Treatment FAQ

what is wilson's t3 treatment

by Helene O'Reilly Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Wilson’s T3 protocol is aimed at depleting T4 and RT3

Reverse triiodothyronine

Reverse triiodothyronine is an isomer of triiodothyronine. Reverse T₃ is the third-most common iodothyronine the thyroid gland releases into the bloodstream, of which 0.9% is rT₃; tetraiodothyronine constitutes 90% and T₃ is 9%. However, 95% of rT₃ in human blood is made els…

levels in the tissues of the body, for a time, hopefully allowing the converting enzyme to come back up to normal. This is accomplished by reducing TSH

Thyroid-stimulating hormone

Thyroid-stimulating hormone is a pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine, and then triiodothyronine which stimulates the metabolism of almost every tissue in the body. It is a glycoprotein hormone produced by thyrotrope cells in the anterior pituitary gland, which regulates the endocrine function of the thyroid. In 1916, Bennett M. Allen and Philip E. Smith found that the pituitary …

(Thyroid Stimulating Hormone). TSH is reduced by giving patients straight T3 directly.

Wilson recommends treatment of his syndrome with a specially prepared dosage of T3, a hormone used to treat actual hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels). This medication can give patients a boost much like caffeine does in the short term.Jun 18, 2020

Full Answer

Is T3 therapy effective for Wilson’s syndrome?

The T3 therapy advocated for “Wilson’s syndrome” has never been evaluated objectively in a properly designed scientific study. Furthermore, administration of T3 can produce abnormally high concentrations of T3 in the blood, subjecting patients to new symptoms and potentially harmful effects on the heart and bones.

What is the treatment for Wilson's disease?

Treatment then focuses on preventing copper from building up again. For severe liver damage, a liver transplant might be necessary. If you take medications for Wilson's disease, treatment is lifelong. Medications include: Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen).

What are the most common features of T3 therapy?

Another common feature of T3 therapy involves cycling the patient on and off T3 therapy. There’s something about weaning a patient off T3 and starting it again that often helps them break through periods of stagnation in their treatment progress (possibly by reducing resistance to T3 therapy).

What is the history of sustained release T3?

As a result of his findings, Dr. Wilson developed the WT3 protocol for Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome (now standard of care) and originated sustained release T3. He was the first doctor to use sustained-release T3.

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What is Wilson's T3 protocol?

Denis Wilson. The WT3 protocol involves the use of SR-T3 taken orally by the patient every 12 hours according to a cyclic dose schedule determined by patient response. The patient is then weaned once a body temperature of 98.6 degrees F has been maintained for 3 consecutive weeks.

What is T3 Sr?

Liothyronine (T3) Sustained Release Capsules T4 is the main hormone produced by the thyroid glands, with a smaller amount of T3 being produced. T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone found in the body and a majority of it is made through conversion of T4.

Can hormones cause low body temp?

When the body makes too much thyroid hormone, body temperature rises. With hypothyroidism, however, body temperature tends to decrease because of a deficiency in thyroid hormone.

Does Wilson's disease affect the thyroid?

Proponents of Wilson's syndrome believe it to be a mild form of thyroid hormone deficiency (hypothyroidism) that responds to treatment with a preparation of a thyroid hormone called triiodothyronine (T-3).

What are the side effects of T3?

Side EffectsAnxiety.arm, back, or jaw pain.blurred or double vision.chest pain or discomfort.chest tightness or heaviness.crying.decreased bone mineral density.decreased urine output.More items...•

Is T3 a steroid hormone?

Aldosterone and testosterone are all steroid hormones, and require a carrier protein. Triiodothyronine (T3) is a tyrosine derivative, and also requires a carrier.

Which two disorders occur when the thyroid does not properly regulate body temperature?

An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause a person to feel too hot, while an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause a person to feel too cold.

Can thyroid cause cold hands and feet?

People with hypothyroidism often report having cold hands or feet, although they may feel that their whole body is cold. These symptoms are not exclusive to hypothyroidism, however. Circulation problems or anemia can also cause people to feel chilly.

What is Wilson's temperature Syndrome?

Wilson's (temperature) syndrome, also called Wilson's thyroid syndrome or WTS, is a term used in alternative medicine to attribute various common and non-specific symptoms to abnormally low body temperature and impaired conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3), despite normal thyroid function tests. E.

What blood test shows Wilson's disease?

Tests and procedures used to diagnose Wilson's disease include: Blood and urine tests. Blood tests can monitor your liver function and check the level of a protein that binds copper in the blood (ceruloplasmin) and the level of copper in your blood.

Is Wilson's disease an endocrine disorder?

Wilson's disease is an inherited disorder of copper metabolism. The affected patients, who otherwise have a near normal life span, may often suffer from some potentially treatable and under recognized endocrine disorders that may hinder their quality of life.

What is Wilson's disease NHS?

Wilson disease is a rare inherited genetic disorder that occurs in about 1 in 30,000 people. In people with the disease, biliary excretion of copper is impaired leading to accumulation of copper in the liver, which causes toxicity.

What happens if T3 is not done properly?

If T3 therapy is not done properly, patients can waste a lot of time and money (on visits and medicine) without even knowing it . We use the term Wilson’s T3 Therapy (the WT3 protocol) to distinguish our protocol from other ways doctors give T3 medicine.

Does WT3 affect body temperature?

In many cases the symptoms of MED have been seen to be almost inseparably related to body temperature patterns. The WT3 protocol can often very effectively, predictably, reproducibly, and comfortably influence body temperature patterns.

Is WT3 a therapeutic protocol?

So the WT3 protocol can be useful as a symptomatic (addressing the symptoms) and/or a therapeutic (correcting the underlying problem) intervention for the symptoms of MED due to low body temperature patterns especially when due to Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome.

WTS Treatment

Sluggishness, poor concentration, assorted aches and pains—most of us experience these symptoms from time to time. If they persist or grow severe, we want a diagnosis quickly so we can find some relief. With thousands of accepted medical diagnoses, however, pinpointing the precise cause of our problems can be a challenge.

Liothyronine (T3) Treatment

The T3 medicine that is currently on the market (Cytomel) is instant release. But Dr. Wilson and other doctors prefer using T3 that has been mixed with a sustained-release agent for Wilson’s T3 therapy. This appears to be best accomplished by skilled and experienced pharmacists with specialized equipment.

What is Wilson's disease?

Wilson's disease also is associated with a type of cataract, called a sunflower cataract, that can be seen on an eye exam.

What tests can be done to diagnose Wilson's disease?

Genetic testing. A blood test can identify the genetic mutations that cause Wilson's disease. Knowing the mutations in your family allows doctors to screen siblings and begin treatment before symptoms arise.

Why is Wilson's disease so difficult to diagnose?

Diagnosing Wilson's disease can be challenging because its signs and symptoms are often hard to tell from those of other liver diseases, such as hepatitis. Also, symptoms can evolve over time. Behavioral changes that come on gradually can be especially hard to link to Wilson's.

What to ask for when making a Wilson's appointment?

When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet for blood tests. Make a list of: Your symptoms and when they began. Key personal information, including major stresses, other medical conditions you have and any family history of Wilson's disease.

Who developed the WT3 protocol?

As a result of his findings, Dr. Wilson developed the WT3 protocol for Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome (now standard of care) and originated sustained release T3. He was the first doctor to use sustained-release T3.

What is Wilson's temperature syndrome?

Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome ( WTS) consists of hypothyroid symptoms and low body temperature. WTS is consistent with inadequate thyroid stimulation of the cells even though the supply of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland or thyroid medicine is normal (TSH thyroid blood test is normal). It is typically brought on by stress ...

What percentage of patients with fibromyalgia have Wilson's temperature syndrome?

I have found a significant percentage of patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue (I’d estimate at 50% ) have Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome and respond dramatically to treatment.

Who was the first person to describe Wilson's temperature syndrome?

Denis Wilson, MD, described Wilson ‘s Temperature Syndrome in 1988 after observing people with symptoms of low thyroid and low body temperature, yet who had normal blood tests. He found that by normalizing their temperatures with T3 (without T4) their symptoms often remained improved even after the treatment was discontinued.

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When is it best to wean T3 from T4?

When a patient presents with a low body temperature and symptoms of low thyroid system function, in spite of being treated with a T4-containing medicine, and a therapeutic trial of T3 is contemplated, it is best to wean the T4-containing medicine before beginning the T3 therapy.

How long does it take for T3 to be depleted?

Thus, even though it is often hard for the patients to hold off chasing the temperature with T3 for the 10 days T4 and RT3 levels are being depleted, it’s important for them to know that by doing so, they can often be as far along in 3 weeks as they otherwise might be in six months if they don’t.

What is the name of the condition that causes low thyroid function?

Hypothyroidism is low thyroid gland function. But the symptoms of low thyroid system function are more commonly caused by Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome, not hypothyroidism.

How long does it take for T4 to go out of the system?

However, by weaning off the T4, while staying on the smallest dose possible of T3 (preferably none) for 10 days before chasing the temperature, the T4 and RT3 are given a chance to go out of the system, thereby depleting the T4/RT3 preponderance, and the competition against T3. Looking at the half-life of T4, this process is not complete within 10 days, but I feel it is sufficiently complete for therapy to be started (purists may want to wait 14 – 17 days or more).

What does T4 do when weaned?

Weaning T4 decreases the T4/RT3 preponderance that competes against T3 at the level of the receptors.

When to add T4 back?

When T4 supplementation is added back, it is best to try much lower levels first, before returning to the patient’s original level of T4 supplementation. For example, if a patient presented on .2 mg/day of T4, it would be good to add back only about .025 mg/day of T4 when you start weaning the T3 , and increase the T4 only as needed to support the temperature (especially if she has a history consistent with being pushed in the wrong direction).

How long does it take to cycle off T4?

And cycling on and off the medicine takes time (each cycle can take over a month). By weaning the T4-containing medicine first patients are often able to capture their temperatures on much lower dosages of T3, thereby saving them as much as six months worth of therapy.

What is Wilson's syndrome?

“Wilson’s syndrome” refers to the presence of common and nonspecific symptoms, relatively low body temperature, and normal levels of thyroid hormones in blood. Dr. E.

Where is T3 produced?

T3 is one of the two natural thyroid hormones. Normally, it is mainly produced in target tissues outside of the thyroid gland from metabolism of thyroxine (T4). This production of T3 from T4 occurs in a highly regulated manner.

How many symptoms are there of Wilson's syndrome?

The “Wilson’s syndrome” website lists 37 symptoms as well as “others” that can occur as part of the condition. All of these symptoms do cause suffering, distress, and functional disability in millions of people. Some of these symptoms can, in fact, be due to true hypothyroidism. In hypothyroid patients, they are typically responsive to thyroid hormone therapy. Other problems, such as asthma, are not associated with thyroid hormone deficiency. Many of these symptoms are present from time to time in virtually everyone. In addition to hypothyroidism, they may be due to a variety of illnesses or life circumstances. In other words, they are nonspecific.

Why is Wilson's syndrome named after himself?

The “Wilson’s syndrome” website states that Dr. Wilson named this concept after himself “because it had not been previously described.” In fact, for more than a century, the same set of symptoms has been given different names and attributed to a variety of causes by others, including the syndromes of neurasthenia, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, multiple chemical sensitivity, chronic Ebstein Barr disease, and chronic candidiasis.

How often does Wilson's syndrome occur?

Furthermore, the typical adult has one of the symptoms every 4 to 6 days, and more than 80% of the general population has one of these symptoms during any 2 to 4 week period. The advocates of “Wilson’s syndrome” view the cause, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of these symptoms very narrowly.

What is the average temperature of Wilson's syndrome?

JAMA 1992;268:1578-1580) measured oral temperature in 148 healthy persons. Average temperature varied throughout the day. At 8 AM, the average temperature was 97.6ºF with more than 50% of all the measurements less than 98.6ºF, and many less than 98.0ºF. This study concluded that “thirty-seven degrees centigrade (98.6ºF) should be abandoned as a concept relevant to clinical thermometry.”

Is T3 better than placebo?

Third, there is no scientific evidence that T3 therapy is better than a placebo would be for management of nonspecific symptoms, such as those that have been described as part of “Wilson’s syndrome,” in individuals with and normal thyroid hormone concentrations.

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What is Wilson's syndrome?

Originally “developed” by Denis Wilson, MD, this syndrome is a collection of vague symptoms (including fatigue, hair loss, and depression) that, according to Dr. Wilson, is the result of low body temperature and low thyroid hormone despite blood tests showing that a person’s thyroid levels are normal. The legitimacy of “Wilson’s syndrome” has been ...

What is the treatment for thyroid disease?

Dr. Wilson recommends treatment of his syndrome with a specially prepared dosage of T3, a hormone used to treat actual hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels).

Is Wilson's syndrome considered an unaccepted diagnosis?

The legitimacy of “Wilson’s syndrome” has been rejected and considered an unaccepted diagnosis by the American Thyroid Association (ATA) as well as by the large majority of physicians. Here are a few reasons why.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

  • Your doctor might recommend medications called chelating agents, which bind copper and then prompt your organs to release the copper into your bloodstream. The copper is then filtered by your kidneys and released into your urine. Treatment then focuses on preventing copper from building up again. For severe liver damage, a liver transplant might be...
See more on mayoclinic.org

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

  • If you have Wilson's disease, your doctor will likely recommend that you limit the amount of copper you consume in your diet. You might also want to have your tap water's copper levels tested if you have copper pipes in your home. And be sure to avoid multivitamins that contain copper. Foods that contain high amounts of copper include: 1. Liver 2. Shellfish 3. Mushrooms 4…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • You'll likely first see your family doctor or a general practitioner. You then might be referred to a doctor who specializes in the liver (hepatologist).
See more on mayoclinic.org

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