when and how to take NDT?: Has anyone noticed a... - Thyroid UK

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when and how to take NDT?

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Has anyone noticed a difference between taking NDT once a day, as compared to twice daily, or even several times daily...? I am asking because I have read so many conflicting advice...some say it's better to take it all in the morning, others say you should take it at bedtime, while some claim you should spread it out throughout the day...therefore, I'd really appreciate any advice from those of you on NDT and doing well on it, as to when and how to take it...thanks in advance!!!

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17 Replies

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Anthea558 years ago

It may be a personal thing, so see what works for you.

I take half a grain when I wake, with breakfast an hour later. I take another half grain mid morning and again mid afternoon.

Because NDT contains T3 I avoid taking it late in the day as I would expect it to keep me awake, but I haven't tried it.

Avidreader• in reply toAnthea557 years ago

I take 1 grain x 3 a day

8am

1pm

6pm

It never keeps me awake !

The trouble I have is it’s all at meal times & you’re spouses to take I hour away from food . Tea coffee ! Anyone got ideas ? I’m having to eat at 4pm or 7pm not ideal as a family

Clutter8 years ago

thecat346,

The graph in the link below shows how T3 peaks in once, twice and 4-5 times daily dosing. Physiologically it may be better to split into 2-3 doses. tiredthyroid.com/blog/2015/...

TupennyRush8 years ago

When I started on ndt I took it in one hit first thing as per levo. I found that I was having a tiredness attack, not every day but some days, in the evening. My endo suggested splitting the dose so I now have 1 grain first thing and half/one grain around 3 ish (watching food and drink intake an hour either side - I am on alternate days dose changes). This was one of the last pieces of the jigsaw puzzle for me in terms of evening out my response.

But, everyone is different so give it a bash for a few weeks and see how you feel

Geniler8 years ago

I take 1 grain at 5am so it's on an empty stomach then 1/2 grain at 11am, an hour or so before lunch.

8 years ago

Thanks to all of you!!! It does indeed seem wiser to split T3 in several doses throughout the day (I take NDT). I remember reading somewhere that, unlike synthetic thyroid meds, NDT does not have to be taken on an empty stomach...? Has anyone noticed if that is indeed true, or if it's better to take NDT on an empty stomach...?

Clutter• in reply to8 years ago

thecat246,

ALL thyroid meds should be taken with water on an empty stomach because it will bind with the proteins in food and drink which will reduce absorption and uptake.

8 years ago

There is one other thing I have been wondering in this context...Thyroid-S contains Eudragit, a sustained release substance. However, I don't know how this would affect absorption of active ingredients...?

helvellaAdministrator• in reply to8 years ago

We discussed this three months ago.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Eudragit make numerous products - not just sustained release products.

• in reply tohelvella8 years ago

Yes, I guess we'll never find out about Thyroid-S for sure...I am tempted to give Armour another try...I like Thyroid-S, but don't like the fact that nobody knows for sure exactly what it contains.

Panda_268 years ago

I recently decided to change to once a day early morning . I used to take 1 grain first thing and 1 at around 2 pm . I've for years struggled to sleep and so thought I'd give one dose a try . I'm sleeping much better and wonder if this has helped , it's possible so sticking with it for now !

• in reply toPanda_268 years ago

Interesting, that just goes to show that we are all different...!

8 years ago

Hi I take one dose at 6.00 am breakfast at 7and a smaller dose before sleep. I do a very physical job and I seem okay on this (so far). With my work it is incredibly hard to avoid food before/after meds...I cannot just eat exactly when I need too so it's better for me to dose once early morning and then the smaller dose before I sleep..no problems with sleep. By the way I am on a comparatively small dose of NDT compared with some which is why I have learnt not to compare myself to others but to go by how I feel and how I cope with life day to day.

faith638 years ago

once a day saturate the cells and works best..according to Dr. John Lowe, who did extensive study on t3 containing meds and hypo fibromyalgia patients.

EmmaFrost266 years ago

Does anyone take NDT and t3? I'm taking one grain NDT and 20mcg of t3. I was going to increase my NDT to a grain and a half but had an episode of increased heart rate and blood pressure yesterday and wasn't sure about increasing. But my free t4 results where low so thought I should increase the NDT. I also take 10mcg of the t3 at 7am as a CT3M dose. So wasn't sure if my cortisol being high from that could be causing the symptoms or maybe my cortisol still being low could be causing the symptoms.....

GardenerSue5 years ago

I was advised by the private GP I’ve been seeing that NDT should be taken on an empty stomach to ensure best absorption. Must admit though that it is a nuisance as she also said not to take it later than about 13:00. Presumably because it might keep me awake? I’m glad that it mentions leaving and hour after taking before eating as I’d read 2 somewhere! I take my first dose on rising and the second at 12:00 to 12:30 allowing me to eat some lunch later.

helvellaAdministrator• in reply toGardenerSue5 years ago

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