Levothyroxine success? Weight loss/pregnancy/hair growth etc...

[lcsnow21]

Really wanting to stay optimistic here! I have tried NDT while supporting adrenals, iron, B12, and D. I am just TOO sensitive to the T3 in it. I just started Levothyroxine about 9 days ago. I'm having ups and downs. Losing hair after stopping the NDT. Really watched my calories and walked all week and not a single pound lost. Just looking for some happy stories or encouragement instead of all the negativity about T4 meds. I really want this to work for me so I can get pregnant!

[Clutter]

Lcsnow21,

Most people do well on Levothyroxine once they are optimally dosed but you won't find them on thyroid fora praising Levothyroxine to the skies because they don't need support.

It takes 7-10 days to absorb Levothyroxine before it starts working, and up to 6 weeks to feel the full impact of the dose. Levothyroxine isn't a weight loss aid but once you are optimally dosed you should stop gaining 'hypothyroid' weight and should feel well enough to exercise to help you lose weight.

For maximum absorption Levothyroxine should be taken with water 1 hour before, or 2 hours after, food and drink, 2 hours away from other medication and supplements, and 4 hours away from calcium, iron, vitamin D supplements, magnesium and oestrogen.

You should have a follow up thyroid test 6-8 weeks after starting Levothyroxine. Arrange an early morning and fasting (water only) blood draw when TSH is highest, and take Levothyroxine after your blood draw.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[lcsnow21 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you!! I guess patience is the key

When I took the NDT it gave me such an immediate boost it's been hard to transition to the levo. But better not to feel completely overstimulated I guess.

[Clutter in reply to lcsnow21]

Lcsnow21,

It will be the T3 in NDT which gave you the boost. As you are planning pregnancy it is best you take Levothyroxine because you would be pressured to switch to Levothyroxine until after delivery.

[lcsnow21 in reply to Clutter]

Yes I actually went to a GP who knew I was trying to conceive and she never mentioned that. The place is very functional/integrative and they don't like prescribing T4. After trying to take the NDT twice and having so many problems with it I finally asked to be referred to an endocrinologist. He's the one who told me they wouldn't want me to be on NDT if I'm trying to conceive anyway... So thank goodness I saw him!

[Clutter in reply to lcsnow21]

Lcsnow21,

I think the lack of safety information on pregnancy and T3 or NDT is why UK doctors prefer pregnant women to take Levothyroxine. That doesn't mean that T3 or NDT are unsafe, just that there is a lack of information.

[lcsnow21 in reply to Clutter]

Well that's understandable... I prefer evidence based medicine in situations as important as something like pregnancy. Thanks for your very logical responses! There is so much T3 hysteria on the internet.