I've suffered with palpitations for a number of years - worse if I drink more than one coffee a day, and worse just before a period. I did go through a stage recently where I didn't have them at all which was bliss, but they seem to have come back since taking NDT. Sometimes they are quite persistent and thumpy!
I have recently had my thyroid checked, and I'm probably overmedicated (TSH 0.01 (0.35 - 4.5), FT4 18.7 (11.0 - 24.0), FT3 7.6 (3.9 - 6.8) so have cut down from 2 grains to 1.5. I did have the shakes slightly, but this seems to be easing now I've reduced. I have always had quite low blood pressure, and pulse - which hasn't changed since starting NDT. Today it is 114/59 and pulse 51 bpm. Pretty typical for me, although I'm sure this is too low!
I take NDT sublingually, and was wondering if this would make the palpitations worse - should I switch to just swallowing it, see if that helps? I have an appointment with my doctor on the 21st, so I'll ask him his opinion then (although I'm self treating, so I'm not sure what his reaction will be, I sense a good telling off coming my way!)
Does anybody happen to know if exercise is safe, with palpitations? I have upped the amount of exercise since feeling better, and I don't really notice them when my heart rate is increased.
Any advice much appreciated!
Written by
sip1
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
If you're worried about your palpitations, you can ask your GP for an ECG. I have lots of tests and I have no detectable heart problems. Palpitations can be due to either over or under treatment. Your pulse is very low and I would have thought be increased on NDT. I don't think NDT is made to be taken sublingually and this is an excerpt:-
The consensus? The active ingredients in thyroid medication have molecules that are so large that it is difficult for them to pass through the mucous membranes. Most of the dissolved/crushed medication ends up swallowed, and moves through the digestive system in the usual way. Other factors also affect sublingual absorption, including oral pH, and salivary enzymes.
I think your blood tests look fine. I believe the blood tests were introduced for levothyroxine only and NDT contains T3 so I think your T3 will be slightly higher. Before the blood tests came in patients taking NDT were treated according to symptoms alone and medicated thus.
I would have expected my bp to have raised too - in fact, I thought (hoped) my low pulse and blood pressure was because of my underactive thyroid. Perhaps it will just take time to improve? I'll have been taking it 9 weeks on Thursday, so presumably still early days.
I'll see how it goes on 1.5. If I start to feel under medicated I'll go back up to 1 3/4 and see how that feels I suppose. I'm guessing there's a point where it all needs a bit of fine tuning!?
Never thought of it like that. I just assumed it was being absorbed as it should be - esp as my results show an improvement from my original ones 9 weeks ago?
I don't know if I'd come under athletic though... I swim 3 times a week, 60 mins each time (approx. 78 lengths) and cycle down and back, (10 mins each way), run twice a week and walk the dogs most days. I don't think this is athletic enough!
It is to me I would like to be able to do just one of your activities .lol. Don,t be too hard on yourself. If you remember I started NDT just after you and things are not going as I would of liked but I just lowered it again and taking it at a slower pace.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Increased Heart Rate with NDT
Tired and palpitations on T3 only. Advice please.
Started NDT but body temp decreasing?
