Something happened in my Facebook group recently that made my blood boil, and I need to talk about it with you.

One of our members went to see an endocrinologist to ask about T3/T4 combination therapy, and do you know what they told her?

"Well, we can put you on T4 and T3, but it'll shorten your life."

My heart sank when I read this.

Because I know right now, there might be hundreds of you facing this seemingly impossible choice:

"Do you want to feel better, or do you want to live longer?"

Let me be crystal clear:

This is a false choice. It's a scare tactic, and quite frankly, it's medical gaslighting at its finest.

Here's what really makes me passionate about this topic:

The truth is, modern research using appropriate doses of T3 in combination with T4 shows no evidence of increased cardiovascular risks or shortened life expectancy.

In fact, being undertreated with T4 alone when your body needs T3 can actually lead to more health issues - including the very heart problems some doctors claim they're trying to prevent.

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Let's break this down:

1. The "dangerous T3" myth comes from outdated studies using extremely high doses - we're talking about a completely different treatment approach than what's used today.
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2. When some doctors keep pushing T4 doses higher and higher (because you're still symptomatic without enough T3 in your cells), those excess T4 levels can actually be more problematic long-term than a carefully balanced T3/T4 combination.
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3. If you're not converting T4 to T3 efficiently (as many of us don't), being undertreated can impact everything from your heart health to your quality of life.

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And here's something really exciting I want to share with you: Scientists are actually finding evidence that backs this up.

There's a fascinating research paper published in Frontiers in Endocrinology that breaks it down (and if you're a science geek like me, I'll link it below!).

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Here's the simple version of what they found:

• T4 medication alone doesn't always give our body tissues what they need, even when blood tests look "normal"
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• Some people's bodies just don't convert T4 to T3 very well (and yes, this might be you!)
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• The researchers are actually suggesting we need to move back toward combination treatment for many patients
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The bottom line?

The science is showing that what many of us have been feeling all along is real - sometimes T4 alone just isn't enough, and that's not just an opinion, it's backed by research.

​[Link for the science-curious: - Warning: this is pretty heavy reading!]​

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Here's what I want you to know:

If an endocrinologist tries to scare you with this "shorter life" narrative, understand that they might not be as up-to-date on thyroid treatment as you'd expect.

Many endocrinologists primarily specialize in diabetes and shockingly may not be deeply versed in current thyroid research and treatment options.

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Your Action Steps:

• Don't accept fear-based medicine. Ask for evidence when presented with scary claims.
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• If you're struggling with T4-only treatment, keep advocating for yourself to access T3.
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• Consider seeking a second opinion from a thyroid-knowledgeable doctor who stays current with research.
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• Remember: optimal treatment isn't just about lab numbers - it's about how you feel and function.

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The moral of this story?

Your health journey deserves to be guided by current evidence and understanding, not by outdated fears or misconceptions.

You shouldn't {and don’t} have to choose between quality of life and longevity - with proper treatment, you can have both.

Remember, you're not alone in this.

Our community is here to support you, share experiences, and help you navigate these challenging conversations with healthcare providers.

Sending you strength and clarity,
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P.S. Join the FREE Facebook Hypothyroid & Hashimotos Support Community here.

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PLEASE NOTE - I am NOT a Doctor or Medical Professional of any kind.​
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