Porcine or Synthetic

[Magill69]

I am in New Zealand. Where (in the world) can I buy porcine - preferably, or synthetic T4/T3 tablets or capsules? 160mg x 100. I'm currently paying NZ$128 for 100 tablets. How long does a daily dose of T3 work in the body? Could I take one 160mg every day?

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Magill69.

How much T4 and T3 is in the 160mg capsule you are taking? Is it prescription strength or an over the counter supplement?

1 grain (60-65mg) Armour, NatureThyroid, WP, NP, Erfa, Thiroyd and Thyroid-S are porcine NDT containing either 38mcg T4 + 9mcg T3 or 35mcg T4 + 8mcg T3 depending on brand.

A dose of T3 will usually be out of the blood in 6-8 hours but then moves to the cells where it lasts 3 to 3.5 days.

[Magill69 in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter, Thank you for replying with very informative information. Last month I was taking a 120mg daily. When I had a TSH test - My last TSH test on 30th of March showed:

Free T4:16.6 pmol/L ( 10.0 - 20.0 )

TSH:0.15 mIU/L ( 0.30 - 4.00 ) L

Free T3:8.8 pmol/L ( 3.0 - 6.5 ) H

I haven't had a test for the 162.5 daily tablet.

[Clutter in reply to Magill69]

Magill69,

You haven't said how much T3 and T4 is in the capsules you are taking.

If you took 120mg before your blood test that may be why your FT3 is high. If you left 12+ hours between last dose and blood draw you were overmedicated on 120mg because FT3 is over range.

[Magill69 in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter, Resuming from yesterday. I was taking 120mg capsules daily for about 3 months. The bottles don't show the amounts of T4 and T3

Doctor's Comments:sl hyperthyroid recheck 6 weeks

Test Results:

30 March, 17

Free T4:16.6 pmol/L ( 10.0 - 20.0 )

TSH:0.15 mIU/L ( 0.30 - 4.00 ) L

Free T3:8.8 pmol/L ( 3.0 - 6.5 ) H

Comment:History of thyroxine replacement noted. If on thyroxine, compatible with adequate replacement, suggest repeat TSH only in 1 year or as clinically indicated. (BPAC guideline) FT3 is not indicated when monitoring thyroxine replacement.

Validated by Sharmake Ibrahim, Scientist

When my doctor saw my blood test result she increased my dose to 162.5mg per day.

The previous blood test - 03 March, 17

Doctor's Comments:TSH 17 to increase thyroid eds

Test Results:

Free T4:6.9 pmol/L ( 10.0 - 20.0 ) L

TSH:17 mIU/L ( 0.30 - 4.00 ) HH

Free T3:6.7 pmol/L ( 3.0 - 6.5 ) H

Comment:Past thyroxine replacement noted. If now on thyroxine, result indicates inadequate replacement. Suggest review dose and/or compliance. Allow 2 months to reach a steady state after any change, before requesting TSH only. (BPAC guideline) FT3 is not indicated when monitoring thyroxine replacement.

You will understand this data a lot better than me.

Kitten 1978 told me about Facebook group THYROID ASSOCIATION of NZ (TANZI). I've sent them a Friend Request.

Regards

[Clutter in reply to Magill69]

Magill69,

Did you take your 120mg dose before your blood test?

[Magill69 in reply to Clutter]

Yes I did. I take them daily, so I don't exclude the day of the blood test. Does that affect the TSH test? I am now on 162.5 daily. I have ordered Mary J Shomom's book 'The Thyroid Diet'

[Clutter in reply to Magill69]

Magill69,

It doesn't affect the TSH test but T3 peaks in the blood for up to 6 hours so it does affect the FT3 level and that will be why your FT3 is over range. In future take your dose after the blood draw.

[Magill69 in reply to Clutter]

I greatly appreciate your information. It will help me to better manage my thyroid intake. I'm waiting for a reply from TANZI on Facebook, in NZ. I hope I can find a cheaper supply of porcine whole thyroid within NZ. Coming up to my bedtime (10.10pm over here) but I'll be back tomorrow. Kind Regards

[Clutter in reply to Magill69]

Magill69,

The cheapest NDT is Thyroid-S or Thiroyd from Thailand if you are able to import it.

[Magill69 in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter, I read about these two.

Because they are called a thyroid "supplement" I should be able to import either of them.

I read the non-active ingredients at - stopthethyroidmadness.com/a...

These vitamins and minerals are to be taken with them -

Iodine, Selenium, Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Antioxidants, Essential Fats, and Amino Acids are often used together with Thyroid supplements.

The porcine T4/T3 tablets I buy at the doctor's surgery (they are from a compounding pharmacy) are in a plastic bottle which does not show the strength of the T4 or the T3. Shouldn't that be on the bottle.

Regards

[Clutter in reply to Magill69]

Magill69,

They aren't a supplement they are prescription strength tablets. I would not take iodine, vitamin D or vitamin E without first having blood tests to check levels and it is not essential to the other vits/minerals you listed. 200mcg Selenium is thyroid friendly. Hypothyroid patients should be very wary of taking iodine as too much can induce Hashimoto's and you should be getting the iodine you require from diet and the compounded thyroid replacement you are taking.

You could ask your pharmacy what the T4 and T3 content is. We're not big on compounding pharmacies in the UK so I don't know what they are supposed to put on the label.

[Magill69 in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter, What do you think of the product Esya47 told me about - thyrovanz.com/product/thyro...

I also have the choice of the Thai products.

Would you advise me taking a 150mg tablet and my prescribed 162.5mg every other day?

I knew about iodine and Hashimoto's. We don't have iodine in our soil. I sprinkle Celtic sea salt on my food.

I eat 4 Brazil nuts every day. I also take Red Seal 'Zinc, B6 and Magnesium', also Red Seal 'Men's Multi' - redseal.co.nz/products/ Would everything in this paragraph be sufficient to supplement the thyroid?

You have tremendous knowledge. Can I give a donation to HealthUnlocked? I don't like to take advantage of your time and knowledge without showing appreciation.

Regards

[Clutter in reply to Magill69]

Magill69,

I would not take any so called thyroid supplement which does not clearly state how much active T4 and T3 it contains. You should be able to find out the content of the compounded NDT you are prescribed by asking your pharmacist.

You can join Thyroid UK or make a donation via thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/index....

[Magill69 in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter, We have a website portal in NZ called 'Manage My Health' I can contact my doctor or nurse by email. I sent an email to my doctor on Friday asking how much T4 and T3 are in the tablets - haven't got a reply yet.

The doctor's practice gets the tablets from a compounding pharmacy 140 klms south of here.

On Saturday I phoned around chemists in Auckland (160 klms south). One pharmacist kindly told me he his business would charge NZ$111 for 120mg bovine whole thyroid x 100 tablets. That is the same cost I would be paying for 120mg

As you say, I should be told the amount of T4 and T3.

I'm thinking of halving my 162.5mg tablets and having a half every day. I take the tablet early morning. Between 12 and 2pm

I have a Nature's Way 'Kelp' tablet (300mcg of iodine), 4 Brazil nuts, a Red Seal 'Men's Multi' and a Red Seal 'Zinc, B6, and Magnesium (because I am a male).

I've just received Mary J. Shomon's book, 'The Thyroid Diet'

I give you specific information because you give me expert advice.

Regards,

Magill69

[Clutter in reply to Magill69]

Magill69,

If you are prescribed 162.5mg you will become very under medicated on half the dose.

If cost is an issue check out Thiroyd and Thyroid-S which are Thai NDT and very much cheaper than the US and Canadian brands.

Sea Kelp is high in iodine. The max RDA is 150mcg. There is controversy about supplementing iodine when hypothyroid. You should be getting adequate iodine from your thyroid medication and diet and too much iodine can induce Hashimoto's and trigger Hashi flare ups. I recommend you have an iodine test to determine whether you are deficient before supplementing. If you type "Iodine" into the Search function top right you'll find thousands of posts on iodine.

[Magill69 in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter,

I gave a donation yesterday.

I don't use table salt, here in NZ, which has iodine in it. But I will be careful about the amount I take - 150mcg max.

I've ordered 2000 60mg tablets from <online source>. Waiting this afternoon for bank transfer instructions. If all goes well I will have you to thank.

I bought Mary J Shomon's book 'The Thyroid Diet' It cost NZ$19.90 delivered from an NZ shop.

Regards,

Bill

[Clutter in reply to Magill69]

Magill69,

It will help you to transition to Thai NDT if you find out how much T4 and T3 is in the compounded NDT you take.

Thanks for the donation to TUK.

[Magill69 in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter, I think I told you I approached My now <online source> I filled in my details and awaited the email directions for the bank transfer. In their email they told me they do not mail to NZ because of the NZ Customs restriction.

How many HealthUnlocked members are in NZ? It would be good if an NZ pharmacy would import reasonably priced tablets. Compounding pharmacies import raw tyhroid, surely tablets could be imported if doctors provided the the importer with prescriptions.

I'm paying NZ$128 for 100 x 162.5mg tablets. I could get by with Mercury Pharma Group's (formerly Goldshield) synthetic thyroid, but I would like to stay on natural thyroid

[Esya47 in reply to Magill69]

Hello! I take NDT from New Zealand . It's made from bovine thyroid -name of the NDT - Tyrowanz

1grain equal 100 mg .

[Magill69 in reply to Esya47]

Hi Esya47, Thank you very much for telling me about Thyrovanz? (this is what Google found - thyrovanz.com/product/thyro.... It is bovine thyroid. Do I have the right product?

150mg would be ideal for me. I am taking 162.5mgs of porcine whole thyroid. Don't know how/why my doctor or the compounding pharmacy decided on 162.5mg!

Thyrovanz is from NZ cows but it must be processed in the US. It is shipped from there and the prices are in US Dollars.

Please write again to tell me how you are going on Thyrovanz

[Esya47 in reply to Magill69]

Yes, this is one, I take . I am doing fine, they are in capsules. I just open the capsule and place To my mouth. It dissolves after couple minutes.

I also on T3 . People with age not converting T4 well. I feel good with both!

Pay on line with your credit card. It's will convert to your prise and currency!

,keep

[Magill69 in reply to Esya47]

Thanks Esya47. I'm guessing you and I are the same age. If so, your good health is encouraging me to commit to Thyrovanz.

Regards

[Esya47 in reply to Magill69]

I am 69, will be 70 After 4 months. Check your RT3, if the numbers more than half of the normal range , possible that you not fully converting T4 . You need to buy book" Stop Thyroid Maddness" try on Amazon. It's my current Bible ,very helpful especially in my situation. I am doctor to myself!!! You will be OK!

Good luck !!!

Esther

[Magill69 in reply to Esya47]

Hi Esya47, I went to the Thyrovanz website. The only 2 countries they will accept money from are the US and Puerto Rica. it is probably because of the import restrictions of most countries.

Regards,

Biyn

[Esya47 in reply to Magill69]

I am sorry for you!its so difficult to get the right Meds!!!What about Canadian NDT- by Erfa Company? I have a special pharmacy ,they deal with USA. May be ,they can send it to you.

But they will request prescription ...

I feel bad, really wanted to help!

[Magill69 in reply to Esya47]

Hi Esya47,

I will look at Erfa. Thanks

[Kitten1978]

Magill69 ,

I'm under the impression that NZ has quite strict import laws. Are you a member of facebook group THYROID ASSOCIATION of NZ (TANZI)? They are a very friendly, supportive and active group. They may have more local knowledge and ability to advise you where you could import thyroid meds from without getting into trouble with NZ customs. xx

[Magill69 in reply to Kitten1978]

Very good advice Kitten. It is a prescription drug in NZ. I might well run into trouble. Thanks for putting me onto TANZI. I'll let you know my progress

[Kitten1978 in reply to Magill69]

Thyroid drugs are on prescription in USA, NA and the majority of EU countries. In Greece and Turkey they are OCT. In some countries the customs are stricter than in others. That's all. Do get back here if TANZI are unable to help (but I think they will). Take care xx

[Magill69 in reply to Kitten1978]

I've sent them a friend request on Facebook. I'd better get some sleep. It's 12.40am here. I'm looking forward to making contact with them. Thanks again

[Kitten1978 in reply to Magill69]

You are welcome Take care xx

[108Optimist]

I'm updating this for any poor soul confused by the above!

150mg thyrovanz is not equal to one grain. We don't know how much is in it and we won't while it is non prescription. Estimates are 50mcg t4/ 12.5mcg t3 in a 150mg capsule but we don't know so contact the manufacturer and tell themyour current dose and what do they recommend you start with? They will give you a range not a precise number. It is easy to open caps if you need to split a dose.

Because of nz regulations you are better to order only a 3 month supply at a time. If you have a sympathetic doctor then if your vanz gets stopped by customs your doctor can write a 'prescription /permission ' for it but tbh I don't know anyone who has done this.

If a compounding pharmay makes your wte whole thyroid extract, then the amounts of t4 t3 in it should be on the prescription.

If you are not sure if you need extra nutrition then you can get tested or track your nutrition using an app such as cronometer. After a month tracking, pull off a report and see what you are low in, then supplement those things.

[pennyannie]

NIKEGIRL