Switching from ndt to Levo

[Katoir]

Anyone on here switched from NDT to Levo and found it positive ? I'm interested in how it feels and how it can be achieved .

[Clutter]

Katoir,

People who didn't get on with NDT have switched back to Levothyroxine. You simply switch from NDT straight over to Levothyroxine bearing in mind it takes 7-10 days to absorb the Levothyroxine.

[Katoir in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter.

I’m thinking of switching over to Levo for ease and financial reasons . I’m just worried I might not get on with Levo .. I’ve had no issues with NDT .

I suppose I could always switch back from Levo to NDT . What’s the correct protocol for doing that so I’m prepared ?

X

[Clutter in reply to Katoir]

Katoir,

What dose NDT are you taking?

[Katoir in reply to Clutter]

Hi there

2 grains . No issues with it just considering ...

[Clutter in reply to Katoir]

Katoir,

Which NDT are you taking? The Thai NDT Thyroid-S and Thiroyd is less expensive than the American and Canadian brands. You may want to try them if you get on well with NDT.

2 grains is equivalent to 130mcg Levothyroxine.

[Katoir in reply to Clutter]

WP just out of production so on NP .

I’m thinking of switching in prep for pregnancy . Last try before I give up ( Chinese herbs for 3 months ) Had tests and we are all working so last ditch attempt before I accept we are just going to have the one child . Xxx

[Clutter in reply to Katoir]

Katoir,

The TSH of women planning conception should be in the low-normal range 0.4 - 2.5. When preg-nancy is confirmed dose is usually increased by 25-50mcg to ensure good foetal development. NICE also recommends that hypothyroid women planning pregnancy should be referred to en-docrinology. cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroid...

Management of primary hypothyroidism: statement by the British Thyroid Association Executive Committee

13. The serum TSH reference range in pregnancy is 0·4–2·5 mU/l in the first trimester and 0·4–3·0 mU/l in the second and third trimesters or should be based on the trimester-specific reference range for the population if available. These reference ranges should be achieved where possible with appropriate doses of L-T4 preconception and most importantly in the first trimester (1/++0). L-T4/L-T3 combination therapy is not recommended in pregnancy (1/+00).

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi...

According to the ATA First Trimester TSH levels between 2.5 and 5.0 are associated with in-creased pregnancy loss

thyroid.org/patient-thyroid...

[Katoir in reply to Clutter]

Thank you .

I think I would like someone else to hold the responsibility for me if I’m pregnant ( we’ll see on that one )

I worry about the suppressed TSH and self managing on NDT. I think it could get stressful .

I could always switch back later so was interested how I might do that .

[Clutter in reply to Katoir]

Katoir,

If you're going to switch it may be better to do it before you are pregnant and, as you say, if you prefer NDT you can always switch back after delivery.

[Katoir in reply to Clutter]

Yes that’s my thinking

How complicated is it to switch back Clutter ?

[Clutter in reply to Katoir]

Katoir,

It's simple. Stop NDT today and start 125mcg Levothyroxine tomorrow. Have a thyroid test in 6-8 weeks to check dose and levels are good.

[Katoir in reply to Clutter]

Yes I get that bit . Nice and simple it seems .

I just wondered about switching back from Levo to NDT if that’s ok ...

little increases of NDT ??

Xx

[Clutter in reply to Katoir]

Katoir,

As you know you feel good on 2 grains NDT I don't see why you shouldn't switch back to 2 grains and take it from there.

[Katoir in reply to Clutter]

Simple as that - a straight switch onto 2 grains from one day to the next ? Stopping Levo and starting on 2 G the day after?

No messing . That would be awesome .

Yep - that’s my dose for sure

Thank you as always x

[Hidden in reply to Clutter]

Clutter is right, there are three brands of Thai NDT: Thyroid-S, Thiroyd, and TR. The latter is pretty new so not much is known about it yet, but the other two have been getting consistently good online reviews. It's possible you'd do as well on T4 only, but I think it's a shame you should have to switch purely for financial reasons when inexpensive alternatives are available...there are online pharmacies selling 1000 pills of Thai NDT for less than 100 USD. Members can give you more details in PMs...I switched to Thai NDT because the two brands available where I get my meds, Armour and Erfa, were both problematic and terribly expensive. I simply don't think they are worth that much. I now take Thai NDT with no problems at all, at a fraction of the cost of prescription NDT.

[Katoir in reply to Hidden]

It’s more just a temporary idea as I am well but I’m trying to get pregnant and concerned about the challenges I would face with suppressed TSH and adjusting dosages myself . I’d rather switch beforehand than mess about in pregnancy . I may not even get pregnant but i want as little stress as necessary. ( so it’s not just financial reasons)

I have never tried Levo and I’m also quite taken with the idea that my body will have to do the conversion and therefore will be working for me . I realise that probably sounds strange but I’m otherwise healthy and don’t at this stage envisage any issues .

[Katoir]

But coming off Levo and changing over to NDT - surely not doing it gradually would mean going hyper with too much T3 or did you mean to increase gradually in small increments every 2 weeks ( half a grain or so) up to 2 grains ???

[Katoir]

Hi Clutter.

Is 2 grains equivalent to 125 or 130 mcg of Levo ( both figures are mentioned above ) and can you just confirm that if I wanted to switch going back the other way from Levo to NDT again (if I even do switch over to Levo ) that it’s small increases of half a grain every 2 weeks up to 2 G?

Thanks