In a real pickle

[Montanahope]

Hi guys,

I'm 46, diagnosed at 31 with Hashimoto's.

Was on synthroid/cytomel for all that time until this past March. I did switch from levo to brand Synthroid in March before experimenting with NDT. Great results in going to brand Synthroid. Wondered if I might feel even better on NDT as my mom had only been on Armour for her whole life.

I tried Armour for a month, constipation. Switched to Naturthroid. Between April and now I've bumped up three x in dose, currently at 2 grains. Last levels were drawn a few weeks ago. Here is a recent history of levels....

March, 17 years levo 88-100 levo/cytomel 10 (last reading before NDT)

TSH-- 2.3 (.55-4.8)

Free T3--3.2 (2.3-4.2)

Free T4-- 1.1 (8-1.8)

___________________________________________________________________________

In May after a month on Armour....

TSH --8.6 same ranges as above

Free T3 --2.3

Free T4 --.7

__________________________________________________________________________

In July after 2 months on 97.5 Naturthroid...

TSH --4.4

Free-- T3 2.6

Free --T4 .7

Two weeks ago I was feeling pretty rough, like very down and I had just gotten those labs back. Seeing that my T4 hadn't budged I circled around to a brief foray back into synthetics, same as before, Synthroid 88, cytomel 10. I should add that I have never done any titrating between the two forms.

Within 5 days I developed a huge cyst in one breast, could be coincidence, and felt decidedly edgy and stressed on the synthetic. In total I was only back on Synthroid/cytomel for 10 days before abandoning that again in favor of Naturthroid. The cyst magically vanished after 2 days away from synthroid.

So here I am, 5 days back to Naturthroid having bumped up to 2 grains. I'm on my third migraine since switching back to NDT, am having mid-cycle cramping, and last night was crying at the drop of a hat. Not myself. Need to figure out what's going on and stick to one course.

Can any of you see some pattern in my levels and in my story that would indicate a clear course? I have no idea what to do. I now wish I hadn't fooled around with all of this at all. If it seems I should go back to synthetics should I try Tirosint? What's up with this female hormone disruption and mood lability? I for sure can't live like this. It's unacceptable. I will add that there were times on Naturthroid when I felt better than I have in years (fleeting), but there has also been a lot of short tempered, rude, unpredictable, spaced out, slipping in mood overall. Looking back there's a LOT to be said for consistency. Yikes. Please help.

Hope

[startagaingirl]

Hi, it looks like your issue is under medication. Not sure of exact numbers for naturethroid but most ndt are around 36-38 mcg t4 + 8-9 t3, I think per 60/65? Tablet/grain, so in the switchover you have reduced your dose from the synthetics. That is backed up by your increase in Tsh and decrease in ft3.

I am sure someone will be along soon with more accurate numbers.

Gillian

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Montanahope.

You are undermedicated. Most people taking NDT will have FT3 in the upper third of range and TSH <1.0, perhaps even suppressed <0.1. FT4 is usually much lower on NDT than when you were taking Levothyroxine. I would increase dose by 1/2 grain and then another 1/2 grain 2 weeks later. Hold at 3 grains for 6-8 weeks and retest to check FT3 level.

[Montanahope in reply to Clutter]

So, I just started 2 grains last Thursday, up from 1.5 grains. How long before I start to feel better and more 'even'?

Retest at 2 grains or keep moving up regardless?

[Montanahope in reply to Montanahope]

Sorry, and what evidence would be there that might suggest that NDT is not appropriate for me? Is it just too soon to conclude this or would there be activity in my #'s to indicate I'm not the best candidate? Hashimoto's folks can do well with NDT?

I just want to be on the right track and worry I could be on the wrong path with NDT. Like I said, I have no idea.

[Clutter in reply to Montanahope]

Montanahope,

There is no evidence to suggest NDT is right or wrong for you but no replacement will be right until you are optimally dosed.

Hashimoto's patients can, and do, do well on NDT.

[Clutter in reply to Montanahope]

Montanahope,

Okay, when you've been on 2 grains for 2 weeks increase to 2.5 grains and hold at 2.5 grains for 6-8 weeks and retest.

You should feel improvement after each dose increase as the T3 kicks in quickly but it takes longer for the T4 to be absorbed and metabolised.

[Scazzoh]

A lot of people with Hashi's feel better on a gluten free diet.

[Montanahope in reply to Scazzoh]

Doing my best on that front. Along with eliminating sugar.