Changing medication myself

[sidholme]

I am fed up with seeing my doc with hypothyroidism symptoms and the doc saying to stay on the tyroxine even though I have all the symptoms still (been on it for 9 years). I have decided to gradually lower my dose of tyroxine and take natural dessicated thyroid which I am going to buy myself. Think wise or mad?

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum Sidholme.

A major reason why people remain symptomatic on Levothyroxine is that their doctors keep them undermedicated. If you post your recent results with the ranges (figures in brackets after results) members will advise whether you are optimally medicated.

Levothyroxine doesn't work for everyone, even when dose is right, and many members self medicate with T3 or NDT, so I don't think you'll be told you are mad

Members can guide you how to transition if you also say how much Levothyroxine you are taking.

[Hypoguy]

Many people have taken their treatment into their own hands, but that makes me nervous. T3 is powerful stuff, and you want to make sure you do things in a way that is slow and safe. There are guidelines to follow.

I am currently trying a mix of Levoxyl and NDT (per my doctor) and all I can say is that it hasn't been the miracle that the internet would have you believe. I've had continuing issues – especially with weight and fluid retention – and I am not yet at a place where I know if it's been a good choice.

I think I sabotaged my own treatment a few times by switching doses too soon, or changing things up without the doctor's approval. You have to learn to be super patient with this disorder, which is hard when you feel so unwell.

[jacrjacr]

I agree with the above comments....take it slow and be patient.....also make sure you are testing free t3 and ft4 because you want to monitor yourself because too much is just as bad as too little...and sometimes symptoms are from underlining common problems with thyroid patients such as low d3, low b12, low iron ferritin, low magnesium, low omega 3,deficiencies , leaky gut or out of balance hormones etc......everything is intertwined so thyroid hormone is not the magic bullet if anything else is off and the only way to know is to test.....even if you have to order your own blood test online.....

[Ritaritarita]

I agree. I self medicate, tho my thyroid is suppressed,or almost, I feel fine. The itching stopped the coughing stopped, you name it ... It stopped. No paplpations now. Tho I must stay away. From stress. That will knock me for 6 every time. I take NDT. Doctors are idiots well most, have not found one who I trust. My biopsy was a night mare, nodule calcified.....they had to do it twice, still they do t know. Nope I will treat myself and I refuse to have them cut my throat open when if you are are on the right, and enough meds. Life become different. I lost 2 dress sizes in the year. I was a size 18. I bought a top that was a size 12, think it was a fluke. But I can fit in all my old clothes again. It took a year. And I don't have a moon face anymore. DO IT. You will be supported here. There is a protocol in taking NDT and one of these clever gals will tell you. Good luck hon. X x x

[Yvostick in reply to Ritaritarita]

I have read several comments about self medicating - please explain - even though I have been treated for an under active thyroid for 10 years, I have only just started to explore more support than the Dr is giving me. I too lost weight over 16 months after changing my diet, almost got back to my pre diagnosis size, then my blood results showed my dose was too high, cut by 50% and back up almost 2 dress sizes in 2 months