Not Sure Which Way To Go......

[artemesia3]

I wondered whether someone could give me some advice...

I have been down the T3 only route at the past, but -probably because I wasn't addressing adrenal issues at the same time- I suffered badly with joint pain and various other unpleasant symptoms- even at 75mcg.

My private endo suggested I try a combination of Naturethroid and T3 and I am currently on 1 grain NDT and 25mcg T3 and feeling quite a bit better. I am supporting my adrenals too.

My question is, I still have a way to go and don't know whether to increase the NDT or the T3 ? Has anyone any thoughts on this? Should my goal be to end up totally on one or the other? Or is a combination best? Very confused, but nervous of upsetting the applecart! Any advice much appreciated!

Sharon x

[shaws Administrator]

If you are improving in my view it doesn't matter whether you choose, both or NDT or T3.

The most important question is 'how you are feeling'. I took mine together once a day and it didn't rule my day by splitting doses and to keep remembering "did I take it? or not?. I was leading a normal life. At present I am on T3 alone as GP won't prescribe NDT but wouldT3 and I am also well on that too, thankfully.

The pros for NDT is that it replaces all the hormones we would naturally produce and, in my view, they wouldn't be produced if there wasn't a specific purpose for them by Mother Nature.

The main point is that the medication is for you to feel well and it is for a lifetime but some small adjustments may need to be made now and again. The aim is to recover your health and be stable.

I can understand you needing reassurance as we don't want to upset the applecart. I hope you find the solution for you.

[artemesia3 in reply to shaws]

Thanks Shaws. I guess that yes, I just wanted reassurance..

Perhaps as I currently obtain both by private prescription, I will try increasing the NDT first as your comment about Mother Nature does make perfect sense !

Would you say that ten days before each increase is long enough / too long to test a dose ? That is what I have done to date but am very impatient - as I guess we all are !

[shaws Administrator in reply to artemesia3]

I think, personally, that when you increase you should have a blood test every 6 weeks with an increase until you feel well. It's no good rushing then wondering what we did wrong. It's not so easy to start at beginning again. Once you are on a stable dose a blood test every year is usual. If you cannot afford a frequent blood test you have to go by how you are feeling. It's easy to drop down by say 25mcg if you begin to feel overstimulated. Excerpt:-

GOING UP WITH DOSAGES WAY TOO FAST. This was observed a few years ago: a doctor put his patient on desiccated thyroid. One grain, then 2 grains, 3 grains, 4 grains, 5 grains, then 6 grains. But the problem was that he did this within 4-5 weeks! OUCH. He started to find himself majorly overdosed with symptoms to match (high heart rate, sweating). He had to stop for a few weeks… then resume again at one grain and do it the right way–approx. 1/2 grain raise every two weeks, slowing down in the 2-3 grain area (and for some, slowing down on even lower amounts).

stopthethyroidmadness.com/m...

[artemesia3 in reply to shaws]

Thanks Shaws. That seems sensible advice, so I will increase NDT by 0.5 grain and stay there for two weeks to monitor any changes.

Thanks again for your advice.