T4 in NDT vs LEVO!

[Smotv80]

Does the T4 in NDT convert better in the body as opposed to the synthetic T4 in Levothyroxine?

[diogenes Remembering]

No

[shaws Administrator]

The benefit of NDT is that already contains T3 so it goes straight into your cells. T4 in NDT will/should convert to some T3. All in all I think you will feel an improvement when you reach an optimum dose, i.e. one that makes you feel better.

[Smotv80 in reply to shaws]

I already take a T4/T3 combo (150 T4 20 T3)

I don't think I convert well as my T4 is in an optimal range but I have to take T3 to increase my levels further.

So!... I'm now in a position of deciding how I go on with meds.. do I stay on the combo and increase T3 further... or do I switch to NDT.. I really don't know what to do!

My doctor has agreed to prescribe me NDT should I decide to switch meds.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Smotv80]

I have read but cannot find link at present which stated that a combination of 1 T3 to 3 T4 was the preferred dose.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Smotv80]

This is the link and go to page 80, top left-hand column.

tpauk.com/images/docs/reduc...

[Smotv80 in reply to shaws]

Thanks shaws.

Quick question though. I have been on 150mcg levo for ages. Since I have been put on T3 (20mcg), my levo dose has never been reduced? Should I reduce it?

[shaws Administrator in reply to Smotv80]

Not necessarily, the best way to 'judge' if dose or hormones suit you is 'how do you feel'. Levothyroxine is inactive, and it should convert to T3 if we are on sufficident but sometimes we cannot convert optimally, so that's why a FT3 test is useful.

T3 is the only active thyroid hormone and it is needed in all of our receptor cells.

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

[silverfox7]

I was in the position that I was t converting well so I increased the supplements in the ones I was already taking and added in more when had D 3, B12, folate and ferritin tested. After about 6 months I had lost half a stone without trying and my conversation was almost spot on. I then read that it was thought that the ratio in Thyroid S was a bit generous on T3 so decided that fitted what I was trying to do and been ok ever since except recently when started taking an oestrogen blocker after breast cancer so now adjusting a little to get back on track. To me it makes sense to get your. On erstion issues resolved first and then sort of your dose