I have just read that chewing NDT does not have to be done on an empty stomach

[Everdean]

Therefore can anyone tell me how to adjust my 100mg of thyroxine per day to NDT. Do I have to do it gradually or just go by the actual equivalent of T4? Taking into the account that T3 will be included.

[RedApple Administrator]

If you are already settled on a dose of 100mcg T4, then it would not be unreasonable to start with 1 grain of NDT. Most of us find it best to split dose with NDT to even out the T3 'hit'. A typical regime would be half a grain first thing in the morning and the second half grain around mid afternoon.

[Hidden in reply to RedApple]

Do you avoid food and drink for 2 hours each time? Or isn't this an issue with NDT? (please say yes!)

[RedApple Administrator in reply to Hidden]

My personal regime is to take half my dose first thing, and not have my coffee (which I drink black, no sugar) for at least half an hour. Not being a breakfast person, I don't usually eat anything until lunchtime anyway. I try to leave at least two hours after lunch before I take my second dose, but I don't worry about how close to an afternoon cup of tea (black, no sugar) that turns out to be. However, if you're one that has milk in your coffee and tea, and cakes/biscuits or whatever with a mid-afternoon cuppa, then you might want to be more careful with the timing of these

Some people say you don't need to worry about food and drink when on NDT. I don't agree with this, as I'm sure absorption of the T4 content at least would be affected just the same way as with levo. But everyone has their own ideas and preferences on this.

Probably the most important aspect is to be consistent, so that your dose is tailored for your own regime. If for example, not taking it on an empty stomach, or taking it at the same time as your milky coffee means you need a higher dose, well maybe that doesn't matter. Chopping and changing what you do from one day to the next is probably not a good idea though

[Hidden in reply to RedApple]

thank you for the thoughtful response.

[Everdean]

Thank you so much redapple. That info. is most helpful.