Levo to NDT switch—early experiences

[hypoash]

I stopped the Levothyroxine cold turkey two days ago, replacing 125 mcg with 2 grains of NDT—taking 1 grain first thing and the other mid-afternoon, chewing as recommended.

I've been in a good deal of pain and suspect withdrawal symptoms from the Levothyroxine. It's odd that while taking the drug my leg pain seemed to be around the calf muscles and ankle joints but since stopping, the pain has shifted up to the hamstrings. My temperature was down to 35.3 last night and 35.8 on waking today.

This morning I decided to take the two grains together to see if that works any better for me today.

Does this sound normal?

[Clutter]

Hypoash,

It's usually advised to start at 1 grain NDT and increase in 1/2 grain increments at two week intervals to see how you tolerate the T3 in NDT. NDT is designed to be swallowed whole with water not chewed. The T4 and T3 molecules are too large to be absorbed sublingually.

One doesn't get withdrawal symptoms from stopping Levothyroxine. It is a storage hormone and one week after your last 125mcg dose you will have around 65mcg remaining in your system further reducing by half every week.

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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.

[NatChap]

As Clutter said, 2 grains is a lot to start with. I would reduce the dose and work your way up gradually. I was on 125mcg levo. Taken me around 7months to get to the 3 grains I'm on now!

[hypoash]

Thanks both for taking the time to respond, that sounds like good advice. I will revert to one grain from tomorrow and see if that helps. I've developed quite a headache today too, which I rarely suffer with, so I guess it all points toward my system struggling with the sudden hit of T3. Thanks again for your valuable advice.

[NatChap in reply to hypoash]

Your welcome! Have a read through some of my posts, I've had a few ups and downs since switching but always manage to sort problems out with the help of everyone on this forum 😁

[hypoash in reply to NatChap]

I will, thank you. From a quick glance it looks like you're a good way down the line from me so there's plenty I can learn from your experiences. Thank you NatChap!