Where can i get ndt?

[Jellybeat]

Hi I've been on levothyroxine for years now & really don't get on with it.can anyone tell me the best place to source ndt from? asked my gp & endocrinologist & they both refuse to prescibe it.

[purplejuicy]

have you tried adding T3 to your T4 yet? i can only go by my experience as i was also really interested in trying NDT just after i was diagnosed but it didn't agree with me (didn't have other things such as iron and adrenal glands in order) but i read about how adding T3 can really help and i haven't looked back since. T3 is prescribed through some GP's if you're lucky but functional medicine DR's will be able to prescribe if not. worth a shot?

[Jellybeat in reply to purplejuicy]

my endocrinologist said he wouldnt prescribe T3 because i wasnt on a high enough dose of levo! i'd never heard that before.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Jellybeat]

That's correct. We need to be on high enough dose of Levothyroxine to bring TSH down to around one and FT4 towards top of range

Getting vitamins tested, and supplementing to bring optimal too

Many with Hashimoto's find strictly gluten free diet helps or is essential

If FT3 remains low in range then, is time to consider adding small dose of T3

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Jellybeat

What do you mean by you don't get on with Levo? Are you still symptomatic?

Often it's a case of not being optimally medicated and/or nutrient levels are low or deficient.

If you can post your latest test results, with reference ranges, members will be happy to help. Ideally we need to see

TSH

FT4

FT3

Thyroid antibodies

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

**PLEASE - NO INFORMATION ABOUT SOURCES OF SUPPLY ON THE OPEN FORUM. IF ANY INFORMATION IS POSTED IT WILL BE DELETED AND THE THREAD WILL HAVE TO BE CLOSED**

[SlowDragon Administrator]

If you have Hashimoto's then vitamin levels are often too low

Essential to test and correct these with supplements FIRST before considering either T3 or NDT

Also if you have Hashimoto's then gluten intolerance can be an issue

As SeasideSusie says essential to do full Thyroid and vitamin testing first

All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. When on Levothyroxine, take last dose 24 hours prior to test, and take next dose straight after test. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

Is this how you do your tests?

If also on T3, or NDT make sure to take last dose 12 hours prior to test

[Jellybeat in reply to SlowDragon]

i'm going to get more testing soon but my doctors are useless! also my son has hashimotos as well.we are both seeing endocrinologists but they dont listen either.only levo is possible from them!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Jellybeat]

Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12. Always get actual results and ranges.

Post results when you have them, members can advise

Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels

Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone working

Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten

According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)

Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies

Ideally ask GP for coeliac blood test first

amymyersmd.com/2017/02/3-im...

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

So first step is to get full testing (most likely privately) but see what you can get from GP or endo first

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. When on Levothyroxine, take last dose 24 hours prior to test, and take next dose straight after test. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

Always take Levo on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after. Many take early morning, on waking, but it may be more convenient and possibly more effective taken at bedtime.

verywell.com/should-i-take-...

Other medication at least 2 hours away, some like HRT, iron, calcium, vitamin D or magnesium at least four hours away from Levothyroxine

Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable. Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription. Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or at repeat prescription. Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine. Though it is the only one for lactose intolerant patients