T3, T4 and Thyroid Hormone Conversion
792 associated posts. These are attributed summaries; original text remains at the linked X post and in the local archive.
- @lowmegatron · 2025-10-01 original
The author describes a low-carb pattern of weight loss, then weight gain, more restriction and hypothyroid symptoms. They claim high local cortisol can suppress thyroid hormone action while labs look normal. The quoted account (MojitoSlammer) reports going from 40% to 30% body fat without peptides or strict dieting, crediting Ray Peat.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-02 original
The author says T3 thyroid hormone raised brain energy and reduced depression in some patients, describing a study of 19 patients with treatment-resistant depression. The quoted results link the antidepressant response to increased brain ATP and decreased PCr. The embedded lowmegatron post argues depression is a brain energy problem rather than low serotonin.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-03 own thread gap
lowmegatron claims low T3 decreases glucose oxidation and sugar use and raises cortisol and glucagon. He says this increases reliance on fatty acid oxidation and raises free fatty acids, and that high TSH also increases free fatty acids.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-03 original
Author argues thyroid hormone T3 is a key determinant of heart rate and that overtraining and stress lower T3 while raising T4 and lowering TSH, making it easy to overlook. Stress-induced free fatty acids are said to block thyroid hormone metabolism and reduce the sensitivity of blood tests. The author says exercise should build you up rather than break you down.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-06 original
The author says thyroid hormones, specifically levothyroxine, help lower Hashimoto's antibodies and thyroid inflammation. Excerpts from three named papers are quoted in support. The author adds that levothyroxine plus TSH testing is usually not the best approach and that treatment focused on T3 activity will likely work even better.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-06 original
The post shares a Ray Peat quote linking migraine to hypothyroidism, high serotonin, and intestinal irritation. In the quote, active thyroid hormone (T3) lowers serotonin and T3 is effective against migraines at the right dose. The embedded quoted post (lowmegatron) says linoleic acid from seed oils is elevated in migraine and raises PGE2 and serotonin.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-06 original
The post says JFK was diagnosed hypothyroid in 1955 and used T3-only treatment. It quotes medical-history sources and describes basal metabolic rate (BMR) testing as avoiding pitfalls of thyroid/TSH blood tests. It also quotes Werner and Ingbar and Broda Barnes on BMR and basal temperature testing. The embedded post (lowmegatron) discusses an FDA intent to ban natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) and NDT composition.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-07 original
The sharing account reposts an excerpt from a quoted user's account of starting Armour thyroid and then T3. The quoted user reports warmer body temperature, more energy, and relief from anxiety, ADHD, paranoia, depression and brain fog.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-07 original
The author answers Ricky Gervais's question about staying fat and exhausted despite daily exercise. They attribute it to over-exercising reducing T3 conversion and raising free fatty acids, which they say lowers metabolic rate and makes weight loss harder.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-07 original
The author cites a finding that hip fracture risk doubles in men with subclinical hypothyroidism, defined as high TSH with free T4 in range. The author criticizes the definition for ignoring T3 and calls the concept of subclinical hypothyroidism 'insane'.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-08 original
The post quotes Ray Peat recalling childhood migraines, myopia and apparent hypothyroidism among nearsighted girls. The embedded lowmegatron post quotes Peat on serotonin, thyroid hormone, intestinal inflammation and migraine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-08 original
The author summarizes a small 2011 Brazilian pilot study (PMID 20662037) of near-infrared low-level light therapy on the thyroid in chronic autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimoto's. The reported outcomes were reduced T4 needs, some patients stopping medication, lower TPOAb, and some normalized thyroid vascularization. The author also explains vascularization and the relationship between CAT and Hashimoto's.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-08 original
Author reports that near-infrared light therapy in Hashimoto's patients was followed by lower T4 requirements, lower TPOAb and higher thyroid echogenicity. The post describes it as a follow-up to a pilot study and gives the light parameters and session schedule.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-08 original
Author reports a 6-year follow-up of a human RCT in which levothyroxine/T4 requirements stayed reduced in the light-therapy group vs placebo. Author says no long-term risk was found, but that things worsened after treatment stopped.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-08 original
Post shares Ray Peat quotes saying T2 works practically like T3, and that digesting desiccated thyroid product releases T4, T3 and some T2. The quoted post from texugodum3l says 'T3 is not the end my fellow peaters'.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-09 original
Author cites a case-control study abstract reporting about 2x thyroid cancer risk associated with dental X-rays, and adds a sarcastic remark that X-rays were once called safe and are now safer because doses are lower. The quoted post relays Ray Peat's views on avoiding unnecessary X-rays and on nutrients, hormones, coffee and red light as protective around X-rays.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-09 own thread
lowmegatron claims light therapy outperformed selenium, vitamin D and iron in Hashimoto's. He reports T3 up 54%, T3/T4 ratio up 44%, TPOAb down 73%, and T4 needs down 50%.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-10 own thread
lowmegatron promotes his Hypothyroid Masterclass, a video course with a support community. It covers hypothyroidism, blood tests, autoimmunity, T3 conversion, supplementing T4, NDT or T3, nutrition, iron, iodine and selenium, PUFA, stress and drugs affecting thyroid hormones.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-10 original
Post quotes Ray Peat on hives triggered by cold, exercise or low blood sugar, describing a chain of impaired oxidative metabolism, lactic acid, lipolysis and PUFA-derived prostaglandins, and recommends small frequent meals. The author adds mechanistic commentary on cytochrome c oxidase, mast cells, PUFAs, CO2 as mast-cell stabilizer, and T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-11 original
Author posts a checklist of factors for thyroid hormone T3: carbohydrates, calories, several vitamins and minerals, low stress, and moderate protein.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-12 original
Author states treatment-resistant depression occurs when its cause is not treated, quoting a case report of a woman whose mood and cognition improved with T3 liothyronine. The embedded quoted post from EndoMedChem summarizes the same case.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-12 original
The author lists substances and practices that he claims lower or block serotonin, including aspirin, L-theanine, thiamine, glycine, taurine, T3, ginger, cyproheptadine, vitamin E, magnesium, DHEA, progesterone, testosterone/DHT, lysine, and avoiding seed oils. The quoted context is a Ray Peat line about serotonin overproduction and hibernation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-13 original
The author claims hypothyroidism activates the sympathetic nervous system, raising cortisol (+60%), adrenaline, noradrenaline and aldosterone (doubled), with downstream effects on blood pressure, blood sugar and mood. Thyroid hormone replacement reversed the activation and lowered diastolic blood pressure, citing PMID 11994331.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-13 original
The author claims subclinical hypothyroidism is linked to a 2x increase in diabetes and that ignoring active T3 makes the diagnosis flawed. The post proposes that low T3 shifts to fatty-acid oxidation, raising free fatty acids and causing insulin resistance. It cites mouse experiments and PMID 31156553, with an NHANES reanalysis quoted. The embedded post is a Ray Peat quote on insulin resistance.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-13 original
The author promotes the Hypothyroid Masterclass, a video course with a support community, aimed at people whose thyroid labs are 'normal' but who feel hypothyroid. The post lists the course modules. The quoted post is only a link.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-13 original
The author argues that standard hypothyroidism treatment suppresses TSH without relieving symptoms and produces misleading blood tests. They support this with a quoted passage from a paper saying many patients need T4 doses that lower or suppress TSH to restore T3 levels and clinical euthyroidism. The embedded quoted post from lowmegatron says TSH/T4 tests can miss downstream thyroid hormone problems.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-14 own thread
lowmegatron lists his markers of stress: raised cortisol, glucagon, adrenaline, prolactin, serotonin, growth hormone, free fatty acids, reverse T3 and fat gain, with lower muscle.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-14 own thread
lowmegatron argues that hypothyroidism is reduced thyroid gland output, but symptoms come from low T3, the active hormone. He says problems after the hormones leave the gland can still cause hypothyroid symptoms, which he calls hidden hypothyroidism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-14 own thread gap
lowmegatron says T4 is the storage form and the next most common test. Low T4 can indicate a thyroid problem, but normal T4 does not confirm good activity because T4 must convert to T3, and he says conversion declines under stress.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-14 own thread gap
lowmegatron claims good T3 lab results do not guarantee optimal thyroid activity because labs only measure blood. T3 must enter tissues and cells and activate receptors, and he says stress disrupts every step.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-14 own thread gap
lowmegatron claims stress hormones lower T4-to-T3 conversion and TSH and raise free fatty acids. He says PUFAs in those free fatty acids block T3/T4 uptake and receptor binding, and that PUFAs come mainly from seed oils, pork and poultry. He concludes cells become T3-starved even when blood tests look normal.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-14 own thread gap
lowmegatron lists what he presents as indicators of low cellular thyroid activity: feeling cold, high reverse T3, high reverse T3:T3 ratio, hypothyroid symptoms, low resting metabolic rate, and low waking basal temperature.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-15 original
The author quotes a 1967 J Clin Endocrinol paper reporting decreased stage 3 and 4 sleep in hypothyroidism, with an increase after desiccated thyroid treatment in four of seven patients re-studied. The embedded post by MichaelLexner is an n=1 anecdote about taking T3 before bed and not waking to urinate.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-15 original
Author presents a graph of symptom-questionnaire scores for people switched from levothyroxine/T4 to natural desiccated thyroid (NDT), reporting 90% improved, 6% unchanged and 3% deteriorated. Author claims levo/T4 suppresses TSH but often leaves T3 inadequate, and that NDT's benefit is due to its T3. Quotes a paper noting NDT's potential benefit in selected symptomatic patients after careful consideration.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-15 original
Author asserts that standard tests miss a lot in people with slow metabolism and 'normal' thyroid labs, that levothyroxine rarely restores active thyroid hormone, and that hormone conversion is often ignored. Promotes their hypothyroidism video course and community.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-16 original
The author shares a patient report of improvement after switching from levothyroxine to NDT, including clearer eczema, no more hair loss, and less fatigue, dry skin and constipation. He claims NDT's effects differ from levothyroxine because of its T3 content, and that people who don't recover on levothyroxine can't make enough T3 from it.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-17 original
The author claims T3 enters the brain about three times more efficiently than T4, quoting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) percentages, and that low T4-to-T3 conversion may leave less T3 in the brain. The embedded lowmegatron post says higher T3:T4 ratios are sometimes needed for brain symptoms, quoting Ray Peat.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-17 original
Author explains that the heart's energy comes mainly from oxidative metabolism, which they say depends on thyroid hormone T3. They state that cardiac work (Stroke Work Index) is lower in hypothyroidism and improves with thyroid hormone replacement, and quote a passage attributed to PMID 10843159. The embedded quoted post by lowmegatron links T3 to heart rate and says overtraining and stress lower T3 or its conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-17 original
Author links CFS/ME to low thyroid hormone activity. They share a testimonial from Paul Robinson (recovery with T3 after being dismissed or misdiagnosed) and a quoted study excerpt reporting lower free T3 and a shift toward rT3 in CFS. They assert that CFS can be caused by hypothyroidism and that medical ignorance of T3 leads to misdiagnosis, while adding that CFS likely has multiple causes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-18 original
Author speculates that heavy tea/coffee consumption may signal failing energetic metabolism, that caffeine resembles T3 in some ways, and that hypoglycemia and hypothyroidism are bidirectionally related. They propose that in these states lipolysis and free fatty acids rise and interfere with thyroid hormone metabolism, which labs may not flag, and that some fibromyalgia doses would be dangerous without thyroid hormone resistance. The quoted Live_eyes2025 post is an anecdote about tea, coffee, sugar, hypoglycaemia and ME/CFS.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-18 original
The author claims hypothyroidism, including 'hidden' hypothyroidism with normal TSH and T4, lowers testosterone and raises prolactin in men. They say underfeeding and overtraining can downregulate T3. They describe mechanisms involving TRH, prolactin, GnRH, LH and STAR protein. The embedded lowmegatron post says stress causes hidden hypothyroidism that blood tests often miss.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-18 original
The author asserts that standard thyroid tests miss low metabolism, that levothyroxine rarely restores active thyroid hormone, and that thyroid hormone conversion is often ignored. The post invites readers to buy their hypothyroidism course. The quoted lowmegatron post contains only a link.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-19 original
Post quotes Ray Peat saying stress-suppressed thyroid function may not respond to synthetic T4 because stress can block T4-to-T3 conversion. The embedded post from lowmegatron claims stress causes hidden hypothyroidism that often goes undetected on blood tests.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-19 original
Post quotes a clinical thyroidology article arguing hypothyroidism should be defined by insufficient tissue T3 effect, with symptoms plus FT4 and FT3 as best indicators and TSH unreliable. The embedded post from lowmegatron shares patient reports of improvement on NDT versus levothyroxine and claims about why NDT differs.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-19 original
Author states hypothyroidism can cause Raynaud's, explaining that thyroid hormone supports oxidative metabolism, raising carbon dioxide and heat, with CO2 acting as a vasodilator. It quotes a case report of a man with primary hypothyroidism whose Raynaud's symptoms disappeared after T4 replacement.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-20 original
The author shares a Ray Peat quote linking low thyroid function inflammation to vitamin D deficiency. It says TSH and parathyroid hormone promote inflammatory processes, and that vitamin D, more calcium or less phosphate relative to calcium lower both hormones. A paper title on L-thyroxine and chronic urticaria is appended. The embedded post by lowmegatron says TSH/T4 tests are blind to downstream thyroid hormone issues.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-20 original
The author shares excerpts from a press report on a study saying thyroid hormone coordinates brain and body to drive exploratory behavior. The author adds that scientists 'rediscover' T3's importance for mood and behavior and that its effects are opposite to serotonin's. Excerpts describe mouse experiments in which more thyroid hormone in the cortex increased exploration and risk-taking, while blocking its action removed the effect.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-21 original
The post advertises the Hypothyroid Masterclass, described as teaching practical testing, nutrition and dosing concepts with a support community, and lists its video modules. The embedded quoted post from lowmegatron contains only an emoji and a t.co link.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-21 original
The author states insulin resistance is higher in people with lower T4, even within the normal range, quoting two papers (PMID 35385635, 17090642) that link low-normal free T4 to insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk. The embedded quoted post from lowmegatron links subclinical hypothyroidism to diabetes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-22 original
The author shares a patient report of feeling better on NDT than on levothyroxine, with improved energy, sleep, skin and brain fog. He attributes the difference to NDT's added T3, which he says also helps kickstart T4 conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-22 original
The author shares a Ray Peat quote that thyroid hormone is the most important promoter of CO2 formation. The embedded quoted post is the author's earlier post of a Ray Peat and Bud Weiss audio talk on the biology of CO2 with a detailed topic timestamp list.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-22 original
The author shares a Ray Peat quote that CO2 binds insulin and may explain thyroid effects in diabetes. The embedded quoted post from the author says subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with a 2x increase in diabetes and argues that low T3 shifts fuel use and promotes insulin resistance.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-22 original
The author promotes their Hypothyroid Masterclass, described as covering the thyroid system, diseases, hormone metabolism, medications and how diet and stress can shift hormones. It includes videos and a support group. The quoted post contains only a link.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-23 original
Author claims negative ion generators lower serotonin and histamine, and that oceans and waterfalls naturally produce negative ions. Bullets and a Ray Peat quote say positive ions raise serotonin and negative ions reduce brain serotonin and histamine. The embedded lowmegatron post lists substances and practices said to lower or block serotonin.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-23 original
The posting account says seed oils raise feed efficiency (weight gain) by 20% in rats versus coconut oil. It then quotes Ray Peat, who says coconut oil is anti-obesity in animal studies and that obesity tracked the ratio of unsaturated oil to coconut oil rather than total fat. The embedded quoted post (lowmegatron) gives Peat's view that dietary polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) are anti-thyroid and drive metabolic disease.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-23 original
The posting account says levothyroxine-treated patients are more likely to be depressed when TSH is above 2.5. It quotes a study that proposes 2.5 mU/L as a cut-off for depressive symptoms in T4-treated hypothyroid patients. The account adds that the brain needs enough T3, that many people convert levothyroxine to T3 poorly, and that levothyroxine can lower TSH while tissues remain starved of T3. The embedded quote describes a treatment-resistant depression case that responded to T3 (liothyronine) augmentation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-23 original
The author invites readers to join a Hypothyroid Masterclass group that has 30 videos and a support group. The post lists topics covered: the thyroid system, disorders caused by low T3, hormone metabolism, medications, and diet and stress effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-25 original
Author promotes their Hypothyroid Masterclass, a 30-video course with a support group covering the thyroid system, low-thyroid diseases, hormone metabolism, thyroid medications, and diet and stress effects. The quoted lowmegatron post contains only a link.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-26 own thread
lowmegatron claims selenium is required for thyroid hormone conversion and that a deficiency can cause hypothyroid symptoms even without a diagnosis. He also claims selenium calms autoimmune thyroid processes (Hashimoto's, Graves', thyroid eye disease) and can speed normalization of thyroid hormones during extreme stress.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-26 own thread
lowmegatron states that supplementing selenium at 500 mcg/day during acute stress, such as a surgical ICU stay, speeds recovery of normal T4 and T3 levels.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-26 own thread
lowmegatron claims that combining selenium and myo-inositol reduces thyroid antibodies, lowers TSH and raises thyroid hormones in hypothyroid people, and that it appeared to normalize TSH in a hyperthyroid patient. He also says low selenium and myo-inositol may predispose to hypothyroidism. He gives food amounts he says supply the study doses (83 μg selenium; 600 mg myo-inositol).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-27 original
The author presents a severe myxoedema coma case before and after treatment. Features were hypothermia, kidney failure and TSH >100, and the patient was treated with hydrocortisone and levothyroxine and survived. The quoted case report links the multiorgan dysfunction to severe T3 depletion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-28 original
The author claims low magnesium can impair thyroid hormone conversion and that about half of Americans don't meet the minimum magnesium requirement.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-28 original
The author says a 15-day fasting study showed T3 falling 34% and reverse T3 doubling while TSH and T4 stayed unchanged. They argue that stress lowers T3 even when common labs look fine. The post quotes study excerpts on impaired T4-to-T3 conversion and reduced rT3 clearance, and notes that Angus Barbieri died aged 51. The embedded post, by lowmegatron, says metabolic rate drops after extreme dieting.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-28 original
The post quotes an article on hypothyroidism presenting with psychiatric symptoms (cognitive dysfunction, affective disorders, psychosis), and a historical case report of a woman whose hallucinations and appearance improved within weeks of thyroid treatment. The embedded post is from KruseYouri: 'Thyroid therapy for people in mental clinics'.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-29 original
The author says CFS patients tend to have lower T3 and higher reverse T3 with normal TSH. They interpret this as a thyroid hormone conversion problem and low thyroid hormone activity, and say TSH is useless for identifying deficiency in sick people. An unnamed quoted passage says tissue T3 may be severely reduced. The embedded post from lowmegatron adds a personal T3 recovery anecdote and a study excerpt calling for confirmation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-29 own thread
lowmegatron claims that cortisol, glucagon and adrenaline inhibit T4-to-T3 conversion, lowering T3 and raising reverse T3 in a vicious cycle. He lists common, easily corrected causes of high cortisol and adrenaline (poor sleep, too little carbohydrate, sodium, potassium, magnesium or calcium, fasting, chronic caloric restriction, noise, shallow breathing, black coffee on an empty stomach, constant stimulation). He suggests acerola vitamin C, L-theanine and glycine may help.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-29 own thread
lowmegatron claims the thyroid adjusts to energy availability, so undereating or chronic overexertion reduces thyroid hormone production, conversion or tissue sensitivity and lowers metabolic rate. He warns against combining fasting with intense exercise. He recommends muscle-focused exercise and suggests mild, careful caloric restriction balanced with periods of adequate intake.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-29 own thread
lowmegatron claims unsaturated fats, especially PUFA from seed oils and from non-ruminant animals fed high-PUFA diets, disrupt thyroid hormone production, transport and binding, and that stress releases them as free fatty acids. He recommends mostly saturated fats (coconut oil, cocoa butter, butter/ghee, cream and cheese, tallow) and lists oils to avoid, including fish oil.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-29 own thread
lowmegatron claims phthalates and BPA/S/F in plastics impair thyroid gland function and peripheral thyroid hormone conversion, and that BPA blocks thyroid hormone at the receptor. He lists common sources (fragrance in cosmetics, plastic containers and bottles, can linings, dust, thermal receipts). The quoted context, a separate post citing PMID 31757552, reports a rat study in which ginger protected against BPA-induced thyroid damage.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-31 original
Author explains natural desiccated thyroid (NDT): it contains T4 and T3 (about 4-5 times more T4), is dosed in grains, and is sold under many brands. Author says it works well for many people, and that synthetic combinations usually work as well and are more reliable and often cheaper.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-31 original
The author says treating hypothyroidism resolved nasal congestion within 1 month in a study. NOSE scores were reported as perfect and PNIF improved by 21% in men and 11% in women. The author attributes the congestion to mucopolysaccharide buildup and notes the study used levothyroxine (T4), which may not resolve all symptoms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-01 original
The post claims hypothyroidism causes low sperm count, low testosterone, low libido and high prolactin, and that correcting it doubles testosterone, increases sperm count, lowers prolactin and improves libido. It quotes a study excerpt on hypothyroid men treated with thyroxine. An embedded earlier post claims hypothyroidism activates the sympathetic nervous system and raises stress hormones and blood pressure, reversible with thyroid hormone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-03 original
The author says L-carnitine blocks thyroid hormone entry into cells and presents quoted excerpts saying it inhibits T3/T4 nuclear entry, acts as a peripheral thyroid hormone antagonist, and reversed hyperthyroid symptoms at 2 and 4 g/day in a randomized trial.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-03 original
Post shares a Ray Peat quotation arguing that heart enlargement in animal studies came from gigantic thyroid doses, that physiological T3 reversed cardiac fibrosis in rats, and that fibrosis is linked to low oxygen, excess nitric oxide and estrogen, and stress. It quotes an embedded post saying hypothyroidism reduces cardiac oxidative metabolism and work.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-04 original
Post quotes a paper excerpt linking low T3 and subclinical hypothyroidism to epilepsy severity. It describes stress and adrenal activation inhibiting thyroid function, and disrupted brain energy metabolism, including effects of anticonvulsants.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-04 original
The post quotes a paper (PMID 40649019) stating that roughly one-third of people with recent-onset hypothyroidism have migraine-like headaches that mostly improve after levothyroxine, and that migraine is associated with higher TSH. It also quotes pituitary hormone deficiencies being linked to lower headache prevalence. The embedded quoted post from lowmegatron relays Ray Peat's view that hypothyroidism raises serotonin, contributing to migraines, and that T3 can counter this.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-04 original
The post quotes Ray Peat saying that insomnia can reflect a hypothyroid, fatigued brain that cannot fully relax, and that active thyroid hormone, magnesium and sugar restore brain energy and help sleep come on. The embedded quoted post from lowmegatron quotes a sleep study stating that stages 3 and 4 sleep are decreased in hypothyroidism and that desiccated thyroid treatment may increase them.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-05 original
The author claims severely depressed people have low thyroid hormone. They quote a study suggesting subclinical hypothyroidism in most patients, which may explain nonresponse to antidepressants. They argue that TSH is a misleading proxy and that ignoring T3 leads to misdiagnosis. The quoted lowmegatron post links TSH above 2.5 to depression in levothyroxine-treated patients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-05 original
The author gives a history of animal thyroid treatment for hypothyroidism, from Murray's 1891 injections to natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) and synthetic T4 and T3. They list improvements after three months of treatment and claim that lab-range errors and T4-only medication now make treatment less effective. The quoted lowmegatron post links hypothyroidism and elevated TSH to migraine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-06 original
The author claims brain glucose oxidation is reduced in depression, that T3 is needed for optimal glucose oxidation, and that fixing thyroid hormone availability can reverse low brain energy (depression).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-06 original
The author quotes a study excerpt saying partial substitution of T3 for T4 in hypothyroid patients may improve mood and neuropsychological function, with similar TSH after both treatments. The quoted lowmegatron post says severely depressed people have low thyroid hormone and that TSH can mislead.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-06 original
The post shares a Ray Peat quotation on minimizing the harmful effects of serotonin through diet, light and specific agents. The quoted lowmegatron post lists compounds and practices said to lower or block serotonin.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-07 original
The author says fasting and high cortisol lower thyroid hormone and suppress TSH, and that common thyroid tests can be misleading under stress because a lower TSH is usually read as higher thyroid hormone. The quoted study text says mild cortisol elevations may mediate fasting-induced changes in TSH and thyroid hormone. The embedded lowmegatron post describes a 15-day fasting study with T3 down 34%, reverse T3 doubled and TSH/T4 unchanged.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-07 original
The post shares a Ray Peat quote saying that traces of allergens in foods or supplements can cause nasal congestion, and that a single dose can keep producing congestion for days depending on intestinal transit time. The embedded lowmegatron post claims that treating hypothyroidism with levothyroxine resolved nasal congestion in a study, based on NOSE scores and PNIF.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-09 original
The author states that cortisol, adrenaline and glucagon inhibit thyroid hormone conversion, and lists common causes: chronic caloric restriction, low carbohydrate, poor sleep, low magnesium/potassium/calcium/sodium, and fasting. The quoted post (lowmegatron) cites Ray Peat saying stress can block T4-to-T3 conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-10 original
The post quotes Ray Peat saying serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants increase prolactin and were found to cause osteoporosis after prolonged use. The embedded lowmegatron post lists symptoms attributed to high prolactin, causes of high prolactin, and factors said to lower it.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-10 original
The author says MCAS patients are 2-4x more likely to be diagnosed hypothyroid and that the hypothyroid diagnosis excludes many people with symptoms from higher in-range TSH or low thyroid hormone activity missed by TSH testing. A PMID is cited. The embedded post repeats a Ray Peat quote and rat abstract on TSH, PTH, mast cells and osteoclasts.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-11 original
The post claims aspirin can boost dopamine and may help in Parkinson's. It says aspirin increases tyrosine hydroxylase, which is needed to make dopamine, and that this was shown in lab-grown brain cells and live mice. The embedded lowmegatron post lists substances and practices claimed to lower or block serotonin.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-12 original
The author shares an unnamed woman's account of years of failed SIBO treatment. She reports improvement after starting T3 once a low T3 was found despite 'normal' TSH and free T4. The author adds that hypothyroidism is linked to SIBO, citing a Ray Peat quote, an '11x' figure and a PMID-cited quote.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-12 original
Author posts that subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with higher inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, ESR) and lipids, and says it is erroneously treated as benign. The post quotes a study excerpt linking this to future cardiovascular risk. The quoted post from lowmegatron gives a Ray Peat quote on thyroid, heart fibrosis and stress.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-13 original
The author argues that TSH, in addition to low T3, promotes atherosclerosis by raising MCP-1, which attracts white blood cells to the vessel wall where they become foam cells. The author says recombinant human TSH raised monocyte MCP-1 gene expression about 70% (1.7-fold) within 5 days. The quoted lowmegatron post reports that subclinical hypothyroidism is linked to higher inflammatory markers and lipids.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-13 original
The post quotes Ray Peat's account of a hypothyroid woman given increasing T4 doses who developed myxedema coma with undetectable T3, and who recovered with intravenous T3. Peat criticizes T4 prescribing monitored by TSH suppression rather than symptoms. The author adds that T4-only treatment in poor converters probably starves the brain of thyroid hormone, citing monkey data and myxedema coma papers favoring T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-14 original
The author claims 3.5 hours of exercise-bike riding alters thyroid hormone metabolism in a way similar to early or acute starvation, and that sugar minimizes the problem. A quoted passage reports rT3, T3 and T4 changes with exercise, and blunted rT3 changes when glucose was infused.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-15 original
The author reports a Danish register study finding higher adjusted risk of suicide (HR 1.31) and unknown-cause death (HR 1.65) in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In their opinion this is mostly due to inadequate treatment, and they advise optimizing T3, correcting basal temperature, and not relying on TSH alone. The embedded post from lowmegatron cites a study on T3 substitution and mood.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-16 original
Author claims fructose limits muscle wasting and thyroid hormone decline during fasting or dieting. They cite a 10-day fast in obese people where fructose infusion reduced nitrogen excretion and blunted hormone and metabolic changes. The embedded lowmegatron post lists factors said to inhibit thyroid hormone conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-16 original
Post shares a Ray Peat quote on improving thyroid hormone conversion: selenium deficiency correction works quickly, intestinal flora problems must be addressed, and other nutritional factors such as daily raw carrot, weekly seafood and liver, sunlight, vitamin D and calcium-to-phosphate balance are often helpful. The embedded post is a lowmegatron thread on selenium and thyroid, whose content is not included.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-17 original
Author criticizes the omission of the thyroid hormone T3, calling it 'insanity'. The post quotes a Medscape post saying overtreating mild or subclinical hypothyroidism in older adults may be more harmful than helpful.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-17 original
Author shares a Ray Peat quote saying hypothyroid people incompletely oxidize glucose, causing blood glucose fluctuations and increased appetite, and that appropriate thyroid hormone and sometimes pantothenic acid help. The quoted lowmegatron post claims reduced brain glucose oxidation in depression that T3 availability may reverse.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-17 original
The author states that fructose is made in the human brain under normal conditions. They quote a passage saying MRS studies show cerebrospinal fluid fructose about 20-fold higher than blood, and that its precise roles remain under investigation. The embedded post by lowmegatron claims fructose infusion during a 10-day fast in obese people blunted fasting-induced hormonal and metabolic changes and spared protein.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-17 original
The author quotes Ray Peat saying that with insufficient cholesterol the high postpartum progesterone is unlikely to be maintained, and that pro-inflammatory effects of serotonin and estrogen then predominate, causing depression, joint pain, anxiety and brain edema. The author adds that postpartum depression drugs (brexanolone, zuranolone) relate to allopregnanolone, a progesterone metabolite. They also lay out the cholesterol-to-allopregnanolone pathway and note its dependence on T3 and vitamin A. They cite a postpartum cholesterol and mood study (PMID 8845727). The embedded lowmegatron post quotes a thyroid study on T3, TSH and depression (PMID 9971866).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-18 original
The author asserts that without thyroid hormone T3 everything fails. No explanation is given.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-18 original
The post quotes Ray Peat saying T3 is the best thing for controlling serotonin's effects and criticizing serotonin as a 'happy hormone' consensus view. The embedded lowmegatron post argues that low cholesterol postpartum may contribute to depression, and that allopregnanolone, a progesterone metabolite, is used for postpartum depression and can be raised by progesterone or pregnenolone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-19 original
The author claims serotonin is a cause of insulin resistance. The post quotes Ray Peat on intestinal inflammation, endotoxin, nitric oxide and serotonin driving insulin resistance, and a paper excerpt on gut-derived serotonin and glucose tolerance in mice. An embedded post quotes Peat saying T3 best controls serotonin's effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-20 own thread
lowmegatron says T3 is needed for optimal glucose oxidation and that brain glucose metabolism is reduced in hypothyroidism. He quotes text describing reduced brain glucose metabolism in hypothyroid patients that is restored after thyroid hormone replacement, and reduced phosphocreatine to inorganic phosphate ratios.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-20 own thread
lowmegatron says T3 supplementation has antidepressant effects that track with improved brain energy in people with antidepressant-resistant depression. He quotes a source saying T3 augmentation of SSRIs correlates with changes in brain bioenergetic metabolism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-20 own thread
lowmegatron says depression is a long-known symptom of hypothyroidism that is now overlooked because of serotonin and psychological theories and misunderstanding of blood tests. He claims blood tests do not reflect tissue status, especially in the brain, and quotes sources on D2 enzyme inhibition and psychiatric presentations. He also quotes an old case report of a woman with psychosis and myxedema whose symptoms resolved after thyroid treatment.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-20 own thread
lowmegatron argues that thyroid testing focuses on TSH and T4 and that many people have poor T4-to-T3 conversion. He claims many depressed people have low T3 and that rising TSH is ignored when T4 is normal. He quotes a study reporting lower T3 and higher TSH across depression severity grades and suggesting subclinical hypothyroidism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-20 own thread
lowmegatron claims TSH is influenced by stress and diet independent of T3 status, and that T4 is not a great way to optimise T3. He cites a study identifying a TSH of 2.5 mU/L as the optimal cutoff for predicting depression symptoms in T4-treated hypothyroid patients, versus the usual upper cutoff of about 4.5.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-20 own thread
lowmegatron claims T3 can help treatment-resistant depression even when thyroid blood tests are normal. He quotes a case report of a perimenopausal woman with failed antidepressant trials who was given liothyronine and reported improved mood within 4 weeks, with thyroid labs staying normal.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-20 own thread
lowmegatron says high-dose T4 has been used in bipolar depression. He argues that T4-only treatment is not ideal for optimizing T3 because of conversion issues, but that the results show levothyroxine can still improve outcomes. He quotes a study concluding that supraphysiologic thyroid hormone improves depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-20 own thread
lowmegatron argues that null trials of thyroid hormone in depression are uninformative because they use fixed or TSH-based dosing and do not address suboptimal T3. He compares this to giving T1D patients the same insulin dose. He cites a report dosing T4+T3 to an upper-range free T3 and a TT3/RT3 ratio of 10:1 or better, with an average 46% improvement in depression, and quotes a clinician's case of a thyroidectomy patient whose fatigue and depression resolved.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-20 own thread
lowmegatron summarizes his thread: he claims low T3 activity is implicated in depression, that T3 is needed for glucose oxidation, and that basic TSH/T4 testing and treatment are inadequate for assessing T3 status. He recommends patient-tailored approaches using T3, reverse T3, symptoms and basal temperature. He adds caveats that low T3 is not the only cause of depression and that thyroid hormones, especially T3, should not be taken carelessly. A numbered reference list is included.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-20 original
Author says serotonin causes helplessness, reversible by serotonin blockers such as methysergide, and that T3 acts against learned helplessness, probably partly by opposing serotonin. Brain serotonin is said to rise in hypothyroidism in animal experiments. The embedded post says recovery from the Voodoo Death Phenomenon can occur by the same mechanism that caused it.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-21 original
Author lists conditions said to be caused by bacterial endotoxin entering the bloodstream in leaky gut, then lists nutrients, drugs, foods and lifestyle factors said to reduce endotoxin or its inflammatory effects. The embedded post claims pregnenolone curbs alcohol cravings partly through TLR4 inhibition.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-21 original
Author shares a Facebook commenter's anecdote (posted with permission) about depression and feelings of helplessness after a thyroid crash with low T3. The commenter says starting Cynoplus with extra T3 lifted the depression quickly. The commenter also claims many women have inadequate T3. The embedded post says depression is a low brain energy state that can be caused by low thyroid hormone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-21 original
The post author explains non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) and says metabolic rate and thyroid hormone T3 strongly influence it. They say higher NEAT helps prevent fat gain, and that hyperthyroid rats and humans move more while hypothyroid rats and women move less. The embedded quoted post from lowmegatron argues that low T3 activity is implicated in depression and that standard TSH/T4 testing is inadequate. It adds cautions about thyroid hormone use.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-21 original
The post is a quotation from Ray Peat. He says gut-derived endotoxin impairs mitochondrial energy production and can cause hypoglycemia. He recommends a balanced natural diet rich in fruit, such as orange juice, whose potassium he says helps handle sugar without disturbing insulin. He says this supports thyroid hormone activation and can restore steady blood sugar within a day or two.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-22 original
Author describes a case report of a woman whose manic symptoms after gastrectomy for obesity reportedly resolved within two weeks on 1 g/day activated charcoal, with a quoted mechanism proposing a brain–gut axis. The embedded lowmegatron post claims bacterial endotoxin from leaky gut causes many conditions and lists interventions said to help with endotoxin.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-22 original
The author shares an anonymous Facebook comment, posted with permission, describing a couple's reported results from T3 thyroid hormone. The commenter reports resolution of calcification/sclerosis, myxedema, psoriasis, PMDD and high cholesterol, among other changes. The quoted post from lowmegatron discusses high-dose T4 in bipolar depression.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-23 original
The post says thyroid hormone (T4) replacement roughly doubled free and total testosterone and halved prolactin in hypothyroid men. It quotes the study's conclusion that primary hypothyroidism can cause reversible hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. The author adds that the men were still far from optimal and that more progress was possible. The embedded quoted post (lowmegatron) gives a Ray Peat quote on low testosterone and high cortisol.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-24 original
The post says hypothyroid people move less, quoting a finding that physical activity duration and steps were significantly lower in a subclinical hypothyroid group. The embedded quoted post (lowmegatron) discusses NEAT, claiming T3 and metabolic rate strongly influence it and citing rat and human findings with PMIDs.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-24 original
The author says SIBO and IBS can be caused by hypothyroidism and that levothyroxine absorption is reduced by all three conditions. They cite a study reporting that switching from tablet to liquid levothyroxine improved GI symptoms and TSH in patients with SIBO. They argue that dosing to a normal TSH is inadequate and that correcting T3 would improve outcomes more. The embedded lowmegatron post shares an anecdote of SIBO resolving after T3 treatment and adds hypothyroidism-SIBO claims.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-24 original
The author advertises the Hypothyroid Masterclass, a video course with a support community, aimed at people with normal thyroid labs who still feel hypothyroid. Most of the post is a list of module topics.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-26 original
The posting author argues that seed oil (linoleic acid) intake probably plays a large role in Hashimoto's susceptibility, citing a rodent study where a high-linoleic-acid diet was followed by thyroid autoimmunity and hypothyroidism. The author links this to lipid peroxidation and says seed oils are tied to other autoimmune diseases partly via pro-estrogenic properties. The embedded quoted post (lowmegatron) cites register data on suicide and unknown-cause death in Hashimoto's and gives that account's opinion that inadequate treatment, T3 and temperature are involved.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-26 original
The post quotes Ray Peat saying stress hormones lower thyroid hormone conversion, so TSH alone cannot diagnose thyroid problems. The embedded quoted post (lowmegatron) says stress causes hidden hypothyroidism that often goes undetected in blood tests.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-27 original
The author cites a study excerpt claiming high prolactin reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT by 5-alpha-reductase in men. He adds that hypothyroidism doubles prolactin in men. The quoted context says thyroid hormone doubled testosterone and halved prolactin in hypothyroid men treated with T4.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-27 original
The author says people with TSH in the upper half of the normal range are 70% more likely to have metabolic syndrome. The author also says this is a red flag for thyroid hormone metabolism and that TSH itself is inflammatory, quoting a study on high-normal TSH.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-27 original
The author argues that antibiotics (minocycline) are effective in rheumatoid arthritis, via reduced bacterial endotoxin and TLR4-driven inflammation. The author also says tobacco endotoxin may explain higher RA rates in smokers. Five source titles are listed. An embedded lowmegatron post quotes Ray Peat on endotoxin, mitochondrial function, hypoglycemia, and fruit and orange juice as a way out of the cycle.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-27 original
The author says decreased thyroid hormone conversion is associated with worse physical performance and lower grip strength in older men. The explanation is that T4 converted to rT3 instead of T3 lowers energy production. A quoted study excerpt reports rT3 rising with age and disease, and low T3 syndrome linked to lower physical performance. An embedded lowmegatron post says creatine increases grip strength by raising energy availability.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-27 original
The author says standard thyroid labs can miss a slow metabolism, that levothyroxine rarely restores active thyroid hormone, and that thyroid hormone conversion is critical but ignored. The post invites readers to the author's hypothyroidism video course and community.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-29 original
The post claims rosacea and other skin conditions are often due to gut events, citing a Ray Peat quote on bacterial endotoxin and a case report of rosacea remission after reduced bowel transit time. The embedded quoted post (lowmegatron) lists conditions attributed to endotoxin from leaky gut and a long list of substances said to help with endotoxin.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-29 original
The author promotes the Hypothyroid Masterclass, a video course with a support community covering practical testing, nutrition and dosing concepts. The post mainly lists the module titles. The embedded lowmegatron post contains only an emoji and a link.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-30 original
The author states that depression is a state of low brain energy that can be caused by low thyroid hormone. The embedded lowmegatron post says depression is a common, often overlooked symptom of hypothyroidism. It says blood tests do not reflect tissue or brain status, and it quotes literature and a historical case of hypothyroid psychosis that improved with thyroid treatment.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-30 own thread
lowmegatron says endotoxin decreases social exploration, defines the term, and adds in brackets that thyroid hormone T3 increases exploratory behavior.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-30 own thread
lowmegatron lists factors he claims help control endotoxin. These include optimizing T3, coffee (including decaf), a low omega-6 diet, vitamin C, aspirin, fixing sleep and circadian disorganization, activated charcoal, naringenin, benfotiamine, glycine, aged cascara sagrada, cooked mushrooms, progesterone, pregnenolone and zinc.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-30 original
The author links brain fog to thiamine (B1) and thyroid hormone status. They quote Ray Peat's anecdote of B1 relieving brain fog and quote two papers on B1 deficiency symptoms and brain fog in hypothyroidism. They add that T3 and B1 are essential for carbohydrate metabolism and that caffeine can raise glucose oxidation in some contexts. An embedded quoted post from lowmegatron claims T3 augmentation has antidepressant effects tied to brain energy.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-30 original
The author says Ceylon cinnamon was their most useful supplement for regular migraine and they still use a little daily. They summarize a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of cinnamon 600mg three times daily for 2 months, which reported reduced migraine frequency, severity, duration, IL-6 and nitric oxide. They also say keeping blood sugar up, optimizing T3 and raising progesterone relative to estrogen are usually most important.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-01 original
The author argues that in people without a thyroid, levothyroxine-only dosing suppresses TSH relative to blood and tissue T3, so TSH is a poor marker of T3 sufficiency. They cite two PMIDs (a human study on TSH-suppressive dosing and an animal thyroidectomized rat study) and explain tissue-specific T4-to-T3 conversion. An embedded lowmegatron post says TSH is misleading, with a Ray Peat quote on stress lowering TSH and a statement on fasting and glucocorticoids.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-01 original
The author asks whether avoiding PUFAs and running long distance lowers hypothyroid risk, quoting Ray Peat that a person relatively free of PUFA recovers quickly from prolonged stress. It also quotes studies on exercise intensity and thyroid hormones and on energy availability in exercising women. The embedded lowmegatron post describes a walking trial in postmenopausal women.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-02 original
Author says thyroid antibodies (anti-TPO) are higher in women with melasma and higher still in severe cases, and that estrogen may be involved. Author quotes papers on estrogen and autoimmune thyroid disease and on sex steroid regulation of melanin synthesis via GPER and PAQR7, plus quotes from Ray Peat and Hippocrates. The embedded quoted post claims light is the most effective treatment for Hashimoto's.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-03 original
Author states hypothyroidism is a cause of hyperpigmentation, supported by a Ray Peat quote linking melasma to estrogen excess, energy depletion and thyroid function, and a case report of pigmentation improving after levothyroxine. The author's 🙄 appears to express skepticism about the case report's "no apparent clinical symptoms" wording. The embedded quoted post is the earlier melasma/thyroid antibody post.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-03 original
Author claims hypothyroidism lowers testosterone, shrinks testicles and causes male infertility. Author backs this with quotes from Ray Peat and Broda Otto Barnes, rodent experiments (PTU-induced hypothyroidism, rdw rats with thyroxine treatment), a Nigerian cross-sectional study of infertile men, and a prospective controlled study on sperm morphology. The embedded quoted post claims TSH/T4 and even T3 tests are limited and that T3-activating cells matter.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-03 original
The post reproduces Ray Peat's text on learned helplessness, covering Seligman's work, Richter's rat 'hopelessness' studies and MKUltra context. It adds the statement that T3 has been identified as able to help reverse learned helplessness. It also includes a Facebook comment describing depression lifting after starting Cynoplus with extra T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-03 own thread gap
lowmegatron promotes his Hypothyroid Masterclass for people told their labs are normal who still feel hypothyroid. He lists on-demand modules on thyroid testing, conversion, supplementation, nutrition, stress and thyroid-affecting drugs, and mentions a support community.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-03 original
The author asserts that subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with insomnia and poor sleep, and that 'there is no such thing as subclinical'. The post quotes a cross-sectional study abstract, Ray Peat on T3, magnesium and sugar restoring brain energy, and an all-night sleep study in hypothyroid patients. The embedded post repeats the sleep study and Peat material.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-04 original
Author claims frequent undereating leads to fat gain even in athletes, via lowered metabolic rate and thyroid hormone changes. Supports this with quoted correlations from a study of elite female gymnasts and runners. The embedded lowmegatron post claims prolonged exercise lowers T3 and raises rT3, and that glucose blunts this.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-04 original
Post poses a question about substances or activities that help induce deep sleep and answers with a Ray Peat quote naming thyroid hormone, vitamin D, calcium and magnesium. The embedded lowmegatron post links subclinical hypothyroidism to insomnia and quotes Peat and a hypothyroid sleep study.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-05 original
The author claims zinc is overlooked in thyroid status and may independently contribute to hypothyroid hair loss. He cites studies on zinc preventing exercise-related drops in thyroid hormones, zinc opposing melatonin's thyroid suppression, and zinc raising T3. He speculates zinc helps T4-to-T3 conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-05 original
Author reports a small human trial in which T3 gave greater weight loss and lower cholesterol than T4/levothyroxine at doses keeping TSH within 0.5-1.5. The author does not read this as meaning everyone needs T3 alone, saying a combination is best for most people who need thyroid hormones and that others should aim to increase thyroid hormone conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-05 original
Post presents Ray Peat's claim that US doctors fail to correct hypothyroidism by prescribing T4 instead of T3, and that hypothyroid women are more likely to get cancer. It then quotes an observational study of 23 end-stage cancer patients in whom induced low T4 with T3 was associated with survival beyond expectation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-08 original
The post claims hypothyroidism raises stress hormones and histamine, contributing to anxiety, hypertension, blood sugar problems and depression. It cites experimental hypothyroidism data, a T4/T3 combination therapy study and a rat mast cell study.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-08 original
The post quotes Ray Peat saying a few doses of progesterone can shift the balance, activating the thyroid and liver and stabilizing blood sugar so glucose is available for T4-to-T3 conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-08 original
The post claims 'eat less, move more' lowers T3 and raises reverse T3, citing Army Ranger training data. It says TSH can miss low tissue T3. The embedded lowmegatron post quotes Ray Peat that stress hormones lower thyroid conversion and TSH alone is inadequate.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-08 original
The post says bacterial endotoxin disrupts thyroid hormone levels and labs, lowering T4, T3 and TSH and raising reverse T3, citing a study of 24 healthy people. The embedded lowmegatron post claims orange juice with a high-fat, high-carb meal lowered endotoxin and metabolic stress.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-09 original
The sharing account posts a Ray Peat quote saying cold hands and feet, and oral temperature, can indicate thyroid function without a blood test, with cold extremities being the first sign of failing thyroid function. The embedded post by lowmegatron claims hypothyroidism raises stress hormones and histamine and that T3 added to T4 therapy improves anxiety, depression and quality of life.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-10 original
The post shares a quoted passage saying thyroid hormone transport across the blood-brain barrier in hypothyroid patients is clinically important but poorly understood, and that T3 may be better than T4 for myxedema coma because it crosses more rapidly and completely into cerebrospinal fluid. The embedded lowmegatron post says T4-only treatment in poor converters probably starves the brain of thyroid hormone, citing monkey experiments.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-10 original
The author shares a Facebook commenter's account of decades of CFS/ME diagnosis that the commenter says was Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. The commenter reports that T4 was nearly useless but natural desiccated thyroid gradually resolved symptoms, and urges testing FT3. The author frames it as another person misdiagnosed with CFS when the cause was low thyroid hormone. The embedded quoted post from lowmegatron claims CFS patients have lower T3 and higher reverse T3 despite normal TSH.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-10 original
The author claims hypothyroidism with fast heart rate, high blood pressure and palpitations can be caused by high TRH. The author quotes Ray Peat on TRH effects, explains that TRH is elevated in primary hypothyroidism, and quotes a pharmacology passage on TRH pressor and tachycardic effects. The embedded quoted post from lowmegatron claims hypothyroidism raises stress hormones, blood pressure and histamine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-10 original
The post quotes Ray Peat recommending carbohydrate (preferably sugar), salty foods, bedtime T3 or ice cream to reduce nighttime stress hormone reactions. It also quotes a 1967 study excerpt that hypothyroidism reduces stage 3 and 4 sleep and that desiccated thyroid may increase them. The embedded quoted post from lowmegatron links subclinical hypothyroidism to insomnia.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-11 original
The post quotes Ray Peat on accumulated unstable fats making endotoxin exposure more inflammatory and stressing the lipid-rich brain with age. The embedded quote, from lowmegatron, lists conditions attributed to endotoxin from leaky gut and a long list of nutrients, drugs and habits said to help.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-11 original
The author argues that oxidized LDL drives atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular events, and that linoleic acid from seed oils is oxidized by lipid peroxidation, which hypothyroidism increases. The post quotes Ray Peat on Broda Barnes' rabbit work and thyroid supplementation, plus excerpts from two papers on LDL oxidizability and thyroid function. The embedded quote, from lowmegatron, claims raised blood free fatty acids cause inflammation and impair artery dilation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-11 original
Author describes a randomized, double-blind crossover trial of substituting T3 (liothyronine) for T4 (levothyroxine) in hypothyroidism. They report greater weight loss and lower LDL, total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B at equivalent TSH suppression. They add that high cholesterol usually indicates another disease process, here hypothyroidism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-12 original
Author states that low-calorie dieting increases cortisol and lists harms of high cortisol. They quote a paper saying 1200 kcal restriction increased cortisol output and perceived stress, and that clinicians may need to rethink recommending dieting.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-12 own thread
lowmegatron claims polyunsaturated fats impair thyroid hormone metabolism, liver function, glucose oxidation and cardiolipin, and tend to raise metabolism-lowering hormones. The quoted earlier post cites a chicken study passage stating PUFA inhibit T4-to-T3 conversion in mammals and impair T3 binding to nuclear receptors.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-13 original
Author says thyroid hormone markers differ in depression but are often ignored. Standard testing focuses on TSH and T4, yet T4 must convert to T3, and many people convert poorly. Depression is associated with low T3, and a raised TSH may be dismissed if T4 is normal. Quoted study excerpts report lower T3 and higher TSH across depression severity grades and suggest thyroid evaluation before antidepressant therapy.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-14 original
Author states hypothyroidism increases adrenaline, quoting Ray Peat on adrenaline sustaining blood sugar and body temperature while disturbing sleep and speeding the heart. A quote from PMID 4766338 says thyroid hormone depresses noradrenaline and adrenaline secretion by blocking production at the cellular level. The embedded post from lowmegatron claims experimental hypothyroidism raised stress hormones and histamine, and that adding T3 to T4 improved anxiety, depression and quality of life.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-14 original
Quoted Ray Peat passage arguing that standard thyroid blood tests (T4, TSH) use ranges so wide that nearly everyone counts as normal. He says this traces to the protein-bound iodine test, later shown not to reflect thyroid function, and that the doctrine that only about 5% of people are hypothyroid persisted anyway.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-14 original
The author says hypothyroidism nearly doubles dementia risk and that the association is worse in people on thyroid medication. They suggest T4-only medication and a lack of diet/lifestyle guidance as the likely reasons, and link lipid peroxidation from insufficient T3 to neurodegeneration. The embedded quoted post mentions a Ray Peat anecdote about dementia recovery with increased body temperature.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-14 original
The author says caloric restriction, fasting and low-carb diets reduce thyroid hormone conversion, favoring reverse T3 over T3, and advises eating regularly, enough, and eating carbs. The embedded quoted post says low-calorie dieting increases cortisol, with a list of harms and study excerpts.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-15 original
The author says obese women on levothyroxine have lower resting metabolic rates than obese women not on levothyroxine with similar TSH. They argue levo-only therapy does not fully correct metabolism and normal TSH is a poor marker of thyroid hormone metabolism. The quoted post (lowmegatron) says caloric restriction, fasting and low-carb diets reduce T3 conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-15 original
The author says people with liver cirrhosis cannot make adequate T3, that most T3 is made outside the thyroid, and that some tissue-produced T3 is invisible to blood tests. They quote a study reporting lower serum and urinary T3 in cirrhosis. The embedded post (lowmegatron) quotes Ray Peat on progesterone and T4-to-T3 conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-15 original
The author says high-dose zinc supplementation normalized T3 and lowered reverse T3 in people with zinc deficiency, and that zinc deficiency may cause hypothyroid symptoms by impairing T4-to-T3 conversion. The author notes this was a high dose in confirmed zinc deficiency. The embedded post (lowmegatron) lists a thyroid T3 checklist.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-16 own thread
lowmegatron promotes his Hypothyroid Masterclass Group, listing video modules on hypothyroidism symptoms and causes, blood tests and their problems, pulse and temperature, T3 activity, autoimmunity, conversion, reverse T3, T4/NDT/T3 supplementation, nutrition (iron, iodine, selenium, PUFA), stress, and drugs affecting thyroid hormones.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-16 original
The author claims hypothyroidism raises stress hormones (cortisol, adrenaline, noradrenaline, aldosterone) and histamine, contributing to anxiety, hypertension, blood sugar problems and depression. They cite studies in which stopping thyroid medication raised these hormones, and studies in which adding T3 to T4 improved mood and quality of life. A rat study is cited for higher mast cells and histamine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-16 original
The author describes a case report of myxedema coma in a woman with 'subclinical' hypothyroidism who was prescribed levothyroxine. She recovered after IV T3, and the author argues that lab ranges missed her condition. The report notes she may not have taken the levothyroxine. The embedded quoted post claims TSH/T4 tests are blind to downstream thyroid hormone issues and that T3-activated cells are what matter.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-16 original
The author compiles Ray Peat quotes and cited excerpts arguing that hypothyroidism or low thyroid hormone activity can drive anxiety through raised adrenaline and histamine. The post says T3 added to T4 therapy improved anxiety, depression and quality of life, and that some foods, thyroid or pregnenolone may help. An embedded post by lowmegatron repeats the same thyroid, stress-hormone and histamine claims.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-17 original
The author argues that a 1°C lower core temperature, reflecting low thyroid hormone activity, could add about 120 lb over a decade and that hypothyroidism induces a hibernation-like state. The post describes Broda Barnes's basal temperature test and BMR as thyroid indicators, with cited thresholds. The embedded Ray Peat quote criticizes TSH/T4 reference ranges and the history of the protein-bound iodine test.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-17 original
The author says a study of isocaloric carbohydrate deprivation (2%) lowered T3 about 25% and raised reverse T3, free T4 and T3 uptake, with TSH unchanged. They say this means thyroid hormone conversion fell, and that TSH-based screening could miss it. They also say free fatty acids doubled and interfere with thyroid hormone activity. The embedded post from lowmegatron quotes Ray Peat on sugar craving and hypothyroidism and outlines a low-T3, fatty acid oxidation and glucose oxidation mechanism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-17 original
The author claims hypothyroidism causes constipation, citing Ray Peat and a paper reporting a 72% improvement in constipation with T3 plus T4 versus levothyroxine alone. A quoted case describes a 71-year-old woman whose symptoms, including hair loss, improved on T3 and worsened on levothyroxine only.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-18 original
The author states that body temperature is one of the best markers of thyroid hormone activity and is declining over time, and attributes this mainly to inappropriate diets, pollutants, and underdiagnosis and mistreatment of hypothyroidism. Broda Barnes and a paper on decreasing US body temperature are quoted.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-18 original
The author presents a case report of myxedema coma in 'subclinical' hypothyroidism: body temperature 93°F, heart rate 58, TSH 59 with a 'normal' free T4; after T4, T3 and hydrocortisone, temperature rose to 98°F and heart rate exceeded 72 over seven days.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-18 original
The post quotes Ray Peat saying many people become sleepy after eating much carbohydrate and/or salt, that both lower adrenaline, and that carbohydrate can increase thyroid hormone activity and restore tissue energy. A link is included. The embedded lowmegatron post quotes Peat on hypothyroidism raising adrenaline.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-19 original
Author summarizes a trial in which aloe vera juice was associated with lower TSH and TPO antibodies over 9 months in women with subclinical hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's. Free T3 also fell. The author doubts the authors' explanation for the T3 drop and suggests tracking T3 if trying this.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-19 original
Post shares a Ray Peat quote saying hibernators fed a saturated, high-carbohydrate diet without nuts do not hibernate, and that serotonin triggering hibernation rises at a certain point of fat unsaturation. The embedded post from lowmegatron advises increasing saturated relative to unsaturated fats and lists fats to eat and avoid.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-19 original
The post shares a Ray Peat quote about learned-helplessness experiments in rats, where rescued rats later swam longer. The embedded lowmegatron post quotes Peat on learned helplessness and stress, says T3 can help reverse it, and includes a Facebook comment describing depression lifting after starting Cynoplus with extra T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-20 original
The post shares a Ray Peat quote that the liver supplies about 70% of active thyroid hormone (T3) and needs adequate glucose to do so, with frequent snacks such as orange juice suggested. It adds a study excerpt (PMID 11167929) reporting that 2% carbohydrate intake lowered plasma T3 and raised reverse T3 versus higher-carbohydrate diets. The quoted lowmegatron post makes similar claims.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-21 original
The posting account quotes Ray Peat that thyroid and magnesium are often needed to normalize mitochondria and prevent calcification, and clarifies that 'thyroid' here means T3. The embedded post by lowmegatron shares a Facebook commenter's anecdote of many reported improvements after switching to T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-21 original
Post pairs a Ray Peat quote with two quoted PMID excerpts. Peat says vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism produce similar inflammation, with TSH and parathyroid hormone (PTH) driving mast cell activation and cytokine release. The poster ends with a list of factors that raise PTH.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-22 original
The author says nutrition matters even when taking thyroid hormone. The quoted account (_palmerprescott) describes T3 having no effect for over a year until about a week of zinc supplementation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-22 original
The author links low thyroid hormone status to liver fibrosis and NAFLD/NASH. They cite human association studies, mouse experiments on T3 and fibrosis, and a resmetirom trial. They say above-range thyroid hormone is also associated with fibrosis and that the goal is an optimal range. The embedded quoted post from lowmegatron claims cirrhosis impairs T3 production.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-23 original
Quoting Ray Peat, the post says physiological T3 reversed heart fibrosis in rats, and that heart enlargement is traditionally blamed on thyroid hormone at very high doses. The author adds that T3 is needed to minimize fibrosis and cites a post-MI T3 infusion study reporting reduced scar size and preserved function.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-23 own thread
lowmegatron announces a new interview with Dr Wilson and links to it. The post does not describe the interview's content; the root post concerns Wilson's T3 Protocol.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-27 original
The author presents a case report and commentary from a paper saying thyroid supplementation (natural desiccated thyroid) lowered a hypothyroid patient's raised blood pressure after thyroidectomy. The paper reports that only about 20% of hypertensives normalize, 55% partly improve and 25% do not respond. The quoted post warns that a doctor's presence can raise blood pressure readings.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-27 original
The author says T4/levothyroxine is not thyroid hormone and that high doses of T4 alone can reduce tissue T3 even if labs look fine, supported by a Ray Peat quote. The quoted post is an anecdotal Facebook testimonial reporting many improvements after switching to T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-28 original
The author claims hypothyroidism raises noradrenaline, which can increase blood pressure, cholesterol and anxiety. The post quotes Menoff's paper and studies it cites (Christensen, Stoffer) on thyroid hormone and catecholamines. The embedded lowmegatron post presents a case report and paper commentary on thyroid hormone (NDT) lowering blood pressure in some hypothyroid patients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-29 original
The author explains the Broda Barnes basal temperature test as a proxy for basal metabolic rate and thyroid hormone (T3) activity. They describe how to measure it and cite the normal values. They list factors that can make it unreliable, including birth control pills, HRT and menstrual cycle timing. The embedded post by lowmegatron describes a myxedema coma case report with subclinical hypothyroidism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-29 own thread
lowmegatron says Hashimoto's is the main cause of primary hypothyroidism and that handling it differs from secondary or tertiary cases. The author says TSH and T4 are the most common tests and are good at flagging severe primary hypothyroidism. However, TSH is often low or normal in secondary and tertiary cases, and neither test shows T3, which the author calls the critical component.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-29 own thread
lowmegatron claims hypothyroid symptoms mostly come from low thyroid hormone activity inside cells. T3 is the active hormone, but the gland releases mostly T4, which must be converted. The author also says rising TSH in primary hypothyroidism is inflammatory and affects other organs, notably the heart.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-29 own thread
lowmegatron says low thyroid hormone activity can cause hypothyroid-like symptoms even when the thyroid produces enough hormone. The author says this is not true hypothyroidism and is not recognized as such medically, because the thyroid, pituitary and hypothalamus are working, but the symptoms are similar because of low T3 activity.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-29 own thread
lowmegatron says decreased T4-to-T3 conversion can cause hypothyroid symptoms in someone who would not be diagnosed as hypothyroid. The author states there are many possible reasons for poor conversion and the cause must be identified to fix it.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-29 own thread
lowmegatron claims conversion issues are often dismissed, leaving people on 'horror drugs' for misdiagnosed symptoms. The author says a T3 test may detect a conversion issue that TSH or T4 misses, and that the ratio of reverse T3 to T3 or T4 is often more telling. Reverse T3 is described as made from T4, wasting potential T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-29 own thread
lowmegatron says TSH and T4 are often normal in people with conversion issues. Such people may be told their thyroid is fine, though the author says they may still have a thyroid hormone issue causing symptoms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-29 own thread
lowmegatron says even T3 blood tests are imperfect because they sample only a small pool of hormone. The author says hormone converted and used inside the same cell never appears in blood, and that transport into tissues can be impaired, so even optimal blood results are not 100% reliable.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-29 own thread
lowmegatron claims TSH responds well to levothyroxine/T4 but is over-suppressed relative to the thyroid hormone available to cells, so low TSH does not mean adequate thyroid hormone. He says the amount and T4:T3 ratio needed vary hugely between people and compares this to insulin dosing in type 1 diabetes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-29 own thread
lowmegatron says levothyroxine is the most common treatment for true hypothyroidism and is T4, which must be converted to T3. He claims conversion is rarely optimal on levothyroxine alone and that adding some T3 "kickstarts" conversion and gives a more stable T3 supply through the day.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-29 own thread
lowmegatron says diet and lifestyle determine thyroid gland health, hormone conversion, uptake and activity in cells. He claims stress and nutritional deficiencies can rapidly cause low thyroid hormone activity with normal TSH and T4. He cites a woman he spoke with who improved after dietary changes and swapping some workouts for walks.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-29 own thread
lowmegatron claims that even large doses of active T3 may not work if nutrition is inappropriate. The post includes an image, whose content is not described in the text.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-29 original
The author states that people burn fewer calories daily than decades ago, mostly because of lower resting energy use, quoting a paper excerpt that rising obesity was probably not driven by reduced physical activity and that adjusted basal metabolic rate has declined. A quoted post from lowmegatron says thyroid blood tests can be normal despite low-thyroid symptoms because TSH/T4 and even T3 tests are limited.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-29 original
Post quotes Ray Peat saying progesterone raises body temperature while estrogen lowers it via nitric oxide and vasodilation, and that hot flashes reflect estrogen imbalance relative to progesterone. It adds an excerpt from a paper on menstrual-cycle temperature regulation. An embedded lowmegatron post quotes Peat saying a few progesterone doses can shift balance and aid T4-to-T3 conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-30 original
Author argues that people with anorexia have low T3 that improves with weight gain, that TSH is unreliable under stress, and that caloric restriction, fasting and exercise may suppress T3 and metabolic rate. Author suggests chronic repeated fasting likely harms long-term thyroid status. The embedded post (lowmegatron) says stress also lowers TSH, making it an unreliable marker.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-30 original
Author claims fasting and caloric restriction lower metabolism and thyroid hormone set points, often needing T3 to reset the famine response. A long quote from a paper on TSH and weight-loss hypothyroidism says TSH suppression during thyroid hormone treatment is expected. The embedded post (lowmegatron) claims carbohydrate deprivation cut T3 by 25%.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-30 original
Author presents excerpts from a rat study reporting that hypothyroid rats gained more fat and converted less dietary protein into body protein while eating fewer calories. The author adds that T3 appears important for energy and lipid balance, and that hyperthyroid rats balanced higher energy expenditure with higher intake.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-30 original
Author describes a case report of a 16-year-old with hypothyroidism-induced dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure. He reportedly worsened on levothyroxine and heart failure drugs and then improved markedly on combined levothyroxine and T3. The author says the changes strongly suggest reverse remodeling.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-31 original
The sharing account adds only a link. The embedded post from lowmegatron describes a case report of a 16-year-old with hypothyroidism-induced dilated cardiomyopathy who worsened on levothyroxine and heart-failure drugs and then improved on levothyroxine plus T3. It states that heart size and ejection fraction changed toward normal.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-31 original
The author argues that thyroid hormone is essential for heart function and that supplemental T3 is sometimes needed. Two case reports are quoted, one of a child with myxedema heart disease and one of an adult with myxedema cardiogenic shock who improved on liothyronine. The embedded lowmegatron post quotes Ray Peat and studies on T3 and cardiac fibrosis after heart attack.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-31 original
Ray Peat is quoted saying a liver supported by carbohydrate and thyroid can detoxify circulating PUFA via glucuronidation and sulfation, and that nightly PUFA release harms the brain. The author adds lists of nutrients and foods said to support sulfation and glucuronidation. The author also links PUFA peroxidation products to neurodegenerative disease via listed study titles.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-01 original
The author claims high-carbohydrate diets lower famine and stress signals and raise thyroid hormone conversion and metabolism, whereas low-carb acts as a famine signal that lowers conversion. Support is a Broda Barnes self-experiment quote saying high protein raises thyroid needs, and a quoted study (PMID 11167929) showing carbohydrate deprivation lowered T3 and raised reverse T3. An embedded MojitoSlammer post is a personal fat-loss anecdote crediting Ray Peat.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-02 original
Author's text is only a t.co link, posted over a quoted reply from GawdawgElite suggesting warm milk with a pinch of salt and 2 tablespoons of sugar, plus a little T3, before bed as "helpful". The post is context-dependent and the author adds no explanation or endorsement.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-02 original
Author says T3 is critical for mood and motivation, that low T3 is often missed on basic thyroid labs (TSH, T4), and that basal temperature is the best single estimate, to be combined with labs. Author quotes a paper on hypothyroidism and depression, and the post embeds a lowmegatron post saying depression is a low-brain-energy state that can be caused by low thyroid hormone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-02 original
The author says thyroid hormone T3 is especially important for heart health, and that hypothyroidism or impaired T4-to-T3 conversion can lead to atherosclerosis, heart failure and heart attacks and limit recovery from them. The post quotes a paper on low T3 syndrome in myocardial infarction and heart failure. The embedded quoted post from lowmegatron describes a case report of a 16-year-old with hypothyroidism-induced dilated cardiomyopathy who improved on combined levothyroxine and T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-03 original
The author describes selenium as required for thyroid hormone conversion and as protective of the thyroid. They say deficiency may cause hypothyroid-like symptoms and that supplementation may lower thyroid antibodies in autoimmune thyroid disease, help Graves' eye disease, and speed recovery of thyroid hormones in acute stress. They also list selenium-rich foods and note an upper limit of 400 mcg/day.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-03 original
The author argues that vitamin A deficiency disrupts thyroid function (higher TSH, goiter, reduced iodine uptake and hormone synthesis/conversion). Support is quoted review and trial excerpts and two PMIDs. The embedded quoted post from Metabolicmonstr gives an anecdote of a low vitamin A diet followed by worse eyesight and TSH rising from 1 to 21.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-04 original
The author claims estrogen increases cocaine use and progesterone decreases it. The support is a quoted review abstract (rat literature) on 17β-estradiol, progesterone and allopregnanolone in cocaine-related behaviours. A Ray Peat quotation also describes estrogen as excitatory, progesterone as calming, and T3 and progesterone as mutually reinforcing.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-04 original
The author argues that levothyroxine (T4) alone does not fully correct slow metabolism or weight gain in hypothyroidism, because T3 drives metabolism. They say high-dose T4 may reduce T3 conversion and release, and that lowering TSH does not necessarily raise T3. They propose improving conversion or adding T3, and say basal body temperature is a better guide than TSH. The archived quoted post from lowmegatron links core temperature to fat gain and describes Broda Barnes's basal temperature test.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-04 original
The post quotes Ray Peat's list of carbohydrates he considers good: citrus and grape juices, well-cooked root vegetables and cabbage-family vegetables, and non-gluten grains such as polished white rice and nixtamalized corn. The embedded lowmegatron post cites a study in which carbohydrate deprivation (2%) lowered T3 and raised reverse T3 and free T4 without changing TSH.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-05 original
The author says that warm-blooded animals spend substantial energy maintaining body temperature, that T3 plays the largest role in this, and that when basal temperature or T3 drops, calories are stored as fat instead. They support this with quoted passages from a paper on core temperature and obesity. The embedded quoted post is the lowmegatron levothyroxine/T3 post.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-05 original
The post quotes Ray Peat arguing that a pathologically high TSH is treated as normal, that TSH acts on many non-thyroid cell types and may contribute to edema, fibrosis and cancers, and that no evidence shows very low TSH is harmful. An embedded lowmegatron post claims vitamin A deficiency raises TSH and impairs thyroid function.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-05 original
The posting account says an 11-day controlled experiment found that a very-low-carb (2%) diet raised urinary nitrogen excretion by 45% versus an 85% carb diet at equal calories and protein, and lowered T3. It interprets this as strongly suggesting lean tissue loss. An embedded lowmegatron post reports T3 falling about 25% on carbohydrate deprivation with reverse T3 rising and TSH unchanged.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-06 original
The author states that hypothyroidism, including subclinical hypothyroidism, raises cholesterol. They say levothyroxine lowers elevated cholesterol in subclinical patients, though less than levo+T3 or NDT. They quote a study excerpt reporting lower total and LDL cholesterol on L-thyroxine. They add that they are not claiming cholesterol itself is bad, but that elevated cholesterol is a good marker for hypothyroidism and other drivers of cardiovascular disease.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-08 original
Ray Peat states progesterone antagonizes effects of estrogen, cortisol, and aldosterone, which interfere with glucose oxidation. Embedded post discusses thyroid hormone T3, depression, glucose oxidation, and inadequacy of TSH/T4 testing.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-08 original
States hypothyroidism can cause low testosterone in men via prolactin elevation and free testosterone drop, reversible by optimizing TSH and T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-09 original
T3 therapy compared to T4 (levothyroxine) alone leads to weight loss and lower LDL cholesterol. Citation PMID: 24783015 provides evidence. Embedded post from lowmegatron explains differences between T4 and T3, role of T3 in metabolism, and body temperature as metabolic guide.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 own thread
lowmegatron claims hypothyroidism increases cortisol, that many hypothyroid symptoms resemble excess cortisol, and that TSH above 2.0 (or 2.5) is associated with higher cortisol. The author says thyroid hormone T3 regulates 11β-HSD2, which inactivates cortisol, so low thyroid hormone reduces cortisol detox, and that TSH is not a reliable way to assess this.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 own thread
lowmegatron says hypothyroidism activates the sympathetic nervous system, raising stress hormones, anxiety, blood sugar and blood pressure. The author cites a study of hypothyroid people who stopped medication, reporting about +60% cortisol and doubled adrenaline, noradrenaline and aldosterone, with diastolic blood pressure dropping as T3 rose with replacement.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 original
Obesity, especially central obesity, is linked to endocrine abnormalities including thyroid dysfunction. T3 regulates energy metabolism and thermogenesis; both subclinical and overt hypothyroidism correlate with weight gain and reduced metabolic rate. Study of 27,097 individuals shows hypothyroidism linked to higher BMI and obesity prevalence.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-10 original
Estrogen-induced thyroid dysfunction is compensated by elevated adrenaline and cortisol, with inadequate compensation causing hypoglycemia and elevated histamine. Women with hypothyroidism on thyroxine may need increased dosing during estrogen therapy.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-11 original
Stress-induced cortisol elevation suppresses TSH and impairs thyroid hormone T4-to-T3 conversion while elevating reverse T3, resulting in low functional thyroid hormone despite normal TSH and T4 labs. Free fatty acids further impair T3 metabolism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-12 original
Author reports personal thyroid experiment results comparing their Graves' hyperthyroidism case to the quoted protocol for Hashimoto's; finds FT3 improved 15-20% but antibodies continued rising on previous trend, questioning efficacy in their condition.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-12 original
The author claims low thyroid hormone can lower androgens, neurosteroids and other steroids derived from pregnenolone, such as DHT, DHEA, testosterone, progesterone and allopregnanolone. He says T3 regulates StAR, which shuttles cholesterol into mitochondria. The quoted context claims hypothyroidism can cause low testosterone with raised prolactin.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-12 original
Depression as hypothyroidism symptom stems from low brain energy; T3 augmentation of SSRIs corrects brain bioenergetic dysfunction in ~40% of treatment responders; TSH testing cannot detect tissue-level hypothyroidism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-12 original
Magnesium deficiency impairs thyroid function via decreased hormone conversion, thyroid enlargement, and reduced iodide uptake; low serum magnesium predicts Hashimoto's antibodies and hypothyroidism; Ray Peat explanation of magnesium's role in energy metabolism and thyroid hormone function.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-13 original
Thyroid hormone T3 and its metabolite TRIAC reverse learned helplessness in animal models by correcting energy metabolism rather than as a purely psychological intervention; low brain T3 increases serotonin which may contribute to learned helplessness.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-13 original
Caloric restriction lowers T3 via decreased T4-to-T3 conversion (not thyroid output); T4 is shunted to reverse T3 instead; TSH suppression during treatment reflects normal adaptation, not overmedication; standard thyroid testing fails to detect this metabolic suppression.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-13 original
Terminal cancer patients showed 4x greater one-year survival when thyroid was shut down via methimazole with T3 replacement versus standard care. 83% exceeded expected 20% one-year survival. Mechanism relates to low T4 association with improved survival in some tumors.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-13 original
Exercise in caloric deficit lowers T3 thyroid hormone and causes amenorrhea; increasing calories can help. CICO model ignores thyroid hormone and metabolic rate adaptation. Cortisol from exercise and low-calorie stress lowers TSH, which doctors may miss. Study tested effects but not TSH.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-14 original
Wearable device heart rate parameters can accurately predict thyroid function in hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormone activity strongly influences resting heart rate; Ray Peat suggests ~85 bpm indicates adequate T3. Resting heart rate trends better than one-off measures; morning measurement most reliable.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-14 own thread
lowmegatron corrects a typo in his earlier post on dieting and thyroid hormones: the phrase 'because TSH increases during stress' should read 'TSH decreases'.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-14 original
Ray Peat quote on hypothyroidism-related hormonal dysregulation (elevated adrenalin, estrogen, cortisol; low magnesium) and insomnia treatment with T3 and magnesium. Embedded post by lowmegatron cites study linking subclinical hypothyroidism to sleep disturbance and discusses Ray Peat's mechanism of T3 in brain energization; includes study on sleep stage changes in hypothyroidism before/after desiccated thyroid treatment.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-15 original
Case report of ICU patient with subclinical hypothyroidism presenting with respiratory failure and coma; T4 monotherapy failed but rapid improvement occurred when T3 was added. Embedded post describes similar case of myxedema coma in subclinical hypothyroidism with normal T4 but elevated TSH, treated with T4, T3, and hydrocortisone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-15 original
Animal model evidence: thyroparathyroidectomy causes learned helplessness (escape deficit) in rats. Low T3 increases brain serotonin correlating with helplessness. Embedded post on serotonin 5-HT3 antagonism (ondansetron, ginger) reversing learned helplessness in rodents.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-15 original
TSH and T4 levels predict resting metabolic rate, weight gain, and obesity. Small TSH/T4 variations from levothyroxine dosing changes associate with significantly altered resting energy expenditure in hypothyroid patients. Active T3 hormone primarily responsible for resting energy metabolism. Embedded post by lowmegatron comparing T3 to T4 monotherapy with weight loss and LDL reduction outcomes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-16 original
T3 blood tests using immunoassay methods are unreliable, particularly at low levels, with LC-MSMS being more accurate. Older clinical assessment methods and combination approaches may provide clearer pictures than blood tests alone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-16 original
The author presents a quoted case report of a 71-year-old woman whose dizziness, dry skin, constipation, hair loss and brittle nails reportedly improved with tailored thyroid hormone treatment. Her symptoms reportedly returned on levothyroxine 50mcg and improved again after T3 was restarted. The author concludes that T3 and T4 are not equivalent. He also lists the paper's targets: free T3 in the upper 20% of the range, a total T3:reverse T3 ratio of 10:1, and low-normal T4, using individualized T4 and T3 doses with T3 split in two.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-16 original
Hypothyroidism causes anxiety and panic attacks through inefficient glucose metabolism producing lactate instead of CO2, suppressed by adequate thyroid hormone. Multiple mechanisms including elevated histamine, cortisol, serotonin, and reduced carbon dioxide suppress excitatory nerves. Includes Ray Peat quotation and multiple study citations.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-17 original
Case narrative of patient with years of undiagnosed hypothyroidism misattributed to SIBO despite normal TSH and free T4, with low free T3 ultimately discovered. T3 supplementation rapidly resolved GI symptoms including bloating and resulted in negative SIBO retest. Underlying thyroid hormone conversion issue. Restrictive diets worsened thyroid function.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-18 original
Thyroid controls metabolism and heat production through minute secretions. Shared quotation from Broda Barnes with embedded post from lowmegatron on T3 role in mood, TSH limitations, and basal temperature as assessment method.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-19 original
Low T3 causes inefficient glucose metabolism producing lactate, associated with panic and anxiety; T3 improves metabolic efficiency. Shares Ray Peat quotation with clarifying note on T3 as medication, then embedded post by lowmegatron detailing mechanisms and citing studies.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-19 original
TSH is unreliable for assessing thyroid hormone activity in sick people due to differential pituitary vs. tissue thyroid hormone conversion. Discusses tissue-level hypothyroidism despite normal blood levels and superiority of basal temperature and NDT over T4 dosing.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-19 original
Broda Barnes used Armour Thyroid (NDT) to prevent heart disease; discussion of industry preference for levothyroxine and role of polyunsaturated fats in blocking thyroid hormone effects. Historical context on Barnes and basal temperature test provided.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-19 original
TSH levels 2.5–5.0 twice as common in women with unexplained infertility. Discusses optimal TSH range, role of TSH in oocyte development, and associations with menstrual disorders and autoimmune thyroid disease.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-19 original
Depression is state of low brain energy and low T3. Study shows decreased T3 and increased TSH in mild, moderate and severe depression patients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-19 original
High-dose thiamine 600 mg reduces fatigue in Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. Thiamine supports glucose metabolism impaired in hypothyroidism. Case series of three patients on T4 replacement with persistent fatigue showed regression within hours/days on thiamine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-20 original
Normal TSH range explanation for unexplained infertility. Extended Ray Peat quotation on arbitrary TSH and T4 reference ranges, historical context of thyroid testing from protein-bound iodine test through current standards, and doctrine limiting population identified as needing thyroid.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-20 original
Hibernating bears exhibit hypothyroid physiology similar to hypothyroid humans; T4 and T3 reduced to <44% and <36% during hibernation; T3 controls basal metabolic rate.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-21 original
Critique of thyroid hormone cancer studies; distinguishes T4 (inactive) from T3 (active); argues T4-only supplementation suppresses T3 and increases cancer risk, while T3 in end-stage cancer prolongs survival.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-22 original
Replying via quote to a user asking why they are not losing weight on one meal a day and 10k+ steps, the author claims this signals food scarcity. The author says the body then lowers metabolic rate and stores fat by lowering T3 and raising serotonin.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-22 original
The author quotes Ray Peat and a paper abstract on diabetes and thyroid hormone. Ray Peat says cellular glucose deficiency impairs T4-to-T3 conversion and that T4+T3 combination therapy suppresses TSH. The paper reports lower T3 and higher reverse T3 in diabetes, normalizing with improved hyperglycemia. The embedded lowmegatron post claims stress causes hidden hypothyroidism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-22 original
The author claims T3 helps restore hair color, hair growth and skin quality. He cites two case reports of gray hair darkening with increased T3 and animal and cell experiments in which T3 stimulated hair growth and follicles entered anagen earlier. He also says hypothyroidism causes hair loss and topical T3 accelerates growth. He cautions that T3 is a metabolic stimulant rather than a hair supplement and should not be used without understanding it.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-22 original
The author claims hypothyroidism generally increases cortisol, with chronic cortisol elevation driving fat gain, high blood sugar and free fatty acid effects. The author says cortisol also lowers TSH and reduces T3 conversion, giving misleading labs. The author speculates that NDT or T4+T3 would have improved the study's results beyond levothyroxine. The embedded lowmegatron post makes related claims citing human and rat studies.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-23 original
Near-infrared photobiomodulation (PBM) combined with supplements increases T3, reduces thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), and reduces levothyroxine dose requirements in Hashimoto's patients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-23 original
Endotoxin from intestinal bacteria suppresses thyroid hormones and testosterone production through multiple mechanisms, with supporting evidence from human and animal studies.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-23 original
Critique of current thyroid diagnostic standards: TSH and T4 tests are insufficient; low T3 activity (not just hypothyroidism) causes symptoms; historical methods from 1960s-1970s were more effective.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-23 original
Thyroid hormone levels correlate with caloric intake; caloric restriction reduces T3 conversion and suppresses thyroid hormone despite normal or low TSH, compromising weight loss effectiveness.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-23 original
Hypothyroidism increases cortisol and activates the sympathetic nervous system through reduced T3 levels, which impairs cortisol detoxification via 11β-HSD enzymes; TSH levels above 2.0-2.5 may be abnormally high based on cortisol elevation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-24 original
JFK diagnosed hypothyroid in 1955 and started T3-only treatment early, potentially before T3's official market introduction in 1956; treatment involved basal metabolic rate testing rather than TSH/thyroid blood tests.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-24 original
Fasting, low-calorie diets, and low-carbohydrate intake send famine signals reducing thyroid hormone T3 conversion and tissue uptake; increased free fatty acids from dietary stress block thyroid hormone activity.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-25 original
Thyroid hormones, particularly free T3, inhibit inflammation and cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction and predict long-term prognosis in heart failure; hypothyroidism and T4-to-T3 conversion issues increase atherosclerosis and heart failure risk.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-27 original
The author claims dieting and fasting can reset the metabolic set-point downward in some people by lowering T3 and raising reverse T3, hindering weight loss. He says thyroid levels may need correcting and that TSH is a useless marker for dosing, since thyroid replacement during weight loss suppresses TSH. Quotes are from Rowsemitt and Najarian.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-28 original
Ray Peat quoted on T3 effects on aromatase inhibition and testosterone efficacy in men. Claims T3 lowers aromatase; elevated aromatase from stress lowers testosterone and increases estrogen. Discusses how T3, aspirin, pregnenolone, or progesterone inhibit aromatase and improve testosterone effectiveness.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-29 original
Higher TSH within normal range associated with advanced liver fibrosis (MAFLD). T3 thyroid hormone limits fibrosis. Cites PMID 36604612 and PMID 35641932 on TSH and T3 mechanisms. Embedded comprehensive quote from lowmegatron covers thyroid hormone, fibrosis, NAFLD, animal studies, human drug trials (resmetirom), and fibrosis in other tissues.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-29 own thread gap
Quotes a study conclusion that hypothyroidism is tied to higher dementia and mortality risk and that adding T3 may mitigate this better than LT4 alone. The author adds that T4 must convert to T3, many cannot convert enough, and T4 suppresses TSH effectively, misleading those who rely on T4/TSH labs.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-29 own thread gap
The author argues few studies dose T3 individually, so the benefit of proper treatment may exceed what the paper found, and says the goal should be correcting low metabolic rate rather than a fixed T3 dose. It cites two PMIDs. The quoted earlier post claims hypothyroidism nearly doubles dementia risk, worse with thyroid medication, and links lipid peroxidation to neurodegeneration.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-30 own thread
Quotes research summaries claiming cone spectral types are dynamically and reversibly controlled by thyroid hormone in adults; suppressing serum thyroid hormone in adult mice and rats altered cone patterns, raising S-cone opsin and reducing M-cone opsin.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-30 own thread
Quotes the finding that thyroid hormone treatment of athyroid Pax8(-/-) mice restored a wild-type cone opsin pattern, which reverted to the S-opsin-dominated pattern after treatment ended.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-30 own thread
Quotes the conclusion that opsin expression in mature mammalian cones remains controlled by thyroid hormone, challenging the view that opsin identity is fixed by permanent gene silencing. Gives the reference title "Thyroid Hormone Controls Cone Opsin Expression in the Retina of Adult Rodents".
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-30 original
Author says stress reduction, by lowering cortisol, adrenaline and glucagon, can improve thyroid hormone conversion. They cite a yoga randomized controlled trial in women with hypothyroidism reporting T3 +17%, T4 +7% and TSH -26%, with the authors concluding moderate-to-large effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-31 original
Author states hypothyroidism diminishes color vision and that blue-yellow and red-green color contrast sensitivity improved with thyroid hormone treatment, quoting a study (PMID 25960961) on thyroxine treatment. The embedded quote is an earlier lowmegatron post on thyroid hormone and color vision.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-01 original
Anecdotal quote about thyroid hormone effects (vivid colors, warmth, feeling alive); author notes this observation seems absurd until researched, referencing Dr. Peat's work. Embedded post cites study showing hypothyroidism impairs color vision and improves with thyroxine treatment.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-02 original
Young children with higher-'normal' TSH show lower cognitive function and higher ADHD symptoms despite being within normal range; study suggests need to re-evaluate TSH upper limit for normal in preschoolers.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-02 original
Levothyroxine monotherapy associated with lower well-being in hypothyroid patients compared to healthy controls, attributed to insufficient T3 bioavailability; diet and lifestyle factors affect thyroid hormone conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-02 own thread
lowmegatron quotes an editorial saying that hypothyroid patients adequately treated with T4 score slightly worse on psychological well-being and have more symptoms than matched controls. One possible explanation given is that the T4 dose was not optimal or that T3 was not given.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-03 original
Mold exposure causes chronic fatigue and brain fog via downregulation of thyroid hormone T3 conversion without affecting thyroid gland function; thyroid hormone supplementation resolves mold-induced hypothyroid symptoms in affected patients, enabling return to work.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-04 original
Active thyroid hormone T3 increases by 10% when levothyroxine is taken at night versus morning; total T3 increased from 96 to 106 ng/dl on average with lower mean hourly TSH at bedtime dosing.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-04 own thread
The author says active thyroid hormone T3 restores hair growth and color in experiments. He quotes findings of in vitro hair shaft growth, earlier anagen entry in mice after topical T3, and possible reversal of graying in humans via follicular melanocytes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-04 own thread
The author claims hypothyroidism causes hair loss and loss of skin vitality, and that topical thyroid hormone accelerates hair growth and rejuvenates skin. He quotes a dose-dependent animal result. He cautions that T3 is a metabolic stimulant, not a hair supplement, and advises fixing metabolism and not using T3 without understanding it.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-04 own thread
lowmegatron claims that cortisol, glucagon and adrenaline inhibit thyroid hormone conversion, lowering T3 and raising reverse T3. He lists factors he says commonly raise cortisol and adrenaline, including poor sleep, too few carbohydrates, sodium, potassium, magnesium or calcium, fasting, chronic caloric restriction, noise, shallow breathing, black coffee on an empty stomach and constant stimulation. He suggests acerola vitamin C, L-theanine and glycine as possibly helpful.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-04 own thread
lowmegatron claims that the thyroid adjusts to energy availability, so undereating or excessive exercise can lower thyroid hormone production and metabolic rate. He warns against combining fasting with intense exercise, recommends muscle-focused exercise, and suggests mild, careful caloric restriction balanced with adequate intake periods.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-04 own thread
lowmegatron claims that polyunsaturated fats from seed oils and from non-ruminants fed high-PUFA diets disrupt thyroid hormone production, transport and binding. He says they are released as free fatty acids during stress, recommends mostly saturated fats (coconut oil, cocoa butter, butter/ghee, cream, cheese, tallow) and lists many oils, including fish oil, to avoid.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-04 own thread
lowmegatron advises minimizing exposure to plastics and plasticizers, claiming that phthalates and BPA/S/F impair thyroid gland function and peripheral hormone conversion and that BPA blocks thyroid hormone at the receptor. He lists sources such as fragranced cosmetics, plastic containers and bottles, can linings, dust and thermal receipts. The quoted earlier post cites a rat study (PMID 31757552) in which ginger protected against BPA-induced thyroid damage.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-05 original
Repost of lowmegatron's analysis of thyroid hormone changes during fasting/dieting, citing a study showing decreased T3/free T3 and increased rT3, with quotes from Rowsemitt & Najarian on metabolic adaptation and TSH management during weight loss.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-05 original
Ray Peat extended quotation critiquing levothyroxine monotherapy and advocating for natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) based on physiologic T3:T4 ratios, bioavailability, and cellular energy mechanisms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-05 original
Inhaled CO2 reduces allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion by limiting mast cell degranulation and histamine release; mechanism linked to thyroid hormone effects on cellular CO2 production, with hypothyroidism associated with nasal congestion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-05 own thread
lowmegatron claims T3 'dominates gut health'. He lists four points: dysbiosis is common in Hashimoto's, people with Hashimoto's have leaky gut, experimental hypothyroidism causes leaky gut, and T3 reinforces the gut barrier.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-05 original
Ray Peat quotation on stress hormones (elevated cortisol, decreased DHEA/progesterone/testosterone) driving inflammation, degeneration and depression as a protective shutdown response. Embedded post on hypothyroidism-cortisol relationship, TSH thresholds, T3 effects on cortisol metabolism enzymes, sympathetic activation and blood pressure.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-06 original
Repost of shortbusfanatic's personal experience report: T3 and B1 supplementation after zinc status correction resolved chronic/seasonal nasal issues previously unresponsive to antihistamines.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-06 original
T3 thyroid hormone levels regulate exploratory behavior and risk-taking in animals through cortical mechanisms; low T3 causes behavioral withdrawal; stress reduces thyroid hormones and exploration.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-06 original
Low brain T3 thyroid hormone causes anxiety and depression in mice despite normal blood levels; mechanism involves decreased T4-to-T3 conversion in brain; may explain mood issues in levothyroxine-treated patients with normal TSH; exercise improved symptoms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-06 original
Alzheimer's patients have lower thyroid hormone levels than non-Alzheimer's controls; mental function improves with higher thyroid hormone; aberrant motor behavior more common with low thyroid hormone; suggests adjunctive T3 treatment potential.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-06 original
The author, citing Broda Barnes, claims ailments attributed to aging are often due to failing thyroid function, and that the TSH/T4 paradigm has made the problem worse. He quotes an anecdote about a 67-year-old man with baldness, low energy, forgetfulness, depression, high blood pressure and low basal temperature. After thyroid therapy his depression lifted, blood pressure normalized and hair regrew, per Barnes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-09 original
Author argues that blood tests cannot measure thyroid hormone activity in tissues, only circulating levels; T3 activity drives symptoms; basal temperature may better indicate thyroid status than blood tests; and historical diagnosis by symptoms and temperature was superior to current TSH-centric protocols.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-09 original
Author explains that elevated free fatty acids block T4 uptake in the liver, reducing active T3 production, and identifies conditions elevating free fatty acids (fasting, restriction, stress, cold, low-carb diets, sleep deprivation, infection). Insulin reduces free fatty acids. Includes quoted study text on ATP depletion and circulating inhibitors.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-10 original
Author presents case of 86-year-old with elevated TSH after starting Iodoral (high-potency iodine supplement) prescribed by naturopath; TSH escalated to 99 after 1 month despite levothyroxine dose increase; TSH normalized after Iodoral cessation. Includes explanation of Wolff-Chaikoff effect and recovery mechanism with quoted study text.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-10 original
Author documents that soy products interfere with thyroid hormone and levothyroxine absorption, particularly in children. Includes case of child who became profoundly hypothyroid on soy milk despite levothyroxine dose increases, normalizing after switching to cow milk. Discusses phytoestrogen mechanism of thyroid peroxidase inhibition.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-10 original
Author explains that high-dose biotin can interfere with thyroid blood test accuracy without altering actual thyroid hormones or TSH levels, causing false elevations in T3/T4 and false TSH suppression. Includes case of patient on 200 mg/day biotin showing false Graves' disease pattern that normalized after biotin cessation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-10 original
Author explains that free fatty acids block T3 thyroid hormone from binding to nuclear receptors, reducing energy metabolism, and notes this effect is invisible to thyroid blood tests. Claims insulin normally brakes free fatty acid release, and stress elevates them.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-11 original
Quoted Ray Peat claims that nighttime stress and inflammation hormones rise despite ice cream consumption; bright incandescent light reduces them further. Recommends Cynoplus at bedtime instead of Cynomel to maintain T4 and hold down TSH; suggests daily eggs and weekly liver for nutritional support.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-11 original
Author claims hypothyroidism impairs sleep stages 3 and 4, and that active thyroid hormone T3 is needed for proper rest. Includes embedded quote from lowmegatron about progesterone normalizing sleep without suppressing deep sleep.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-11 original
Quoted Ray Peat claims that diet and hormones interact; magnesium uptake requires adequate vitamin D and T3; T3 production requires selenium and sugar; pregnenolone and progesterone support T3 effects; cyproheptadine blocks stress mediators from hormonal-nutritional deficiencies; excess phosphate relative to calcium and magnesium creates tension.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-12 original
Author explains that high free fatty acids interfere with thyroid hormone T4 uptake and conversion to T3, and this effect is invisible to TSH and likely T4 tests. Discusses non-thyroidal illness syndrome where liver fat accumulation reduces conversion, and notes debate over whether thyroid hormone replacement is protective or harmful.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-13 original
Ray Peat quote on T3's cardiac protection through glucose oxidation support; includes case study of adolescent with hypothyroidism-induced heart failure who improved on combined T3/T4 therapy; describes reversal of cardiomyopathy structure and function.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-13 original
Ray Peat explanation of functional hypothyroidism in diabetes due to impaired T4-to-T3 conversion from glucose deprivation; presents evidence that low T3 and high reverse T3 characterize type 2 diabetes; cites animal model studies showing T3 treatment improves insulin sensitivity and glycemic control.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-13 original
Ray Peat quote on T3 administration to brain-dead heart donors improving graft viability and function; includes embedded case discussion of cardiac oxygen consumption reduction in hypothyroidism and improved contractility with thyroid hormone replacement.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-13 original
Ray Peat discussion of thyroid hormone and bone health; critiques thyroxine (T4) monotherapy as unphysiological; cites T3's role in bone formation and American Thyroid Association warning on fracture risk with high-dose thyroxine; presents cell culture study showing T3 regulates collagen formation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-15 original
T3, aspirin, and pregnenolone or progesterone inhibit aromatase and enhance testosterone effectiveness; mechanism involves reducing estrogen excess from stress-induced aromatase elevation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-16 original
Historical critique of PBI (protein-bound iodine) test as thyroid standard, arguing its foundation in false premises parallels current TSH/levothyroxine paradigm; embedded quote discusses T3 test reliability limitations and immunoassay inaccuracy.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-16 original
Ray Peat quote on stress-induced suppression of T3 activity via cortisol and adrenaline; explanation that common thyroid labs may appear normal while T3 is actually low due to cortisol effects on free fatty acids; cites two studies on cortisol infusion effects and glucocorticoid inhibition of T4-to-T3 conversion; embedded quote on free fatty acids' role in blocking T4 uptake.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-16 original
Claim that bacterial endotoxin increases cortisol and mimics thyroid marker derangements; embedded human study showing dose-dependent systemic and behavioral effects of endotoxin administration including temperature, heart rate, cytokines, cortisol, and mood effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-17 original
Thyroid hormone T3 accelerates alcohol clearance and corrects alcohol intolerance; low thyroid function associated with hangover severity and hypoglycemia risk from alcohol consumption.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-18 original
Author claims hypothyroidism causes nasal mucosa swelling leading to nasal congestion through a process similar to puffy face and constipation caused by low thyroid. States this association is confirmed by experimental hypothyroidism in rats. Describes histological and pathological changes in nasal tissue from hypothyroidism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-19 original
Author reports that over-the-counter thyroid supplements (glandular and herbal) contain variable and undisclosed amounts of thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Cites study finding nine of ten products contained detectable T3 (ranging 1.3–25 mcg), five contained T4 (0.5–22 mcg). Herbal products contained 100–240 mcg iodine and 150–1000 mg tyrosine per capsule, with specific examples showing recommended doses delivering substantial hormone amounts.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-19 original
Author quotes Ray Peat on varying individual reactions to alcohol depending on thyroid activity, noting antioxidant vs. pro-oxidative effects and interaction with polyunsaturated fat consumption. Contextualizes linoleic acid as abundant polyunsaturated fat in soybean and seed oils. Includes embedded quote on thyroid hormone correcting alcohol intolerance and preventing hypoglycemia.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-19 original
Author claims hypothyroid men have lower libido, larger prostates, lower testosterone, and lower sexual satisfaction. Cites study finding prevalence of hypogonadism 13.8% in hypothyroid patients vs. 6.5% in normal thyroid function group. Includes embedded quote on how hypothyroidism causes elevated prolactin and dropped free testosterone, correctable by restoring thyroid levels.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-20 original
Sharing embedded post from lowmegatron describing misdiagnosis of CFS/ME as hypothyroidism, advocating FT3 testing and natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) treatment.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-20 original
Study findings that Hashimoto's hypothyroidism patients have significantly higher dry eye prevalence and severity, correlated with lower free T4 levels.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-20 original
Explanation that liver carbohydrate availability regulates T4-to-T3 conversion and metabolic rate; glucose is essential for T3 production; Ray Peat quote on hypothyroid temperature and pulse response to carbohydrate feeding; study citation on dietary carbohydrate and T3 production; embedded quote on thyroid dysfunction during ketogenic diet in epilepsy patients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-23 original
Brief statement that T3 increases non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT); embedded quote from BerbarianWizard describing fat loss stall at very low calories resuming after higher-carbohydrate refeeds.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-23 original
Levothyroxine shows paradoxical effect in morbidly obese individuals: 600 mcg dose lowered T3 by 7% despite raising it 17% in non-obese controls. Authors hypothesize impaired T4-to-T3 conversion linked to elevated IL-6 in obesity, which blocks conversion and increases inactivation of thyroid hormones. Embedded post notes bacterial endotoxin produces similar thyroid marker derangement.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-24 original
Ray Peat states T3 (active thyroid hormone) reverses learned helplessness in rats after it is induced. Embedded post discusses historical context of learned helplessness research, CIA MKUltra connections, and anecdotal report of T3 treatment resolving depression and hopelessness linked to low T3 from thyroid crash.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-24 original
Hoarseness in hypothyroidism results partly from mucopolysaccharide buildup and vocal cord swelling, similar to facial swelling. Embedded post notes recovery from hypothyroidism via NDT or T3 improves singing ability through reduced nasal inflammation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-24 original
Ray Peat explains levothyroxine monotherapy can worsen thyroid problems by suppressing residual thyroid T3 production. Symptoms result from low T3 availability, not TSH level. Desiccated thyroid products (Armour, Thyrolar, Euthroid, Proloid) containing both T4 and T3 at physiologic ratio more effective. Embedded post details levothyroxine alone fails to correct slow metabolism and weight gain; T3 drives metabolism. High-dose levothyroxine can reduce T3 conversion and suppress gland T3 release despite lowering TSH.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-24 original
Ataxia (lack of muscle coordination, instability, clumsy movement) can be caused by hypothyroidism and is reversible with early thyroid hormone replacement. Case report of 40-year-old male with gait ataxia from primary hypothyroidism with anti-TPO antibody positivity, fully improved within 8 weeks of thyroxine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-25 original
Low TSH should be interpreted as stress marker rather than indicator of good thyroid status. Stress suppresses TSH while also lowering active thyroid hormone T3, causing hypothyroid symptoms. Stress reduces T4-to-T3 conversion (similar to euthyroid sick syndrome) to conserve energy. Embedded post defines stress as nonspecific body response to any demand.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-25 original
Lists six common causes of stress-induced drops in thyroid hormone T3: fasting, poor sleep, undereating, over-exercising, psychological stress, and low carbohydrate intake; notes these often occur in combination and have anti-T3 effects not visible on blood tests.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-27 original
T3 thyroid hormone improves ADHD in children with resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH), a condition affecting up to 3/4 of ADHD children; children with higher TSH (lower thyroid hormones) score higher on ADHD testing; in double-blind crossover trial, L-T3 benefited 5/8 RTH+ADHD children but not most ADHD-only children.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-27 original
T3 and T4 thyroid hormones drop during illness including sepsis; though commonly framed as adaptive, supplemental T3 and T4 increased survival in septic rats with perforated intestines.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-28 original
Hibernating bears exhibit hypothyroid-like physiology with T4 reduced to <44% and T3 <36% of active state levels, including decreased metabolic rate, low heart rate, low temperature, fatigue and constipation; mirrors hypothyroid human symptoms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-01 original
Author documents Dr. George Murray's 1891 use of animal thyroid extract for hypothyroidism/myxedema treatment, contrasts early results with development of Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT) and later T4-only therapy (levothyroxine), arguing NDT's T3:T4 ratio was more effective than synthetic T4 alone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-01 original
Author presents case study of woman with treatment-resistant depression who failed multiple antidepressants but recovered with thyroid hormone T3, arguing active thyroid hormone is essential for brain metabolism reduced in depression; includes clinical findings showing improvement within 4 weeks.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-01 original
Author shares Ray Peat's observation on Three Mile Island infants born without thyroid glands who remained asymptomatic while breastfed due to thyroid hormone in breast milk, contrasts with cow's milk as less rich in thyroid and progesterone but contributing to metabolic stimulation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-02 original
T3 thyroid hormone prevents and reverses non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by increasing metabolism and reducing lipid peroxidation; seed oils contribute via lipid peroxidation and anti-thyroid hormone effects. Includes rat study showing complete prevention and reversal of liver steatosis with T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-03 original
Zinc protects against stress-induced decrements in thyroid hormones and testosterone and improves weight loss, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity in obese people in caloric deficit. Two studies quoted on zinc supplementation effects. Embedded quoted post details high-dose zinc effects on T3, reverse T3, and thyroid hormone conversion in zinc-deficient people.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-03 original
TSH within normal range shows dose-response relationship with hypertension risk: 9% increased risk per 1.0 mIU/L increase. Many people have hypertension from suboptimal thyroid hormone; mechanism involves TRH increasing blood pressure when thyroid hormone is low. Embedded quoted post cites case report and historical study showing thyroid hormone supplementation lowers elevated blood pressure in some hypothyroid patients; effect varies by hypertension type.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-03 original
Author explains a mechanistic pathway whereby hypothyroidism increases cortisol via reduced 11β-HSD2 enzyme activity, proposing this accelerates aging; contrasts with coffee's opposing effect; cites multiple studies on cortisol and aging, T3 regulation of cortisol metabolism, and hypothyroid cortisol kinetics.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-03 original
Author describes anti-thyroid effects of cortisol on TSH signaling, T4-to-T3 conversion, and thyroid hormone tissue uptake; notes these effects are invisible to blood tests and can cause misdiagnosis.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-03 original
Author presents personal anecdotes from two users (husband and wife) reporting dramatic health improvements from switching to T3 thyroid hormone including water weight loss, temperature normalization, resolution of psoriasis, reproductive function recovery, PMDD reversal, mood stabilization, and histamine reduction; pairs with experimental animal data showing hypothyroidism increases mast cells and histamine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-04 original
Author notes anecdotal reports of reduced allergies following thyroid hormone correction; cites embedded user experience with Armour thyroid (T4/T3 combination) taken over three years.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-04 original
The author claims hypothyroidism can cause graying hair, sometimes reversed with treatment. He quotes a case report in which a patient treated with IV then oral L-thyroxine had complete repigmentation of gray scalp hairs that persisted through 2 years of follow-up.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-06 original
Case report of treatment-resistant depression resolved with T3 thyroid hormone after multiple failed SSRI, SNRI, and antipsychotic trials. Active thyroid hormone T3 is essential for brain metabolism and correction of hypothyroidism may address depression.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-06 original
People with thyroid hormone resistance (RTH) have elevated rates of multiple conditions including goiter, ADHD, speech impediment, infections and hearing loss, typically linked to THRB gene mutations. Thyroid hormone resistance means tissue unresponsiveness despite high hormone levels due to defective thyroid hormone receptor beta.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-06 original
Broda Barnes observed that hypothyroid patients experience recurrent infections and demonstrated in animal experiments that hypothyroidism directly weakens immunity. Resistance to thyroid hormone patients have 50% more ear, nose, throat infections than relatives without the condition; insufficient T3 is correctable.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-06 original
Broda Barnes, MD reported that women with menstrual disorders treated with NDT thyroid therapy experienced high rates of symptom relief. Basal metabolic rate or basal temperature testing better identifies thyroid deficiency than blood tests. NDT containing T3 is more effective than levothyroxine monotherapy, though synthetic T4 plus T3 combination works similarly.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-06 original
Hypothyroid symptoms are primarily caused by low T3 activity in cells and tissues, not just low production by the thyroid gland. Current diagnostic testing with TSH and T4 cannot assess cellular T3 activity, so many people with low T3 activity remain symptomatic despite normal blood tests. Low T3 activity has multiple causes beyond thyroid gland failure.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-06 original
Case report of a patient with internal myxedema and hypothyroidism treated with NDT. Before-and-after photos show gastrointestinal swelling reduction, carotenemia resolution, and multiple symptom improvements including normalized basal metabolic rate, cholesterol reduction, reduced cardiac involvement, and cessation of menorrhagia after 3 months of NDT therapy at 2-4 grains daily.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-07 original
Repost sharing user experiences of T3 thyroid hormone therapy. Two people report multiple improvements including weight loss, temperature normalization, resolution of psoriasis, return of ovulation, reversal of PMDD and emotional symptoms, reversal of Raynaud's, cholesterol normalization, discontinuation of ADHD medication, and resolution of histamine-related symptoms. Study cited showing experimental hypothyroidism increases mast cells and histamine in rats.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-07 original
Blood tests cannot detect thyroid hormone activity in tissues and cells, only blood levels. Many people remain symptomatically hypothyroid despite normal blood tests because thyroid hormone activity in tissues is low. Basal temperature, influenced primarily by T3, is often a better indicator of thyroid hormone activity than blood tests.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-09 original
Author lists micronutrients, macronutrients, and lifestyle factors (sleep, stress) claimed to optimize thyroid hormones and prevent T3 suppression. Quotes lowmegatron on cortisol's anti-thyroid mechanisms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-09 original
Author explains low thyroid hormone reduces energy to non-essential functions including testosterone and fertility in men; compares T4 (levothyroxine) versus T3 (liothyronine) therapy; notes downstream conversion and uptake issues. Quotes three studies on hypothyroidism, testosterone, sexual function, and spermatogenesis.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-10 original
Author explains obesity appearance in hypothyroidism as mucopolysaccharide (glycosaminoglycan) accumulation causing water retention. Attributes Ray Peat quote on hormonal imbalances in hypothyroidism. Describes mechanism: low thyroid hormone → fibroblasts produce more mucopolysaccharides → water trapping → myxedema symptoms. Embedded post by lowmegatron on historical thyroid extract treatment and NDT efficacy.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-11 original
Elevated TSH in the upper half of normal range is associated with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes risk in humans and animal models. Subclinical hypothyroidism shows causally supported increased diabetes risk.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-12 original
Embedded anecdote from user reporting that T3 thyroid hormone supplementation eliminated learned helplessness, increased energy and motivation, enabling life changes and goal pursuit.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-12 original
T3 thyroid hormone reduces mast cell histamine production and inflammation; hypothyroidism increases mast cell numbers and histamine content in tissues. T3 may help reverse learned helplessness through anti-inflammatory and mast cell stabilizing mechanisms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-12 original
Glucose infusion during prolonged exercise reduces unfavorable changes in thyroid hormone metabolism induced by stress; free fatty acids interfere with thyroid hormone conversion and action. Embedded quoted post discusses T3 supply and glucose requirements in diabetes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-12 original
High-dose T3 improves treatment-resistant depression in bipolar II and bipolar disorder NOS, with 84% improvement and 33% complete remission. High doses suggest thyroid hormone resistance not detected by standard testing.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-13 original
Ray Peat quoted on TSH and mucopolysaccharide accumulation in hypothyroidism; explanation of how these molecules cause tissue swelling and puffy facial features. Embedded quoted post by lowmegatron describes Dr. George Murray's 1891 use of animal thyroid extract for myxedema, historical development of NDT, and T3:T4 ratio differences between NDT and synthetic levothyroxine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-13 original
Broda Barnes quoted on high-protein diet effects on thyroid hormone requirements and stress hormone effects on thyroid conversion. Multiple studies examine protein effects on cortisol, cortisol effects on TSH and T3, and methionine restriction effects on thyroid function and metabolism. Embedded quoted post on cortisol's anti-thyroid effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-14 original
Substantive claim that thyroid hormone T3 is necessary for good sleep quality.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-16 original
Author shares extended Ray Peat quote and embedded lowmegatron post on high-protein diet's thyroid-suppressing effects via amino acids (methionine, cysteine, tryptophan) and cortisol, milk's protective calcium, delayed tissue response to thyroid hormone, and NDT dosing; includes cited studies on protein, cortisol, methionine restriction, and thyroid hormone conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-16 original
lowmegatron lists skin and hair manifestations of hypothyroidism (dry skin, myxedema, carotenemia, brittle hair, alopecia, loss of the outer eyebrow third, drooping eyelids) and separately lists features linked to thyroid autoimmunity (pretibial myxedema, hives, eczema, connective tissue disease).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-16 original
Author traces historical discovery of thyroid hormone-induced weight loss from 1890s iodothyrin to modern T3 studies, noting iodothyrin as active thyroid gland extract containing T3; embeds lowmegatron post comparing T3 and levothyroxine on weight loss and LDL.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-16 original
Author quotes Ray Peat on thyroid hormone's role in regulating adrenaline, serotonin, and estrogen; discusses methylene blue as electron-carrier substitute for thyroid hormone in treating depression and dementia; embeds lowmegatron post linking hypothyroidism to dementia risk, especially in patients on thyroid medication.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-16 original
Author notes thyroid hormone's known role in mental health over decades; quotes Broda Barnes case studies of severe psychiatric symptoms (suicidality, morbid obsessions, hallucinations) resolved by thyroid treatment (NDT USP); includes image excerpt of another case of psychosis with myxedema resolved by thyroid therapy; clarifies NDT treatment differs from levothyroxine dosing for TSH.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-16 original
Low T3 (active thyroid hormone) is linked to depression. T4 must convert to T3 to be effective. Poor T4-to-T3 conversion can leave brain thyroid activity low even with normal standard labs. TSH above 2.5 mU/L is associated with more depressive symptoms in T4-treated people. Standard tests focusing on TSH and T4 miss tissue-level thyroid activity; T3, reverse T3, and conversion capacity are more relevant.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-16 original
Ray Peat quote on T3 concentration in brain: brain maintains 1:1 T3:T4 ratio and cannot use excess T4 effectively; adding T4 can displace active T3 and cause neurological symptoms (strange sensations, tinnitus, memory problems), indicating worse thyroid function.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-17 original
Vitamin A supplementation at 25,000 IU/day lowers TSH and increases T3. Study shows supplementation effective for correcting mild thyroid abnormalities and reducing subclinical hypothyroidism risk in premenopausal women.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-18 original
T3 thyroid hormone production drops in diabetes due to impaired peripheral conversion from T4; high free fatty acids and gluconeogenic hormones impair conversion; levothyroxine monotherapy may not resolve hypothyroid symptoms despite lowering TSH; high blood sugar indicates glucose utilization impairment not sugar causation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-18 original
Low T3 thyroid hormone, high histamine and high serotonin are implicated in learned helplessness behavior; T3 is anti-inflammatory and stabilizes mast cells to reduce histamine and serotonin secretion; same treatments that reduce learned helplessness also reduce inflammatory response and histamine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-18 original
Broda Barnes recommended minimum effective dosing of natural desiccated thyroid for symptom relief in adults, typically 2 grains, sometimes 3, rarely 4; synthetic T4 with small T3 doses is usually equally effective; basal temperature normalization is secondary to symptom resolution.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-19 original
Ray Peat clinic findings: thyroid hormone and vitamin A at higher doses improved acne, bladder/kidney infections, periodontitis, sinusitis, colitis, myositis, bursitis, and arthritis. Many patients appeared deficient in both compounds despite supplementation, suggesting possible toxin interference.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-19 original
Author cites a pilot study showing Brazil nut supplementation increased thyroid hormone in selenium-deficient hemodialysis patients; explains selenium's role in thyroid hormone conversion and autoimmune thyroid conditions; advises checking selenium intake before supplementing.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-20 original
Shares extended quotation attributed to Broda Barnes describing thyroid hormone's role in alcohol tolerance, liver function and hypoglycemia risk in those with low thyroid function.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-21 original
Author argues that T4-only thyroid replacement does not replicate natural thyroid gland function due to T4:T3 ratio imbalance and that the system requires some T3; lists factors impairing T4-to-T3 conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-23 original
Author quotes Ray Peat on Armour thyroid versus levothyroxine, noting that Armour releases T3:T4 in 1:3 ratio and produces higher serum T3:T4 ratios in users compared to levothyroxine users. Adds explanatory note that T3 is active hormone and T4 is precursor requiring conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-24 original
Humorous observation about cheat meals and reverse T3 metabolism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-25 own thread
The post text is only links. Its quoted post by lowmegatron claims experimental hypothyroidism raised cortisol (+60%), adrenaline, noradrenaline and aldosterone (2x), links this to blood pressure, anxiety and blood sugar, says adding T3 to T4 improved anxiety, depression and quality of life, and that hypothyroidism raised mast cells and histamine in rats.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-25 own thread
The post text is only links. Its quoted post by lowmegatron cites Ray Peat saying hypothyroidism involves elevated adrenaline, estrogen and cortisol and low magnesium, poor deep sleep, and that T3 with magnesium is a reliable treatment for insomnia, cramps and anxiety.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-25 own thread
The post text is only links. Its quoted post by lowmegatron claims thyroid hormone determines alcohol tolerance and that T3 speeds alcohol clearance, quoting Broda Barnes that people with low thyroid function tolerate alcohol poorly, with sluggish livers and possible hypoglycemia.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-25 original
Chronic stress suppresses TSH and impairs T4-to-T3 conversion via CRH, ACTH, and cortisol; stress-induced alterations can cause low active T3 despite normal T4 and TSH labs; T3 effects on tissues matter most.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-25 original
Citation of stress-induced suppression of TSH secretion and T4-to-T3 conversion with mediators including glucocorticoids, somatostatin, and cytokines; appears as self-reply continuation to preceding stress/thyroid post.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-25 original
Ray Peat and Broda Barnes quotes on thyroid therapy and heart disease prevention; Barnes' method using basal temperature and symptoms with natural desiccated thyroid reduced expected heart disease by 94% compared to Framingham Study predictions; warning about caution post-heart attack; embedded case of 16-year-old with hypothyroidism-induced cardiomyopathy reversed on T3+T4 combination.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-26 original
Ray Peat's critique of thyroid testing history: protein-bound iodine test (1940s) was later proven invalid; TSH and T4 ranges remain inappropriately broad, maintaining doctrine that only 5% need thyroid despite abandoning the invalid test that established this threshold.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-26 original
Analysis of suicide mortality in Hashimoto's patients (43% higher) attributed to inadequate brain thyroid hormone replacement with levothyroxine; comparison of NDT vs. levothyroxine showing symptom improvements with NDT dosed to symptoms/basal temperature rather than TSH.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-27 original
Ray Peat warning on anti-thyroid effects of excess vitamin A; historical case reports of vitamin A treatment for hyperthyroidism with detailed metabolic changes and supporting literature quotes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-27 original
Hypothyroidism decreases hippocampal neurogenesis, impairing brain cell production and cognitive function; study shows adult-onset hypothyroidism reduces neurogenesis and thyroid hormone replacement restores it.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-29 original
Quoted claim that T3 thyroid hormone activates protein synthesis in skeletal muscle through transcription and translation initiation without requiring circulating insulin or growth hormone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-30 original
Carbon dioxide produced by mitochondria may trigger mitochondrial biogenesis. CO₂ absorbed through skin activates PGC-1α pathways similar to exercise and caloric restriction. T3 thyroid hormone increases mitochondrial respiration and CO₂ production, regulating mitochondrial biogenesis.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-30 original
Patient testimonial of symptom improvement on natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) versus levothyroxine for hypothyroidism: resolution of depression, suicidality, joint pain, bloating, digestive issues, dysmenorrhea, and restoration of functional capacity and relationships.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-30 original
Blood tests cannot detect thyroid hormone activity in tissues; T3 is active outside blood; low T3 tissue activity causes hypothyroid symptoms despite normal blood tests; basal temperature may better indicate thyroid hormone activity than blood tests.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-30 original
High-normal TSH is associated with metabolic syndrome and hypothyroidism pathophysiology; standard TSH and T4 reference ranges are inappropriately broad compared to other biomarkers; long Ray Peat quote critiques diagnostic thresholds.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-31 original
SIBO is a symptom of untreated hypothyroidism; low active thyroid hormone causes tissue swelling, constipation, stomach acid reduction, and bacterial overgrowth; thyroid correction plus antibiotics may be required; embedded quote details patient's multiyear SIBO misdiagnosis and T3 response.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-31 original
Hypothyroid individuals produce 40x normal adrenaline as compensation; T3 supplementation initially causes stress-like adrenaline reaction during adaptation; T3's primary function is relaxing; sugary and salty foods help manage adrenaline during adjustment; thyroid hormone suppresses noradrenaline and adrenaline production.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-31 original
Thyroidectomy reduces metabolic rate 45% within weeks; effect corrected by thyroid hormone replacement; thyroid hormone's fundamental function is regulating energy metabolism rate; embedded quote details hypothyroid dogs' weight loss and energy gains on levothyroxine with improved coat health.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-31 original
Ray Peat quoted on T4 effectiveness as antithyroid substance, thyroid's role in pregnenolone production, and cholesterol requirements. Embedded post discusses neurosteroids, pregnenolone and progesterone for memory and anxiety via intranasal administration.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-01 own thread
lowmegatron says the effect of thyroid hormones on these parameters is clearer than the effect of other factors. He claims low tissue levels of active T3 cause all of these symptoms, and that tissue T3 cannot be tested, so single thyroid blood tests reveal nothing about it.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-01 own thread
lowmegatron claims that after autoimmunity is reversed (by the light treatment discussed in the thread), the thyroid can make more hormone, including more T3. He says prior human studies found T3 rose by up to 57%, and he thinks this is likely the biggest factor in symptom improvement.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-01 own thread
lowmegatron states that all the patients were taking levothyroxine (T4). He argues that levothyroxine-only therapy is unlikely to fully restore tissue T3, which he offers as the reason hypothyroid symptoms often persist in people on levothyroxine alone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-01 own thread
lowmegatron claims the T3 increase from the treatment has the same effect as switching from levothyroxine dosed to TSH to NDT dosed to symptoms and basal temperature. He says the benefit comes from greater T3 availability in tissues, not just blood.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-01 own thread
lowmegatron shares his article on the effects of near-infrared light on Hashimoto's antibodies and thyroid hormone levels.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-02 original
Author explains Type 2 hypothyroidism as insufficient thyroid hormone activity at the cellular level despite normal gland function, caused by downstream issues like impaired T4-to-T3 conversion, poor hormone transport, or receptor resistance. Standard TSH+T4 testing misses these conditions. Quotes clinical endocrinology source advocating FT4/FT3 testing and T4/T3 combination therapy.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-02 original
Author claims fat storage occurs due to low basal temperature controlled by T3 thyroid hormone. States T3 burns large calories at rest. Cites research showing 2/3 of resting metabolic rate is spent maintaining body temperature (~37°C), meaning 50% of total energy in sedentary humans and 37% in active humans goes to temperature maintenance. Embedded quote references related study.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-03 original
Author states T3 thyroid hormone blocks liver fibrosis in animal experiments. Quotes research showing T3 attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice, aged TR knockout mice accumulate collagen spontaneously, and bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis is reduced by thyroid hormones. Concludes TR ligands could benefit fibrotic disease progression. Embedded quote from lowmegatron provides detailed context on thyroid hormone, TSH, liver fibrosis associations, and human trial (resmetirom) data.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-05 original
Explanation of Type 1 (thyroid gland dysfunction) vs Type 2 (cellular thyroid hormone insufficiency) hypothyroidism, their interaction, and mechanisms by which Type 1 causes Type 2 through increased cortisol and free fatty acids that impair T4-to-T3 conversion and thyroid hormone action.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-05 original
Up to 50% of daily caloric expenditure maintains body temperature; lower thyroid hormone T3 reduces body temperature and metabolic rate, leading to fat gain and fatigue.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-05 original
Fluoride suppresses thyroid hormone synthesis and T4-to-T3 conversion. Animal experiments show taurine (1.5-3 g/day human equivalent) prevented these effects at high fluoride exposure (4× US water allowance). Historical context: fluoride used pharmacologically for hyperthyroidism in 1950s.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-06 original
Quoted account reports depression lifted and creative emergence after beginning Cynoplus (T3+T4 combination) at 3:1 ratio; attributes transformation to T3 and thyroid optimization, noting many women lack access to T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-06 original
Hypothyroidism causes insulin resistance via mechanisms including postreceptor signaling defects, impaired glucose transport, GLUT4 translocation defects, reduced glycogen synthesis, decreased muscle blood flow and oxidative capacity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and leptin/adipokine dysregulation. Thyroid hormone replacement reverses effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-06 original
Ray Peat quotation and research citations on thyroid dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. Low thyroid function increases tissue vulnerability and diabetes impairs glucose uptake reducing hepatic T3 production. Studies show T2DM patients have significantly lower FT3, FT4, and TSH. Low-carbohydrate diet decreases plasma T3 similar to starvation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-07 original
Ray Peat explains that hypothyroidism slows muscle relaxation due to ATP depletion, visible in the Achilles reflex test, ECG changes, and heart failure; T3 supplementation restores normal relaxation rates.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-07 original
Post synthesizes three studies showing that hypothyroidism impairs heart diastolic relaxation and electrical recovery (JT interval), and that thyroxine therapy improves these measures.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-07 original
Hypothyroidism impairs insulin secretion and glucose tolerance; study in mice shows PTU and thyroidectomy reduce glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and that islet insulin secretion correlates with T3 and T4 levels.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-07 original
Post critiques JAMA article recommending levothyroxine discontinuation in adults over 60 with TSH <10 and normal free T4; author argues TSH elevation itself causes inflammation, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, and miscarriage risk independent of low T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-08 original
BPA, a plasticizer in food containers, blocks thyroid hormone-triggered gene expression and causes fat gain even at low doses; recommendations include using glass/stainless steel and avoiding plastic heating.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-08 original
The thyroid testing system flags gland and upstream pituitary/hypothalamus issues but misses thyroid hormone metabolism, free/bound hormones, and reverse T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-08 original
Historical overview of myxedema in hypothyroidism: mucopolysaccharide accumulation causes tissue swelling, facial changes, and personality alterations. Introduction of animal thyroid extract in 1891 and later desiccated thyroid (NDT) containing T3 and T4; shift to T4-only medication (levothyroxine) has reduced treatment efficacy.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-10 original
Author shares Ray Peat's claim that polyunsaturated fats suppress thyroid function and mitochondrial capacity, then elaborates that the primary mechanism involves interference with thyroid hormone transport, conversion, and receptor binding. Author lists pro-metabolic and pro-inflammatory fats, embedding a quote-post on cellular hypothyroidism mechanisms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-10 original
Author reports using 16,000 IU retinol for slightly elevated T3 (7.7, normal cutoff 7.0) and felt better within hours. Explains mechanistically how T3 and vitamin A support neurosteroid production, linking neurosteroids to mood via GABA_A receptor modulation. Cites historical case series of vitamin A treatment for hyperthyroidism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-10 original
People on levothyroxine monotherapy show lower T3:T4 ratios and lower active thyroid hormone T3 compared to healthy controls with same TSH, despite normalized TSH. This group also has higher BMI despite lower calorie intake, lower physical activity, and greater antidepressant/statin use.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-10 original
Thyroid hormone resistance may underlie fibromyalgia. Patients with normal thyroid labs respond to supraphysiologic T3 doses without clinical hyperthyroidism effects. Study suggests euthyroid fibromyalgia represents partial peripheral thyroid hormone resistance. Author warns high-dose T3 is dangerous without deficiency or cellular resistance.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-12 original
Explains mechanism by which stress causes 'hidden hypothyroidism'—reduced thyroid hormone T3 activity at cellular level despite normal blood tests. Describes stress markers, why standard labs miss the condition, biochemical mechanisms, indicators, and common causes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-12 original
Comprehensive explanation of selenium's role in thyroid hormone conversion and autoimmune thyroid disease. Covers mechanisms in acute stress, effects in Hashimoto's via RCT and case study, effects in Graves' disease and thyroid eye disease, synergy with myo-inositol, and recommended dosing.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-12 original
Shares direct quotation on nasal mucosa changes in hypothyroidism, citing thyroid hormone receptors and edema/inflammation mechanism, with confirmation from experimental rat studies.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-13 original
Explains how weight loss from extreme caloric restriction reduces active thyroid hormone T3 and increases muscle energy efficiency, lowering resting metabolic rate. Discusses adaptive thermogenesis mechanisms and evidence that T3 repletion reverses these adaptations. Presents three takeaways on metabolic-protective weight loss approaches.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-13 original
Quotes Ray Peat on T3's role in maintaining core temperature and intracellular respiration. Discusses nervous system slowing in hypothyroidism including reaction time, memory, and perception. Presents evidence linking memory decline to low thyroid hormones and improvement with treatment.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-13 original
Quotes Ray Peat on T3's role in depression treatment via stress/cortisol reduction. Presents evidence for T3 efficacy in treatment-resistant bipolar depression, compares natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) vs levothyroxine symptom profiles, and discusses cortisol dynamics in hypothyroidism and mental disorder.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-14 original
Crash dieting reduces active thyroid hormone T3, increases muscle energy efficiency, and decreases resting metabolic rate; T3 supplementation reverses these metabolic adaptations.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-14 original
Multiple expert and research sources explain that blood sugar fasting triggers liver suppression of T3 thyroid hormone to preserve tissue, and that dietary carbohydrate is essential for T3 production; thyroid hormone supplementation corrects metabolic downregulation in weight loss without accelerating metabolism above normal.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-14 original
Cell research demonstrates that retinoic acid (vitamin A form) and thyroid hormone T3 are necessary for development of red and green color-detecting cones in the eye; thyroid hormone-converting enzyme DIO2 regulates this cone differentiation process.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-14 original
Ray Peat explains that hypothyroidism slows digestion and increases bacterial transit time; extended case report of patient whose SIBO was undiagnosed hypothyroidism despite normal TSH and free T4, resolved after T3 supplementation; study found hypothyroid patients 11 times more likely to have SIBO.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-16 original
Hypothyroidism increases oxidative stress and atherosclerosis risk. Broda Barnes' diagnostic method using basal temperature and symptom assessment with NDT treatment reduced heart disease diagnoses by 94%. Levothyroxine monotherapy reduces but does not normalize oxidative stress markers.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-16 original
Hypothyroidism increases fistula formation risk 4-fold after laryngeal cancer salvage surgery. University of Michigan study found levothyroxine supplementation reduced fistula formation by ~50% and follow-up surgery need by 70%. Author speculates T3 supplementation could improve outcomes further.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-16 original
Quoted account: author tested retinol (vitamin A) at 16,000 IU for slightly elevated T3 (7.7, cutoff 7.0) and reported subjective neurosteroid-like benefits. Ray Peat quote explains antagonism between vitamin A and thyroid hormone, supported by historical and contemporary research.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-16 original
Before-and-after case report: 6 weeks of NDT USP treatment normalized basal metabolic rate (was 38% below normal), improved energy production, reduced facial edema, and resulted in 10 lbs weight loss. Author notes NDT contains both T4 and T3, differs from levothyroxine monotherapy, and acknowledges individual variation in response.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-17 original
Ray Peat explains that stress, infection, aging, and various compounds can lower TSH independent of thyroid hormones, creating diagnostic confusion. Embedded quote details how chronic stress suppresses T3 conversion while also lowering TSH, misleading thyroid assessment.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-17 original
Levothyroxine monotherapy fails to reproduce normal thyroid physiology even when TSH normalizes. Hypothyroid patients on levothyroxine have higher T4 and lower T3 than healthy controls at equivalent TSH. Despite lower calorie intake, levothyroxine-treated patients have higher BMI and greater use of statins and antidepressants.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-17 original
Randomized controlled trial found 300 mg bioidentical progesterone at bedtime for 12 weeks significantly increased free T4 in postmenopausal women without thyroid disease. Ray Peat's mechanism: estrogen inhibits thyroid hormone secretion while progesterone promotes release. No significant changes in T3 or TSH. Progesterone also effectively reduced hot flushes and night sweats.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-18 original
Author discusses Ray Peat's critique of modern blood-based thyroid testing versus pre-1945 symptom and indirect marker methods. Explains evolution of thyroid diagnostics from 1945 onward and notes limitations of TSH, T4, T3 blood tests in assessing tissue-level thyroid hormone activity. Cites two recent papers on the mismatch between blood markers and tissue response.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-19 original
Ray Peat claim that people at high altitude show elevated T3 and T4 (4.5x and 3x higher respectively) and reduced TSH (>25% lower). Author attributes these findings to support for high metabolic rate correlating with longevity and better health. Embedded post from @Metabolicmonstr on weight loss at high altitude without exercise or dietary restriction.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-19 own thread
Link-only post. The quoted post gives a Ray Peat statement that T3 was 4.5 times higher and T4 about three times higher at high altitude, TSH was reduced over 25%, and that high metabolic rate is associated with greater longevity and better health.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-19 own thread
Link-only post under a thread about high altitude. The quoted earlier post by lowmegatron claims TSH fell 28% and T3 rose 358% from 400m to 2,000m, and argues that TSH as 'Gold Standard' is unreliable. It cites studies reporting higher fT3 and fT4 at altitude without TSH change.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-20 original
Propranolol lowers thyroid hormone T3 and increases reverse T3 (rT3). In hypothyroid patients on thyroxine, propranolol at high dose (160 mg/day) reduced T3, raised rT3, increased TSH and weight; withdrawal led to T3 and pulse increase with rT3 and weight decrease.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-21 original
Synthesizes John C. Lowe's research and reviews on thyroid hormone therapy for fibromyalgia, presenting evidence that combined T4/T3 therapy, T3 alone, and supraphysiologic T3 doses were effective treatments. Discusses inadequate thyroid hormone regulation hypothesis, metabolic failure, and peripheral thyroid hormone resistance. Notes normal TSH/thyroid hormone levels may not reflect tissue-level deficiency.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-21 original
Explains that hypothyroidism/myxedema causes severe reductions in brain glucose and oxygen consumption and cerebral blood flow (26-38% decreases), with analogy to depression's metabolic signature. Cites 1950 study showing recovery of cerebral metabolism with thyroid therapy, and 2020 paper linking impaired brain glucose metabolism to depression and hypothyroidism. Embedded quote discusses glucose metabolism in prefrontal cortex in depression and factors reducing glucose oxidation (hypothyroidism, high serotonin, high estrogen, low thiamine).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-21 original
Notes that JFK was prescribed T3 (liothyronine) for hypothyroidism in 1955, highlighting access disparity: a U.S. president received T3 therapy 70 years ago while most hypothyroid patients today cannot obtain it. Cites discharge documentation and medical histories. Embedded quoted post provides extensive background on JFK's T3 treatment timeline, basal metabolic rate testing, and alternative thyroid assessment methods (Broda Barnes temperature test).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-23 original
Blood thyroid hormone measurement inadequate for evaluating tissue-level thyroid function; polyunsaturated fatty acids suppress thyroid hormone action by inhibiting T4-to-T3 conversion, impairing T3 receptor binding, and displacing thyroid hormones from serum proteins.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-23 original
Ray Peat quotation on thermogenic substances and inflammation; study cited showing mild hypothermia promotes pro-inflammatory cytokine production in monocytes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-23 original
Author reports 5 people reducing hypothyroid symptoms and increasing T3 via increased calories/carbohydrates; Ray Peat on T4-to-T3 conversion via diet; multiple studies on carbohydrate restriction's effects on thyroid hormones (T3, rT3, T4).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-23 original
Ray Peat on hypothyroidism's effects on temperature, cortisol, adrenaline and sleep via sympathetic nervous system activation. Study shows hypothyroidism increases cortisol (+60%), adrenaline (doubled), noradrenaline (doubled), aldosterone (doubled); reverses with T3 replacement and reduces blood pressure.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-24 original
Claims on timeline of seed oil detoxification benefits (headaches at 12 weeks, DNA damage reduction at 4 weeks, OXLAMs reduction at 12 weeks). Explains seed oil linoleic acid and arachidonic acid dangers, emphasizing blood levels as primary harm route. Embedded quote on glucose's protective effect on thyroid hormone conversion during exercise.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-24 original
Explains water retention as sign of hypothyroidism linked to disorganized biological water without adequate thyroid-potentiated energy. Describes myxedema (mucin swelling) accumulating under eyes and jawline, with secondary effects on digestion (constipation, SIBO risk), joints (inflammatory swelling), nasal passages, and voice. Before/after photos of hypothyroidism treatment shown. Embedded case of woman with SIBO misdiagnosed for years, eventually found to have thyroid hormone (T3) deficiency despite normal TSH/free T4, with rapid improvement on T3 treatment and SIBO resolution.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-24 original
Reports 1990s animal research finding pregnenolone several hundred times more potent than tested memory enhancers, with mechanism via transcription facilitation. Cites human studies showing pregnenolone improves memory and pregnenolone augmentation improves attention/working memory in schizophrenia patients. Embedded post on thyroid hormone correlation with memory in depressed patients, showing levothyroxine treatment resolved multiple symptoms including failing memory.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-25 original
Ray Peat quote recounting personal experience with moles: avoided direct application due to cancerization risk; reports observed shrinking of moles within days when applying progesterone or DHEA (in vitamin E) 1 inch away, with steady shrinking over 7-10 days. Also describes increasing T3 thyroid hormone dosing to maintain normal daytime temperature and elevated resting pulse (95 bpm), and soaking in epsom salts/baking soda/salt baths for mole acceleration.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-27 original
Ray Peat explains that thyroid hormone is not a stimulant but corrects sleep disorders caused by hypothyroidism. In hypothyroidism, elevated adrenaline, estrogen, and cortisol with low magnesium disturb deep sleep. T3 with magnesium reliably treats insomnia, cramps, and anxiety. Cited sleep study shows hypothyroid patients have significantly decreased stage 3 and 4 (deep) sleep, which increases after desiccated thyroid treatment. Deep sleep stages essential for physical restoration, immune support, tissue repair, and growth hormone release.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-27 original
Low body temperature associated with dementia; body temperature influenced by thyroid hormone activity. In hypothyroid patients, adding active thyroid hormone T3 reduces dementia risk by 16-30% versus TSH normalization alone. Animal Alzheimer's models show cold exposure increases tau and amyloid beta; raising body temperature via thermoneutral environment lowers amyloid beta and improves memory within a week. UTMB study author Dr. Antonio Bianco states TSH normalization alone insufficient for optimal outcomes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-28 original
Low testosterone twice as likely in hypothyroid men; thyroid supplementation doubles free/total testosterone and halves prolactin; sexual dysfunction reversible with thyroid correction.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-28 original
Thyroid hormone reverses liver fibrosis; low TSH and T3 associated with increased fibrosis risk; resmetirom (thyroid hormone receptor agonist) improves NASH and fibrosis in RCT; optimal range essential.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-30 original
Transcutaneous CO2 application healed 66% of chronic diabetic wounds versus 0% in control group. CO2 produced by mitochondria during T3-regulated glucose oxidation; hypothyroidism impairs wound healing via disrupted angiogenesis.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-30 original
Personal account of recovery from depression and learned helplessness after starting Cynoplus with 3:1 T3 ratio following thyroiditis and thyroid crash. Caller reports rapid mood lift and emergence of creative force.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-04 original
Author presents evidence that T3 thyroid hormone is critical for wound healing; cites studies on hypothyroidism impairing wound repair and topical T3 accelerating healing in animal models and post-laryngectomy outcomes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-04 original
Author claims dementia risk is 2-3× higher in hypothyroidism but reduced up to 30% with T3 thyroid hormone; attributes dementia-insomnia correlation to inadequate T3 activity; cites population study and UTMB research on combination therapy.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-04 own thread
lowmegatron lists claimed stress markers: higher cortisol, glucagon, adrenaline, prolactin, serotonin, growth hormone, free fatty acids, reverse T3 and fat gain, and lower muscle.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-04 own thread
lowmegatron argues that 'hidden hypothyroidism' exists because symptoms come from low T3, and problems after hormones leave the gland can still cause hypothyroid symptoms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-04 own thread
lowmegatron says T4 is the storage form and low T4 can indicate a thyroid problem, but normal T4 does not confirm good activity because T4-to-T3 conversion declines under stress.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-04 own thread
lowmegatron says good T3 lab results don't guarantee optimal thyroid activity because T3 must enter tissues and cells and activate receptors, and claims stress disrupts every step.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-04 own thread
lowmegatron claims stress hormones reduce T4-to-T3 conversion, lower TSH and raise free fatty acids, and that PUFAs in those FFAs block T3/T4 uptake and receptor binding. He says PUFAs come mainly from seed oils, pork and poultry, and that cells become 'T3-starved' despite normal blood tests.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-04 own thread
lowmegatron lists claimed indicators of low tissue thyroid action: feeling cold, high reverse T3, high reverse T3:T3 ratio, hypothyroid symptoms, low resting metabolic rate, and low waking basal temperature.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-04 original
Author lists five interventions for unspecified condition (implied metabolic/wound healing): red/IR-A light, thiamine, bag breathing, Buteyko method, high-carbohydrate diet, T3 optimization; explains IR-A spectrum characteristics.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-04 original
Author quotes Ray Peat on thyroid and eczema/psoriasis mechanism, includes personal Facebook testimony of 30-year psoriasis resolution on T3, cites Hashimoto's prevalence in psoriasis patients, and embeds prior detailed personal experience post on T3 benefits across multiple conditions.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-05 original
Presents Ray Peat quote on thyroid supplementation and liver consumption improving acne, dandruff and other conditions; clarifies that 'supplement thyroid' means prescription thyroid hormone medication (T3/T4).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-06 original
Open question to audience about whether nighttime T3 dose stops nighttime nasal congestion; personal inquiry seeking community experience.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-06 original
Author shares embedded post claiming mold exposure causes chronic fatigue and brain fog by downregulating thyroid hormone T3 conversion, and that thyroid hormone supplementation improved symptoms in 4 patients who returned to work.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-06 original
Author presents research showing hypothyroidism causes nasal congestion through TSH-mediated effects on nasal mucosa, citing histological and physiological changes, and noting that even subclinical hypothyroidism may affect nasal symptoms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-06 original
Author attributes to Ray Peat a mechanism explaining poor body temperature response to thyroid medication: stress hormones shifting T4 metabolism to reverse T3, and emphasizes selenium sufficiency for T4-to-T3 conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-06 original
Author reports that T3 thyroid hormone clears nasal congestion for many people based on social media replies, acknowledges sampling bias toward those with thyroid issues.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-08 original
Author quotes Ray Peat on thyroid hormone T3 decline with aging and impact on steroid hormone production (pregnenolone and progesterone); presents human study showing pregnenolone reduces stress-induced alcohol cravings.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-08 original
Author states that severe hypothyroidism reduces basal metabolic rate up to 40% based on historical sealed-room calorimetry studies; attributes effect to reduced T3 activity.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-08 original
Author shares Ray Peat quote about thyroid supplementation form (USP thyroid containing both T4 and T3) preventing stress-induced hypothyroidism and arrhythmias compared to Cytomel monotherapy.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-08 original
Synthesis of research on estradiol as risk factor and progesterone/allopregnanolone as treatment options for cocaine use disorder in women; Ray Peat commentary on hormone effects on brain excitation and mental function.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-11 original
Ray Peat quote explaining CO2 production as superior metabolic indicator, adrenaline effects on fat oxidation, polyunsaturated fat peroxidation without energy yield, and expired breath CO2 as thyroid hormone activity marker.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-11 original
Rat study showing thyroid hormone essential for liver regeneration after 70% hepatectomy; comparison of recovery rates with and without thyroid hormone; embedded quoted account on hypothyroidism, liver fibrosis, NAFLD, thyroid hormone receptor drugs, and multiple fibrotic diseases.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-12 original
Ray Peat quotation regarding timing of thyroid hormone dosing: T3 (Cynomel) is depleted overnight allowing proinflammatory TSH to rise; bedtime dosing of combined T3+T4 (Cynoplus) may better suppress TSH. Embedded post discusses thyroid hormone effects on sleep architecture and quality.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-12 original
1938 clinical observation that thyroid hormone administration consistently lowers total serum cholesterol. Author emphasizes diagnostic limitations of TSH testing via embedded Ray Peat commentary on historical misclassification of thyroid disease prevalence.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-12 original
Ray Peat quotation describing anxiety as a thyroid deficiency symptom reflecting hypersensitivity of autonomic nervous system. Author cites evidence that hypothyroidism increases sympathetic activation and adrenaline/noradrenaline production; thyroid hormone suppresses catecholamine secretion. In hypothyroid patients on T4 monotherapy, adding T3 improves anxiety, depression, and quality of life.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-12 original
Case report of hypothyroid patient treated to optimize T3/reverse-T3 ratio, achieving complete resolution of migraines, headaches, vertigo, tinnitus, ear fullness, itching, bronchitis and allergies. Author describes optimization strategy targeting FT3 upper 20% range, TT3/RT3 ratio of 10:1, low-normal T4, and twice-daily T3 dosing.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-13 original
Case report of severe psychiatric symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech) caused by severe hypothyroidism (TSH >100) resolving within days of levothyroxine initiation; embedded quote discusses depression and psychosis as overlooked hypothyroidism manifestations, challenges standard thyroid testing, and attributes mechanism to reduced T3 brain bioavailability.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-14 original
lowmegatron quotes Ray Peat, who says that thyroid makes the hair strong and that a high metabolic rate can create a static field that helps hair stand up.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-14 original
Calories and carbohydrates increase active T3 thyroid hormone by improving conversion; carbohydrate is the specific dietary driver; fat-only overfeeding produced no T3 change; T4 production unaffected by diet.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-14 original
Quoted Ray Peat anecdote: hangnails disappeared after getting progesterone on hands in lab accident, never returned; nested anecdote about mole changes with progesterone/DHEA and T3 dosing.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-14 original
lowmegatron compiles Ray Peat quotes saying that copper is crucial for hair and skin color and for oxygen use and energy, that excess iron can block copper absorption, that cytochrome oxidase is copper-dependent and is restored by red light, thyroid and progesterone, and that T3 increases copper absorption.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-15 original
CO2 exposure lowers stress-induced high pulse in rats by inhibiting sympathetic nervous system activation rather than activating parasympathetic; artificially produced CO2 water has same effect as natural CO2 springs; CO2 absorption increases skin oxygenation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-15 original
Thyroid expert Dr. Broda Barnes noted his hypothyroid patients on NDT had no diabetes complications; T3 enables higher CO2 production which improves diabetic complications; CO2 therapies improve diabetic neuropathy and ulcer healing.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-15 original
2x 250 mg magnesium and potassium lowered cortisol by nearly 50% and improved sleep in type 2 diabetes; insomnia dropped from 95% to 60%; severe insomnia dropped from 38% to 0%; lower cortisol likely improves thyroid conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-16 original
Ray Peat explanation of thyroid hormone T3 role in carbon dioxide formation, cellular respiration, and bone formation; embedded quoted post details baking soda study on bone loss reduction via bicarbonate.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-18 original
Early clinical study treating children with metabolic insufficiency (low metabolic rate with normal thyroid labs) using T3 thyroid hormone; detailed symptom resolution rates and mechanistic differences from hypothyroidism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-18 own thread
lowmegatron quotes a 1950s study of children with metabolic insufficiency or hypothyroidism who improved on liothyronine (T3) after earlier desiccated thyroid or thyroxine gave inadequate responses. The quoted results include improved appetite, bowel function, bone age and mood, and smoother hair. He interprets the findings as evidence of hidden hypothyroidism involving thyroid hormone utilization.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-18 original
Elevated serotonin may cause hypoglycemia which lowers T3 thyroid hormone; serotonin-induced hypoglycemia is blocked by cyproheptadine and ketanserin receptor antagonists; Ray Peat hypothesis on serotonin excess and autism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-19 original
Hypothyroidism causes endothelial dysfunction independent of confounders; T3 improves endothelial function acutely on resistance vessels; dysfunction transiently worsens during thyroid hormone withdrawal and immediately improves with hormone restoration.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-19 original
T3 thyroid hormone 20 mcg twice daily improved lung function metrics (FEV1 +17%, FEV2 +13%, MVV +12%) and asthma symptoms in patients with normal thyroid labs; some patients reduced asthma medications; adverse effects noted in 2/12.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-19 original
Levothyroxine normalizes TSH but does not fully correct metabolic rate reduction in obese hypothyroid women; desiccated thyroid and T3 replacement show greater weight loss; metabolic effect depends on T4-to-T3 conversion capacity.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-20 original
OTC thyroid supplements and desiccated thyroid products have highly variable thyroid hormone content; some contain no hormones while others contain up to 25 mcg T3 or 22 mcg T4 per dose; herbal products often contain undisclosed thyroid hormones.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-21 original
Carbohydrates are necessary for optimal conversion of T4 to active T3 thyroid hormone. Decline in serum T3 during no-carbohydrate diet correlated with blood glucose and ketones. Glucose is essential for T3 conversion; carbohydrate restriction mimics fasting and lowers metabolic rate. Fruit, juice and milk are optimal carbohydrate sources. Ray Peat quote on liver regulation of thyroid function via carbohydrate.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-21 original
T3 thyroid hormone is lower in levothyroxine-treated patients than in healthy subjects at equivalent TSH levels. TSH is not the gold standard for adequate levothyroxine substitution; it reflects only pituitary thyroid hormone levels. Elevated T4:T3 ratio with levothyroxine monotherapy may downregulate T4-to-T3 conversion peripherally. Type 1 and 2 deiodinases appear more effective in pituitary than peripheral tissues.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-22 original
Sharing a Ray Peat quotation on thyroid hormone (T3) converting cholesterol into pregnenolone, progesterone, and DHEA, with embedded secondary post discussing the same mechanism and additional claims about pregnenolone anti-aging effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-22 original
Hypothyroidism reduces CO₂ production because mitochondrial CO₂ production depends on thyroid hormone T3. End-tidal CO₂ measurement reflects alveolar and arterial CO₂ levels. Contrary to expectations, hypothyroid patients show higher alveolar ventilation (lower end-tidal CO₂), indicating hyperventilation rather than hypoventilation. The mechanism may involve direct effects of TRH on respiratory center or local lung changes. Respiratory rate alone does not define hypo/hyperventilation; arterial CO₂ is the definitive measure.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-23 original
Thyroid hormone regulates growth in children. Hypothyroid children are shorter than average; hyperthyroid children are taller. Historical and contemporary evidence shows thyroid hormone treatment improves height and intelligence in hypothyroid children. Genetic thyroid hormone resistance is associated with 6-fold increased short stature risk if untreated. Historical case series: treatment improved growth rates (e.g., 7-year-old grew 1 inch in 2 years before treatment, 1 inch in 2 months on thyroid; 5-year-old gained 1 inch in 9 weeks; 18-year-old 34-inch-tall youth gained 2 inches in 9 weeks). Modern study confirms lower height z-scores in acquired hypothyroidism; hyperthyroid children show increased height and low BMI.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-23 original
Ray Peat quote on thyroid-progesterone-estrogen relationships, combined with citations of randomized controlled trial showing progesterone increases free T4, and rat cell study demonstrating estradiol increases thyroid cell growth and blocks iodine transporter expression.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-24 original
Case report of Japanese man developing hypothyroidism from daily povidone iodine gargling, with recovery after cessation and relapse after excessive kombu (kelp) consumption. Includes detailed clinical markers and discussion of iodine-induced hypothyroidism prevalence in Japan.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-24 original
Explanation of potential thyroid hormone role in temporomandibular disorders (TMD/TMJ), citing elevated TMD prevalence in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, causal relationship from genetic methods, and T3 regulation of muscular contractile function and bone/soft tissue.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-25 original
Ray Peat quote on Broda Barnes' demonstration that hypothyroidism causes heart disease and that correcting hypothyroidism prevents both heart attacks and degenerative conditions in diabetics, combined with embedded content on T3 metabolism, CO2 production, and transcutaneous CO2 therapy outcomes in diabetic neuropathy and ulcer healing.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-25 original
Explanation of mucopolysaccharide accumulation in hypothyroidism causing tissue swelling and associated symptoms (SIBO, constipation, nasal congestion, skin swelling, puffy face, voice changes), with mechanisms of glycosaminoglycan water retention and T3 control of production/degradation. Embedded content describes myxedema in hypothyroid dogs.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-25 original
Progesterone stabilizes mast cells by inhibiting histamine secretion, which may explain reduced inflammatory symptoms during pregnancy. Quotation cites rat peritoneal mast cell study showing progesterone inhibits histamine secretion triggered immunologically or by substance P.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-25 original
Gaseous CO₂ therapy significantly improved chronic diabetic wound healing. A randomized controlled trial applied transcutaneous CO₂ to wounds via sealed plastic bags for 45-minute sessions; 66% of treated wounds healed completely versus 0% in placebo (air-exposed) controls. Embedded post explains that CO₂ supports optimal mitochondrial function and thyroid hormone–dependent wound healing.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-26 original
Topical thyroid hormone (T3) reduces scar formation in burn and skin graft wounds, producing flatter, softer, more supple scars. Animal studies in rats showed T3 modified collagen synthesis and deposition, increased hydroxyproline content in normal and grafted skin, and histology confirmed softer, more supple scar tissue with reduced hypertrophic scarring.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-26 original
Thyroid hormone (T3) treats radiation burns and fibrosis, even decades after exposure. Clinical study of 75 patients with 2–30 year old radiation injuries showed approximately two-thirds with ulcers and fibrosis achieved good-to-excellent improvement on pharmacologic T3 doses. Animal studies confirmed the effect by measuring hydroxyproline (collagen proxy); T3 given before, immediately after, or weeks after irradiation prevented or reversed collagen accumulation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-26 original
Author lists sixteen factors that can impair thyroid hormone response: elevated free fatty acids, low total cholesterol, levothyroxine monotherapy, inappropriate T3 dosing, empty-stomach T3 administration, wrong T4:T3 ratio, TSH-only dosing, micronutrient insufficiencies (sodium, magnesium, calcium, retinol, zinc, selenium, vitamin D), high polyunsaturated fat intake, estrogen dominance, protein imbalance, and iron/iodine imbalance. Embedded post emphasizes carbohydrate's role in hepatic T3 production.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-26 original
Thyroid hormone T3 can reverse learned helplessness, a state of giving up in response to uncontrollable stress, by counteracting the downregulation of thyroid hormone caused by chronic stress.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-27 original
Hypothyroidism and low thyroid hormone activity cause ADHD. Research shows higher TSH within normal range correlates with ADHD symptoms in preschoolers; thyroid hormone resistance increases ADHD risk by 60%; T3 improves ADHD specifically in children with thyroid hormone resistance but may be detrimental in those without resistance.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-27 original
To correct elevated reverse T3 relative to T3: lower cortisol/glucagon; if taking thyroid hormones, increase T3:T4 ratio, spread doses, and take with food.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-27 own thread
lowmegatron posts only a link, replying to a question about correcting a bad T3/reverse T3 ratio, with a quoted prior post about high cortisol. The linked content is not visible.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-27 original
T3 active thyroid hormone combined with magnesium is a reliable treatment for insomnia, cramps, and anxiety, whether caused by fatigue, aging, or alcohol withdrawal.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-27 original
ADHD and hypothyroidism share mechanisms of decreased oxidative metabolism, lowered ATP and CO2 in the brain. Increasing CO2 may improve ADHD as demonstrated in rodent experiments and case reports. Acetazolamide, which increases CO2 by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase, improved ADHD symptoms in a case report and reduced ADHD-linked behaviors in mice; T3 increases oxidative metabolism and CO2 production.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-29 original
Post argues that TSH, T4, and T3 blood tests cannot measure end-organ thyroid hormone response in cells, and advocates assessing basal temperature, pulse behavior, and symptom response to thyroid hormones as more relevant measures. Quotes Ray Peat and cites historical pre-1945 diagnostic methods.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-29 original
Post claims standard diets suppress resting metabolic rate and interfere with thyroid hormone metabolism, and that most weight loss interventions worsen long-term metabolism. Cites research showing declining basal energy expenditure is a factor in obesity increase, not reduced physical activity. Embedded post notes severe hypothyroidism can reduce basal metabolism by 40% via T3 reduction.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-29 original
lowmegatron states that hair sheds in hypothyroidism and regrows with effective treatment. He says T3 affects hair growth and coloring, citing dose-dependent hair growth in treated rodents, in vitro shaft growth, earlier anagen entry in mice, and possible repigmentation of gray hair in humans.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-29 original
Post explains that local CO2 production under skin is influenced by thyroid hormone T3, and presents carboxytherapy (small CO2 injections) as an effective treatment for dark circles under eyes, citing a study showing physician and patient satisfaction scores.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-29 original
Post claims saturated fats protect against alcoholic liver disease while seed oils (polyunsaturated fats) promote it. Cites Ray Peat quotation and presents randomized controlled trial showing saturated fat improved survival over unsaturated fat in severe alcoholic hepatitis. Explains mechanisms via lipid peroxidation, gut microbiota, and gut barrier integrity. Embedded post details a specific RCT comparing butter to soybean oil.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-01 original
Explanation of reverse T3 elevation as stress marker; cortisol and other counterregulatory hormones shift T4 conversion toward rT3 while raising free fatty acids that impair thyroid function; lists interventions to lower cortisol and suggests T3:T4 ratio optimization in levothyroxine users.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-02 original
Explanation of how lower thyroid hormone conversion (lower T3/T4 ratio) contributes to insulin resistance despite normal lab values; cites studies linking low T3/T4 to hyperinsulinemia and prediabetes; details multiple cellular mechanisms by which hypothyroidism impairs insulin action.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-02 original
Explanation of two-enzyme system (11β-HSD1 and 11β-HSD2) controlling tissue cortisol activation and inactivation; notes thyroid hormone T3 influences balance toward inactivation; contrasts pharmaceutical research with clinician ignorance of T3 assessment; lists multiple interventions affecting enzyme balance.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-02 original
Low-fat, high-carbohydrate ad libitum diets produce weight loss and fat loss in multiple studies; embedded post from lowmegatron explains carbohydrates are needed for thyroid hormone T3 conversion with Ray Peat quote on metabolic regulation by glucose.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-03 original
Ray Peat quote on intestinal inflammation from infection and undigested starches causing endotoxin-driven insulin resistance; comprehensive list of dietary and supplement interventions claimed to reduce endotoxin and associated inflammation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-03 original
Ray Peat anecdote on relative curing early osteoporosis with powdered eggshell supplementation (~5,000 mg/day calcium); discusses Maasai calcium intake, milk calcium content, eggshell composition; notes magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and optimal T3 as important cofactors; embedded post from lowmegatron on eggshell calcium powder and DIY preparation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-03 original
Ray Peat quote on thyroid hormones' role in regulating pregnenolone production through cholesterol metabolism, influenced by protein, vitamin A, and T3 availability. Author clarifies 'thyroid' means T3 and T4 with optimal T4-to-T3 conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-05 original
Author presents rat and mouse experiments showing hypothyroidism causes anosmia (loss of smell); describes test methods and reversal of smell loss with thyroid hormone treatment. Cites human studies showing ~40% of hypothyroid patients have olfactory issues, largely reversible with thyroid hormone therapy. Notes levothyroxine-only may not provide full recovery due to T3 conversion requirement. Embedded quote describes PEA and luteolin combined with olfactory training for post-COVID smell recovery.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-05 original
Author argues over-exercise lowers active thyroid hormone T3 and TSH (via cortisol elevation), potentially misleading those monitoring TSH. Notes stress also lowers T3 and TSH. Cites study showing exhaustive exercise decreases free T3 by 24 hours into recovery with inverse cortisol relationship. Suggests increasing carbohydrates, calories, or creatine; recommends generative over degenerative exercise.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-05 original
Author cites Broda Barnes observation that hypothyroid patients suffer chronic recurrent infections; describes rabbit experiments showing hypothyroidism causes repeated infections and death from pneumonia. Notes rodent experiments showing hypothyroidism degenerates thymus gland (immune training organ), partly via elevated cortisol. Clarifies that issue is with T3 levels in untreated/undertreated patients, not the diagnosis itself. Embedded quote attributes Ray Peat statement on thymic atrophy mechanisms and involution.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-08 original
Sharing post about taste and smell dysfunction in hypothyroid patients and animal studies of anosmia; notes impaired recovery with levothyroxine-only therapy and suggests T3 conversion may be relevant.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-09 original
Thyroid hormone reduces fibrosis (excessive connective tissue accumulation) across multiple chronic diseases including liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, erectile dysfunction, pancreatitis, Crohn's strictures, lung scarring, heart failure, and keloids. Animal studies show T3 and thyroid hormones reverse bleomycin-induced skin and CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Low thyroid function associated with increased fibrotic disease risk in humans.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-09 original
Low thyroid hormone (T3) combined with stress leads to gastric ulcers. Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) reduce stress-induced gastric ulcers in animals. Ray Peat called thyroid hormone a fundamental anti-stress substance. Gastric ulcers are one of Hans Selye's stress triad (also: shrunken immune tissue, adrenal hypertrophy). Low T3 Sick Syndrome associated with acute upper GI bleeding in ICU patients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-10 original
Ray Peat quoted on thyroid deficiency causing digestive issues including gas; embedded case study of woman with SIBO resolved by T3 therapy after years of failed treatments, with explanation of hypothyroidism mechanisms in SIBO pathogenesis.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-10 original
Author argues against T3-lowering diets for weight loss, citing associations between elevated cortisol and reduced T3 in cardiovascular disease patients. References Broda Barnes' 1970s research showing 94% reduction in heart disease with natural desiccated thyroid treatment; embedded quote on hypothyroidism increasing blood pressure.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-10 original
Extended Ray Peat quotation on T3 deficiency causing sleep problems, especially at menopause, with explanation of paradoxical T3 effects in high-stress/adrenergic states. Notes T3 as prescription medication available in liothyronine and natural desiccated thyroid forms; embedded post on light therapy for Hashimoto's symptoms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-10 original
lowmegatron says two very different men look like twins in their hypothyroid form, and that hair loss and edema point to a clear hypothyroid phenotype.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-11 original
Ray Peat quotation on thyroid hormone as fundamental anti-stress substance. Embedded post explains low T3 plus stress causes gastric ulcers; thyroid hormones reduce stress-induced ulceration. Cites Hans Selye's stress triad (ulcers, immune tissue shrinkage, adrenal hypertrophy) and Low T3 Sick Syndrome in ICU patients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-11 original
Low thyroid hormone T3 leads to accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in connective tissue, causing water retention and non-pitting swelling (myxedema).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-11 original
Severe hypothyroidism can cause bilateral ptosis (drooping eyelids) that responds dramatically to thyroxine replacement therapy.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-12 original
Taurine protects thyroid function against fluoride, lead, and organophosphate exposure; fluoride lowers thyroid hormone release, lead and insecticides inhibit T3 conversion; human equivalent dose 1-2g/day based on animal research.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-15 original
Ray Peat quote on depression as low brain energy state linked to low thyroid hormone, recommending thyroid T3 and supportive diet of vitamin D and adequate calcium to lower stress hormones and raise brain energy.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-16 own thread
lowmegatron claims cortisol, glucagon and adrenaline inhibit T4-to-T3 conversion and raise reverse T3. He lists modifiable causes of high cortisol and adrenaline: poor sleep, too few carbs, sodium, potassium, magnesium or calcium, fasting, chronic caloric restriction, noise, shallow breathing, black coffee on an empty stomach, and constant stimulation. He suggests acerola vitamin C, L-theanine and glycine may help.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-16 own thread
lowmegatron says phthalates and BPA/S/F impair thyroid gland function and peripheral hormone conversion, and that BPA blocks thyroid hormone at the receptor. He lists sources such as fragranced cosmetics, plastic containers and bottles, can linings, dust and receipts. The quoted parent reports a rat study where BPA altered T3, T4 and TSH and ginger gave partial protection.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-16 own thread
lowmegatron claims polyunsaturated fats from seed oils and high-PUFA-fed non-ruminant animals disrupt thyroid hormone production, transport and binding, and that stress releases them as free fatty acids. He recommends mostly saturated fats (coconut oil, butter, tallow and similar) and lists many PUFA oils including fish oil to avoid.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-16 original
Ray Peat on hypothyroidism consequences: inadequate thyroid hormone causes sluggishness, clumsiness, cold intolerance, anemia, infections, heart disease, headaches, cancer, and premature aging. Broda Barnes research showed hypothyroid rabbits experienced recurrent infections and early death.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-17 original
Low magnesium is associated with increased Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism risk; author explains magnesium's role in thyroid hormone conversion and recommends up to 600mg daily split doses, preferring dietary sources.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-17 original
Author shows before/after of thyroid replacement treatment over 3 weeks and explains mechanism: T3 drives mucopolysaccharide breakdown; low T3 causes accumulation and water retention leading to myxedema swelling.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-17 original
Thiamine deficiency impairs thyroid hormone effectiveness; author cites studies showing thyroid causes anxiety and tachycardia in thiamine-deficient patients but tolerates better with prior thiamine repletion; recommends starting at 0.3mg and increasing to up to 19mg daily.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-17 original
Before/after eyelashes in hypothyroidism treatment; cites case literature linking ciliary madarosis (eyelash loss) to thyroid dysfunction, predominantly hypothyroidism in women; embedded post explains T3's dose-dependent effects on hair growth and repigmentation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-17 original
American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) 400mg daily improves sleep quality, onset latency, efficiency, total sleep time, and morning refreshedness in 66 participants with primary insomnia over 56 days; embedded post by Ray Peat on T3, hypothyroidism and sleep.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-18 original
Explanation of how progesterone and estrogen affect thyroid hormone conversion, specifically D2 enzyme activity and T4-to-T3 conversion; cites research in ovariectomized rats and hypothesizes progesterone withdrawal during menopause as mechanism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-18 original
Ray Peat quote on progesterone's role in thyroid hormone conversion; embedded post discusses progesterone's effects on deiodinase 2 enzyme and T4→T3 conversion in animal studies.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-19 original
Ray Peat quote: butter and coconut oil contain short- and medium-chain saturated fatty acids that are easily metabolized, inhibit histamine release, promote cancer cell differentiation, counteract stress proteins, decrease prolactin receptor expression, and promote T3 receptor expression. Embedded post discusses avoiding polyunsaturated fats and emphasizing saturated fat intake for thyroid health.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-20 original
Quoted testimonial: T3 thyroid hormone reversed calcification, myxedema, and water weight (50 pounds), normalized body temperature from 96.4 to 98.6°F, cleared 30-year psoriasis, restored ovulation, resolved severe PMDD and emotional symptoms, improved cholesterol and Raynaud's in spouse who also discontinued 25-year ADHD medication. Embedded source post links hypothyroidism to 4.5x increased mast cells and 50% increased histamine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-21 original
Gaseous CO₂ significantly improved healing of chronic wounds in diabetic patients. Quoted study result: 66% of wounds healed completely with CO₂ therapy vs 0% in placebo air-exposed control group. Procedure involved sealing wounded area in plastic bag, removing air, pumping pure CO₂ gas for 45 minutes per session. Embedded post explains CO₂ is mitochondrial byproduct with tissue perfusion health benefits; optimal thyroid hormone T3-driven glucose oxidation required for CO₂ production; hypothyroidism and diabetes both impair wound healing through disrupted angiogenesis.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-21 own thread
lowmegatron asserts that low tissue levels of active T3 cause all these symptoms, that tissue T3 is not testable, and that single thyroid blood tests tell us nothing about it.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-21 own thread
lowmegatron notes the patients were all taking levothyroxine and claims levothyroxine-only therapy is unlikely to fully replenish tissue T3, which he offers as why hypothyroid symptoms often persist.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-21 own thread
lowmegatron claims that after autoimmunity is reversed the thyroid can release more hormone including active T3, citing "prior human studies" that found T3 up to 57% higher, and calls this likely the biggest factor in symptom improvement. The quoted post describes a Brazilian study (PMID 23316383) on thyroid vascularization with 830 nm light at 50 mW.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-21 own thread
lowmegatron claims the T3 increase has the same effect as switching from levothyroxine dosed to TSH to NDT dosed to symptoms and basal temperature, attributing the benefit to greater tissue T3 availability.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-22 original
Author reports higher TSH within normal range associated with coronary heart disease mortality in women and cites Broda Barnes' 1970s research showing 94% reduction in heart disease with natural desiccated thyroid; includes embedded quoted post about cortisol-T3 relationships in cardiovascular disease.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-22 original
lowmegatron says thyroid hormones affect hair growth and pigmentation, and that hair follicles can convert T4 to T3. It cites a human follicle study finding functional thyroid hormone receptors, and shows photos of severe hypothyroidism and recovery.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-23 original
Analysis of resting energy expenditure (REE) in thyroid cancer patients across five time points: normal thyroid, post-thyroid removal (hypothyroid at 3 weeks), after levothyroxine monotherapy, after dose increase, and 12 months follow-up. Shows 24% REE swing. Compares levothyroxine monotherapy to NDT and liothyronine (T3) replacement, noting weight loss differences and conversion efficiency implications.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-24 original
lowmegatron says hypothyroidism doubles noradrenaline, which he links to greying and hair loss. He cites a case in which greying reversed after IV levothyroxine, rodent T3 results, a human greying study and fasting-related follicle research, and says greying must be caught early to reverse.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-25 original
lowmegatron quotes Ray Peat on graying hair. Peat says he has seen DHEA correct it quickly, that melanin-producing enzymes need copper, and that shellfish is a good source of copper with less iron. The quote also recommends low DHEA doses and warns that excess DHEA may convert to estrogen or testosterone in people deficient in progesterone, pregnenolone or thyroid.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-26 original
Quote attributed to Ray Peat regarding learned helplessness in rats based on seeing another rat escape. Embedded quote discusses CIA MKultra program, Martin Seligman's learned helplessness research, Curt Richter's rat studies, and T3 thyroid hormone as a reversal agent for learned helplessness with anecdotal recovery account.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-26 original
Brain cortex and frontal lobes are most sensitive to energy adequacy or deprivation. T3 thyroid hormone augmentation of SSRIs produces antidepressant effects correlated with normalization of brain bioenergetic metabolism in treatment responders.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-26 original
Tocotrienols (vitamin E variant, not thyroid hormone) suppress mast cell degranulation and reduce histamine release in mice through suppression of protein kinase C (PKC) activity, reducing allergic dermatitis. Embedded quote discusses idiopathic urticaria, thyroid hormone supplementation effects on thyroid antibodies and allergies.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-27 original
Shared quote from Chinese research on T3 as a sensitivity indicator in emergency patients; decreased T3 correlates with mortality risk and recommends thyroid monitoring in critical illness.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-28 original
Shared Ray Peat quote dismissing iodine skin test as unscientific due to reduction by vitamin C and other compounds; embedded post describes case of iodine-induced hypothyroidism from povidone iodine gargling and subsequent relapse from excess kombu/kelp intake, with detailed clinical markers showing recovery.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-29 original
User shares embedded anecdote from KamilBaszczyk1 about resolving hypothyroid symptoms by reducing iodine intake from supplements and salt after consulting a GPT chatbot about diet analysis.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-29 original
Author shares Ray Peat quote on thyroid hormone brain concentration and T3:T4 ratios, then embedded quote from lowmegatron on T3-depression link with multiple reference citations.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-29 original
Author presents Ray Peat quotes and citations on estrogen's adverse cardiovascular effects in men, including discussion of the Coronary Drug Project trial and elevated serum estradiol in men with heart disease.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-29 original
Author presents Ray Peat quote on hypothyroidism causing sodium and glucose deficiency, followed by embedded lowmegatron post on stress hormone suppression of thyroid hormone conversion and lifestyle factors affecting cortisol and adrenaline.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-30 original
Ray Peat quote questioning TSH-centric thyroid treatment and advocating broader thyroid hormone therapy including T3, suggesting TSH itself may be pathogenic through pro-inflammatory actions.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-30 original
Thyroid hormone may prevent fetal alcohol syndrome. Pregnant rats consuming alcohol had lower thyroid hormones; T4 supplementation to offspring reduced behavioral patterns associated with syndrome. Alcohol suppresses T4 and T3 in humans.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-01 original
Author proposes adding a medical school curriculum component where students experience anti-thyroid medication and dexamethasone to lower T3 and suppress TSH, to help thyroid patients feel reassured their condition is normal. Embedded post by astadiuvita describes personal experience of low T3 during stress with a doctor dismissing it based on low TSH.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-01 original
Author explains hypothyroidism-induced insulin resistance via lower T3 and higher TSH, cites study showing insulin sensitivity restoration with thyroid hormone replacement, and details multiple mechanistic pathways (postreceptor signaling defects, GLUT4 translocation, glycogen synthesis, mitochondrial oxidative metabolism). Embedded post by lowmegatron discusses TSH-induced insulin resistance via inflammatory pathways and cites human population studies.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-01 original
Author argues urinary free T3 is most objective thyroid sufficiency marker, correlates better with symptoms than other tests, normalizes with NDT but remains low on levothyroxine alone. Discusses differential symptom correlation with various thyroid tests and explains T4-to-T3 conversion mechanisms via deiodinase enzymes. Cites studies showing TSH/T4 poor correlation with clinical hypothyroidism diagnosis and mechanisms of inadequate T3 on levothyroxine monotherapy.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-01 own thread
lowmegatron argues that 24-hour free urinary T3 is the best test of thyroid hormone sufficiency. He reports values of about 756 pmol for untreated hypothyroid patients and 767 for levothyroxine-treated patients, versus 1990 for NDT-treated and 2,074 for healthy people. He describes an NDT protocol dosed by symptoms rather than TSH, and reports that hypothyroid symptoms were higher on levothyroxine than on NDT. He adds a disclaimer that he does not claim NDT is superior to properly dosed synthetic T3+T4, that thyroid hormones should be taken under medical supervision, and that this is not medical advice.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-01 original
Author explains levothyroxine normalizes TSH while leaving tissues T3-deficient, cites rat study showing normal blood tests despite low tissue T3, and describes how this creates hidden hypothyroidism. Discusses peripheral T4-to-T3 conversion inadequacy and presents human data showing >20% of post-thyroidectomy patients have abnormal T3/T4 ratios despite normal TSH.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-01 own thread
lowmegatron gives two references, one on combined T4+T3 treatment in thyroidectomized rats and one on levothyroxine monotherapy in athyreotic patients. He notes that the man in the accompanying image was treated with NDT USP, which contains T3. He explains that he uses older images because treatment back then was guided by symptoms, basal temperature and/or basal metabolic rate, which he considers more appropriate.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-02 original
Author cites research on thyroid hormone changes in depression, noting decreased T3 and increased TSH with severity; embedded post by lowmegatron on T3 treatment for treatment-resistant depression in patient with normal thyroid tests.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-02 original
Ray Peat quote on causes of hypothyroidism including fasting, stress, aerobic exercise, legumes, unsaturated fats, carotene, undercooked cruciferous vegetables; author notes TSH lowering effect; embedded post by lowmegatron on over-exercising lowering T3 and TSH via cortisol.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-02 original
Author speculates on methylene blue's antidepressant effect via thyroid hormone production; cites animal research showing T4 increase and thyroid peroxidase activity; cautions against use due to MAO-A inhibition; embedded post is Ray Peat quote on optimal methylene blue dose.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-02 original
Ray Peat and cited researchers discuss correlations between thyroid hormone (T3), vitamin B1 (thiamine), basal metabolic rate, and intelligence; multiple studies presented showing thiamine supplementation associated with improved cognitive performance.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-02 original
Post presents data on urinary free T3 levels across untreated hypothyroidism, levothyroxine treatment, and NDT/Armour therapy, with claims that levothyroxine fails to raise T3 adequately compared to NDT. Embedded quoted post from lowmegatron discusses thyroid testing, symptom correlation, and conversion enzyme mechanisms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-03 original
Serotonin can cause hypoglycemia, which suppresses T3 and reduces thyroid hormone conversion and output; carbohydrate refeeding restores T4-to-T3 conversion within 72 hours via glucose-dependent mechanisms; thyroid function depends on adequate glucose.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-03 original
Natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) contains both T4 and T3 in ~4-5:1 ratio; T3 content helps activate T4-to-T3 conversion enzyme; NDT effective for many patients; synthetic T3+T4 combinations often equivalent; individual response varies; OTC bovine glandulars lack standardization.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-05 original
Author critically examines claims that MTHFR polymorphisms interfere with thyroid hormone T4-to-T3 conversion, finding no primary research support. Presents evidence that thyroid hormone is upstream of MTHFR function via FAD availability, and cites association data linking MTHFR C677T to hypothyroidism risk without establishing causative mechanism for conversion defects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-05 original
Author challenges missyTHX1138 to provide evidence for claims that MTHFR causes thyroid conversion issues, stating they have repeatedly encountered such claims without supporting evidence and cannot find any themselves.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-08 original
Hypothyroidism can cause atrial fibrillation; case study and mechanism explained. Case reports show levothyroxine treatment resolved AF symptoms. Studies indicate up to 8% of AFib patients are hypothyroid. Author notes hyperthyroidism is a more common AFib cause; normalizing thyroid hormone levels corrects the imbalance.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-08 original
Author discusses limitations of TSH testing for hypothyroidism diagnosis. TSH is blind to peripheral T4-to-T3 conversion and thyroid hormone resistance. Gene variants, stress, and diet affect conversion and activity independent of TSH. Contrasts TSH-based prevalence (10%) with Broda Barnes' symptom-based approach (40% responsive to NDT treatment).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-08 original
Quoted statement from Ray Peat on cardiac rhythm stabilization and AFib risk factors. Claims vitamins D, K, calcium stabilize heart rhythm. Estrogen causes hyperventilation and increases AFib risk; progesterone has opposite effects. Thyroid T3 essential for cellular magnesium retention. Dietary recommendations: milk and orange juice for minerals, seafood weekly for trace minerals.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-08 original
Author claims levothyroxine treatment does not normalize thyroid hormone levels despite normal TSH. Cites research showing levothyroxine-treated patients with normal TSH have lower T3 than healthy subjects. Explains mechanism: pituitary has better T4-to-T3 conversion than peripheral tissues, causing false TSH-based assessment. Argues TSH cannot be gold standard for adequacy.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-09 original
Quoted Ray Peat statement on thyroid T3 for insomnia and menopause, and sodium chloride for sleep-inducing effects. Claims T3 rapidly restores normal relaxation rate to calf and heart muscle. Sodium chloride at bedtime lowers adrenaline, promotes glucose absorption, spares magnesium. Connects thyroid function to glucose efficiency and adrenaline regulation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-09 original
Blood tests cannot detect thyroid hormone activity in tissues; T3 is the active form with most effects outside blood. Basal body temperature may better indicate thyroid activity than blood tests. Hypothyroid symptoms are tissue-level effects, not arbitrary blood levels.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-09 original
Switching from levothyroxine to NDT (natural desiccated thyroid containing T4 and T3) dramatically improved quality of life and reduced hypothyroid symptoms. Author explains mechanism: levothyroxine monotherapy reduces T4-to-T3 conversion in tissues while suppressing TSH.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-10 original
Carpal tunnel swelling caused by hypothyroidism is reversible with thyroid treatment. Study found median nerve cross-sectional area increased 36% in autoimmune thyroid patients; levothyroxine reduced it 14%, relieving symptoms. T3+T4 combination may be needed if levothyroxine alone insufficient.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-10 original
Hypothyroidism increases LDL, Lp(a), and apo-B; T3 therapy rapidly lowers all three. Broda Barnes method reduced expected heart attacks by >90%. Author cautions against self-treatment with T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-10 original
Ray Peat quoted on nutrient needs during stress, including vitamins A, C, E, pantothenic acid, and minerals magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc, and sodium for different stress stages. Embedded post by lowmegatron discusses thyroid hormone T3/T4 as anti-stress substances and their protective effect against stress-induced gastric ulcers in animal research.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-10 original
Broda Barnes quoted on relationship between thyroid secretion and cholesterol levels, describing clinical observations that hyperthyroidism lowers cholesterol and proper thyroid dosing normalizes it. Embedded quoted post attributes Ray Peat quote on thyroid's role in pregnenolone production requiring adequate cholesterol, vitamin A, and protein.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-10 original
Ray Peat quoted on thyroid hormone T3's role in eliminating edema and treating carpal tunnel syndrome through swelling reduction, versus conventional surgical approach. Embedded post by lowmegatron discusses hypothyroidism-induced waterlogging of median nerve tissue and reversibility with levothyroxine treatment.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-13 original
Comprehensive list of 18+ factors that suppress thyroid hormone T4-to-T3 conversion, including fasting, low-calorie diets, nutrient insufficiencies, stress, sleep deprivation, exercise imbalance, inflammation, and hormone imbalances. Solutions are inferred from identified causes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-13 original
Ray Peat quoted on athletic training slowing pulse via cortisol-mediated thyroid suppression as adaptation, with consequence of sterility in both sexes. Embedded quote discusses over-exercise lowering active T3 hormone via cortisol and prolactin mechanisms; carbohydrate/calorie support and creatine mentioned as potential aids.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-14 original
Magnesium deficiency lowers thyroid hormone T3 in animals (chicks and rats) and may impair thyroid function in experimental type-2 diabetes; magnesium treatment shows partial restoration of thyroid function. No equivalent human research located by author.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-15 original
Hypothyroidism causes impaired muscle relaxation in skeletal and cardiac muscle, leading to continuous partial contraction and stiffness before fibrosis develops. Inadequate thyroid hormone prevents proper diastolic relaxation and complete contraction, creating functional heart failure correctable by thyroid supplementation. Hypothyroidism can cause atrial fibrillation in up to 8% of AF cases.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-15 original
Magnesium improves iodine uptake, thyroid hormone synthesis, and T4-to-T3 conversion; deficiency worsens hypothyroidism. Quoted study on magnesium supplementation effects in animal experiments and enzymatic mechanisms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-07-15 original
Iodine insufficiency in 74% of population causes metabolic slowdown, fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain by preventing thyroid hormone production. Explains iodine structure in T3/T4, dietary sources and modern deficiency, brain and tissue effects, and recommends 150-500 mcg daily with selenium.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-15 original
Ray Peat explains hypothyroidism-caused nerve hyperhydration (water swelling) as mechanism for carpal tunnel syndrome, spinal stenosis, and joint deformation. Embedded post by lowmegatron on carpal tunnel median nerve swelling reversal with levothyroxine treatment, citing study.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-15 original
lowmegatron presents a case report, cited as 'Reversible Hair Loss due to Levothyroxine Overdose', of an infant with congenital hypothyroidism who developed diffuse non-scarring hair loss 15-20 days after starting levothyroxine. Hair regrew after the dose was reduced. The author concludes that overdose may cause hair loss. The author also gives a best-guess reading of the FT3 and FT4 levels because the assay ranges are not stated.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-15 original
Ray Peat anecdote: two moles appeared and grew during summer beer consumption, then shrank and disappeared when beer stopped; attributed to estrogen content. Embedded Ray Peat quote on topical progesterone/DHEA and increased T3 causing mole shrinkage, and epsom salt baths.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-16 original
lowmegatron claims that hypothyroid symptoms improve when the T3 to reverse T3 ratio is corrected using T3 with levothyroxine. He lists percent improvements across many conditions, including 65% for excessive hair loss in women. He quotes authors arguing that TSH is unreliable and that T4/T3 therapy should be guided by clinical criteria.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-22 original
Thyroid hormone T3 is critical for energy production and metabolism; ~50% of basal metabolic rate depends on thyroid hormone; author cautions T3 is for correcting deficiency, not universal fat-loss supplement; includes historical citation and mechanistic explanation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-22 original
TSH in normal range (0.1–10) correlates with resting energy expenditure; TSH increases from 0.1 to 10 linked to ~17% reduction in REE (~12% of total energy expenditure); author explains clinical TSH range distinction and cites research on thyroid hormone action.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-22 original
lowmegatron argues that T3 stimulates new, thicker hair growth and skin rejuvenation. He says hair and skin problems were once recognised hypothyroid symptoms, that NDT corrects them because it provides T3, and that levothyroxine rarely does.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-22 original
Klotho protein discovered 1997; anti-aging effects demonstrated in mice; levels highest in youth and decline with age; higher levels associated with kidney function, cognition, arterial health, bone strength, lower age-related disease burden; regulated by thyroid hormone T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-22 original
TSH is poor marker for thyroid hormone sufficiency at tissue level; study shows no correlation between TSH and target tissue thyroid hormone effects; clinical and metabolic presentation plus free T4 should guide treatment, not TSH; includes Zulewski clinical scoring system (12 signs/symptoms) and tissue-level markers (ankle reflex, cholesterol, creatine kinase).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-23 original
Low thyroid hormone T3 is part of metabolic slowdown during undernutrition. Restoring T3 raises resting energy expenditure. In anorexia nervosa patients, 32% increase in T3 associated with 13% increase in resting energy expenditure independent of fat-free mass.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-23 original
T3 signaling reflects energy and nutritional abundance. Supplementing thyroid hormone in a malnourished body is cautioned against; small doses of T3 (50 mcg) without adequate nutrition compared to fasting in terms of inefficacy.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-23 original
Levothyroxine (T4) normalizes TSH but does not correct low metabolic rate in obese hypothyroid women. Poor T4-to-T3 conversion limits efficacy. Natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) and T3 supplementation produce superior weight loss outcomes compared to levothyroxine alone, even at equivalent TSH ranges. Multiple studies demonstrate preference for T3-containing regimens.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-24 original
Ray Peat on thyroid hormone T4-to-T3 conversion: requires glucose, selenium, adequate protein, and specific nutrient ratios; discusses mineral balance, estrogen interference, and optimal dosing strategies for thyroid replacement therapy including desiccated thyroid and synthetic combinations.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-25 original
Author discusses Ray Peat's historical emphasis on magnesium, particularly in hypothyroidism context. Author reports personal experience with topical magnesium chloride and oral magnesium bicarbonate water as effective, while magnesium glycinate and sucrosomial magnesium caused inflammatory side effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-25 own thread
Quotes Ray Peat claiming the correct dose of T3 with magnesium is a reliable treatment for insomnia, cramps and anxiety from fatigue, aging or alcohol withdrawal.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-25 original
Quoted post claims T3 thyroid hormone stimulates hair growth and skin rejuvenation; older NDT treatment provided physiologically relevant T3 dose whereas levothyroxine rarely does. Cites animal studies showing dose-dependent increases in hair growth and dermal thickening, and a case report of hair regrowth after thyroid treatment.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-26 original
Quoted post discusses magnesium supplementation in hypothyroidism context, citing Ray Peat's recommendation for several hundred mg daily. Author notes magnesium is lost during stress and hypothyroidism, worsening thyroid dysfunction. Describes personal experience with different magnesium forms, finding only topical magnesium chloride and oral magnesium bicarbonate water effective; others caused inflammatory symptoms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-26 original
Author argues fluoride lowers thyroid hormones T4 and T3 and impairs T4-to-T3 conversion. Cites animal studies showing taurine (1.5–3 g/day human equivalent) and tamarind restore thyroid hormone levels when fluoride exposure is high. Notes fluoride was historically used pharmacologically to suppress thyroid in hyperthyroidism. Describes protective mechanisms with taurine and fluoride elimination benefits of tamarind.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-26 own thread
Reference list for the author's claim that fluoride lowers thyroid hormones and that taurine, calcium and tamarind are protective. It lists rat, human observational, rabbit and cattle studies on fluoride, thyroid dysfunction and fluoride excretion. The quoted context is a separate post on prenatal fluoride exposure and lower IQ (PMID 28937959).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-26 original
Author cites studies showing TSH is poor measure for guiding thyroid therapy severity, with no or weak correlations to clinical presentation or tissue thyroid hormone action. Argues treatment should be guided by clinical/metabolic presentation and free thyroxine, not TSH. Includes quoted post describing similar findings about TSH limitations and clinical scoring methods.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-26 original
lowmegatron quotes a patient's notes describing improvement after switching from levothyroxine to NDT, including clearing eczema and no longer losing hair. He explains that levothyroxine (T4) must be converted to T3 and claims NDT's added T3 accounts for the improvements. Levothyroxine is described as a storage form, and the post refers to an image showing physical changes in hypothyroidism and recovery.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-27 original
Research on thyroid hormone (T3) regulation of exploratory behavior in animals and psychiatric symptoms in humans with thyroid dysfunction; study showing cortical T3 induces exploratory and risk-taking behavior in mice. Embedded post by lowmegatron discusses thyroid hormone decline effects on memory and depression treatment outcomes using levothyroxine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-28 original
Hypothyroidism impairs nighttime glucose homeostasis, triggering elevated adrenaline and cortisol that disrupt sleep; T3 supplementation may improve sleep depth in some hypothyroid individuals; cited research on thyroid dysfunction and sleep architecture.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-29 original
Three-month randomized controlled trial in 70 women with Hashimoto's antibodies: selenium supplementation (200 mcg sodium selenite daily) achieved 25% remission of antibodies vs. 6% placebo; TPO antibodies decreased 34% vs. 12% placebo; thyroid structure normalized in responders.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-29 original
Thyroid hormone depresses noradrenaline and adrenaline secretion by blocking cellular production. This mechanism explains why hypothyroidism causes anxiety and high blood pressure.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-29 original
Ray Peat reports that chewing 5 mcg Cytomel (synthetic T3) rapidly restores memory within 3–5 minutes, with peak effect at 90 minutes. Dose of 25 mcg daily caused hypothyroid arrhythmia (heart pauses every 6 seconds lasting 1–2 seconds) within weeks; 10 mcg Cytomel immediately restored normal rhythm. Thyroid supplements had similar effect in Peat's acquaintances with arrhythmia and circulation problems from hypothyroidism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-29 original
Exercise with inadequate caloric intake suppresses thyroid hormone conversion (low-T3 syndrome) as energy preservation response. Study of 27 untrained women at 70% aerobic capacity found abrupt T3 reduction (16%) and fT3 reduction (9%) between 19.0 and 25.0 kcal/kg lean body mass, and fT4 increase (11%) and rT3 increase (22%) between 10.8 and 19.0 kcal/kg. Increasing energy availability to 25 kcal/kg LBM without reducing exercise may prevent athletic amenorrhea.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-30 original
Higher serum selenium in older adults associated with higher T3, lower TSH, and lower T4, indicating improved thyroid hormone conversion and function. Study concludes reduced T4-to-T3 peripheral conversion related to impaired selenium status in elderly. Thyroid hormone conversion enzymes require selenium.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-30 original
Author explains hypothyroidism mechanism involving glucose metabolism, adrenaline toxicity, and how T3 addition to T4 monotherapy improves anxiety, depression and quality of life, citing Ray Peat and multiple peer-reviewed studies.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-30 original
Author analyzes two studies on over-the-counter thyroid glandular and NDT products, finding 8 of 19 products contained no thyroid hormones, massive variance in T4 (65-fold) and T3 (71-fold) content, while prescription Armour Thyroid remains consistent at ~90% labeled potency.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-31 original
T3 thyroid hormone treatment resolves 10-year history of symptoms including anxiety, low energy, poor digestion, and conversation difficulty. Person reports rapid optimization of TSH, FT3, FT4 within 10 days and recovery of prior self. Embedded post discusses urinary free T3 testing superiority and NDT medication advantages over levothyroxine alone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-01 original
First-person account of symptom improvements from levothyroxine to combined levothyroxine + T3 treatment: improved word-finding, cognition, libido, dopamine responsiveness, sleep quality, toenail growth, peripheral metabolism, social function within 2 weeks with sustained plateau by 8+ weeks. Transient anxiety resolved during adaptation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-01 original
TSH elevation and low T3 shift metabolism toward insulin resistance; T4-only thyroid therapy may worsen this; T3 improves insulin markers in rodent studies. Author explains ten mechanisms by which hypothyroidism causes insulin resistance via postreceptor signaling, glucose transport, mitochondrial function, and leptin/adipokine dysregulation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-01 own thread
The author summarizes research linking higher TSH and subclinical hypothyroidism to insulin resistance, including rat data on TLR4 and inflammatory signaling and a retrospective human study finding TSH associated with HOMA-IR. T3 treatment improved insulin signaling in rodents. The quoted context is the author's post with Ray Peat and studies on hypothyroidism, adrenaline and T4/T3 combination therapy.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-02 original
Direct quotation of Ray Peat stating that hypothyroidism elevates blood cholesterol and thyroid hormone replacement normalizes it proportional to basal metabolic rate restoration. Author notes Dr. Broda Barnes achieved 90% reduction in expected heart attacks using NDT with careful dosing, and recommends medical supervision rather than self-dosing T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-02 original
Author reports anecdotal list of health outcomes observed in some patients using thyroid hormone (T3): weight loss (50 lbs), histamine dysregulation resolution, psoriasis clearance, ovulation restoration, PMDD remission, Raynaud's disappearance, ADHD medication discontinuation, post-nasal drip cessation, calcification/sclerosis reversal, myxedema reversal, and elevated body temperature (2 degrees). No mechanistic explanation provided; framed as variable individual responses.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 original
Author explains hormone effects on skin pigmentation: estrogen darkens, progesterone lightens; thyroid status affects melanin synthesis; cites research on membrane receptors (GPER, PAQR7) and Ray Peat interpretation; notes subclinical hypothyroidism as cause of hyperpigmentation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 own thread
The author claims Hashimoto's is the main cause of primary hypothyroidism and needs different handling from secondary or tertiary forms. They say TSH and T4 tests are good at flagging severe primary cases. TSH is often low or normal in secondary and tertiary cases, and neither test shows T3, which they call the critical component.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 own thread
The author claims hypothyroid symptoms are mostly caused by low thyroid hormone activity inside cells. They say T3 is the active hormone but the thyroid makes mostly T4, which must be converted. They also claim that the TSH rise in primary hypothyroidism is inflammatory and affects other organs, notably the heart.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 own thread
The author says low thyroid hormone activity can cause hypothyroid symptoms even when the thyroid produces enough hormone. They describe this as not true hypothyroidism and not medically recognized as such, because the thyroid, pituitary and hypothalamus work, yet symptoms are similar due to low T3 activity.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 own thread
The author says decreased conversion of T4 (which they call the inactive hormone) to T3 can lower T3 and cause hypothyroid symptoms in someone who would not be diagnosed as hypothyroid. They claim there are many causes of poor conversion and that the cause must be identified to fix it.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 own thread
The author claims TSH and T4 are often normal in people with conversion issues. Those people may be told their thyroid is fine, which may be true, but they can still have a thyroid hormone problem causing symptoms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 own thread
The author claims conversion issues are often dismissed, with people put on "horror drugs" for misdiagnosed symptoms. They say a T3 test may detect a conversion problem that TSH or T4 misses, that the reverse T3 to T3 or T4 ratio is often more telling, and that reverse T3 is made from T4, wasting potential T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 own thread
The author says even T3 blood tests are imperfect because they sample only the circulating hormone pool, while hormones are also converted and used inside cells. They add that problems moving hormone from blood into tissues mean even optimal T3 and T4 results are not fully reliable.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 own thread
The author says levothyroxine (T4) is the most common treatment for true hypothyroidism but must be converted to T3, and claims conversion is rarely optimal on levothyroxine alone. They claim adding some T3 "kickstarts" conversion and gives a stable T3 supply through the day, and that blood tests can be normal while T3 activity is suboptimal and symptoms persist.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 own thread
Lowmegatron claims TSH responds well to levothyroxine but ends up over-suppressed relative to the thyroid hormone available to cells. He says a low TSH does not mean thyroid hormone is adequate. He argues that required doses and T4:T3 ratios vary hugely between people, comparing this to insulin dosing in type 1 diabetes.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 own thread
Lowmegatron claims diet and lifestyle determine thyroid gland health, hormone conversion, and uptake and activity in cells. He says stress and nutritional deficiencies can quickly impair conversion, leaving low thyroid activity with normal TSH and T4. He relays an anecdote about a woman who improved after dietary changes and replacing some workouts with walks.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 own thread
Lowmegatron claims that even large doses of T3 may not work if nutrition is inadequate, and that a high-stress state tends to block T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-03 own thread
Lowmegatron says that by 'thyroid' Ray Peat meant more than TSH or gland activity. He claims stress lowers T4-to-T3 conversion and T3 activity, which may not show on thyroid blood tests.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-04 original
Study showing hypothyroid rats burned less energy and stored more fat; describes inverse relationship between T3 thyroid hormone and leptin; shares embedded post on T3's role in energy production and metabolic rate.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-05 original
Mechanistic explanation connecting thyroid hormone, CO2 production, mast cell degranulation, and histamine in nasal congestion, with citation to peer-reviewed study on CO2 and mast cell suppression.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-05 original
Hypothesis that thyroid hormone resistance may underlie fibromyalgia, citing evidence that supraphysiologic T3 doses are safe and effective for euthyroid fibromyalgia patients despite normal thyroid lab values, with emphasis on caution regarding T3 dosing.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-06 original
Discussion of learned helplessness phenomenon in animals and Ray Peat's view on hopelessness as psychological response to inescapable stress, with identification of T3 as substance that can reverse learned helplessness.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-06 original
Explains how levothyroxine monotherapy may lower brain T3 levels and cause depression, contrasting with physiological T3:T4 ratios. Discusses conversion capacity variation, brain thyroid hormone concentration mechanisms, T3 augmentation antidepressant effects, and depression-thyroid associations.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-07 original
Describes mechanism of thyroid replacement therapy reversing hypertension in hypothyroid patients. Embedded post elaborates on thyroid role in efficient glucose energy production, adrenaline release from hypothyroidism, and comparison of T4 monotherapy versus T4/T3 combination therapy effects on anxiety, depression, and quality of life.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-07 original
Bulleted list of dietary and lifestyle interventions for optimizing thyroid hormone conversion, including carbohydrate intake, stress management, micronutrient adequacy, avoiding mold/fluoride, and T3/T4 hormone balance considerations.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-07 original
Mold exposure induces stress and lowers thyroid hormone conversion causing hypothyroid symptoms despite normal thyroid gland; case series of 4 patients unable to work on levothyroxine (T4) alone who recovered when T3 was added and returned to mold-free buildings; mechanism attributed to non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-08 original
Hypoglycemia was a recognized symptom of hypothyroidism historically but omitted from modern textbooks; multiple sources (Broda Barnes, Ray Peat, clinical case reports, animal studies) document that thyroid hormones enable efficient glucose production and that hypothyroidism causes glucose waste leading to hypoglycemia.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-08 original
Author reports plantar fasciitis as personal first indicator of low thyroid hormone, particularly noticeable at night; cites one paper associating elevated TSH and lower thyroid hormones with plantar fasciitis; references case series of hypothyroid children misdiagnosed with various rheumatic conditions who improved with thyroid replacement.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-08 original
Ray Peat quoted explaining that stress (cortisol and adrenaline) can shift T4 metabolism toward reverse T3 formation; emphasizes selenium as crucial nutrient for T4 to T3 conversion across all tissues requiring seafood intake (~weekly).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-08 original
Hypothyroid men have lower libido, lower sperm count, higher prolactin, and twice the prevalence of clinical hypogonadism (13.8% vs 6.5%); mechanism involves T3-mediated STAr protein expression in Leydig cells limiting cholesterol transport for testosterone synthesis; T3 addition to T4 therapy improves sexual desire in biochemically euthyroid men with persistent symptoms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-09 original
T3 thyroid hormone essential for body temperature maintenance; approximately 37-50% of energy expenditure in sedentary/normal humans dedicated to thermoregulation; body temperature useful indicator of thyroid status independent of blood tests.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-09 original
Well-designed study comparing natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) to levothyroxine showed NDT superior with 2.5-6.5× lower symptom rates; NDT dosing based on symptoms and urinary free T3, not TSH; T3 is active hormone; levo has minimal biological activity; improvement averaged 69% compared to <25% placebo effect.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-10 original
Thyroid hormone promotes liver regeneration after major injury; 70% hepatectomy in normal thyroid rats showed full recovery in 96 hours vs only 50% recovery in 4 days in hypothyroid rats; thyroid hormone restores regenerative capacity and mitochondrial function.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-10 original
Author reports multiple anecdotes linking plantar fasciitis to low thyroid hormone; NDT treatment and increased carbohydrate intake resolved foot pain; embedded study shows higher TSH and lower T3/T4 in plantar fasciitis patients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-10 original
Hypothyroid men have lower libido, lower sperm count, and higher prolactin; they are twice as likely to have clinically low testosterone. T3 enhances testosterone biosynthesis via STAr protein expression in Leydig cells. Correcting hypothyroidism can double testosterone and halve prolactin. Subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH 4.5–10) also causes sexual dysfunction. Adding T3 to T4 therapy improves sexual desire.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-11 original
Quotation from McGavack's clinical text states that in thiamine deficiency, experimental animals show decreased ability of thyroid hormone to raise basal metabolic rate. Embedded quote from lowmegatron synthesizes Ray Peat statements on thyroid and thiamine for cognitive function, citing studies linking basal metabolic rate to IQ, thyroid hormone to intelligence, thiamine intake to cognitive performance, and a controlled trial of thiamine supplementation in orphans showing superior gains across 18 test tasks.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 original
Selenium is essential for tissue-level thyroid hormone T3 production. Consuming shellfish, seafood, halibut, cod, or sole provides sufficient selenium to maintain active tissue thyroid hormone supply.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
Quoting Ray Peat, the post claims one seafood meal per week supplies enough selenium for tissues to form T3. It says that without selenium, tissues cannot make the T3 they need even if circulating T4 is adequate, because selenium is required for deiodinases.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
Quotes Ray Peat as saying that lacking selenium or vitamin D can leave T4 unconverted so it accumulates and interferes with T3, becoming antithyroid, and that he thinks 100 micrograms of selenium is a safe supplement. The quoted context is the author's own claim that selenium concentration is highest in the thyroid and that deficiency is associated with several thyroid conditions.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 original
High cortisol causally increases risk of obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, insomnia, depression, fatty liver, low thyroid hormone T3, and high blood pressure. Post announces tips for cortisol management.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
lowmegatron claims hypothyroidism raises cortisol and that hypothyroid symptoms resemble excess-cortisol symptoms. He cites a study (PMID 23111240) whose authors suggest TSH above 2.0 uIU/L may be abnormal because of its positive relationship with cortisol. He also says thyroid hormone regulates 11β-HSD2, which inactivates cortisol, so low T3 reduces cortisol detox, and that TSH is not a reliable measure of this.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
lowmegatron says hypothyroidism activates the sympathetic nervous system, raising stress hormones, anxiety, blood sugar and blood pressure. He lists +60% cortisol and doubled adrenaline, noradrenaline and aldosterone, from a study of hypothyroid people who stopped their medication. He says diastolic blood pressure fell as T3 rose with replacement.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 original
Thyroid hormone T3 accelerates response to tricyclic antidepressants, with stronger effect in women. Women experience higher rates of thyroid issues and thyroid hormone conversion problems, reducing available active T3. Meta-analysis of six studies found T3 significantly more effective than placebo, with effects stronger as female study participation increased.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
lowmegatron notes liothyronine is the pharmaceutical name for T3. He claims over half of depressed patients respond to T3, citing a trial in which 10 of 17 responded to liothyronine, 9 of 17 to lithium and 3 of 16 to placebo as augmentation of tricyclic antidepressants in refractory unipolar depression.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
lowmegatron says T3 reduces depression in people on the SSRI sertraline, with those who had lower baseline T3 improving more. He quotes a randomized trial reporting response rates of 70% versus 50% and remission of 58% versus 38% for sertraline plus liothyronine versus sertraline plus placebo.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
lowmegatron says 25% of antidepressant-resistant patients responded to T3. He quotes a STAR*D report with remission of 15.9% on lithium and 24.7% on T3 augmentation, a difference not statistically significant, and notes lithium had more side effects and dropouts.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-12 own thread
lowmegatron comments that T3 is not an antidepressant, but that many depression cases reflect low brain energy. He claims optimizing brain T3 normalizes ATP production and that TSH and T4 tests cannot reliably infer T3. He warns T3 is a metabolic stimulant that can be dangerous in excess, especially with heart issues. He also argues the standard 25 mcg+ once-daily research doses are suboptimal and that more physiological dosing would likely improve results.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-13 original
T3 (active thyroid hormone) has been neglected in favor of T4 in thyroid research and treatment. Ray Peat distinguished low T3 activity from traditional hypothyroidism definition. Multiple causes beyond gland dysfunction can produce low T3 symptoms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-13 original
Ray Peat quotation about protein-calorie malnutrition suppressing pituitary hormone production; explanation of pituitary-thyroid signaling and effects of low caloric and carbohydrate intake on thyroid function and hormone conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-14 original
Historical case study and recent research on thyroid hormone T4 for hearing improvement. Hypothyroidism causes hearing loss; thyroid hormone treatment shows improvement. Resistance to thyroid hormone associated with elevated hearing loss risk. Embedded post describes thyroid hormone resistance genetic basis and associated health conditions.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-15 original
Maternal hypothyroidism during pregnancy associated with elevated autism risk in offspring. Severe maternal hypothyroxinemia (low T4) shows adjusted odds ratio 3.89 for child probable autism. Historical case report documents cognitive and behavioral improvements in autistic child using high-dose T3 therapy under medical supervision. Embedded post describes elevated blood serotonin in autism and hypothyroidism-serotonin relationships.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-15 own thread
lowmegatron says reduced motility is the central GI manifestation of hypothyroidism, with low stomach acid, delayed gastric emptying, constipation and SIBO. He proposes tissue waterlogging as a likely mechanism. He says levothyroxine monotherapy is more strongly associated with SIBO and offers possible reasons (inadequate T3, sicker patients, longer duration), which he suspects combine. He quotes a cohort finding that levothyroxine was a stronger predictor of SIBO than hypothyroidism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-15 own thread
lowmegatron says SIBO rates in hypothyroidism are 3 to 10x those of healthy people. He quotes a study in which 54% of hypothyroid patients had a positive breath test versus 5% of controls. He says correction usually needs T3 optimization and decontamination. The quoted parent post claims SIBO lowers vitamin K2 and matrix Gla-protein activation and so raises atherosclerosis risk.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-16 original
Comparison of bonobo and chimpanzee development showing bonobos retain elevated thyroid hormone T3 into adulthood, correlating with their playful and friendly behavior versus chimpanzee aggression. Embedded post links thyroid hormone T3 to reversal of learned helplessness in humans and personal testimony of mood/depression recovery with T3 supplementation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-17 original
Author lists interventions claimed to decrease chronically elevated cortisol, including light exposure, dietary fats, micronutrients, supplements, and lifestyle factors. Quoted source discusses mold-induced stress lowering thyroid hormone T3 conversion and successful T3 supplementation in four patients previously unresponsive to levothyroxine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-17 original
Author claims hypothyroidism stimulates adrenal output and sympathetic nervous system, doubling adrenaline and noradrenaline and increasing cortisol by 60%, citing study on thyroid hormone role in blood pressure. Embedded quote from lowmegatron discusses forgotten hypoglycemia symptom of hypothyroidism, quoting Ray Peat, Broda Barnes, and citing multiple studies on thyroid-glucose metabolism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-18 original
Author quotes clinical observation that patients with myofascial pain and mild hypothyroid-like symptoms refractory to standard therapies responded to mildly supraphysiological thyroid hormone dose. Embedded post attributes Ray Peat statement on hypothyroidism and parathyroid hormone as main causes of muscle knots, with clinical study citation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-18 original
Author claims pregnenolone synthesis from cholesterol depends on thyroid hormone, and hypothyroidism throttles this conversion, lowering sex hormones and increasing pain, depression, and anxiety. Cites study showing lower DHEA, DHEA-S, and pregnenolone sulfate in hypothyroid patients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-18 original
Hashimoto's patients with normal TSH experience fatigue and pain despite normal TSH levels. Levothyroxine monotherapy fails to optimize T3, whereas physiologic NDT or combined levo+liothyronine reduces residual symptoms. NDT dosed by symptoms rather than TSH shows substantially lower rates of constipation, headache, muscle cramps, depression, rheumatoid symptoms, cold intolerance, and fatigue compared to levothyroxine. Rheumatic manifestations of hypothyroidism in children resolve with thyroid replacement.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-19 original
Personal anecdote: T3 (Cytomel) improved deep sleep onset, reduced 4am tachycardia and panic attacks. T3+T4 combination may improve slow-wave sleep compared to T4 alone, though uncertainty acknowledged. Citation describes decreased stages 3-4 sleep in untreated hypothyroidism. Embedded post promotes author's video course and online community on hypothyroidism understanding.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-19 original
Ray Peat explains adrenaline compensation for low thyroid function dilates pupils. Levothyroxine works when liver has sufficient glucose and is not stressed by adrenaline. Combined T4+T3 formulations (Armour thyroid, Novotiral) superior to levothyroxine alone for stress hormone patterns. Cannabis interferes with liver function; recovery requires adequate protein and nutrients (orange juice, eggs, milk, cheese, cooked mushrooms, occasional shellfish).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-19 original
Author explains that experimental hypothyroidism increases adrenaline (which raises heart rate) despite lower T3 normally decreasing heart rate, citing a study on sympathetic and adrenal activation in hypothyroidism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-19 original
Author discusses a study showing a CO₂-spraying sleep device improved sleep latency and quality, explains the mechanisms via the Bohr effect and increased oxygenation, and notes that Buteyko breathing and bag breathing offer safer alternatives to inhaling pure CO₂.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-20 original
The author quotes a patient testimonial saying desiccated thyroid (NDT) resolved hair loss, fatigue and other symptoms after years on levothyroxine. He explains that NDT contains T3 and T4, claims people who fail on levothyroxine cannot make enough T3, and says synthetic T3/T4 combinations usually work as well as NDT when dosed properly.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-21 original
Single markers in isolation—including basal temperature, heart rate, cholesterol, prolactin, TSH, thyroid hormones, and symptoms—cannot reliably diagnose hypothyroidism. Exception: low T3 is sufficient for diagnosis. Embedded quote references further detail.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-21 own thread
lowmegatron quotes a case report in which a woman with subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH 7.02, free T4 1.06) and hyperpigmentation improved after levothyroxine. He adds that estrogen is another possible cause and that any benefit from levothyroxine depends on conversion to T3. The quoted parent discusses thyroid antibodies, estrogen and melasma.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-21 original
Mucopolysaccharides accumulate in tissue when T3 is low, causing tissue bloating and edema in hypothyroidism. Symptoms include nasal congestion, voice changes, carpal tunnel, joint issues. Shows before/after photos of women treated with NDT (which contains both T3 and T4), contrasting with levothyroxine (T4 only). Embedded quote promotes NDT video course and community.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-22 original
Patient testimonial contrasting levothyroxine (T4) alone with NDT (natural desiccated thyroid) containing T3; claims NDT resolved depression, pain, and relationship dysfunction. Mechanism: insufficient T3 from T4 monotherapy; NDT provides T3 directly and improves conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-22 original
Critique of low-calorie, low-carbohydrate diet recommendations for hypothyroid patients: caloric restriction and low carbohydrate intake impair T4-to-T3 conversion, worsening hypothyroidism while requiring progressive caloric reduction. Five peer-reviewed studies cited showing calorie and carbohydrate effects on thyroid hormone metabolism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-22 original
Pregnenolone mechanism for reducing alcohol drinking in animals and stress-induced alcohol craving in humans: increases allopregnanolone (GABA modulator). Mechanism depends on T3 and cholesterol. Recommends three specific brands with sourcing caution due to impurity risks.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-24 original
Glucose metabolism is reduced in ADHD-related brain regions; hypothyroidism and thyroid hormone resistance impair brain glucose metabolism; TSH within normal range but elevated correlates with ADHD symptoms and reduced cognitive function in preschoolers; thyroid hormone supplementation restores glucose metabolism in brain regions affected by hypothyroidism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-24 original
Substantive explanation of hypothyroidism's role in insulin resistance and depression through effects on thyroid hormone T3, cortisol suppression, GluT4 transporter production, and brain glucose metabolism; cites multiple studies on thyroid-insulin-depression mechanisms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-25 original
H. pylori lowers stomach acid impairing levothyroxine absorption; eradication lowers TSH and increases thyroid hormone levels, sometimes excessively. High TSH on high levothyroxine doses may indicate H. pylori or malabsorption. Embedded post on vitamin C's role in H. pylori prevention and treatment efficacy.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-25 original
Comprehensive safety review of prescribed T3 (liothyronine) finding no risk from proper medical use; meta-analysis shows 30% lower mortality with T3 vs. T4. Side effects only reported in unsupervised use or pharmacy errors. No increased risk of atrial fibrillation, heart failure, or stroke. Cites systematic review study; notes T3 safety requires proper dosing and monitoring.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-25 original
TRH increases blood pressure, resting pulse, and prolactin, which can lower testosterone and progesterone. TRH rises when thyroid hormones are low and stimulates TSH. When the thyroid does not adequately respond, TRH remains elevated. The embedded quoted post describes a patient's experience with T3 supplementation improving sleep quality and reducing nocturnal symptoms.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-26 original
Discusses how TSH of 4 may not indicate optimal thyroid hormone status, particularly T3. Levothyroxine monotherapy suppresses TSH while reducing T3 bioavailability in peripheral tissues. Natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) increases available T3 and reduces anxiety. Low T3 hyperactivates adrenals and increases adrenaline/noradrenaline, contributing to anxiety. T3 optimization (not just TSH optimization) is needed; high T3 also causes anxiety.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-26 original
Fasting lowers thyroid hormone (T3) while also lowering TSH, causing a differential response in thyroid axis. Standard testing with only T4 and TSH during fasting/calorie restriction gives incorrect clinical impression because T3 conversion drops and TSH/T3 relationship reverses from the assumed pattern. Meta-analysis of 15 studies shows significant reductions in FT3 and total T3, moderate TSH decrease, and no significant FT4 change during fasting.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-26 original
Author presents study findings on TSH vs T3 dynamics in levothyroxine-treated hypothyroid patients, arguing TSH normalization does not reliably indicate T3 normalization, and that routine T3 measurement should be considered despite clinical guideline omissions.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-28 original
Author argues depression is a state of low brain energy caused by insufficient T3, not diagnosis stress; low T3 impairs glucose oxidation, and T3 augmentation of SSRIs shows antidepressant effects correlated with brain bioenergetic normalization.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-28 original
Thyroid hormone, particularly T3, is a primary regulator of blood cholesterol. Elevated cholesterol often indicates hypothyroidism. T3 therapy produces greater cholesterol reduction (13% LDL, 11% total cholesterol, 18% apolipoprotein B) compared to T4 alone at equivalent TSH suppression, and also reduces body weight via increased metabolic rate.
Source summary and thread relationship - @jamesbondwisdom · 2026-08-29 original
The author claims aggressive caloric restriction causes telogen effluvium 2-4 months later, through drops in leptin, T3 and IGF-1 and inadequate protein. They advise a deficit of no more than 500-700 calories, at least 1.2g/kg protein, weekly refeeds, and iron and zinc supplementation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-01 original
Thyroid hormones regulate ferritin synthesis independent of iron stores; thyroid status affects multiple iron-related biomarkers including ferritin, hemoglobin, transferrin, and TIBC. Reticulocyte hemoglobin may help distinguish thyroid-driven ferritin changes from iron deficiency.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-02 original
Short sleep (1.5 hours below habitual for 6 weeks) lowered TSH in women without changing FT4. Embedded quote discusses effects of 6-hour sleep on insulin sensitivity and sleep deprivation effects across multiple studies, with review of sleep's role in metabolic health.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-02 original
Patient medical notes from 12–13 year levothyroxine user who switched to NDT 120 mg and reported resolution of dry skin, constipation, brain fog, fatigue, cold intolerance, and pain. Post explains NDT contains both T4 and T3 while levothyroxine is T4 only; NDT is prescription with standardized hormone levels, unlike unregulated over-the-counter products.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-02 original
Thyroid hormones play roles in anxiety, depression, and psychosis, yet psychiatric patients often lack thyroid testing. Post discusses case with multiple psychiatrists prescribing psychiatric drugs without thyroid screening. Notes Cymbalta lowers T4 by average 20%; 42% of patients had ≥30% T4 drop; TSH-only screening would miss this effect. Cites postpartum psychosis link to autoimmune thyroid disease (nearly 4× higher, 3× higher clinical dysfunction).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-03 original
Coffee increases T2 (thyroid hormone metabolite) with pro-metabolic effects. Animal studies show T2 reverses liver damage and insulin resistance. Human study finds T2 levels associated with coffee metabolites, suggesting coffee naturally increases T2. Author cautions that T2 reduces thyroid hormones via pituitary feedback; high doses unclear if safe due to T3 suppression and potential cardiac hypertrophy in animals.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-03 original
Levothyroxine monotherapy maintains normal TSH but produces elevated T4:T3 ratio, potentially leaving metabolic impairment unaddressed; combined T4/T3 therapy or desiccated thyroid produce higher T3 and lower T4 ratios. Embedded quote describes personal experience switching from levothyroxine to NDT with symptom improvement.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-03 original
Hospitalized heart failure patients with low T3 have higher mortality; two trials show T3 supplementation improves cardiac performance metrics including stroke volume, ejection fraction, and walking distance while lowering cardiac stress markers. Embedded quote discusses thyroid hormone control of cardiac function and stress-induced suppression of T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-07 original
Weight loss resistance occurs when extreme calorie deficit suppresses thyroid hormone conversion and resting metabolic rate. Low energy availability abruptly reduces T3 and fT3, and increases fT4 and rT3 at specific thresholds. Increasing energy availability restores thyroid function and can reverse athletic amenorrhea without reducing exercise. Embedded post by lowmegatron discusses thyroid hormone's role in insulin sensitivity and depression.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-09-08 original
Iodine deficiency caused by shift from iodized table salt to sea salt and Himalayan salt; iodine essential for thyroid T3/T4 production and metabolic function; historical public health success of iodization in 1924 reversed by recent salt trends; recommendations for iodized salt or kelp supplementation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-08 original
Hypothyroidism causes nasal congestion through mucous gland enlargement and tissue edema. Quoted account (lowmegatron) explains the mechanism: T3 is required to break down mucopolysaccharides; when T3 is low, these accumulate causing tissue swelling, nasal congestion, voice changes, carpal tunnel syndrome, and joint issues. NDT USP (desiccated thyroid containing T3) differs from levothyroxine (T4 only).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-09 original
Broda Barnes' method of assessing thyroid status via basal temperature, symptoms, and response to desiccated thyroid accounts for hormone conversion and resistance in ways levothyroxine plus blood tests cannot. These markers often reveal insufficient thyroid hormone activity better than blood tests, though blood tests should not be ignored. Distinguishes between thyroid gland function and thyroid hormone status.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-09 original
Aloe vera juice lowers thyroid antibodies (TPOAb) but also lowers free T3 and increases FT4:FT3 ratio, suggesting reduced thyroid hormone conversion. Very limited human data; one case report of a woman with low thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) that normalized upon stopping aloe vera juice, and a thyroid nodule that shrank when discontinued. Recommendation: monitor free thyroid hormones closely if using aloe vera juice. Embedded quoted account provides tips for optimizing thyroid hormone conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-09 original
Hypothyroidism lowers pregnenolone and downstream steroid hormones (DHEA, testosterone, estrogen) with implications for mood, mental illness, reproduction, libido, dementia risk, substance abuse, aging, appearance, and muscle mass. StAR protein shuttles cholesterol into mitochondria to make pregnenolone; thyroid hormone T3 regulates StAR. Study shows serum ADIOLS, ADIOL, DHEAS, DHEA, and pregnenolone sulfate are decreased in hypothyroidism. Embedded quoted account lists hormones derived from pregnenolone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-09 original
With hypothyroidism, the 'calories in calories out' model must account for T3 effects on resting metabolism. Lower T3 activity reduces 'calories out' (metabolic rate). Insufficient available calories further reduces T4 to T3 conversion. Before applying CICO model, verify T3 optimization via blood test and confirm T3 reaches cells via basal temperature. Embedded quoted account details how severe caloric restriction causes drops in T3 and metabolic adaptation; T3 repletion reverses hypometabolism and restores metabolic rate.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-10 original
Hypothyroidism increases homocysteine; thyroid hormone replacement lowers it. While most homocysteine-lowering interventions show minimal cardiovascular benefit, Broda Barnes' thyroid therapy method reportedly achieved significant heart attack and stroke reductions. Both Barnes and Kountz cautioned against initiating therapy at high doses in cardiac patients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-10 original
Hypothyroidism leads to estrogen dominance partly through suppressed progesterone and pregnenolone. Thyroidectomy in animals causes progesterone and pregnenolone levels to drop due to reduced mitochondrial respiration needed for pregnenolone synthesis. Deficiency of active T3 thyroid hormone is the mechanism. Low basal temperature may indicate low T3 despite normal thyroid blood markers.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-11 original
Broda Barnes' claim that 40% of population is hypothyroid cannot be supported by standard definition (thyroid gland failure to release sufficient hormone) or current blood testing. However, since hypothyroid symptoms primarily result from insufficient thyroid hormone stimulation in cells and tissues, standard blood levels and gland function represent only part of the clinical picture.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-11 own thread
lowmegatron says low thyroid hormone activity with a healthy gland and normal blood tests can stem from poor cellular uptake, conversion problems, or thyroid hormone resistance. He notes Mark Starr's term "type II hypothyroidism" and says the percent affected is hard to determine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-11 own thread
lowmegatron says Barnes treated patients with NDT, which he says gets around many conversion issues because it contains some T3. He says Barnes diagnosed based on basal temperature, signs and symptoms, and response to an NDT trial. The author claims basal temperature reflects cellular thyroid hormone activity and can reveal what blood tests miss.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-11 original
Thyroid hormones and TSH fluctuate throughout the day with circadian rhythm; testing at consistent times improves result reliability. FT3 shows delayed circadian rhythm parallel to TSH, suggesting thyroid-derived T3 contribution.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-11 original
Caloric restriction and fasting reduce tissue uptake of thyroid hormones, with T4 transport more affected than T3. This tissue-level effect may underestimate problems during stress. Embedded quote expands on multiple causes of tissue-level hypothyroidism beyond blood tests.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-11 original
TSH shows pronounced circadian rhythm: highest at 7am, lowest at 1pm (women) or 2pm (men), then rises at 4pm. Same patient can appear normal or hyperthyroid depending on sampling time. Embedded quote critiques blood-based thyroid testing and contrasts with historical symptom-based diagnosis methods.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-12 original
Minimal post sharing quoted phrase 'T3 signals abundance' attributed to user sluttysuzy420, with embedded quote to another user (BerbarianWizard) that contains only a URL.
Source summary and thread relationship - @jamesbondwisdom · 2026-09-12 original
jamesbondwisdom claims thyroid dysfunction, both hypo- and hyperthyroidism, causes diffuse hair loss that is reversible once corrected, and that dermatologists rarely check it. It says T3 controls anagen duration. It argues that TSH alone misses subclinical dysfunction, recommends a full panel (TSH, free T3, free T4, TPO and TG antibodies), and asserts an optimal TSH of 1.0-2.0.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-13 original
Artificial sweeteners from anti-sugar messaging may cause thyroid issues; aspartame alters pituitary-thyroid axis and disrupts thyroid follicular structure, reducing hormone production; sucralose downregulates thyroid axis in rodents, lowering TPO enzyme, TSH, and T3/T4.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-13 own thread
lowmegatron quotes a rat study, 'Type of sweet flavour carrier affects thyroid axis activity in male rats'. It reports that, compared with sucrose, sucralose lowered TPO activity, T4 and T3. In the non-sweet diet, DIO1 was lowest and rT3 highest, indicating altered peripheral thyroid hormone metabolism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-14 original
Night blindness can signal thyroid hormone insufficiency; thyroid hormone resistance reduces electrical signal in light-sensing rods; strong natural light triggers thyroid hormone conversion in the eye.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-15 original
Historical account of Chinese thyroid treatment in 652 AD using seaweed and thyroid gland-containing animal parts ('yeh'). Notes iodine deficiency as historical context. Embedded quote discusses Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT) formulations, T4/T3 ratios, mechanism, and brand comparisons.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-15 original
Animal experimental studies showing magnesium depletion lowers T4 and increases thyroid weight in rats. Magnesium supplementation partially corrects TSH and T3 reductions in diabetic untreated animals. Cites two PMIDs from experimental animal research.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-15 original
General health optimization guidance recommending 'basic' nutrient coverage before exotic interventions. Lists common deficient micronutrients: magnesium, potassium, selenium, vitamins D, C, E, K1/2, thiamine. Advises testing and dietary sources before supplementation. Cites foundational lifestyle: sunlight, sleep, walking. Embedded quote discusses interventions that lower thyroid antibodies.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-16 original
Ray Peat and Ivor H. Mills (Professor of Medicine, Cambridge) both documented individuals with metabolic efficiency who maintain body weight on very low calorie intakes (600-700 kcal/day), and conversely some with high metabolic rates who fail to gain weight on 3500 kcal/day. Effect attributed to thyroid hormone influence on metabolism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-16 original
Case presentation of 39-year-old woman with nasal congestion, throat tightness, swollen eyes, and persistent flu-like symptoms for months, plus cold intolerance, constipation, weight gain. Diagnosed with hypothyroidism and treated with levothyroxine 150 mcg. All symptoms resolved by 12 weeks. Embedded quoted post explains mechanism: thyroid hormone receptors in nasal mucosa cause edema and inflammation when thyroid hormone is low.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-16 original
Ray Peat recommended oysters for hormonal health due to zinc and selenium content. Zinc replenishment normalizes T3 thyroid hormone and lowers reverse T3 in zinc-deficient individuals. Selenium supports thyroid hormone conversion and reduces thyroid antibodies. Some people find thyroid hormones work better when incorporating oysters. Study citation provided on zinc role in thyroid metabolism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-16 original
Hypothyroidism should be considered in differential diagnosis of upper airway obstruction, asthma, sleep apnea, allergic rhinitis, and urticaria/angioedema. Hypothyroidism called 'The Great Pretender' for ability to mimic many diseases. T3 thyroid hormone has central role in energy production; when energy drops, symptoms appear. Allergic-type symptoms downstream of thyroid issues are common and often overlooked. Embedded quoted post references case of 40-year chronic nasal congestion resolved with thyroid hormone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-17 original
T3 thyroid hormone suppresses HSV-1 (cold sore virus) replication by inhibiting viral gene expression; hypothyroidism results in increased viral replication and reactivation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-18 own thread
lowmegatron quotes a study saying Mg-deficient rats had lower weight gain, lower plasma T4 and Mg, and a relatively heavier thyroid gland.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-18 original
Hypothyroidism causes poor circulation partly due to cold extremities. Correcting thyroid hormone levels improves circulation. T3 restores euthyroid state and normalizes peripheral vascular resistance. Citation provided showing 46% of resistance changes explained by T3.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-18 own thread
lowmegatron quotes a study (PMID 29540811) reporting that T3, T4, fT3 and fT4 were decreased in a chronic stress group. The authors of the quoted study interpret this as thyroid dysfunction induced by long-term combined stress.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-18 own thread
lowmegatron reports a randomized trial in hypothyroid women in which yoga was followed by T3 up 17%, T4 up 7% and TSH down 26%. He also quotes a review saying four studies indicated yoga improved hypothyroidism by lowering TSH and levothyroxine doses and raising T3 and T4. The quoted context is a Ray Peat quote that stress hormones lower thyroid hormone conversion, so TSH alone cannot diagnose.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-19 original
Author reports anecdote of European individual desiccating sheep thyroid for his wife due to inability to obtain T3 or NDT through medical channels; contextualizes within quoted post about FDA intent to ban NDT and explains NDT composition.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-19 original
Optimal thyroid hormone production requires adequate caloric and carbohydrate intake; repost of quoted account citing starvation increases reverse T3, carbohydrate restriction lowers T3, exercise while starved worsens thyroid suppression, with PMID citations.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-19 original
Lowering TSH can unblock nasal congestion by reducing mucopolysaccharide production in turbinates and subcutaneous tissue; treatment of hypothyroidism resolves nasal obstruction; quoted post details NOSE and PNIF measurements showing 100% congestion relief in 1 month and 11-21% airflow improvement; PMID cited.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-21 original
Progesterone increases expression of genes the thyroid uses for iodine uptake, hormone synthesis and growth. This effect is progesterone-receptor-dependent. Evidence shows free T4 increases and TSH tends lower during progesterone treatment in women.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-22 original
Type II Hypothyroidism describes hypothyroid symptoms despite normal lab thyroid levels, reflecting insufficient tissue-level thyroid hormone activity; basal body temperature assessment combined with labs and symptoms provides more reliable thyroid sufficiency evaluation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-22 own thread
lowmegatron says anxiety and depression are associated with a later chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosis, and that high serotonin in a brain region promotes anxiety and fear in rodents. The quoted earlier post from the same author claims chronic fatigue syndrome is often hypothyroidism, citing a quoted study of lower free T3 and a T3-to-rT3 shift in CFS patients. The post's own text does not make that thyroid claim.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-23 original
Urinary T3 concentrations differ between levothyroxine and NDT (natural desiccated thyroid); NDT restores urinary T3 to healthy levels and reduces hypothyroid symptoms 2.5-6.5× more than levothyroxine. Shares quoted research on symptom comparisons and NDT dosing protocols.
Source summary and thread relationship