What's the Difference Between Liothyronine and Levothyroxine?

Have you recently been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid gland? This condition is known as hypothyroidism. Some common symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, mood changes, and decreased appetite. The good news is that there are many pharmacological solutions available if you hope to lead an everyday life. 

Two standard options are known as Liothyronine and Levothyroxine. Although these scientific names might seem to be similar at first glance, they are pretty different. Let's, therefore, compare these two substances to get a better idea of how each one is used when treating an underactive thyroid. 

Levothyroxine at a Glance

In the United States, Levothyroxine is marketed under Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, and Unithroid. Levothyroxine is primarily used to increase levels of a hormone produced by your thyroid known as T4. 

As a lack of T4 will often lead to hypothyroidism (and other conditions such as goiter), your doctor may recommend taking only this medication to see if the levels stabilize. The theory is that T4 will be converted into another hormone known as T3. T3 affects various metabolic functions throughout the body. In other words, Levothyroxine is used to supplement T4 within your thyroid in the hopes that it will be transformed into T3, thus reducing the symptoms of hypothyroidism.  

Liothyronine and its Uses

On the other hand, you might be required to take Liothyronine (sold under the brand names Cytomel and Triostat in the United States). Liothyronine works in a slightly different manner. In this case, Liothyronine is purely synthetic, while Levothyroxine can sometimes be obtained from natural sources. Another point to mention is that Liothyronine provides your body with an alternative source of T3 (remember that Levothyroxine is concerned with T4). Why is this important?

As mentioned previously, the thyroid produces both T4 and T3 hormones. When functioning correctly, T4 is automatically converted into T3. The problem here is that an underactive thyroid may not be able to accomplish this task. This is why doctors will sometimes prescribe Liothyronine and Levothyroxine in conjunction. It is also thought that this combination may be able to provide a better balance of both chemicals. 

Other Times When a Combination May be Needed

There can be other instances when a combination is warranted. This is often recommended to patients experiencing long-term hypothyroidism symptoms, and Levothyroxine does not seem to be working on its own. In this case, Liothyronine could also be prescribed so that the mutual effects produce more noticeable results. 

Although the technical aspects of these medications can be a bit confusing, the main takeaway point is that both are used to treat the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. You can click here to learn more about Liothyronine tablets, order them, or perform additional online research. Above all, consult with your physician or a thyroid specialist if you wish to discover the options at your disposal. The chances are high that you will soon be able to enjoy a normal lifestyle.