What do you think!

[Michy1]

I took a blood test on 16th October 2016, my GP then called to say that I am taking too much Armour. At the time I was on 135, which is 2 1/4 grains. So I have now dropped back down to 90 - 1 1/2 grains. My results were Serum Free T4 - 17.5 (12-22), Serum TSH Level 0.03 (0.3-4.2). Please translate.

[greygoose]

Your doctor has no idea what he's talking about. You cannot possibly know if you are taking too much or too little NDT without testing the FT3. The TSH and FT4 are totally irrelevant when taking any form of T3.

Your doctor was only looking at your TSH, and falsely believes that a suppressed TSH indicates over-medication. It doesn't. Once you are taking thyroid hormone replacement, of any kind, a suppressed TSH doesn't mean anything at all. He was wrong to tell you to reduce based on the TSH. Your FT4 was only just mid-range.

However, it's also very important to consider how you feel. Did you feel over-medicated? If not, I would have stuck to my dose and not reduced.

[Michy1 in reply to greygoose]

I told him that I feel much better, but he said that I need to drop back. I also saw my Endo lats week and she said rhe same thing. She alsof said that too much Armour is not good as I could developed Osteoporosis and increase my palpitations. I told her that I am not coming off Armour, but I had dropped back to 90.

However I am ready for my next batch & the 2 grain is cheaper then the 1 1/2 grain. So I will get the 2 grain, as this is still less then 2 1/4 grain that I was taking.

[greygoose in reply to Michy1]

It's not true about Armour and osteoporosis, you know. It's long term over-range FT3 that increases your risk for osteoporosis - and it is only an increased risk, not a certainty - those are just typical of the 'stories' endos/doctors will tell you to scare you of NDT/T3.

Palpitations are also a symptom of low thyroid, not just high thyroid levels. I'm afraid your doctors don't know very much about thyroid.

[Michy1 in reply to greygoose]

Can you tell me something, is it true that if you meet a certain criteria, the NHS may consider paying for Armour? As this just keeps going up in price.

[greygoose in reply to Michy1]

I have no idea, but I very much doubt it. I don't think there's anything in the rules and regulations. Some people manage to get it on the NHS, but I've no idea how they do it.

Have you thought of trying a cheaper brand?

[Michy1 in reply to greygoose]

I don't know what is compatible or near to it. what would you suggest?

[greygoose in reply to Michy1]

Well, they're all pretty much the same, just have different fillers. People have to try them to find out which suit them.

I can't recommend anything, because none of them suited me! I need to be on T3 only.

[Michy1 in reply to greygoose]

That's another reason why I don't listen to those Dr's much. I'm just respectful to 1 of them, as it was him that found the cancer. But at times t get where I am now, I've had to kick up fuss. thanks for that.

[Glynisrose]

NEVER reduce your meds based on blood tests alone! Demand a full examination that includes a doctor examining your neck and your reflexes. Do the broken record method of repeating that you are fine on the present level of meds.

[Michy1 in reply to Glynisrose]

Ok thanks.