Natural Meds

[Piper729]

This site talks a lot about thyroid meds but not many recommendations for natural dessicated thyroid meds Why?

[galathea]

I would recommend NDT every time, except it is nearly impossible to get from the doc, so a lot of people who take it have to self treat and self fund.

This site isn't really about self treating, as I see it, this site is more about getting everthing in order, vits, minerals, iron so that the synthetics have a chance to work. If the synthetics can be made to work then surely its better to get them to?

G x

[shaws Administrator]

Thyroiduk have information on their main site.

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

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

Those of us who are 'old hands' know full well that NDT suits so many people much better but it means that patients may have to buy their own as they cannot get a prescription and some just cannot afford to do so. Doctors can prescribe NDT 'on a named-person' person but again are reluctant.

GPs abide by the guidelines laid down by the British Thyroid Association who make False Statements about natural dessicated thyroid hormones and doctors are afraid to prescribe. Some doctors have been before the GMC because they prescribed NDT for their patients and some have lost their licences. The BTA are also insistent that the TSH must reach 10 before prescriptions are given. Thankfully some doctors are sympathetic and when TSH reaches around 5 will prescribe levo.

Thyroiduk guidelines state that no-one can post information of where to get prescription medication without a prescription as that could have serious consequences.

[wysewoman in reply to shaws]

As suggested above, I think its partly because getting NDT prescribed in the UK is problematic for many. Though it is relatively easy to buy it yourself.

There is an American ThyCa website with lots of NDT discussion on it - they can get it prescribed over there and many seem to think it's so much better than levo:

inspire.com/groups/thyca-th...

All the best,

Melissa

[Piper729]

Thank you. feel like Europe is ahead of the US in that that do ban harmful med sooner. So I was wondering if NDT is on the list of banned meds for any reason or if you all know some long-term affects that I should be aware of before discussing with my doctor.

I was curious because several weeks ago I found the website stopthethyroidmadness.com and it has changed my entire way of thinking. It basically talks about how NDT is preferred over meds like Levoxythrine or Synthroid because L & S basically cause a downward slope into a lot of other problems (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anxiety, aching joints) - all of which I've had since being on Synthroid and have been able to take care of with diet and natural supplements. The site also informs about being on the right vitamins & minerals (iron, selenium, B12, Vitamin D & C, etc.

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to Piper729]

It's not banned in the UK, just not licensed for general prescription, meaning that a GP or endo has to take responsibility for prescribing it. In many ways the UK is very backward in medical matters.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Piper729]

Yes, I have read STTM and it has lots of information and I think because levothyroxine is a synthetic product some of our bodies don't react so well to it, although it suits some.

I hated it as it made me feel so unwell even after being finally diagnosed. As NDT is made from animals thyroid gland it is more synergystic with our human bodies. Again, some don't like it either.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Piper729]

Before suggesting it to your doctor, I'd question whether "natural desiccated thyroid" is the best phrase to use. It is all too easily confused with unregulated, seemingly uncontrolled products made from thyroids.

I prefer the term "prescription desiccated thyroid medicine" - emphasises that it is a fully licensed product and not some indeterminate supplement. Avoids the "natural" word which is likely not to go down well. (E.g. natural antibiotic = mouldy bread. )

Desiccated thyroid is banned in France!

[Piper729 in reply to helvella]

Do you know why France banned it? Just want all the pros & cons before proceeding

[bech]

If you want to talk about natural desiccated thyroids, get onto Facebook and search for "FTPO". We'll perhaps see you there?

[helvella Administrator in reply to bech]

Please see my response to bech here:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...