Would NDT help?

[strawberryflower]

I've been on levothyroxine for underactive thyroid for 2 years, alternating days on 100mg and 75mg. At first it made a huge difference, but I'm back to having see-sawing good days/bad days.

My weight has ballooned over the last 2 years, despite being more active than the pre-levo zombie years.

My latest bloods are:

TSH: 0.74 mU/L

Free T4 :. 14.9 pmol/

I have been diagnosed with Secondary ( Central) hypo, which makes matters more complicated. Is NDT good for SECONDARY hypo?

[Clutter]

Strawberryflower,

As you have secondary hypothyroidism TSH level can't be relied upon and should be ignored. Your GP should adjust dose according to FT4. You haven't included the FT4 range but if it is around 10-22 you are under medicated and your GP should raise Levothyroxine dose until FT4 is 19-22.

NDT is suitable for any type of hypothyroidism. It isn't licensed for UK use so it is unlikely your GP will prescribe it but you can buy it online and self medicate.

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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.

[strawberryflower in reply to Clutter]

Thank you for replying.

My free T4 is 14.9 range (10.0 - 19.8). So my levothyroxine should be increased to get it up to 19 ( top of the range, Herts and Essex trust?)

Apologies for the stupid questions, but trying to find advice on Secondary rather than Primary is quite difficult.

[Heloise in reply to strawberryflower]

I don't know if this will help but the website is great for any and all questions.

stopthethyroidmadness.com/t...

[strawberryflower in reply to Heloise]

Thank you.

[Clutter in reply to strawberryflower]

Strawberryflower,

Dose should be raised to target FT4 17.35-19.8.

Primary hypothyroidism is caused by failure of the thyroid gland usually due to autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's).

Secondary hypothyroidism is caused by pituitary dysfunction. The thyroid gland is usually healthy but without sufficient TSH to stimulate the gland insufficient T4 and T3 is produced.

patient.info/doctor/hypopit...

[strawberryflower in reply to Clutter]

Thank you. I am going to see my endo soon and will discuss this with him.

[strawberryflower]

Thank you for the list. I'll take it with me when I see my endo.

[strawberryflower]

That's useful to know, thank you.