On LDN - Are my thyroid levels too low as I'm so sleepy and spaced out

[furcoatnoknickers]

Please could someone advise me of my recent blood test results. I have Hashimoto's and have gone gluten free in the last few months.

Just to add, I am currently taking LDN and have been for 3 months, and in the last week I do feel very strange/ 'different' / fatigued yet, relaxed. 🤔

I am on just one and a quarter grain of nature thyroid unable to tolerate more.

I have never had a good tolerance to any thyriod medication trying all sorts of combo's With very little success. All my vit levels are in line (which has taken a long time to achieve).

After seeing these results I tried adding another quarter grain of NDT and felt awful, dark, depressed and had awaful joint pain, so dropped it back down and tried adding direct T3. I feel better, but still not myself. I could sleep at the drop of a hat.

Any feedback would be much appreciated.

TSH 0.69 (0.4-5.5)

T4 9.9 (11.5-22.7)

T3 4.4 (3.5-6.5)

This morning I have only managed to take I grain of NDT and 5mgs of direct T3. Could this be the LDN?

Thank you.

[Clutter]

Furcoatnoknickers,

Most people taking NDT + T3 need FT3 5.0 - 6.8 which usually suppresses TSH <0.1. Have you tried stopping LDN to see whether the fatigue improves and you are able to increase NDT dose?

[furcoatnoknickers in reply to Clutter]

Thank you, Clutter for your speedy response.

I think I maybe in a catch 22 situation. The hashi flares are less taking LDN, so if I stop or reduce they may come back, but I could try.

I seem to be able to tolerate T3. Is it ok to add T3 to my 1 grain if I continue not to be able to handle extra NDT?

My fear stems from last year when my TSH went to 59 on T3 only and I damaged my shoulder.

My story has always been the same, the minute I try to push my T4 up, I can't walk properly or stand for more than a few minutes, yet my body cannot be without T4.

[Clutter in reply to furcoatnoknickers]

Furcoatnoknickers,

Why not try to see. If Hashi flares resume you can resume taking LDN.

It's fine to add T3 to NDT. The proportions in NDT don't suit everyone so some need to add T4 and others T3.

As long as you're taking T3 direct or via NDT it doesn't matter that FT4 is low. It is always lower than when you were taking Levothyroxine because direct T3 means you don't need high levels of T4 stored for conversion.

[furcoatnoknickers in reply to Clutter]

I can't thank you enough, Clutter. As always such amazing advice.

I really do lack in confidence when it comes to my T4 dropping, it frightens me for obvious reasons and I've only been on NDT for a short while. Confidence restored, I shall continue my battle and hopefully win.

[furcoatnoknickers in reply to furcoatnoknickers]

Clutter,

Sorry, please can I have your advice once more on taking my meds.

As I gradually drop the LDN I shall try to add in more NDT like you have suggested.

But until I am at that stage, would you suggest adding the T3 with my NDT as I wake? then top up the T3 in the afternoon? Or, take NDT then few hours later add T3. I am a little confused having never tried this combo. Thank you in advance.