Advice please on alternative to levothyroxine

[Cup-cake7]

Hi

I couldn't tolerate the level as it gave me a very swimmy feeling especially when driving

When I see doctor again after my next tests I would like to feel a bit prepared as to the alternatives

Please can I have thoughts on this

With premature thanks!

Jeppy

[Clutter]

Jeppy,

NHS will usually only prescribe Levothyroxine. If the dose you were taking caused problems you should start on a lower dose and increase gradually. Some people do have difficulty adjusting to Levothyroxine but adverse effects don't usually last longer than 2-3 weeks.

Alternatives to Levothyroxine are Liothyronine (T3) and natural dessicated thyroid (NDT) but you will probably have to get private prescriptions or buy on the internet and self medicate.

[Cup-cake7 in reply to Clutter]

O thankyou clutter, I'm starting to get a clearer way forward

But please tell me therefore if I have my ft3 / 4 privately tested, and take t3, doesn't it matter about the tsh reading, which is 6 at present?

[Cup-cake7 in reply to Cup-cake7]

I LOVE the thought of taking the natural alternative, but right now scaring me how I will keep up with doses etc. How can I keep monitoring it if not under doctor?

And do you know approx costs pls? At this moment of time anyway

[Clutter in reply to Cup-cake7]

Jeppy,

Yes, TSH matters and TSH 6 indicates you are hypothyroid and need Levothyroxine or other thyroid replacement.

The T4 and T3 in NDT derived from pig thyroid. All the other ingredients are synthetic.

If you self medicate you will need to order private thyroid tests to guide your dosing. It is good practice to have blood tests 6-8 weeks after every dose adjustment. thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

The cost of NDT will depend on which brand you are taking and what dose you require.

[Cup-cake7]

Thankyou