NDT Question

[ColinK]

Hi, I was on 100mcg Levo but switched over to NDT (Armour) about 7 weeks ago. I changed over in stages over a period of 4 weeks and noted that halfway through my sleeping pattern improved and the hard skin on my hands started to disappear. Now I’ve been free of Levo for a couple of weeks (just 1 grain NDT split twice throughout the day) I’m waking up again about 3 in the morning and hard skin on my hands is starting to come back. There have been some other improvements such as no constipation, headaches or dizzy spells.

I’m taking Vit D (maintenance dose) and B12 supplements as well (Jarrow 5000mcg, only 1 week in).

Still feel tired at times during the day and general lack of energy. Muscle ache in back of thighs and bone pain.

I’m wondering if I hit my sweet spot when taking half Levo, half NDT or is it just too early to tell?

[Jazzw]

It's more likely that you need more Armour now that the Levo has washed out. They say that 1 grain is equivalent to 100mcg of Levo, but I haven't found that to be quite right. Most people seem to need at least 2-3 grains (and I've seen some take as much as 7 grains) daily to feel well. Perhaps time to raise by half a grain?

[Clutter]

Thor1956, I agree with Jazz, you need to increase Armour by 1/2 grain. Manufacturers claim 1 grain is bioactively equivalent to 100mcg but it's probably overstated and closer to 75mcg.

[ColinK]

Jazzw and Clutter, many thanks for the replies, I have tried going up to 1.25 and 1.5 grains but then I'm awake more during the night. I've got a couple of days off work so I'll give it a go at 1.5 for at least 3 days and see what happens.

[Clutter in reply to ColinK]

Thor, make increases in 1/4 grain increments as 1/2 grain kept you awake or add 12.5mcg - 25mcg Levothyroxine to 1 grain as Gabkad suggests.

[gabkad]

Thor, there is 9 mcg of T3 in 1 grain of NDT. You may be, as you suspected, best off with adding back some T4. When you take 1.5 grains of NDT that's 13.5 mcg T3 and it may be what makes you jittery. You'll need to figure this one out for yourself unfortunately since everyone's experience is unique to themselves. And it takes time.

[ColinK]

Many thanks for the suggestion, I'll give it a go.

[Aurealis]

Have you tried changing the times of your doses, or the distribution between doses?

[ColinK]

Half first thing in the morning then just after midday to give me a boost into the afternoon.

[MaxiFrustrated]

Hello Thor

I am sleeping wonderfully well and take 2.5 grains of Thiroyd before bed, at least two hours after eating, in one go. The bonus is that it keeps me from late-night snacking too. Breakfast tastes so much better now!

[MaxiFrustrated in reply to MaxiFrustrated]

I should add that the energy boost I get through the day seems pretty even. And I've been on Thai Thiroyd 4.5 months. Perhaps give it a try?

[Jodypody]

I take 2.5 grains in the morning. I can't be bothered splitting the dose I'd rather have a morning boost. I struggle to sleep when my dose needs increasing and I get stressed and snappy too.

[ColinK]

Think I'll give the evening dose a go and see what happens.