NDT started yesterday but no sleep

[mb008]

Hi there

I started Naturethroid yesterday. Low dose. No Palps but up at 4am and couldn't go back to sleep, head was racing. Mild (unneccessary) anxiety worrying about my old dog who's a bit poorly!

I know it's all about adjustment but I have suffered with insomnia before. Any suggestions...just in case it happens again? I really am hoping this works for me.

I took magnesium last night. I'm ok on vits.

Think I'm just a bit anxious generally about the switch from Levo and want to offload a bit.

Thanks as always

M

[shaws Administrator]

Don't worry too much and I know that's easy to say if we don't have insomnia. I have had it but don't any more.

Just give NDT a good chance and allow it to settle and it will take a little while, unfortunately with hormones nothing is instant.

The following may be helpful:

web.archive.org/web/2010112...

[humanbean]

It could be that you've started on the wrong dose. If you've never taken anything containing T3 before it can be a bit of a shock to the system. Or perhaps your timing of doses could be tweaked.

[mb008 in reply to humanbean]

Hi there

Thanks for replying. First time with t3. Haven't had any issues with palps, temp ok so it maybe anxiety at the thought of switching over. I take half dose in am and another half after lunch.

[fixit]

I suffer from anxiety and when I started NDT every increase in dose would increase my anxiety. After a few days it would settle. Just think it was the body getting used to the T3.

[mb008 in reply to fixit]

Thank you so much for coming back to me. That's reassuring to know. Did your sleep suffer? Hope you're at the right place for you now.

[fixit in reply to mb008]

It did. I increased slowly and have been in 2 1/2 grains for 3 years now & I have my life back. Good luck xxx

[Clutter]

Mb008,

How much Levothyroxine were you taking and how much NDT have you switched to>

[mb008 in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter. I was on 37.5mcg Levo but was really struggling with it. I reduced it to 25mcg for a week before switching yesterday. I only took 1/4 grain split into 2 yesterday. Same again today and then depending how I feel, i will increase another 1/4 grain. Have I started too low?

[Clutter in reply to mb008]

mb008,

1/2 grain is equivalent to 32.5mcg Levothyroxine so you've started at the right dose. If you can't sleep tonight skip the 2nd 1/4 grain dose for a few days to get used to the T3.

[mb008 in reply to Clutter]

Oh okay, I've gone too low.

I actually started on 1/4 grain split into 2, which means effectively an 1/8 in the morning and an 1/8 in the afternoon. I will push up tomorrow however today I'm feeling very thick headed and slightly dizzy plus a bit of anxiety. I'll see how my sleep goes tonight, thanks.

Can I ask you - the build up of T4 that's happening in the background, how does that 'show' itself? What has happened to the residual T4 from the Levo? Is that being used as well?

How long does it take for people new to NDT to get used to the T3 generally?

Sorry, lots of questions. Thanks so much for the support.

[Clutter in reply to mb008]

mboo8,

It's better to start low than too high. T4 is T4. It doesn't matter whether it is from your thyroid, Levothyroxine or NDT. The T4 from Levothyroxine in your system will still be being used.

Re getting used to T3 how long is a piece of string? Some are fine straight away, some need a few days, some a few weeks and some don't take to it at all.

[mb008 in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter, I managed some sleep with a natural sleeping tablet but was awoken by this almighty headache. I've had the migraine since taking naturethroid. I haven't taken my miniscule dose this morning to see if my headache subsides. Start again tomorrow. In your opinion is this ok?

[Clutter in reply to mb008]

mb008,

It's fine. Perhaps the miniscule dose is the problem and you should try 1/4 grain each dose.

[mb008 in reply to Clutter]

. I'll try to shift the headache and will try again. My head is racing so it needs to slow down. Other than the headache and lack of sleep I feel it could be good. Fingers crossed. Thanks again.

[Hidden]

I find for my insomnia magnesium with Melatonin can work. And have ordered 5-HTP as well as an extra anti anxiety boost - we shall see how that works 🤔. How are your nutrient levels? They can effect us immensely when not optimal.

[Inana in reply to Hidden]

I take Magnesium and Melatonin too. I used to take 5HTP but I noticed that it actually caused anxiety, so I have stopped it. We react differently to different things. Just keep it at the back of your mind that it does have side effects. Good luck.

[mb008 in reply to Inana]

Thanks. The magnesium and melatonin, is it combined? Which one do you buy? And do you use it every night?

[Inana in reply to mb008]

It is not combined and yes, I use it every night, although once you get into a rhythm, you can skip some nights and still fall asleep as usual.

I bought mine on iHerb.

Magnesium: ch.iherb.com/pr/Thorne-Rese...

Melatonin: ch.iherb.com/pr/Now-Foods-M...