New to this site, live in uk, been on levothyroxine for 21 years, currently having some vestibular migraine episodes and also just increased thyroxine, experiencing sensation as of heart racing (which it isn't actually) and after a blood pressure check (first in many years, used to be low side of normal) alarmed to find a high reading 170/82. So relooking at health in general, and want to try a natural thyroxine after reading up recently. Assuming I won't get it on prescription, where can I buy it in the UK and who advises on dosage? Is T3 good to add? Does anyone else have similar other problems (vestibular migraine) or know of links..presumably endocrine system?
Appreciate any helpful advice.
Thanks.
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Written by
Lindsay1995
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I'm sorry you still aren't feeling well after being on levothyroxine for 21years.
What you are enquiring about is Natural Dessicated Thyroid Hormones which are made from the thyroid glands of pigs or cows. The original replacement made in 1892 and which meant we survived instead of dying as people did previous to 1892.
It was prescribed in the UK up until around the late 50's when levothyroxine and the blood tests were first introduced and now NDT is not prescribed. Unfortunately, NDT is not licenced in the UK or many other European Countries but some members self-medicate. Doctors can prescribe on a 'named patient basis' but few will do so and that means members have to buy their own. There are a number of products available.
Members will respond to you privately as we cannot on the forum inform where to get NDT or other medications for thyroid hormones.
I have amended your post slightly.
If you are on 100mcg of levo, 1 grain (that is approx equal to 100mcg levo. It's easy to switch over, just replace 1 gr for 100mcg of levo. Every 2 weeks you can increase slightly (I did 1/4 tablet at a time (approx 25mcg levo).
Before you begin I would ask for a full thyroid hormone blood test which is TSH, T4, T3 plus Free T3 and Free T4. GP may not request but lab also may refuse if TSH is in range. The majority only do T4. Also ask for a Vitamin B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate if you've not had one recently
Any they don't do you can get done by a recommended lab in Thyroiduk,org,uk.
The blood test should be the earliest possible and don't eat before it but you can drink water. Allow approx 24 hours between your last dose of levo and the test and take it afterwards.
This will give you a starting point if you do decide to switch. Another method is to add some T3 (liothyronine to T4) which members have found helpful too. Some Endos will add T3 to T4 and some wont.
Post your results with the ranges and members will respond.
Thank you. I will request a more detailed test and get a print out of previous results. I think I've managed ok on Levo and am only just starting to consider if I will feel better on NDT and if there is a link between vertigo/migraine episodes and hypothyroidism. I will post results and value feedback. Thanks. L
You could look at various websites to look for links with migraine etc: Thyroid UK,Thyroid Patient Advocacy and in US : Stop The Thyroid Madness,Hypothyroid Mum and others.
Hi, thank you for this information. Please advise how I get private messages as I've not knowingly received any..I do want to try NDT. Would you recommend self prescribing or is it better to use a private practioner to advise on dosages etc?
Put up a new post headed 'Where do I get NDT, please' and in the post itself. Please send a private message where I can get NDT. Thanks.
The members will respond to you by Private Message. If you wish to send a Private Message to someone, just click on their name and it takes you to a new page. Your message is private between you and the other person (or persons if you want to include more than 1 member).
It depends on whether you are using a small screen like a phone or a large one like a PC or Mac.
Either the bell will change colour or if you click on the menu under your profile you will see ✉ Messages - and an coloured mark by it. Click on whatever you see and wait a little while as the message(s) appear.
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