Buying natural thyroid hormone

[mrneduc]

Since I'm struggling with levo I've been wondering where I could buy the natural stuff. I've been reading through posts and wondering if there actually are any quality controlled, reliable sources. I know you can't say on this site but can anyone give me links? I'm so brain fogged at present I don't whether I've asked this already - if so my apols. I think once you buy it there is no way of testing it's efficacy other than trial and error and how you feel. I may give levo a bit longer but can't go on like this for too long as it's wretched

[greygoose]

How much levo are you taking? You could just be under-meidcated. Have you had your T3 tested?

[mrneduc in reply to greygoose]

Yes T3 was low end of normal and TSH raised but it's feeling so ill on the levo that worries me. I'm hoping to get further blood results on Wednesday next week

[greygoose in reply to mrneduc]

Well, if T3 was low, that's why you feel ill. You're still hypo and under-medicated. When your dose of levo increase, you're going to feel better.

[Clutter]

Mrneduc,

You haven't been taking 50mcg long enough to tell whether it is working. It takes 7-10 days to absorb it before it starts working and up to six weeks to feel the full impact of the dose. Starting dose is rarely the dose you end up on but increases are done gradually in 25mcg increments every 6-8 weeks.

For maximum absorption Levothyroxine should be taken with water 1 hour before, or 2 hours after, food and drink, 2 hours away from other medication and supplements, and 4 hours away from calcium, iron, vitamin D supplements, magnesium and oestrogen.

You should have a follow up thyroid test 6-8 weeks after starting Levothyroxine. Arrange an early morning and fasting (water only) blood draw when TSH is highest, and take Levothyroxine after your blood draw.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

American and Canadian NDT are quality controlled but I doubt the Thai NDT complies with American and Canadian national formularies.

[mrneduc in reply to Clutter]

It's feeling so ill after taking levo that bothers me. I'm hoping symptoms will ease and I'll be able to continue with it. I'm chasing my tail to find alternatives in case that doesn't happen.

[greygoose in reply to mrneduc]

Why don't you stop chasing your tail, relax as much as you can, and cross that bridge when you come to it. Keep stressing like that and you're bound to feel ill.

[mrneduc in reply to greygoose]

Considering myself told off

[greygoose in reply to mrneduc]

No, not at all. Just trying to help. It just sounds as if you're working yourself up into a state, and that's not going to help anything, is it.

One step at a time, that's my motto. Life's hard enough without trying to second-guess yourself all the time. You know you can get that information if and when you need it. But, if you can make a go of it on levo, life is going to be so much easier for you - and cheaper! So, give it time.

Besides, these on-line sources come and go. So, just because you get a link today, doesn't mean it's going to work in six month's or a year's time. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof! x

[Clutter in reply to mrneduc]

Mrneduc,

Levothyroxine has barely had time to start working. You will still have to absorb and metabolise NDT if you switch. There's no quick fix I'm afraid.

If you didn't feel unwell before taking Levothyroxine it may be worth asking your pharmacist for a different make when you get your next prescription. There are 4 generic makes available in the UK:

Mercury Pharma 25mcg, 50mcg & 100mcg.

Actavis 50mcg & 100mcg.

Wockhardt 25mcg.

Teva 12.5mcg, 25mcg, 50mcg, 75mcg & 100mcg.

[mrneduc in reply to Clutter]

This is out of character for me but I'm a new thyroid patient feeling very relieved not to have cancer but feeling scared and out of control generally about the residual condition. I realise there's no quick fix. Thanks for the info.

[Clutter in reply to mrneduc]

Mrneduc,

It does get better, but it may take a few months. Once you are optimally dosed you will just get on with your life as you did before you had the hemilobectomy. Once thyroid levels and dose are stable you will require annual thyroid checks and periodic dose increases as thyroid function decreases as we age.

[Akabc123 in reply to mrneduc]

I’ve been on tirosint for 10 years and hasn’t help me. I still have symptoms but the lab work looks normal. I’m thinking about switching to NDT

[Serendipitious in reply to Clutter]

Clutter,

Sorry to interrupt but I thought it was best to clarify this here. I've been wondering about this for a while. I often have a very late lunch because of this too.

Do you mean thyroid medication should be taken 1 hour before OR 2 hours after but not necessarily both?

So if you had a snack at 11am and then took a dose of NDT at 1pm would you then have to wait another hour i.e 2pm to have your lunch? Thanks.

[Clutter in reply to Serendipitious]

Serendipitious,

Yes, 1 hour before food or, if you've eaten, wait 2 hours for your gut to empty before taking thyroid meds.

[Serendipitious in reply to Clutter]

Clutter,

If I wait 2 hours for my gut to empty and then take my medication will I then need to wait another hour until I can eat again? It's this point that I am unsure about.

[Clutter in reply to Serendipitious]

Serendipitious,

Yes, for maximum absorption of thyroid meds gut needs to be empty.

[Serendipitious in reply to Clutter]

I thought as much. Thanks.

[mrneduc in reply to Clutter]

Is it ok to split doses of levo half in the morning and rest at night taking into account empty stomach etc

[Clutter in reply to mrneduc]

Mrneduc,

There's no need or point to splitting Levothyroxine dose which is designed to be taken once daily.

[Daffers123]

I felt very unwell AFTER taking Levo - it was caused by the fillers and binders in the brand is was taking - tried Mercury and Actavis - both not good. From memory, they include things like acacia powder (which is in some diet pills) -I felt dreadful. Then by asking on here, I found out about Wockhardt 25mg tablets - minimal fillers and binders in the 25 mg pills ! If it suits you the GP can name it on your prescription and then you get that brand all the time.

[Bluecat101]

l think there is a company somewhere like Derbys called Nutri that my chiro uses - but likely animal origin

[mrneduc in reply to Bluecat101]

I have found a company based in US called similar. Don't know anything about Derbys. Thanks for the info tucked away in case needed in the future

[Bluecat101]

Company is: nutriadvanced.co.uk located in Derbyshire. l have just looked on there and found something maybe to my advantage. The Pituitary can sometimes be involved or Adrenals not working right. GPs have little understanding and refused to refer me for over 40 years - because the basic thyroid test doesnt show up all issues.

[mrneduc in reply to Bluecat101]

Will look at that. Adrenals seem to be implicated in lots of thyroid issues but I'm at the start of my thyroid journey and know very little- more than last week though lol. Funny thing I'm already feeling a big more in control and a bit more knowledgeable 😃

[Bluecat101 in reply to mrneduc]

l think that is a big clue to feeling better - when you have some growing knowledge and feel more in control. I always thought my issue was Thyroid and went to Bournemouth healer who was bril with women's hormones. Saw him when in total despair 23 years ago and saw him 3-4x year which kept me going. but he suddenly passed and hadnt actually given me a 'diagnosis' and only now realised it is, in my case, likely to be Pituitary which triggers the hormones into use - and is much rarer. GPs begrudgingly did standard thyroid tests and always came back with: within normal limits - when l ws always on bottom rung of T4 or below and refused to do anything. But knowing the 'healer' got me right and tuned up for 3-4 months it gave me confidence to realise 'something WAS wrong' and l recall he said he worked on Pituitary weekly for one year. The person from 'the other side' who worked thru him on me was Harvey Cushing - the very first neuro surgeon who worked on Pituitary. Unfortunately, cant find another Healer

All this made me talk to Pituitary Foundation who have excellent people/nurse on their phone lines and webinars for members. l now have an appointment with Endo at Southampton General - a known Centre of Excellence for Endo after going locally elsewhere and young Consultant saying nothing was wrong and trying to refer me to Rheumatology for ME!

l cancelled it. Have had to have real go at GP and involved Practice Manager - and am told they are there to sort problems. Thankfully it has all happened pleasantly in end. l was advised to chat up GP and say l needed their expert professional help (as they all have very fragile egos) and are overworked these days with far too much Gov paper work. But l did get in words to effect that also l realise you cant be speciallist in all areas! Now l have to wait for Consultant to agree with me. When in past GP said l looke well, l wd say l have been to a Healer and after initial shock she got used to it.

[mrneduc in reply to Bluecat101]

You have really had to fight for proper care and treatment. So well done for pursuing solutions. I'm a believer in prayer and healing so with you on that. There seems very few medics with the right skill set treating these conditions . I live in Yorkshire and have done for 10 yrs (originally north Londoner)not sure if there is anyone good up here

[Bluecat101 in reply to mrneduc]

l grew up in North London - 18, that was a huge move for you. You could ring up Pitutary Foundation (prob not your problem) and ask what Endo Dept they recommend in your area. They are are so helpful on the phone, then try to get your doc to send you: pituitary.org.uk/ or there might be a Thyroid Support group near (as there is for Pituitary when local expert Endo consultants turn up)

[dtate2016]

One other thing just to keep in mind in the great big picture of generalization: thyroid problems and anxiety go hand-in-hand. It is a great big relief to find out that you don't have something really bad . There's all kinds a reason why the levothyroxine is making you feel bad. This forum will help you sort it out and yes you'll have to traverse the Rocky landscape of the medical system that we have now - as you continue to educate yourself and ask questions . I bring up the subject of anxiety because many of us deal with it and it helps to know the source. More than likely you will have to change medicines until you find just the right one for you. Hang in there ! Keep checking in ! And as I said to many people - please let us know what you find for you can help someone else . This is a great resource and it works because we all share what we learn. Take care my fellow thyroiditis friend 😅

[mrneduc in reply to dtate2016]

Thank you - will keep sharing. This is a great site

[PurpleButterfly2]

Hi.

I don’t know how long you’ve been on Levothyroxine, and can’t help as regard to natural thyroid hormones, as I’m quite new to this “nightmare” (Only diagnosed last year with Hashimoto…). What I can say is that I’ve been on Levothyroxine ever since and I feel worse than better. I’ve been on 50mcg, then 75mcg and now on 100mcg for last 6 months…. Not feeling better . So I’m slowly starting to look into natural thyroid as I’m getting nowhere with GP and 2 Endocrinologists. My results are showing in “range” (if I hear again “in range/normal” I’m gonna scream), and recent Adrenal test (ACTH) came back normal too. So although I may not be very helpful as regard to your question about Natural thyroid treatment, I just wanted you to know that I can relate to you struggling with Levothyroxine. But remember it can take quite some time to find the dosage that’s right for you.