Mind Boggling

Hi all, Can anyone answer a few Questions for me please as I am seeing my GP.Thursday and I want to be prepared. Firstly I know what is called the Famous Five.What I don't know is. What is Hypothyroidism is that under active, or Over active. Also what is NDT,Armour, and T3.???

[Marz]

Hypo is under and Hyper is over active.

NDT - is Natural Dessicated Thyroid - a natural form of hormones produced by the body - normally from pigs - the product used for almost a 100 years before the synthetic T4. NDT contains all the thyroid hormones - T4 - T3 - and others.

Armour is NDT.

T3 is the most ACTIVE thyroid hormone and needed in every one of the 10 trillion cells in your body. T4 produced by the thyroid circulates in the blood - and converts in the tissues into T3. The T4 tablet should convert into T3.

Hope all goes well with your GP....

[Hidden in reply to Marz]

Thank you Marz, That's helped me understand a bit more,though I've still got a lot more,I don't understand. I read these posts and try to pick up the basics. What does Hyperparathyroidism and TSH suppression mean. Could that be why I have Osteoporosis, and Artria Fibrillation ?

[Clutter in reply to Hidden]

Gemini, Hyperparathyroidism is nothing to do with the thyroid. Parathyroids are so called because of their proximity to the thyroid gland. Hyperparathyroidism means the parathyroid glands are overactive and overproducing parathyroid hormone(PTH) which causes high levels of calcium.

Suppressed TSH means TSH is under 0.04. This is common in hyperthyroid (overactive) patients and hypothyroid (underactive) patients on high doses of thyroid replacement.

Long term suppressed TSH can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Hyperthyroid (overactive) patients are at increased risk of atrial fibrillation but AF is less likely in hypothyroid (overactive) patients on suppressive doses of thyroid hormone replacement.

[Hidden in reply to Clutter]

Thank you Clutter,may have more questions I'm trying to understand what I can. Thanks

[Clutter in reply to Hidden]

Gemini, bring on the questions and we'll answer what we can.

There is info on hypothyroidism in this link thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[Hidden in reply to Clutter]

You may regret saying that Clutter.lol So is NDT better for you than Levothyroxine?

[Clutter in reply to Hidden]

Gemini, it suits some people, but not all, better than Levothyroxine. It is rarely prescribed on the NHS because it isn't licensed for use in the UK.

I was very ill on Levothyroxine only but I'm doing okay on Levothyroxine and Liothyronine (T3).

[Hidden in reply to Clutter]

When is the best time to take my Levothyroxine. At the moment I take it then have my cereal,a nurse in the Hospetal told me to take it like that. Would you agree

[Clutter in reply to Hidden]

Gemini, take it on an empy stomach with a full glass of water an hour before, or two hours after, food and drink, two hours away from other medication and supplements and 4 hours away from vitD3, calcium, iron and oestrogen.

It's a matter of personal preference whether you take it in the morning or at night time.

[Hidden in reply to Clutter]

I take Lansoprazole half an hour before I get up, because I take Asprin. So what your saying is I can't take it on top of that.?

[Clutter in reply to Hidden]

Gemini, Best to wait 2 hours. Levothyroxine can be taken at anytime of the day to work around other meds.

[Hidden in reply to Clutter]

So just tell me if I've got this right. I take my Lanzoprazole half hour before food,then usually I have cereal and cup tea then take all my other meds around 9-00am. So are you saying if I have no food or drink I can take my Levothyroxine by about 11-00am. Then I can have my lunch at 12-00. Have I got that right. Told you you would regret saying that.lol. Only Joking Clutter I really do appreciate your help. I know I sound stupid but I'm also a worrier so I like to get things right.

[Clutter in reply to Hidden]

Gemini, yup you've got it, Levothyroxine at 11.00 two hours after meds and an hour before lunch

You don't sound stupid to me. You sound like a sensible woman who wants to make sure she's taking her meds to ensure maximum absorption and effect.

[Hidden in reply to Clutter]

Thank you very much Clutter I really appreciate your patience with me all day .Now I'll leave you alone. God Bless x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Right Cluter, I'm going to see my GP Thursday,so could you tell me what blood test I should be asking for.I know the famouse five,is there anything else.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Right Cluter, I'm going to see my GP Thursday,so could you tell me what blood test I should be asking for.I know the famouse five,is there anything else.

[humanbean]

NDT (natural dessicated thyroid) is a common generic name for thyroid treatment which comes from animal thyroids (usually pig, but could be cow I think).

There are several brand names for NDT. Armour is one of several. There is a list here :

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

There are more NDT brands listed here :

stopthethyroidmadness.com/a...