Many people suffer from hypothyroid symptoms despite normal labs because thyroid hormone isn't acting inside cells.
Wilson’s T3 Protocol addresses this by temporarily resting the thyroid with supplemental T3 - resolving conversion issues on withdrawal. 🧵
T3 is the active thyroid hormone. It is what controls metabolism. T4 is only a precursor.
However, the gland releases mostly T4, which must be converted into T3 to have its effect.
Reverse T3 (rT3) is another product of T4. rT3 causes issues when it becomes elevated.
However, the gland releases mostly T4, which must be converted into T3 to have its effect.
Reverse T3 (rT3) is another product of T4. rT3 causes issues when it becomes elevated.
By resting the thyroid, T4 levels drop, and as T4 is the only precursor to rT3, that, too, is reduced, relieving hypothyroid symptoms not addressed by other treatments.
Most thyroid hormone is made from T4 in the cell, but stress inhibits T4 uptake. As the cells receive less T4, they have less ability to produce the active hormone T3. So, while bloods may look fine, cells are starving for thyroid hormone (T3).
The problems arise when the enzymatic conversion process favors more rT3 and less T3.
rT3 also inhibits the conversion of T4 to T3 - another factor limiting the thyroid hormone (T3) supply to the cells.
rT3 also inhibits the conversion of T4 to T3 - another factor limiting the thyroid hormone (T3) supply to the cells.
When more T4 is converted to rT3 instead of active T3, T3's stimulating effect is diminished, slowing metabolism and causing hypothyroid symptoms. The core issue is reduced thyroid hormone (T3) stimulating cells.
The rT3 to total T3 ratio is the only good lab marker of this problem. Dr Wilson reported higher ratios in people responding well to the protocol. Levels are higher still in sufferers taking supplemental T4. Body temperature is the primary marker used.
Common symptoms: Fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, depression, dry skin, hair loss, brain fog, constipation, muscle/joint pain, slow heart rate, menstrual issues.
Many with hypothyroid symptoms show normal thyroid lab results but have low body temperature due to insufficient T3 at the cellular level.
Low body temperature also alters thyroid hormone conversion enzymes, leading to less T3 and more rT.
Low body temperature also alters thyroid hormone conversion enzymes, leading to less T3 and more rT.
Cellular T3 insufficiency may start with stress, fasting, or inappropriate T4-only treatment of hypothyroidism. High rT3:T3 and low body temperature form a vicious cycle in which enzymes increasingly favor excess rT3 over T3 production, and T4 can't get into the cell.
The solution is to reduce rT3 by reducing its precursor, T4. This is done by briefly resting the thyroid gland output with supplemental slow-release T3. This raises body temperature, optimizing enzyme function.
Slow-release T3 is used methodically to achieve steady and optimal T3 levels, normalizing body temperature without side effects. Once a stable temperature is maintained without increasing the dose, T3 can be gradually reduced and withdrawn.
For some, the process may require multiple cycles. With each cycle, less T3 is needed, leading to greater improvements in temperature stability and relief from hypothyroid symptoms.
Normal temps and hormone levels should be sustained without medication, breaking the cycle. Note: This treatment is typically for those who are not strictly hypothyroid (with insufficient thyroid gland output). Hypothyroid patients sometimes require less medication afterward.
Psychological or physical stress may trigger a recurrence by altering enzymatic activity, which can persist in some people. The process can be repeated successfully to address it.
This is a simplified overview of the treatment outlined by Dr Denis Wilson, and it does not provide enough information to try it yourself. ❗T3 is potent, and it can cause serious harm if used incorrectly.❗ This post aims to spark curiosity and guide you toward proper resources - do not attempt this protocol based on this introduction alone!
Here are some other methods to improve thyroid hormone conversion.
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