Help with labs after NDT

[chadrocks777]

Hello all, I was hoping some of you have had a similar experience and can give some advice based on my lab results after a few months on NDT.

I tested positive for Hashi's in January 2018 (TPO antibodies). I had been having some hypo symptoms for a while, which included cold sensitivity, dry skin, fatigue, and some brain fog. I was finally able to get an appointment with an endo in March (I'm in the military and it's difficult to get a referral). She ran full labs for me. Here are the results:

TSH = 5.24 (0.27-4.2)

Free T3 = 2.9 (2.3 - 4.2)

Free T4 = 1.21 (0.93-1.7)

T4 Total = 5.9 (4.5-12.0)

Triiodothyronine Uptake = 26% (24-39)

Long story short, the military would not treat me for hypothyroidism based on those results. So, upon researching, I found a lot of very useful information on the STTM website and decided to self-medicate. I began taking the "Thiroyd" brand NDT from Thailand, and eventually worked my way up to three grains per day based on symptoms. It's important to note that I'm also supplementing 10,000 IU of D3 and 5000 MCG of B12. After a few months, I had my labs redone, and here are the results:

TSH = 0.05 (0.40-4.5)

Free T3 = 3.8 (2.3 - 4.2)

Free T4 = 0.9 (0.93-1.7)

T4 Total = 4.8 (4.9-10.5)

Triiodothyronine Uptake = 32% (22-35)

I should point out that I had the labs done about 12 hours after my last dose of NDT.

As you can see, my free T4 is below range, but my T3 is closer to the top. Also, my TSH is very low.

I feel pretty good - the fatigue is pretty much gone, and I'm not noticing as much brain fog. Cold sensitivity is still and issue, as well as dry skin.

Is the low TSH a concern? I'm a little confused by the low T4. Any advice or experiences are welcome.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

TSH is very often suppressed on any NDT or T3

As long as FT3 is within range it's ok

FT4 is often low on any NDT as it has relatively high T3 to T4 ratio compared to human thyroid

You really need vitamin D retested, plus folate and ferritin levels too

No point testing B12 when supplementing

Vitamin DOnce you Improve level, very likely you will need on going maintenance dose to keep it there. Important to Retest twice yearly via vitamindtest.org.uk




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...

[chadrocks777 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks SlowDragon. I will definitely read up on Magnesium. My D3 supplement has K2, thankfully.

So, what you're saying is that since NDT has a lower ratio of T4:T3, and my TSH is supressed, my T4 levels will likely be lower?

Based on those labs, do you think I need to lower my dosage?

[Ruthi]

As SlowDragon says, TSH is often suppressed, in fact mine is zero after several years on NDT. And to feel right my FT3 is right at the top of the range if not slightly over tested around 26 hours after my last dose.

There is a real risk of overdosing on D3, so definitely retest.

[chadrocks777 in reply to Ruthi]

Hi Ruthi- So you waited 26 hours after your last dose of NDT to test? I only waited about 12. Was that long enough?

Also, should I skip a few doses of D3 before retesting? And do you have thoughts on my labs? Should I lower the dose, or keep it where it is?

Thanks for your reply!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to chadrocks777]

Bloods done 12 hours after last dose is correct

Your levels look fine. If you feel ok and don't feel over medicated, stay as you are

Vitamin D, just don't take supplement the day you do test

You need folate and ferritin tested too

[HughH]

T3 is the active thyroid hormone which controls almost every cell in the body. T4 is a storage (not active) hormone. The most important blood test result is therefore the Free T3 and there is no need to be concerned about your Free T4 being below range.

You should medicate to get your symptoms right - doctors often medicate to get the desired blood test results but you don't want to do that!