From NDT To T3 - Advice please.

[princess20]

Hi everyone. I have been fortunate enough to receive some T3 which I now want to take instead of NDT so my questions are.

1. Can I stop taking NDT today say (on 3 grains) and go straight on to T3? What amount should I start on?

2. Or do I have to gradually come off NDT and also gradually add T3. What would be the ideal start up doses?

I've also read on this forum that it's a good idea to take one's temperature. When should I do this?

I'm sorry to be a pain with all these questions but you are all so knowledgeable, and its really great to receive someone else's advice and experiences.

Thank you so much.

Oh! nearly forgot I have an appointment with my GP and I'm hoping she'll support me in this. Fingers crossed

[Clutter]

Princess20,

Why are switching to T3?

3 grains NDT is equivalent to 75mcg T3. That's a considerable increase of the 27mcg T3 in 3 grains NDT. I would reduce NDT by 1/2 grain and increase T3 by 12.5mcg at 2 weekly intervals rather than switch straight over.

Basal temperature should be taken when you wake before you get out of bed. A sudden temperature spike can indicate over medication. Of course, a temperature spike may also indicate a fever.

[princess20 in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter thanks for your reply. I am switching to T3 because I believe that there's something in the makeup of the NDT that does not suit me and makes me very unwell even though the results might look ok.

I'll reduce gradually.

Thanks again

[silverfox7 in reply to princess20]

Sounds as though it could be one of the fillers not agreeing with you if your results look good. Normally we would be asking to see your last results to see if they really are best for you.

[Valharley]

1. Can I stop taking NDT today say (on 3 grains) and go straight on to T3? What amount should I start on?

A) 3 grains contains 27 mcg T3, so I would Stop the NDT and start on 25mcg T3 taken in four doses. As the T4 slowly leaves your system, you can gradually raISE YOUR t3 TO COMPENSATE.

2. Or do I have to gradually come off NDT and also gradually add T3. What would be the ideal start up doses?

A) See above!

I've also read on this forum that it's a good idea to take one's temperature. When should I do this?

A) Depends on what you are looking for. If you are adjusting your T3 by temps, a basal temp taken first thing in the AM before you get up would be fine. You are looking for 98.0 to 98.4 as it is lower before you get up & when you are sleeping. If you are trying to see if your adrenals are coping with the thyroid, then a four times a day schedule is needed. 8am, noon, 4-5 PM and bedtime. You will need to graph this one so you can see the results from one day to the next. You are looking for stable temps( less than .2 degrees difference) from one day to the next when you average your four daily temps. Google Dr Rind Temperature graph. More info there.

[Hidden]

Taking T3 only works for some, but I have the impression many who are on T3 only have first tried all other options. Have you tried a combination of synthetic T4 and T3? Or considered trying another brand of NDT, to rule out intolerance to one of the ingredients in the one you are currently taking?