Synthetic Thyroxine Vs Dessicated Thyroxine

[MichaelJH]

First post on this forum. My girlfriend had part of her thyroid removed in the late nineties. Since then she had been treated with synthetic thyroxine. Currently she is undergoing further investigation as there may now be a parathyroid issue. However, I have noticed that it is becoming increasingly hard for her to control her weight and that she suffers the occasional memory lapse. When I researched this I found a suggestion that dessicated Thyroxine could help with these issues. Before I suggest it I wanted to ask if anybody has done this change and if they benefitted from it.

[greygoose]

Dessicated Thyroid, not Thyroxine. Thyroxine is just T4, NDT contains T4 and T3.

NDT is like all the other types of thyroid hormone replacement - works wonders for some people, is bad for others, and others find no difference. But, she'll only know what it does for her if she tries it. No-one can predict if it's going to be the answer, no matter what they might profess to know.

It could just be that her dose of levo is too low - that often happens - or that she can no-longer convert it. Only blood tests would tell you that. What I do know is that she will probably have trouble getting it prescribed, and might have to buy her own. She might even find that her doctors are set against it, and there won't be much she can say to persuade them. So, I'm afraid, no positive answers to that, just 'ifs' and 'buts' and 'maybes'. But, if she's prepared to go it alone, there's no reason why she shouldn't try it.

[MichaelJH in reply to greygoose]

Thank you for your response.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

It's pretty common for conversion to get worse as we age, especially around menopause. Or others just find Levothyroxine stops working so well of low vitamin levels can badly affect Thyroid

First step is to get full testing to see what's going on

Very common to be not on correct dose too

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 or vitamins

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)

Come back with new post once you have results and ranges and members can advise on next steps

[MichaelJH in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for the detailed response. She is at the tail end of the menopause and is currently on a Vitamin D tablet as well as there are issues with blood calcium levels as well.

I understand what you are saying about blood tests. Ten years ago I had a private PSA test after I lost three friends/ colleagues to prostate cancer (or secondaries) buy my GP said it was unnecessary. I was also refused an Lp(a) test despite a family history of cardio vascular disease (CVD). Three months ago I needed s quadruple bypass.

[Marz in reply to MichaelJH]

My husband had a raised PSA. He was diagnosed with Hashimotos in his 70's and treats with T3. PSA now very low. I have a theory that guys with prostate issues should have their thyroids correctly checked ad treated. Just another gland in the endocrine system after all.

Also good levels of T3 - active thyroid hormone - are needed for healthy heart function. 😊

Always worth ruling things out before too many things go wrong ...

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to MichaelJH]

Low calcium is linked to low vitamin D

How low was her vitamin D before starting on supplements and has level been retested?

Very common for GP to only prescribe 800iu and level remains too low, often months or years on supplements. Especially if also hypothyroid and especially if have autoimmune thyroid disease

Also read up on importance of magnesium and vitamin K2 Mk7 supplements when taking vitamin D

betterbones.com/bone-nutrit...

articles.mercola.com/sites/...

healthy-holistic-living.com...

articles.mercola.com/sites/...


betterbones.com/bone-nutrit...