NDT and tiredness: Hi all. Wondering when the... - Thyroid UK

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NDT and tiredness

Olsbird profile image
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Hi all. Wondering when the tiredness starts to go with ndt. I'm increasing the dose gradually (only at 3/4 grain) but I'm still soooooooo tired. Is the answer only goes when you're optimally medicated? Tiredness was how I came to get diagnosed with under active thyroid so it's not new to me but no patience left in me to wait to get better 😥

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Olsbird
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greygoose profile image
greygoose

Well, I'm afraid you're going to have to find the patience, because there's nothing you can do about it. If you try to increase too quickly, it will just back-fire on you, and you might have to start all over again.

Yes, the tiredness gradually goes as you increase the dose. You're still on a tiny dose, and your FT3 is probably still very low. And it's low T3 that causes the symptoms.

Having said that, have you had your vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin tested? Because if they are not optimal, the NDT will not 'work'. Plus, low nutrients will also make you tired - especially low iron - and cause symptoms of their own. So, best to get those tested. :)

Olsbird profile image
Olsbird in reply to greygoose

I had low ferritin and vit d and have been supplementing for nearly 3 months. Due a test again in a couple of weeks but it should have improved (i hope 😁). I guess I need to find a reserve of patience from somewhere but it's so tedious to have to siesta every day. Do you know how it works greygoose - meaning do the more critical bits have first dibs on available t3 or does the lower dose go everywhere in reduced bits till you get to the right dose?

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Olsbird

The more critical bits do get the first dibs. lol It depends how long you've been hypo - and we've often been hypo a lot longer than we think!

When we start to go hypo, and there's not enough T3 to go round all the cells, the body shuts down some receptors on the less critical bits, so that bits like the brain and the heart can continue to work optimally. The longer you're hypo/the less T3 there is, the more receptors are closed down. Your body has to know that there is a continual supply of adequate T3 to start reopening those receptors. So, some bits are obviously at the bottom of the pecking order, and have to wait their turn. However, if you try to increase the amount of T3 too quickly, you will shock and stress the body, and have to go down again in dose. So, really not worth it in the end.

Olsbird profile image
Olsbird in reply to greygoose

Thx. Very helpful. X

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Olsbird

:)

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