Changing meds

[rcharles85]

Hi,

I was hyperthyroid (graves) I then had my thyroid out and was taking levo. I'm still unwell with many symptoms 3 years later so my endo has agreed on switching me to NDT. Has anyone else made the switch? If so any tips or advice? Thanks

[shaws Administrator]

It is good your Endo is open-minded and will prescribe NDT. It is quite easy to do. For instance if you are on 100mcg of T4 (levothyroxine) you can switch over to 1 grain of NDT. (1 grain, in its effect, is between 75mcg and 100 mcg).

Take your pulse/temp before beginning, just in case you feel too hot or pulse goes too fast. If either happens you drop back to previous dose and stay on that until you settle down. I found mine was the same, even if I felt too warm

After one or two weeks, depending on your symptoms, add 1/4 grain each time until you are symptom free.

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

[rcharles85 in reply to shaws]

Thanks, that's good advice. Did you have any other side effects? I've read quite a few so am nervous to change but at the same time feel so ill now I'm willing to try.

[shaws Administrator in reply to rcharles85]

Many members would absolutely love to have the opportunity. I don't know if you are in the UK, but NDT at one time was the only replacement hormone (contains T4, T3, T2, T1 and calcitonon - in small quantities) and has been in use in different forums from 1892 and has proven safe. The introduction of the blood tests and levothyroxine has changed from symptoms alone and NDT, to maybe not diagnosed due to TSH and few doctors know any clinical symptoms.

Some people may have a sensitivity in fillers/binders but as they are made from animal thyroid glands they are more conducive to our body than synthetic levothyroxine. Some may have to try a few but many are happy with the original one.

I hope you switch from one to another with no problems and feel much better very soon. We really have to ignore blood tests and go by 'how we feel' and symptoms. - relief of.

[rcharles85 in reply to shaws]

Thanks for the advice, and yes I'm in the UK

[shaws Administrator in reply to rcharles85]

It is rare to be prescribed NDT due in fact to the False Statements made by the BTA.

The statement was written by one of our Advisers, now deceased who would never prescribe levo but only NDT or T3 only for resistant patients.

thyroidscience.com/Criticis...

In the uK we were freely given NDT if not improving on levo but BTA eventually had this withdrawn as they have done with T3 recently and restricting varieties cause immense problems to those who would otherwise feel very well on them.

[shaws Administrator in reply to rcharles85]

As you have no thyroid gland whatsoever, the least they can do is prescribe NDT.

My personal opinion (as so many wont prescribe) is the least a person who has no thyroid gland should be given a combination dose. Very few Endos/doctors are aware of how very unwell people can be when thyroid hormones are not optimum for that patient as professionals mainly look at results and ignore symptoms which is the reason for supplementing with thyroid hormones.

NDT is a more 'natural' method than synthetic levo.

This is a story from one of our members who now has taken her case to the Scottish Parliament for Change in diagnosing/treatment.

lorrainecleaver.wordpress.c...

[rcharles85 in reply to shaws]

Yes I have read this and Lorraine and I have been in touch, she's the reason I was able to get NDT, in so grateful to her. She advised me to join this site to chat to others