Mrs. D, I started on cytomel a week ago. Please clarify for me your statement : "compounding pharmacy who will compound it into a sustained release form ", does it mean a pharmacy will prepare the formula for you? Does this require a special prescription from a doctor?
Thank you.

Yes, it would require a special prescription.

However, the way T3 works, it would only confer a small advantage. T3 is quickly absorbed into tissues. It is not protein bound and carried around for a longer time period like T4 is.

T4 is designed biologically thru evolution to be a "backup" and standby, as part of the biofeedback process.

Too much T3, will over stimulate tissues over time, and lead to side effects, like bone loss, and cardiac stimulation. Too much thyroid is a factor in osteoporosis.

A sustained release form of T3, would slow the absorption down a little each day. But it too is not perfect. I don't think any of our thyroid treatments are "perfect" yet.
http://www.drugs.com/pro/cytomel.html

Have you tried desicated natural thyroid hormone??

In my opinion, it is the best option out there...thats just my opinion.

Thank you MRs.D. I went to my local pharmacy, unfortunately, they do not do compounding.

My TSH has gone haywired. Never did my T3 has gone out of range, till recently even after the total thyroidectomy. I am not sure if this abnormality in my thyroid function is causing the flare ups of my neuropathy (if not the usual pain cannot be considered as flare-ups).

I am interested to know if the TSH, T3 and T4 are back to the normal levels, can I go back to just taking Synthroid without Cytomel? I am trying to minimize my medications to protect the liver/kidney.

Well, I would expect T3 to go away when you have the total gland removed. The thyroid makes it. And it does not get much into the blood when you convert it in the tissues.

From what I learned, it is formed right where it is needed only.

I have read that taking your pulse regularly with T3, and also your morning temperature may help reveal if your dose is too low or too high. Increased heart rate is one sign of too much.

Only special compounding pharmacies do this ...and maybe not even many of them, either. You have to find those either online, or call around locally.

This particular topic appears on the net. I'll send you a link to it, in PM.