Convert NDT to Levo Dosage: Hi all, I am UA with... - Thyroid UK

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Convert NDT to Levo Dosage

joymcphail profile image
8 Replies

Hi all,

I am UA with Hashi's

I currently take 3 grains of Thyroid S a day

My Doctor doesn't understand NDT but knows that I take it. After recent blood tests, he would like me to reduce my dose to the equivalent of 50 mcg & 25 mcg Levo on alternate days.

How do I convert the dosage to NDT?

Thanks in advance :)

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8 Replies
MaisieGray profile image
MaisieGray

Each 1 grain of NDT contains 38 mcg T4 and 9 mcg T3.

There is no exact equivelance, but if you estimate that T3 is the approximate equivalent of 4 x T4, that gives you

38 mcg + (4 x 9) = 74 mcg T4

As you are currently taking 3 grains, you are taking 3 x 74 = 222 mcg T4

Unless you are dangerously over-medicated at the moment, there is no way that a drop from 222 mcg even to 50 mcg is appropriate, nor that at this point, can your Dr possibly conclude so exactly, that you need to take 50 mcg and 25 mcg on alternate days. Furthermore, 50 mcg T4 is only a starter dose for most adults, and 25 mcg is ridiculously low, so it would be very unlikely that such a dosing regime for any adult, would be adequate. Does he know anything about treating thyroid disorders, never mind NDT?

More importantly is he wanting to alter your dose based on symptoms, and a full set of blood results; or is he dosing only by TSH as I suspect? Please post whatever blood tests you have, with their ranges, so that you can be better advised.

joymcphail profile image
joymcphail in reply to MaisieGray

Thank you for your reply

He wants to lower the dose because he feels my TSH is low.

TSH - 0.0165

Range 0.3500 - 4.9400

Free T4 - 0.77

Range 0.70 - 1.48

Free T3 - 3.28

Range 1.71 - 3.71

Where are your latest blood test results with the ranges. I take thyroid s NDT and when I was over medicated my FT3 was 8.2 the top range was 6.8.

I also had a fast heart and was losing too much weight. Why is your Doctor telling you to

lower your dose? I lowered mine to 2.5 which I still take today.

joymcphail profile image
joymcphail in reply to

Thank you for your reply.

He wants to lower the dose because he feels my TSH is low.

TSH - 0.0165

Range 0.3500 - 4.9400

Free T4 - 0.77

Range 0.70 - 1.48

Free T3 - 3.28

Range 1.71 - 3.71

in reply to joymcphail

You will always have problems with your Doctor they know nothing about the thyroid and as you are taking NDT they should not be looking at the TSH result. I self medicate never see the doctor and take a private blood test for the thyroid and post the results on here for answers, this way I have become well. if you feel well stay as you are. Tomorrow I am taking my yearly blood test with I have done with Medicheck it is called (Ultra) it gives everything that you need. The cost was £78. Blue Horizon do one called thyroid plus 11 which is similar but I went for the cheaper option on special offer.

joymcphail profile image
joymcphail in reply to

Thanks for the advice :)

biowarrior profile image
biowarrior in reply to

What was your NDT dose when you had 8.2 FT3. I'd be very interested

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK

A nonsensical approach!

Why convert anything? There is no need whatsoever to use some formula (which will never be spot on) in order to adjust your dose. Worse, use such a formula to reach an arbitrary dose, which appears to have as much relevance as which way the wind is blowing.

If realise you are driving at 65 in a 60 zone, you need to slow down a little. Do you take your foot off the accelerator and brake? Or just ease your right foot a little?

If you agree that a dose reduction is in order, make the smallest sensible reduction (maybe to 2.75 if you can cut the tablets acceptably, or 2.5). Leave six weeks and re-test. Gentle, small steps. Otherwise you will most certainly overshoot.

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