Lowered levels since starting ndt

[Shsc]

Hello all

Im taking 1.5 grains ndt and although I feel better ( not great) im concerned because my t4 and t3 are lower than when I started . I haven't felt worse - fatigue is better but haven't been able to lose weight at all . I'm going up to 2 grains this week but worried I can't tolerate much more - heart has been pounding lately my tsh 6 before meds with t4 around 16 and t3 4.4.

Now I'm at t-sh 1.6 , t4 around 11 and t3 4.2.

Thoughts ??? I'm beginning to doubt that I should have started meds at all

[greygoose]

Well, it's not surprising that your FT4 is lower as you're taking NDT. That's what happens. And the difference in your FT3 is so slight as to be insignificant - were both tests done at the same time of day? Because FT3 levels do vary throughout the day. And, are they even the same range?

Your FT3 looks to be still too low to lose weight - although difficult to say for sure without the range. But, you most certainly should have started on 'meds', with a TSH of 6. That is hypo.

Now, you need an increase in dose.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Do you have Hashimoto's also called autoimmune thyroid disease diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies?

If you have Hashimoto's are you on strictly gluten free diet?

What about vitamin levels, have you had vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12? Been tested recently?

[Shsc in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi

No I do not have hashimotos thankfully. I've started supplementing with vit b and d about 6 weeks ago , also Zinc and recently selenium. Did not have levels done though.

My last visit the dr wanted to check ferritin so I will do those soon .

Thanks !

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Shsc]

It would be good idea to test vitamin D.

You may have very low levels and need high dose

Or you may not need any at all

Vitamin D is toxic in excess

Vitamindtest.org.uk

£28 easy home postal test

Definitely get GP to test ferritin ASAP

B12 test not going to show much as once supplementing test is pretty irrelevant and B vitamins are water soluble. If you are taking more than you need then it’s just expensive pee!

[Shsc in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you ! I know the ferritin level is important but can't find a good reference explaining why ? Could it help with the pounding feeling im having ? Or is that just cortisol - which I am testing this week via saliva as well. Thanks this forum is great for responsiveness

[Shsc]

Hi

Yes the levels were done same time each time . The range for T3 is 3.5 to 6.5 so I know I'm still low. Just concerned that an extra half grain isn't going to get me much higher

[greygoose in reply to Shsc]

Half a grain is too much to increase by. Increases for NDT should be 1/4 grain every too weeks. The golden rule for all hormones : start low and increase slowly. Increasing by too much at a time is just going to make you miss your sweet spot, and having to start all over again.

[Shsc in reply to greygoose]

Hi there

I take ERFA and one grain is 30mg . Does this make a difference? I've always gone up half at a time ?

[greygoose in reply to Shsc]

I'm pretty sure that one grain is 60 mg with any NDT. So, you must have half grain tablets. Yes, that would make a difference, because half a half grain tablet is a quarter grain.

[TSH110]

THIs guide is good for helping reach you optimum NDT dose and should alleviate some of your worries and hopefully get you to the best dose to feel well

tpauk.com/main/article/trea...

[Shsc]

Im increasingly worried that my dose is lower than what my thyroid was doing alone. ERFA 2 grains is like one of armour. My T4 keeps dropping almost out of range and T3 is barely where it was. Really think I'm doing more harm than good here ! Why would drs make you think you can take a little to help you out?? I stupid for jumping on the meds so fast! Feeling super anxious about this tonight 😔