Cytoplan thyroid support capsules - how big are they?

[Flecmac]

Endo has suggested trying cytoplan thyroid support capsules, but I struggle swallowing tablets. I would also like any feedback anyone has about them. Many thanks.

[shaws Administrator]

Do you take levothyroxine? What were the results of your latest blood test results, with the ranges?

[Flecmac in reply to shaws]

I take 50mcg levo. Last results on 23/08/18:-

TSH 1.0 miu/l (0.5 - 4.4)

T4 15.9 pmol/L (10 - 20)

T3. 5.1 pmol/L. (3.5 - 6.5)

Thanks

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Flecmac]

Well, I wouldn't take it, it contains Iodine (kelp). Is your endo going to test your Iodine level first? If you're not deficient then you don't need to supplement with it.

Is this endo a diabetes specialist?

Are you still symptomatic? If so he could increase your Levo, your FT4 is only 59% through it's range, and FT3 is 53% through range. Most people feel best when they're in th upper quarter of the range, so I'd ask for an increase, you're only on a starter dose.

[Flecmac in reply to SeasideSusie]

This is the 3rd Endo and they all express caution with an increase, the second did agree to my increase from 25mcg to 50, this is ‘3rd time lucky’ but again very cautious. They don’t see 50 mcg as a starter dose, they look at the tsh which for me drops with an increase. He is doing more tests and seemed better than the others and my gp, but it seems like the same old story I fear. He hasn’t offered a test for iodine so I don’t think I will bother.

Thanks.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Flecmac]

Have you tried very small increases rather than 25mcg just 6.25mcg and increase very slowly.

With Hashi's, Iodine is definitely not recommended.

Selenium would be a better support as you have Hashi's.

Are all your nutrient levels optimal now?

[Flecmac in reply to SeasideSusie]

How could I achieve such a tiny dose? My 25mcg tablets fall apart if broken. My vitamin D has gone up to around 90. B 12 always good, taking supplements of both and selenium.

Thanks

[shaws Administrator in reply to Flecmac]

Do you use a Pill Cutter for your tablet as it would be difficult if we used a knife. I have a good cutter (I have tried a few ) I have successfuly quartered mine (T3) with the one in the link and I have bought a number of pill cutters before.

smile.amazon.co.uk/Safe-Sou...

[Flecmac in reply to shaws]

My levo is minute though! Thanks

[Flecmac in reply to shaws]

Thanks. Couldn’t find pill cutter on the link.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Flecmac]

Apologies it was the wrong link. I've replaced it now.

[Flecmac in reply to shaws]

Thanks x

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Flecmac]

mcdermott

I successfully cut my 50mcg Actavis into 2, I've even managed to quarter it, I don't know how much difference in size there is between a 50mcg and 25mcg tablet. But what you could do is cut 1 x 25mcg into 4 as best you can. Keep that in a separate pot. On a daily basis take your normal 1 x 25mcg then add 1 of the pieces of the tablet you've cut. Over 4 days you will have added an extra 25mcg so that averages 6.25mcg although each piece might be slightly different.

You've a bit of a way to go with Vit D - the Vit C Council recommends 125nmol/L. What is the dose of your D3 supplement, is it an oral spray (recommended for best absorption when Hashi's is present), do you take D3's important cofactors magnesium and Vit K2-MK7?

[Flecmac in reply to SeasideSusie]

Mine are minute!

Take 3 sprays of D3/K2. Took less over the summer though. I was at 112 just before summer.

Thanks

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Flecmac]

The D3/K2 spray is 1000iu per spray, the instructions say 3 sprays to give 3000iu. So just use an extra spray or two per day until you reach the recommended level. Are you taking magnesium? It's needed to enable the body to use the D3.

[Flecmac in reply to SeasideSusie]

I your magnesium spray made with magnesium flakes, use 2-3 times per week and occasional epsom salt bath. Have problems with IBS.

[MaisieGray in reply to Flecmac]

If you were below 50 yrs when first diagnosed, the NICE guidance to Drs within its Clinical Knowledge Summaries and the BNF is:

For Adult 18–49 years

Initially 50–100 micrograms once daily; adjusted in steps of 25–50 micrograms every 3–4 weeks, adjusted according to response; maintenance 100–200 micrograms once daily

and had you been older:

For Adult 50 years and over

Initially 25 micrograms once daily; adjusted in steps of 25 micrograms every 4 weeks, adjusted according to response; maintenance 50–200 micrograms once daily

So in either case, anything up to 200 mcgs is the ongoing maintenance dose, as appropriate.

[Flecmac in reply to MaisieGray]

Never really been diagnosed. GP just put me on 25mcg 2010 after seeing Endo and when endo increased to 75mcg she reduced back to 25 as tsh dropped to below 0, then she stopped it, then last year I insisted on starting again but she only agreed to 25mcg, I increased to 50 myself and last Endo agreed to that. Another Endo yesterday is doing tests but still reluctant to increase. I won’t see him now until Jan/Feb.