sinus tachycardia is the medical term for a rapid heart rate but it doesn’t mean that anything is automatically or necessarily wrong with the heart, it just means that it’s beating too fast.
Sometimes, though not often, a rapid heart rate is associated with heart palpitations.
A rapid heart rate is often the first sign that you are taking too much thyroid medication.
It’s not as common when using thyroid medications that contain T4-only thyroid hormone like levothyroxine or Synthroid but it is fairly common for thyroid patients using T3-containing thyroid medications like Cytomel, liothyronine, and Armour Thyroid.
For this reason, I think it’s a very good idea to monitor your heart rate if you are taking any of these thyroid medications.
What To Do If You Have Heart Palpitations on Thyroid Medication
Instead of freaking out if you experience heart palpitations here are a few things to try first:
#1. Check your pulse.
Checking your pulse is one of the easiest ways to differentiate between benign and more serious causes of heart palpitations.
If you are experiencing heart palpitations after taking thyroid medication then your first step should be to check your own pulse.
It’s really easy to do and you can learn how to do it here.
When you check your pulse you want to look for two characteristics:
Rate and rhythm.
The rate refers to how fast your heart is beating and your rhythm refers to whether or not your heart is beating in a consistent way.
A pulse can only be one of four things:
- Normal rate and regular rhythm
- Abnormal rate and regular rhythm
- Normal rate and irregular rhythm
- Abnormal rate and irregular rhythm
A normal rate is any rate between 60 and 80 beats per minute and a normal rhythm is one that is just consistently the same.
If you take your pulse can find that you have a normal heart rate that sounds regular and you are experiencing heart palpitations, then it’s highly likely that the cause is not serious.
If you fall into any of the other three categories then you’ll want to get your heart checked by a doctor because they may indicate a more serious problem.
#2. Practice Box Breathing
If you are sure that your heart palpitations are not serious then you can often manage them at home.
And one of the most effective ways to do this is with box breathing.
Here’s how to do it:
- Inhale as you count to four in your head
- Hold your breath and count to four
- Exhale as you count to four in your head
- Hold your breath and count to four
Box breathing helps to activate your parasympathetic nervous system (10) which can actually slow down your heart rate and the force with which it contracts.
It’s a simple proven technique that you should be aware of.
#3. Get your thyroid labs tested, especially TSH and Free T3.
If you are experiencing heart palpitations then it’s always a good idea to get your thyroid checked.
Checking your thyroid lab tests will tell you if you are accidentally taking too much thyroid medication so that you and your doctor can make the necessary adjustments.
Just make sure you get both the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and free T3.
#5. Get in touch with your doctor.
If there’s ever any concern about the severity of your heart palpitations or what they mean for your heart health, always touch base with your doctor.
Just because it’s rare that heart palpitations are associated with a serious heart condition doesn’t mean they don’t happen.
Your doctor will be able to check and identify these more serious conditions with additional heart tests.
Fortunately, these are pretty rare for thyroid patients so you don’t usually need to worry about them.
Final Thoughts
Now I want to hear from you:
Are you currently experiencing heart palpitations?
What type of thyroid medication are you taking?
Do you feel they are related to your thyroid or to some other condition?
Have you had your thyroid labs tested recently?
Leave your questions or comments below!
Scientific References
#1. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436016/
#2. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8905373/
#3. cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
#4. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21677-heart-palpitations-and-anxiety
#5. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8558494/
#6. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470455/
#7. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12165107/
#8. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5560908/
#9. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553128/
#10. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137615/
Thank you for explaining without doctor terms on!y. The breakdown was helpful.
Hi Yolanda,
Glad to hear you found it helpful!
I just started Armour 30mg for the first time and day 2 I’m starting to experience slight heart palpitations. Could this eventually calm down? I really want to stick with the T3 because in 19 years this is the first doctor to prescribe T3. I’m going to try box breathing
Hi Yolanda,
It could, yes, but the general course for heart palpitations is that they get worse over time (not better), especially if they start after a few days. They are generally an early indication that your body is not tolerating whatever thyroid medication you’re taking.
Thank you for this explanation, it was very helpful. I’ve been on thyroid meds for many years with lots of ups and downs. Several times I’ve experienced what are NOT palpitations according to your description, but actual chest pain, not just a rapid heart rate. I also have MVP and that is probably the cause, but it’s a concern and can be very uncomfortable. Other symptoms accompany such as weakness and dizziness. Ive been on Armour 30 mg. but after reading your articles I’m beginning to think I should switch. I have an appointment with my doctor soon. He is a DO and very knowledgeable so I’m hoping we can find a better option.
Hi Margaret,
You may ultimately want to switch just to see if you can get relief from what you are experiencing. It may have no effect, but it’s still worth a trial if that symptom is troubling to you.
Dr. Child’s, I have been taking cytomel since February. No goiter, weight loss, loosing hair. TSH was high after ct scan with contrast…had been normal before that.
I am taking 1/2 of 5mg. Once a day. At first no issues and t4 down t3 up a little TSH fluctuate but still little high.
Now getting headaches, upset stomach, sweating but body temperature has gone down….usually normal, after ct 97..now 95 most of the day…I can be sweating hot and it will be 95!!
Do not feel cold…..doctor can’t figure it out!!!
Thoughts?
Hi Dr Childs, I’ve been following a low carb diet for about 6 months and have experienced some palpitations. I’m taking 125mcgm levothyroxine and have had a few issues with low TSH a short time after starting low carb. My GP had been monitoring my TSH and when I had added back carbs my TSH went back to normal. I have not lost any weight eating this way in fact have gained! I’m not sure how to get better results as I have struggled to find a way of eating that also doesn’t cause my asthma and autoimmune problems to flare up. Any suggestions for weight loss strategies would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Tracey
This was a great informative article, I have been taking Synthyroid for 10 years now and my palpitations began day 1 of starting medication.
Last year I experienced Afib just out of the blue, but the ER only tested my tsh, it was normal 1.43, but the palpitations are always there. I do believe the medication was given in too high of a dose and damaged my heart. I also get sinus tachycardia
T3 T4 normal
Tsh 7
Taking Thyronorm 50mcg in morning from last 6 month
Having pulpitation and Anxiety…
What to do to stop pulpitation ?
My doctor put me on a high dose of iodine (12.5 mg) several years ago. I have had heart palpitations for a long time. Maybe since I was put on iodine! I was told I had hashimotos. I have gluten sensitivity and have been gluten free since 2011. Recently I had covid and since then have had lots of palpitations. A couple of weeks ago I felt like I was having a heart attack my heart was beating so hard! My husband suggested maybe it was from hashimotos. I honestly haven’t thought about it ever very much but I went on line and did some research, then I pulled out a Book for Dummies on Thyroid and opened it up. Right there is said if your doctor puts you on a HIGH dose of iodine be cautious as it can be bad for some people! It mentioned palpitations and possibility of the heart actually exploding! It scared me! I stopped taking the iodine because I realized I had been feeling really bad for too long. I have had fatigue more than would be considered normal for longer than I can remember. Well, since going off iodine I am feeling better each day. I have a doctors appointment in January. He is a D.O. What are your thoughts on high dose iodine? I plan to start a low dose iodine within the next week 150-300 mcg. The book also said to take selenium and zinc to help in the conversion of T4 to T3. I plan to see an endocrinologist soon to try to figure out what I need to do! I was exposed to radiation from atomic testing in Nevada as a child and told in my early 20s that my thyroid was enlarged and they determined it was autoimmune related but I never got any help for it then. I live in the St. George Utah area. I am really interested on your thoughts about high doses of iodine! I am suspecting that I was hypo and then switched to hyperthyroidism! Actually I wonder if I switch back and forth occasionally! What to do?!!!
Norene in Ivins, Utah
Hi Norene,
You can read what I think about high dose iodine here (and why I don’t recommend it): https://www.restartmed.com/stop-taking-high-dose-iodine/
Me too, there is a condition called MCAS, mast cell activation syndrome. it is a type of long covid. your mast cells that go after virus and bacteria suddenly get hyperactive after covid and are attacking bacteria filled foods, fermented foods, aged cheeses, beer, wine, probiotics, fermented soy and the mast cells spray out histamines which can give you tachycardia. then add to that there are the foods high in histamines that also cause tachycardia, avocados, tomatoes, walnuts, tea, citrus, eggplants, (a lot of foods that a health nut would eat). so look at MCAS diet, low histamine diet, also low histamine diet Switzerland there is a great graft. and take decongestions, like loratadine OTC. I had to go on a keto diet and it has been hell. but I am coming out of it. However if I get back to exercising, it comes back. But I now know what to do, pump it up with water and electrolytes, rest, no histamine counting foods and take Loratadine. The English know about it.
read and learn about MCAS mast cell activation syndrome a form of long covid, that is what I developed post covid. in England the doctors now about it. here not so much watch you tube on it
Hi,
Thank you for this article!
I had a total thyroidectomy in 2020 due to malignant nodules and been on levothyroxine (Euthyrox – it’s an EU brand) since then. For the first time in Nov 2023 I began experiencing heart palpitations out of the blue. I had my TSH tested which I know it’s supposed to be suppressed for patients with a history of thyroid cancer and it was at 0.13. Reducing the levothyroxine dose didn’t help. In fact the symptoms got worse. I felt my heart was going to explode, I went sleepless for days and was feeling awfully unwell. It’s only when I stopped taking it for a few days until my appointment with my endocrinologist that I stopped experiencing palpitations and began feeling better. But not taking it is not an option. My endocrinologist switched me to Synthroid after I retested my TSH and it was now higher than normal. Took the first pill and began having heart palpitations again from day 1. What could be a possible solution here? It almost looks like I got allergic to levothyroxine!!
Thank you.
Hi Andria,
Some people are just very sensitive to thyroid medications, including T4. This could be for a variety of reasons but it’s probably just genetic and due to receptor sensitivity. In regards to options, you have plenty of other T4 only thyroid medications that you can try to see if they work better including Tirosint, Tirosint-sol, Levoxyl, etc.
76 year old female with CHF as of 1 1/2 years ago. Thyroid removed 55 years ago—benign adenoma. Taking 120 mg. Armour Thyroid for years with very low TSH, normal T3 and T4. Currently TSH is <0.015 (0.350-3.600) T3 94 (58-160) Free T4 0.97 (0.70-1.37). Doctor lowered Armour dose to 90 mg. After a month I developed extra heart beats not previously noted. Felt terrible. Was referred to electrophysiologist. In the meantime, on my own, I restarted the 120 mg. Extra heartbeats stopped. Electrophysiologist confirmed this. So all I can deduce is the CHF heart needs this dose to beat stablely. What is your opinion, please.
Hi Anne,
Taking the right dose of thyroid medication can support cardiac function. Hypothyroidism is known to reduce cardiac output which has the potential to make existing cardiac problems worse.
Could rapid heart rate also be a sign of hypothyroidism? Or low FT3? I only have this when I’m hypo. My blood pressure stays low/normal but my heart rate increases.
Thanks
Hi Kay,
Generally speaking, hypothyroidism slows down the heart rate and hyperthyroidism speeds it up. It’s unlikely that a rapid heart rate is caused by hypothyroidism.
I had superfast chaotic arial fibrillation last year, reversed by cardioversion – because I was symptomatic of hypothyroidism but my doctor wouldn’t prescribe levothyroxine as I was at the bottom end of normal for T4 and 4.2 to 5.0 for TSH. I went to another GP who told me I should have been on thyroxine 10 years ago when I first had this sort of AF – I had asked for HRT at the time which kept me safe for 10 years. So AF can occur due to hypothyroidism.
You can be hypothyroid and still have these symptoms as other things can cause the electrolyte imbalance to the heart. It’s almost impossible to get enough potassium in your diet through food alone, yet most people do not end up with heart palpitations from it … you still might, and taking a few potassium supplements over the counter will not help much as they are limited to 99mg per pill. The RDA is approx 4500mg/day for women, higher for men. If potassium drops too low, it can be fatal. Don’t ignore symptoms thinking it’s nothing. Even if your thyroid numbers are low or normal, get your electrolytes checked. It could save your life. (I know. I’ve been to the ER for this five times).
Hi Doc,
I take levothyroxine, lyothyronine and a thyroid and Liver supplement. T4 and t3 levels are great but TSH is 0.02 most of the time. My GP said to pause drugs for a while, to reset throid feedback loop??? but I only managed a week, as was putting on weight. Palpitations are approximately 6 weekly, for ten minutes, once for 45 minutes which was frightening. I take Coversyl for high blood preaching daily. But if I have Palpitations I down a bisoprolol(sp?) And it stops Palpitations in 10 minutes. Would love your opinion on the super low TSH , THANKS.
Hi Shelley,
I would recommend reading this article which highlights the potential consequences of suppressing the TSH: https://www.restartmed.com/low-tsh-vs-suppressed-tsh-on-thyroid-medication/
I’m Hashimotos and “subclinical” hypo with symptoms, so I tried NP 30 and then 15, and it caused TERRIBLE heart squeezing pain. Like hands were wrapped around my actual heart muscle, squeezing it to death. I also had heart palps but heart rate never got over 70s. It’s normally 50-55. I stopped meds after 6 days. After that I tried a compounded t4 only med ( 20 mcg) and it caused the same exact feeling. I’m still unmedicated because I can’t tolerate meds. My thyroid literate Dr’s and online forums are clueless as to why I had that reaction, even though I’m not in optimal ranges. I’m a rare case because there are not many people who’ve had the same reaction I have.
Hi Kim,
Everyone has a different sensitivity to thyroid hormone. I’ve seen some people who needed their thyroid medication compounded at just a couple of mcg per day.
It sounds like you are just on the more sensitive side.
Many thanks Dr for your informative articles .
God bless you
Sorry but my question is not on the current topic
My apologies.
I heard a statements from one of the famous Internet Dr’s that every one with hashimoto is having leaky gut .
How do you rate this statement.
Regards
Hi Babikir,
It’s likely true that most people with Hashimoto’s have some issue with increased intestinal permeability. The role that this plays in each person is certainly up for debate, though.
This is very timely for me as I just had this discussion with my endo today about arrythmias and T4 & T3 therapy. I’ve been on 13mcg T4 and 5mcg T3 most of the last 10 years. I had a year of exploration of dosing, with just T4, just T3, increasing just one, then the other. The bottom line is that I have low T3 syndrome and no matter how much of the hormones you throw at me, I only show FREE T3 between 2.0 and 2.6 – never more! I have gut issues – IBS and Dx SIBO with treatments for 2 years now, with no resolution. I have arrythmia that started 2 years ago also. Cardio sent me to EP Cardio. I’m wearing an implanted Loop Recorder for 15 months recording every beat. It seems I have PSVT or Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia, supposedly the more benign arrythmia, but definitely more than PVCs or PACs. So my endo is reluctant to increase any thyroid meds due to cardiac issues. My labs were just TSH (1.64), Free T4 (1.1), Free T3 (2.1), Reverse T3 (15). They never vary! I was placed on Diltiazem 120mg ER one year ago. That can interfere with T4 & T3 absorption somewhat. So I wonder if that is why my SIBO returned last year with a vengeance. I definitely have IBS/gut symptoms that are classic SIBO now after 5 rounds of Xifaxan and botanicals. Hoping to try Metronidazole next. I also found a couple days ago that I have Dipylidium (flea tapeworm) and Giardiasis. I have 2 stool tests negative for Giardia 2 months ago, one done by my PCP, the other by my Gastro doc. This last sample was tested by a veterinarian in NC and he’s the one that found this additional gut infection. So my heart… Can I get off Diltiazem, because I still have some arrythmias (per the loop recorder) while on it, but I rarely seem to notice any of the symptoms of HVR. I just don’t want Amiodarone, as this one directly affects thyroid due to its ability to attach to receptors in place of the thyroid hormone. I feel as though I’m in a catch 22 situation here. More thyroid hormone will help hypo symptoms (constipation) which will help SIBO and motility. SIBO impairs conversion of T4 to T3 in the gut. All these supplements and targeted antibiotics challenge the liver, also impeding conversion. My fecal elastase is lower than it should be at 344 (exocrine pancreas function due to low thyroid?). I just had a CT enterography for thorax to pelvis – all is unremarkable, so no pancreatitis or liver issues. F(0) score no fibrosis as well. Is my heart arrythmia driven by the thyroid meds I’m taking, even though seemingly low doses? My endo suggests that I start taking my T3 dose before lunch instead of first thing in the morning to see if that provides some benefit later in the day. Not sure what to expect.
Hello Dr Childs, first thankyou for the e-mails, i love reading them.
I have suffered with palpitations for many years,seen two cardiologists who have both said my heart is healthy.
Been on Levothyroxine until recently, doctor took me off them and since then have’nt had problems.I take magnesium every day.
Hi Jennifer,
Glad to hear you were able to resolve your palpitations!
I have been on thyroid meds since 2000, went on Armour about 15 years ago, was on 120mg for a year and Doc decided TSH was too high(low) and took me down to 90. When I was on that dose I had heart palps at night when I would lay down and go to sleep. I asked him why that would happen. He didn’t really know. I suspected my heart wasn’t getting enough T3 to make it work right! Anyway, thankfully, he put me back up to were I was and have been fine, no palps ever since.
Hi Debora,
Glad to hear you were able to solve the problem.
Thank you for your very informative articles on the thyroid. I have learned a great deal along the way from you! Can you comment on whether taking liothyronine away from (4-6 hours later) T4 Tirosint would reduce risk of palpitations or irregular heart rhythms? Thank you!
Hi Susie,
Yes, it would generally be more helpful than not. It may not solve the problem, but it has the potential to be beneficial. The reason has to do with how thyroid hormone impacts cardiac cells which is more immediate compared to the genetic changes that occur in other tissues. Spacing out your dose can reduce the flush of hormone that your heart cells experience when taking multiple doses of thyroid medications at the same time.
Thank you, T2 stopped my heart palpitations without changing the
dose of my thyroid meds.
Hello, thank you so much for this comforting information and an explanation for some of us who aren’t hearing this from our doctors. I started with hypothyroidism in 2021 and my thyroid hasn’t been normal since then, had my first afib episode in 2021. I’m one of those special cases who is super sensitive to most medications and basically doctors think it’s all in my head or just don’t know what to do with me at this point. I’ve been told I’ve tried them all and to continue to just do what in doing to survive. it’s been miserable and at this point interferes with my quality of life and being able to function at a comfortable or normal pace. I’ve tried levothyroxine, tirosint, np thyroid (just to name and few) and I experience most side effects with them all…..from bone pain, to chest pain, to headaches, to hot flashes to my biggest one, AFIB. My endocrinologist and cardiologist are bouncing me back and forth because neither know what to do nor have a solution. My t3 and t4 are always in normal range but my tsh is always elevated above 10. The lowest I ever got it down to be was an 8. I’m currently on a quarter of pill Synthroid 25mcg and almost daily palpitations and I may even AFIB.
Please provide any suggestions or recommendations. Ill try anything at this point.
Most recent labs:
T4 Free 1.1
T3 Free 4.3
TSH, High Sensitivity 0.14
Estradil Cream
200 mg Progesterone trioche
DHA, Oxytocin, pregnenolone Trioche
I am currently on Armour Thyroid 60 mg (dosage varied from 120, 90, 60)and an “extended release” T3 Lyothyronine 20MCG.
I have been on Armour Thyroid for several years and I have always felt like something is wrong. My mind starts to race and heart palpitations have been felt for about 3 years now, but recently I have reached menopause and am having trouble organizing all these symptoms. Racing heart is the worst. My wellness NP is telling me that the TSH being at a low level is normal and that it just means I am on medication. I am beginning to think I need to find a different opinion. My resting heart rate used to be 68 and now it is 77. My blood pressure was always normally low and now it is higher (for a year now). When I feel the palpitations my heart rate has been in the 90’s up to 125.
I thought I was being treated for hypo, but I am thinking that I should get off of armour and try something else. I also live in Mesa and am interested in hearing if you know of a good doctor in our area for me to see about this. My regular primary wants to treat me with levothyroxin. I don’t want to choose that route. Help!
Hi OD,
I would recommend checking out these resources which should be able to help for your situation:
https://www.restartmed.com/thyroid-medications-that-work/
https://www.restartmed.com/do-you-have-to-take-thyroid-medication-for-life/
I was on NP thyroid for several years. Apparently the dose was double what it should have been, and I ended up with AFIB. I changed doctors and he switched me to Levoxyl. It’s been 7 months, and I’m losing my hair and I’ve gained 10 pounds, despite working with a personal trainer and tracking food.
Thanks to your education, I talked my doctor into adding some T3 to my routine. I also ordered T2 cream, and I’m hoping that it will help me optimize.
I like Levoxyl because I have less anxiety on it, but the weight gain and hair issues.
Hi Loraine,
It definitely sounds like you are on the right track. You can also add Thyroid Glandular+ to your regimen which will more closely mimic many of the benefits that NP Thyroid provides.
Thank you so much for the reply. Have you found that once someone has had AFIB due to an overdose of thyroid medication, that they cannot tolerate T3 anymore? I am interested in going on a T3 compound, but my doctor wants to try 5 MCG of liothyronine to see how I do.
I noticed that on the last lab results, there was nothing for Free T3 and T4, so I don’t think he tested for those levels last time. I’ve asked him to test me for those so we can see if we can optimize the Levoxyl before switching.
Hi Loraine,
I can’t say I’ve seen that exact situation. I’ve seen many people go into afib with the use of T3, but they’ve always been able to get back on it at the right dose.