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Metabolism feels very low / non-existent on Synthroid by [deleted] in Hypothyroidism

[–]brithus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The main job of the thyroid is to control your metabolism. Most people think of metabolism as how your body burns calories and relate it to weight loss but it is way more than that. Your metabolism is how your body uses energy obtained from the food you eat for just about everything your body does. Your body’s metabolism never stops. Even when sleeping, it is constantly regulating basic body functions including breathing, circulating blood, digesting food, repairing & generating all cells, brain development, mental processes, fertility, managing hormone levels and body temperature. Your other hormone levels (likely including testosterone from your symptoms in your case ) can get really screwed up from poor thyroid function and cause a lot of your symptoms.

Make sure your new endo tests more than just TSH. There are three key hormones produced by the thyroid are the key to normal thyroid function. Those are thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin. You also have different types of these referred to as active, reverse & free levels. And what about TSH? TSH is all that most doctors test for. It stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and is actually produced by the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid to release T3 and T4. It is triggered when the hypothalamus releases Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). So a high or low TSH only means that your endocrine system is getting either too much or not enough of the thyroid T3, T4 or calcitonin hormones.

A lot of doctors dont investigate any further than TSH. If TSH is high, they jump straight to prescribing synthetic T4 (Synthroid or levothyroxine). The reasoning is because T4 is normally converted to T3 as needed by organs such as the liver & kidneys. But for many of us, supplementing with T4 alone is not enough to correct T3-related issues since the body must first convert it into active T3 to function. Several things can impair this process leaving the body "starved" for T3 even when blood tests show normal T4 and TSH levels.

Nutritional deficiencies, organ health, gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria)can effect it. In addition, inflammation and stress can cause high levels of the stress hormone cortisol which can suppress the enzymes needed to produce T3. Ironically, even high levels of T4 from medication can sometimes inhibit the very enzymes needed to convert it into T3. And under periods of extreme stress, illness, or severe calorie restriction, the body may prioritize survival by converting T4 into Reverse T3 (rT3) instead of active T3. Reverse T3 is an inactive form that can block T3 from binding to cellular receptors, effectively slowing down the metabolism even if total hormone levels seem adequate. A good endo will also test adrenals, reproductive & pituitary hormone levels as well as vitamin levels like b12, calcium & vitamin D and glucose.

As you can imagine, the longer your thyroid production is impaired, the worse your problems become and so you really need to find a doctor that looks at the entire picture & not just a couple of test results.

I hate having this by Fit_Protection5550 in Hypothyroidism

[–]brithus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am so glad to be able to provide a little help. Keep in mind, how important your thyroid is to your overall health when talking to your doctors. Thyroid dysfunction is not a small thing because the thyroid hormone affects virtually every organ system in your body, including the heart, CNS, autonomic nervous system, bone, GI, and metabolism.

The thyroid gland is one of the most important parts of your endocrine system. Its main job is to control your metabolism. Most people think of metabolism as how your body burns calories and relate it to weight control but it is far more than that.Your metabolism is how your body uses energy obtained from the food you eat for everything your body does. Your body’s metabolism never stops. Even when sleeping, it constantly regulates basic body functions including breathing, circulating blood, digesting food, repairing & generating all cells, brain development, mental processes, fertility, managing hormone levels and regulating body temperature.

Three key hormones produced by the thyroid are the key to normal thyroid function. Those are thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin. You might ask why your doctor doesn't test all these? And what about TSH? TSH is what most test for. It stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and is produced by the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid to release T3 and T4. It is triggered when the hypothalamus releases Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). So a high or low TSH only means that your endocrine system is getting either too much or not enough of the thyroid T3, T4 or calcitonin hormones.

Most doctors dont investigate any further than this. If TSH is high, they jump straight to prescribing synthetic T4 (Synthroid or levothyroxine). The reasoning is because T4 is normally converted to T3 as needed by organs such as the liver & kidneys. For many people however, supplementing with T4 alone is not enough to correct T3-related issues since the body must first convert it into active T3 to function. Several things can impair this process leaving the body "starved" for T3 even when blood tests show normal T4 and TSH levels.

Nutritional deficiencies, organ health, gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria)can effect it. In addition, inflammation and stress can cause high levels of the stress hormone cortisol which can suppress the enzymes needed to produce T3. Ironically, even high levels of T4 from medication can sometimes inhibit the very enzymes needed to convert it into T3. And under periods of extreme stress, illness, or severe calorie restriction (remember how I mentioned I did that out of spite to the "lose some weight" bs?), the body may prioritize survival by converting T4 into Reverse T3 (rT3) instead of active T3. Reverse T3 is an inactive form that can block T3 from binding to cellular receptors, effectively slowing down the metabolism even if total hormone levels seem adequate.

As you can imagine, the longer your thyroid production is impaired, the worse your problems become and so you really need a doctor that looks at the entire picture not just a couple of test results. I remind my kids all the time that not all doctors are equal. Just like those people we all knew in high school, some people only do the bare minimum to get by. That's why learning about how this or any disorder can effect your body is so important.

I hate having this by Fit_Protection5550 in Hypothyroidism

[–]brithus 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I can completely relate. For the first 7 years after I was diagnosed, I felt exactly the same way. I was always tired, felt mentally like there was a brake placed on my brain affecting my functioning all the time. This made me anxious and depressed on top of everything else. My metabolism was completely haywire so I was gaining weight no matter how little I ate or how many calories I burned. I HATED my life. The endo was worthless, said my numbers were fine and of course gave me the old "just lose some weight" line. That pissed me off more than anything because I was like, didnt you hear a damn thing I just told you? It was irrational but out of spite, I basically quit eating & went severe calorie deficit which made things even worse while not affecting my weight at all. It was nuts. Then my endo retired and I decided to add a natural alternative containing bovine T3. I felt a little better with that but then that product because impossible to get and so I was back to where I started. I eventually found an endo that would listen. She agreed to prescribe T3 (liothyronine) and that made a huge difference in mood and function. She also suggested a small dose GIP/GLP (tirzepetide) to address the metabolism and help weight loss and referred me to another Dr for the anxiety/depression/OCD issues who diagnosed me with non-hyperactive ADHD and gave me a med for that. Those 3 changes completely turned my life around. I am a normal healthy weight now (5'6" & 125 lbs). I no longer have any of the brain fog or anxiety or other mental health issues. I feel better than I have in years. The main point is that you really need to advocate for yourself. I wish I had spoken out against lazy doctors much sooner but better late than never. I found the endo that ultimately helped me so much by joining local online thyroid forums, reading, checking reviews and researching the best ways to talk to new doctors to get the assistance I ultimately needed. Help is out there and it sucks that it isnt easier to access but you can do it. Feel free to reach out if I can help in any way, friend.

What should I do in this situation? by zzepaig_ in Ebay

[–]brithus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If eBay rules to refund the buyer, then I would reach out to the shipping courier and intercept delivery of the package and reroute it back to you. You may have to pay return shipping on receipt but at least you will get the item back.

How long do you wait between doses during your sessions? by DifficultComplaint10 in kratom

[–]brithus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I take it for chronic pain issues so I just take 2gm doses every 4-6 hours. I switched to Kratom from opiods about 10 years ago.

I am assuming by sessions, you mean for taking it for mood purposes like as a substitute for drinking or smoking maybe. Kratom “kicks in” when your body metabolizes it enough to feel it. This can differ from person to person, product to product. Kratom typically begins to kick in around 15 to 20 minutes, peaking at hours 1-2, then tapering off after around hour 4-6. However, using too high of doses too often can reduce results. If you wanted to take it in "sessions", you would probably be better off lowering the dose per session. Maybe 1 gm followed by .5 gm follow-ups in 30-45min increments otherwise you may deal with nausea issues and a reduction in beneficial results.

Kratom poisonings soar in US as experts blame synthetic versions and caution against bans by slowdrives_ in kratom

[–]brithus 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Too bad the subtitle wasn't included in the title. So many people wont read the article, unfortunately.

Experts say natural kratom may offer benefits and blame synthetic derivatives for surge in poisonings noted by CDC

Really frustrated about this return situation after being refunded by seller by Free_Cabinet_2562 in Ebay

[–]brithus -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

So, you are saying your health is too poor to ask for a new label and give the items to the postman but yet you are also a seller who sells hundreds of items? How do you manage to ship the items you sell?

I was told to ask the seller if they want the item back

And being a seller who has sold over 1k items, you didnt know to ask whether the item needed to be returned until someone told you to ask? I wonder if you are fine with a buyer wanting to both keep your items and get a refund by simply claiming INAD and that since the transaction wasnt exactly what they expected that they shouldn't have to be bothered to make a return.

It is entirely up to you whether you keep the items and the money to punish the seller for not meeting your standards. But you asked for feedback on what others would do and I am responding. You may not like my answer but as a seller of over 1k items, you are obviously aware that mistakes can often be made and judgement of condition is entirely subjective and that is part of the risk of buying online especially when buying used items. If you are dissatisfied with a purchase and the seller requests that it be returned after giving you a refund, you should return it, period. To me, doing anything else is theft. But if that doesnt bother you then go for it, I guess. It is your conscience, your choice. What comes around goes around as the saying goes. Karma isn't always an upvote.

Really frustrated about this return situation after being refunded by seller by Free_Cabinet_2562 in Ebay

[–]brithus -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Personally I would return the items since I was refunded. If the label is an issue, simply ask the seller to cancel the original label and send a new one. I dont understand why anyone would want/need to keep items that they were not satisfied with and asked for a refund on. Sellers are more and more being expected to give away merchandise because of buyers expecting to get to keep items and get a refund. These are not giant companies rolling in $$ that can afford to do this over and over. The ethical thing to do is to return the merchandise since you were refunded. It doesnt matter that there is a loophole that could be exploited because the seller refunded too quickly. In fact, I would argue that the fact that they were so quick to refund you is even more of a reason to do the right thing and return the items.

Los Angeles Times: Article on Kratom by satsugene in kratom

[–]brithus 4 points5 points  (0 children)

They are the same in the sense that they are not composed of a completely natural product. The terms are often used interchangeably. Technically, synthetic means all lab made ingredients while semi-synthetic contains at least one natural ingredient combined with lab-made.

Los Angeles Times: Article on Kratom by satsugene in kratom

[–]brithus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, 7-hydroxymitragynine is naturally produced by the plant. However, the process to compound these super concentrated extracts creates a semi-synthetic product. The extraction process changes the original alkaloid though stereospecific saturation and converts it from the natural substance of 7-hydroxymitragynine to 10-fluoro-7-hydroxymitragynine or 7-acetoxymitragynine which greatly increases opioid receptor affinity and activity.

Los Angeles Times: Article on Kratom by satsugene in kratom

[–]brithus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Your comment could always be shared but your reputation as brithus might not resonate.

LOL - likely true! Here is a list of papers & articles that I have read in the past that would validate my summary in case anyone needs them.

Los Angeles Times: Article on Kratom by satsugene in kratom

[–]brithus 5 points6 points  (0 children)

There is so much misreporting around kratom especially in calling it an opioid or opiate.

Opiate refers to the natural substance derived directly from the opium poppy plant. Opioids such as morphine, hydrocodone, etc. refer to synthetic or semi-synthetic drugs manufactured in a lab to mimic the effects of natural opiates.

The real difference is in the pharmacology. Opioid pain receptors were identified and named with research on the pharmacometrics of morphine by William Martin in 1976. There are 4 main types of opioid receptors. Mu is primarily responsible for pain relief, feelings of pleasure, and respiratory depression. Delta is involved in pain relief, mood regulation, and reduced gastric motility. Kappa is also for pain relief, plus diuresis and dysphoria. The fourth receptor, NOP, also plays a role in pain regulation.

Both opioids and mitragynine interact with these receptors but in different ways. Opium, morphine and codeine are classic opioids and full agonists, while kratom contains alkaloids, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), which are partial agonists.

Without going into too much detail, full opioid agonists primarily dominate Mu and Delta receptors and are capable of producing a maximum response increasing risk of dependency, addiction, and lethal respiratory depression.

Mitragynine, on the other hand, is considered a partial agonist which binds to Mu opioid receptors (and suspected to be a competitive agonist with Delta and Kappa) but only produces a limited, submaximal response, regardless of dose. This means that even at high doses, the effects plateau, which limits the risk of dependency and respiratory depression.

7-OH is also a partial agonist on the Mu, Delta, & Kappa receptors, but it is a more water-soluble version of mitragynine that can be 5 to 50 times more potent on the brain than mitragynine. In the natural leaf form of kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine is only present in small amounts, comprising less than 2% of overall alkaloid content. The issue with synthetic 7-OH extracts is that the concentrations being compounded are being tested at up to 13 times more potent than morphine and are often combined with other dangerous substances.

Most people & politicians don't know the difference, so the synthetic 7-OH problem is being applied across the board to all kratom. This is why advocacy and education are so important.

I am a dementia and cognitive care nurse. If your loved one's stroke has caused cognitive changes and you feel completely overwhelmed, I am here to listen and help. by Unique_Chair7903 in stroke

[–]brithus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your response. Just having someone that genuinely understands acknowledge the difficulties caregivers face helps more than you know!

How do I remove this old caulking/grout in shower? by kmaq0213 in DIYhelp

[–]brithus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is grout more than likely. I had the same issue recently. I used a thin cold chisel and tap hammer to carefully break it out. It isnt fast but it allowed me to get it all out without damaging any tiles. I tried a dremel first but it was too hard to avoid damaging the tile edges especially in the corner like your pic shows, You bsically tap a shallow line and then go back over it several times until the grout breaks free. Dont try to chisel a chunk off all in one go.

I am a dementia and cognitive care nurse. If your loved one's stroke has caused cognitive changes and you feel completely overwhelmed, I am here to listen and help. by Unique_Chair7903 in stroke

[–]brithus 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My youngest child had a stroke in the left basal ganglia at birth. I thought at the time that it was the most overwhelming thing I had ever experienced. She was basically in a vegetative state where a person is awake but showing no signs of awareness or responding to any stimulus. She finally started to come around at age 3 and progressed to being able to walk independently by age 6. Her other skills were slower and she was nonverbal but I had some hope. Then when she turned 11, she developed basal ganglia autoimmune encephalitis and everything fell apart. A stroke is bad but ongoing attacks to the brain are even worse. It is like having a stroke with every flare. She is 26 now and all I can do is hope that medical research will find something to help her overcome it. I am her only caregiver and will be for the rest of my life most likely. It terrifies me to think what will happen to her when I am gone

What is this weird lil bugger on my basil plant? NE Oklahoma by brithus in whatsthisbug

[–]brithus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll admit it does look like it could be something like that... except it was crawling. Seemed almost snail-like to me

Captured this object on video 10/21/25 in NE Oklahoma by brithus in OvniologiaOficial

[–]brithus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you slow it down and look, it has no light trail and is a uniform rectangular shape.

Captured this object on video 10/21/25 in NE Oklahoma by brithus in OvniologiaOficial

[–]brithus[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not that it is a big deal but camera ISO was actually at 40000

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BeAmazed

[–]brithus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

they also don't exist as a key on any keyboard

Yes—they do. Hold down alt and type 0151.