6 weeks on NDT

[Print1972]

I've been on NDT Thyroid S for approx 6 weeks now, and some days I just feel wiped out. I also feel like my head has had a brick thrown at it. I'm now on two grains. Is this normal. Am I being impatient, and will things improve. I'd like to hear from anyone who's had a similar issue, and whether things got better. It would be reassuring. Thank you.

[Geniler]

You may have gotten to two grains too quickly. I've usually been advised to increase by half a grain for six weeks before increasing again. What was the original dose?

[Print1972 in reply to Geniler]

I was on 125 MCG of Levo, with a TSH of 11. I started on half grain in the morning and another half mid afternoon.

[Hidden]

I think Geniler may be right, and that you raised Thyroid-S too quickly . Usually, the advice is to decrease T4 by 50 mcg at a time (possibly even by 25 mcg at a time), while adding half a grain, or even as little as a quarter grain, working your way up slowly to your ideal dose of NDT. When I was switched to NDT, I was told by doctor to decrease T4 and add small doses of NDT every other week until I had completely come off T4.

I have discovered that raising thyroid meds, especially those containing T3, too quickly can cause symptoms confusingly similar to those present in hypothyroidism; among them, fatigue.

Also, if you have been hypothyroid for years, and inadequately treated with levothyroxine, it can take a long time to recover and regain your strength on NDT. Six weeks is not long enough to say that NDT in general or Thyroid-S in particular is not working for you; you simply need to give it more time and be patient.

[Print1972]

Do you think it's best I reduce down to half a grain in the morning and then mid afternoon. Then wait a few weeks before increasing?