NDT dosing

[Jodypody]

Does anybody find they need to increase a little in winter?

[Hidden]

Yes, I normally take 5 grains of Erfa, but have had to raise it first to 5.5 grains daily and, more recently, to 6 grains. As soon as temperatures drop below 0 C, I seem to need a grain more.

[Ruthi]

You need more because you need to speed up your metabolism to keep warm. When hypo you feel (and are) cold because your metabolism is slower.

So when cold you need more to warm up. Simples! Dr Skinner told me that one years ago.

Its all confused by the fact that the hibernation mechanism is present in all mammals, but not entirely suppressed in some individuals - me for one. I have never found a good explanation of the biology of hibernation, but it seems that it is regulated by the amount of light affecting the pituitary gland - which of course also regulates the thyroid via TSH.

The treatment for SAD (which is basically an attempt at hibernation) is light therapy. I use a combination of dawn simulation (the Lumie daylight clock) to reset the body clock daily, and direct light therapy (a light box, or more recently a Valkee ear light). If I didn't I would be under the duvet all winter.

I can FEEL the longer days already. November -December are my worst months. By mid February I'll be waking up!

[Hidden in reply to Ruthi]

Ruthi

I benefited from a SAD light before a Hashi diagnosis.

I have read studies on people living in subarctic conditions where the free T3 levels lower and actually correlate to the mean outdoor temperature of the preceding month( and when it is darker). This could mean that not only are T3 levels effected by the cold but also the amount of light one is exposed to.

There is a condition called Polar T3 Syndrome.

Flower

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/100...

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polar...

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Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

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[Ruthi in reply to Hidden]

Interesting, eh?

I wonder what time of year the set the T3 ranges?

I have never forgiven my ex for refusing to emigrate to Australia as a solution for my SAD!!! Mind you, there's lots I have never forgiven him for!

[Jodypody]

I'll give it a 1/4 increase then and see. Feel flat, typically constipated and cold nose at night especially