Does anyone here in the UK take NDT (Natural De... - Thyroid UK

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Does anyone here in the UK take NDT (Natural Dessicated Thyroid - or Armour)?

Gillybean129 profile image
87 Replies

It seems that people have great success with this and look and feel better, they actually go back to their pre hypo weight. I know there's a slight cost implication and there used to be issues around quality and supply but I believe this is now resolved, I would like to try but feel my GP won't support me....

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Gillybean129
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PinkNinja profile image
PinkNinja

There are GPs that will support you. If the reason your GP won't support you is because of it being "unsafe" there has been a recent paper published determining that it is safe.

Some don't like to prescribe because it is unlicensed. They can prescribe on a named-patient basis but they have to take responsibility should anything go wrong. It might be that you need to find a different GP.

l am on NDT and feeling so much better but I'm not quite there yet. I feel I have other issues that might require addition of some T3 for a while. I have not lost the weight yet but I am feeling sooooo much better! For me, T3 is probably the missing link :)

Whatever you decide to do, do your research and go carefully! Hopefully it works for you too :)

Carolyn x

Gillybean129 profile image
Gillybean129 in reply to PinkNinja

Hi Carolyn, thanks for your response.

I am just looking into this carefully as I had an interesting conversation with my pharmacist yesterday, no one has ever had NDT from him which suggests the GP linked next door don't advocate it. I think I will have a battle. I do feel better on Levo (75mg now) and I have been going every 3 months rather than my GP's yearly recommendation as the last one I had the TSH was sky high. However if you're in 'the range' you're deemed fit no matter how bad you feel. I generally ache last thing at night (hobble in the morning and practically crawl up to bed) and never sleep well at all and my weight is more that I was pregnant, I've never weighed as much but eat less than ever.

I think I'd like to try NDT but have to put a case together and do some more research, after all we have this condition for life and I believe I have to 'self help' as the GP's aren't bothered!

PinkNinja profile image
PinkNinja in reply to Gillybean129

It may be that you're not yet on an adequate dose of levo. 75mcg is very low for most people. Most people feel best with their TSH below 1 (although not everyone) and T4 at the top of the range (again, this doesn't apply to everyone). It may be that you can convince your GP to increase your dose until this happens.

It may be that levo actually works well for you once you are on an adequate dose.

There has been recent research that suggests that TSH is not representative of correct thyroid hormone levels in hypothyroid patients. See Rod's blog from earlier this year.

thyroiduk.healthunlocked.co...

You will also find it difficult to feel totally well and lose weight if you have lower than optimal levels of any of the following;

iron

ferritin (stored iron, best level for most is 70-90)

folate

vitamin B12 (supplement with methylcobalamin if below 500)

vitamin D (involved in over 300 metabolic processes! Get out in that sun ;) )

I hope that helps you :)

Carolyn x

Gillybean129 profile image
Gillybean129 in reply to PinkNinja

Hi

I also take vitamin D (DLux spray) and magnesium (and sage for hot flushes after GP said try Isolflavines!!)

Can you tell me what bloods to ask for next time like iron etc what are the ones I need (sorry but I am quite new to this)

Thank you x

PinkNinja profile image
PinkNinja in reply to Gillybean129

The big 5 (listed above) are the main ones, along with TSH (limited use) and T4. You can ask for T3 but most won't do this.

:)

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply to PinkNinja

I wonder, Carolyn, if there is any info on this link that can help you (ie mistakes patients make).

stopthethyroidmadness.com/

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK

There was, a long time ago, a poll right here asking what medicine people were on:

thyroiduk.healthunlocked.co...

That might help to answer part of your question.

If anyone reads this post but has not voted or commented, it is never too late... :-)

Rod

Gillybean129 profile image
Gillybean129

Interesting.....glad I found this website :)

Jennas3 profile image
Jennas3 in reply to Gillybean129

natural desiccated doesn't work. I buy levothyroxin medicine here without a prescription at this licensed pharmacy by doing their easy online medical consultation reliablepharm.com

in reply to Jennas3

I've just taken a look at this link, it seems its a supplement made from beef liver with other added vitamins. So its not NDT (natural dessicated thyroid)which I believe is what others are talking about here. :-)

I switched to ndt last year. Tried several nhs gps and none would prescribe, even when i presented scientific papers. Eventually got an NHS endo to write to nhs gp to ask her to prescribe it and still she wouldn't.

I'm making progress on ndt. I also have adrenal insufficiency and levo is contraindicated with adrenal issues, so i'm just glad i had the sense to get myself off levo. Nhs would happily have kept me on a contraindicated med.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to

You will find that, for example, Armour, also has a warning about uncorrected adrenal cortical insufficiency:

Thyroid hormone preparations are generally contra-indicated in patients with diagnosed but as yet uncorrected adrenal cortical insufficiency, untreated thyrotoxicosis, and apparent hypersensitivity to any of their active or extraneous constituents.

frx.com/pi/armourthyroid_pi...

Rod

Clarebear profile image
Clarebear in reply to

Yes I agree that it's not just T4 contra-indicated in hypothyroidism but NDT and T3 too. If you have adrenal fatigue, it is better to sort this out first, as otherwise it is hard to tolerate any replacement thyroid hormones. However, if on T3 or NDT, there is at least the possibility of trying CT3M, which has really helped me :) xx

Blue2 profile image
Blue2 in reply to

What brand of ndt are you using Blue? And how did you get hold of it? My ignorant GP flatly refuses to do anything to help hypothyroid patients properly, and I am worried that my Mum, who has been on levo for some years, is becoming dangerously adrenal impaired. She recently had an episode that seemed almost like an Addison's crisis, but as she's 97 yrs old, the docs just can't wait for her to die. (Liverpool Care Pathway - withhold everything!) She is happy and enjoys life, so I don't see why she should be killed off. I know of a source in Mexico where you can purchase T3 (Cytomel) but nowhere where I can obtain Armour ndt.

I'd very much appreciate any help!

Irisblue x

Jeni-M profile image
Jeni-M in reply to Blue2

Hi, you could try online search engines, I always find what I want on there, good luck.

Glynisrose profile image
Glynisrose

There have never been any issues surrounding the quality of Armour. Doctors used to say that it was impossible to guarantee the effectiveness from batch to batch but this was a lie. In fact levothyroxine has been withdrawn more often for lack of quality than NDT in any of its forms!! I have still not lost the weight I gained on levothyroxine and don't think I ever will. Personally I think that levo is toxic and far from helping makes things worse.

vanessa2 profile image
vanessa2

Yes I am on Armour, but cannot get it from my GP, I have to buy it from the USA. When I was on Levothyroxine I suffered from 3 stone weight gain, pains in my arms so much that I could not dress myself, had to go for physio and brain fog along with many more problems. Since taking the Armour with the T3 in it I have lost the 3 stone have re-gained all movement in my arms and no longer have any pains anywhere in my body. And certainly do not have brain fog. I have quality of life again. But have to self medicate because get no support from the medical profession like so many of us in this country. Good luck.

starb69 profile image
starb69 in reply to vanessa2

Hi Vanessa, Can I ask where you buy your NDT from? I've scoured the internet as I cannot get it from my GP either and cannot find anywhere that I am able to buy it. Thanks.

Sammyd1984 profile image
Sammyd1984 in reply to starb69

Hi there I'm new to site and struggling with levothyroxine and was wondering did you find a site you can get amour off and is it working for you?

chromeyaya profile image
chromeyaya in reply to vanessa2

How do you know how much to take. Afraid to self medicate, am on 100mg levothyroxine for hypo. After pressing my doctor for more tests I have Hashimotos- but T4 & TSH still within range so no change on meds despite having all the symptoms of hypo. Very frustrated!

Sammyd1984 profile image
Sammyd1984 in reply to vanessa2

Hi there I gave just discovered this forum, having dreadful side effects on the levothyroxine and only on 25mg interested to try armour but live in uk can I ask where to get some please

Melwiggett profile image
Melwiggett in reply to vanessa2

Hi where do you buy your

Armour with the T3 In it ? Please

vanessa2 profile image
vanessa2 in reply to Melwiggett

I get mine on prescription, I have a brilliant gp. But if you look online it will tell you, it has

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Melwiggett

Armour is a desiccated thyroid product and, in common with ALL prescription-quality desiccated thyroid products, it has both T4 and T3 in it. They all contain very similar amounts of T4 and T3 on a per grain (or per milligram) basis.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/treatm...

ButterflyG profile image
ButterflyG in reply to vanessa2

Hi Vanessa2, could you share the website you buy it from? Thank you.

vanessa2 profile image
vanessa2 in reply to ButterflyG

Hi, I no longer have to buy my NDT as I get it on prescription. But when I did buy it I got it from Internationalpharmacy.Good Luck

vanessa2 profile image
vanessa2

[an on-line supplier] is where I buy mine from, I used to be able to pay in sterling but now have to pay in euro. But you just press the button and it is all converted for you. Good Luck.

Elliej64 profile image
Elliej64 in reply to vanessa2

Please can you message me where you buy your NDT from. Levo isn't working for me and feel so ill.

Rachaelplus5 profile image
Rachaelplus5 in reply to vanessa2

Hi Vanessa, can you give me a link for a company that will sell me NDT without prescription in the UK. I've had major arguments with my go and endo who won't prescribe it.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Rachaelplus5

Rachaelplus5,

It is very likely that your response on a three year old post will be missed. We usually suggest that you simply create a new post to ask your question.

For clarity, you cannot buy desiccated thyroid medicines in the UK without a prescription. You have to buy from abroad or get a prescription (obvious y the latter isn't going to happen for you).

vanessa2 profile image
vanessa2 in reply to Rachaelplus5

You cannot buy in the UK. It has to be bought from America.

humanbean profile image
humanbean in reply to vanessa2

Not totally true. Thailand has three different brands of NDT which can be bought on the internet without prescription, and generally they are vastly cheaper than the brands from the USA. Because of this, not surprisingly, they are very popular.

Switched in 2012 after realising i would never get support from nhs. Cheaper to buy online without prescription than with private script. The tabs are not expensive. The consult fee is.

Fluffyjules profile image
Fluffyjules

Could anyone advise on where I can buy armour from or how to find a UK doctor who will prescribe it? Thanks

in reply to Fluffyjules

Will send you a message in a couple of minutes for where I buy mine

tootle profile image
tootle in reply to

Could you send me a message on where to buy Armour, I'm having no luck on internet so far. Many thanks. Can't remember how to recieve pms can you tell me how to do it. Thanks again.

Glig profile image
Glig in reply to

I would be very grateful for the same information. My dr won't give me a prescription for NDt but he is willing to support me with blood tests. I have seen NDT on a big internet shopping org - but is this the same one as recommended by others? So hopeful to start - but now feeling the need for support to take the 'leap'. Bald, overweight tired, aches, constipated - got the lot!

Sharniist profile image
Sharniist in reply to Glig

Did she message you? Can you message me where to get it. I'm honestly at my wits end 

Melwiggett profile image
Melwiggett in reply to Sharniist

Did u get any joy sharniist ??

vwyness profile image
vwyness in reply to

Could you message me also as ive had nothing but trouble and I'll health on t4 only and want to try ndt. Pretty desperate at this point.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to vwyness

I strongly advise you to write a NEW post/question asking this - and giving a bit more information. Down here on a three-year-old thread, it is very likely to get missed.

in reply to

Hi all, can anyone send me a message of reliable source of armour or similar? Same problems as everyone getting it from NHS! Thanks

Sharniist profile image
Sharniist in reply to

Please please send anybody can you tell me where to buy ndt

braders profile image
braders in reply to

hi would you be able to send me the info were you buy it please and the dose to levo

Sharniist profile image
Sharniist in reply to Fluffyjules

Hi I know it's been a while but PLEASE can you send me where you buy your ndt from? I honestly do not even want to live anymore 😞😞😞😞

kategb9 profile image
kategb9

Hello,

I am from Liverpool and I am trying to find an endo that will prescribe NDT either NHS or private. Does anyone know of an endo in the North West that will consider prescribing it? Also, the paper that is referred to above declaring NDT safe, does anyone have a link to it?

Thanks

Kate

shirleyannmarie profile image
shirleyannmarie

I have been on levothyroxine for over 30 years and still feel no better!! Have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia but I'm sure that it's connected with my thyroid problems. Could someone on here please please PM me where I can buy ndt with t3 I feel like I'm slowly dying help please

in reply to shirleyannmarie

Hi Shirley- I was diagnosed with ME and I am also convinced it is thyroid related. Just in the process of trialling T3. Have you tried taking information from the thyroid uk website to your GP as evidence that Levo doesn't work for everyone in its own? Had to fight for the meds and had to go to a few GPs before I was granted it

Rick68 profile image
Rick68 in reply to shirleyannmarie

Have a look at Dr Jacob Tietelbaums website, he does indeed think that CFS / ME & Fibromyalgia are linked, and we all know that CFS / ME can be related to thyroid. Well worth a look. Good luck.

sarahwarren profile image
sarahwarren

I got my thyroid s from Thailand £40 for 1000 tablets feel brilliant only been on them 2 weeks x

DizzyD profile image
DizzyD in reply to sarahwarren

Hi Sarah I have been trying to source some NDT from Thailand with no success. I am getting quite desperate. Can you please send me a private message as to how to go about getting ndt from Thailand.

Much appreciated

Hug x j

braders profile image
braders in reply to sarahwarren

hi were about do you buy them also what dose do you take compared to levo

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply to braders

Braders,

This is a year old thread and will only be visible briefly on Newsfeed so won't be seen by the majority of members. Please write your own post including your recent thyroid results and ranges and how much Levothyroxine you take and members will advise how to transition from Levothyroxine to NDT. You can ask members to send you feedback where you can buy NDT via private messages.

braders profile image
braders in reply to Clutter

I have tried writing one don't know if its worked

Winegum2 profile image
Winegum2

Any info on different types of ndt and where to get it would be much appreciated. Thanks

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Winegum2

I strongly advise you to write a NEW post/question asking this - and giving a bit more information. Down here on a three-year-old thread, it is very likely to get missed.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK

What is the T4 and T3 content of this thyrovanz product?

Can you confirm it is cow only - no male cattle?

Starz_35 profile image
Starz_35

If anyone could pm me with the info on where to get NDT I would be grateful. Thank-you.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Starz_35

I strongly advise you to write a NEW post/question asking this - and giving a bit more information. Down here on a three-year-old thread, it is very likely to get missed.

Mariahlesley profile image
Mariahlesley

I would also be extremely grateful if someone could pm me where I could get NDT from please thank you! :)

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Mariahlesley

I strongly advise you to write a NEW post/question asking this - and giving a bit more information. Down here on a three-year-old thread, it is very likely to get missed.

Tandkai profile image
Tandkai

Can you please message me where to buy ndt and any information i would need. Thank you so much

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Tandkai

I strongly advise you to write a NEW post/question asking this - and giving a bit more information. Down here on a three-year-old thread, it is very likely to get missed.

Roshb123 profile image
Roshb123

Hi everyone, would someone mind messaging me where you buy your NDT armour from? I'm going to ask GP about it but doubt he will support my request so Im thinking of trying to buy it from a reputable supplier. Many thanks!

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Roshb123

I strongly advise you to write a NEW post/question asking this - and giving a bit more information. Down here on a three-year-old thread, it is very likely to get missed.

adrichan profile image
adrichan

Hi,

Would someone please PM me with online sources of NDT, thanks so much

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to adrichan

I strongly advise you to write a NEW post/question asking this - and giving a bit more information. Down here on a three-year-old thread, it is very likely to get missed.

MinDev profile image
MinDev

Hello, I would also be interested in information about a *reliable* online source of NDT. Please message me if you know of a reputable supplier. Thank you very much in advance

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to MinDev

I strongly advise you to write a NEW post/question asking this - and giving a bit more information. Down here on a three-year-old thread, it is very likely to get missed.

Lorna_89 profile image
Lorna_89

Please could someone PM me a reliable source where they purchase Armour from? Thank you :)

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Lorna_89

I strongly advise you to write a NEW post/question asking this - and giving a bit more information. Down here on a three-year-old thread, it is very likely to get missed.

cybil profile image
cybil

Please can people pm a reliable source of ndt to the uk, no luck with doctors really desperate to try NDT and see if its better for me .... thanks :)

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to cybil

I strongly advise you to write a NEW post/question asking this - and giving a bit more information. Down here on a three-year-old thread, it is very likely to get missed.

Yonnie61 profile image
Yonnie61

Could you please message me where I can get NDT online, thanks

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Yonnie61

I strongly advise you to write a NEW post/question asking this - and giving a bit more information. Down here on a three-year-old thread, it is very likely to get missed.

Sharniist profile image
Sharniist

Honestly at this point I said to my husband if it wasn't for him my children and the fact my dad has terminal cancer I would have taken my life. Diagnosed 3 years ago. Can't take it anymore. My doctors all pretend they've never heard of ndt so I just need to buy it. Please help me  let me know where to buy it? 

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Sharniist

I strongly advise you to write a NEW post/question asking this - and giving a bit more information. Down here on a three-year-old thread, it is very likely to get missed.

handbag99 profile image
handbag99

I am considering a trial switch to natural thyroxine-on levothyroxine 137mcg & feeling terrible.  I need to purchase without prescription and live in the UK, can anyone message me a reliable supplier please?

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to handbag99

I strongly advise you to write a NEW post/question asking this - and giving a bit more information. Down here on a three-year-old thread, it is very likely to get missed.

braders profile image
braders in reply to handbag99

hi did you try natural thyroid and if so did it work

Jetzzz profile image
Jetzzz

Please has anyone up to date info on alternative to levothyroxin. All the usual probs have led me to an all time low. How to obtain NDT ?

Any help welcome

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Jetzzz

I strongly advise you to write a NEW post/question asking this - and giving a bit more information. Down here on a three-year-old thread, it is very likely to get missed.

pagegirl profile image
pagegirl

Hello - can anyone recommend a brand of desiccated thyroid to buy online? Thank you!

Gillybean129 profile image
Gillybean129 in reply to pagegirl

I have just bought Thyroid -S from Amazon, everyone seems to like it, waiting for mine to come

This is a really old post!

pamelashep profile image
pamelashep

Yes I take it. But am thinking of changing as its so expensive. Pam

braders profile image
braders

im currently on 175 of levo been on it for about 2 years has not really made a difference I feel tired all the time some times so tired I feel like im going to faint all so have got high blood presser that I take tablets for but im only 23 was looking in to armor thyroid anyone else tried it in the uk

Clutter profile image
Clutter

This thread is now closed to replies.

If you want advice on buying NDT or transitioning from Levothyroxine to NDT please Write a post including recent thyroid results and ranges and Levothyroxine dose and request feedback where to source NDT to be sent to you via private messages.

The ability to reply to this post has been turned off.

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