NDT for a year results : After a year on NDT I... - Thyroid UK

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NDT for a year results

Hapyjackie profile image
8 Replies

After a year on NDT I have had a blood test done and would be grateful if any advice or comments.

I was previously on Levo and still had all the symptoms (weight gain chronic tiredness etc)

I now feel considerably better but was disappointed with the results.

On NDT I have lost over 2 stone and feel “normal” again.

What do I do now?

The ferritin was high on my last results when I was on Levo and the gp checked them and reported them as fine.

Maybe I should do my own iron check?

I hate that I have to do this without the guidance of my gp or an endo but I really did try before I went it “alone”

Thanks

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Hapyjackie
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8 Replies
shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

Due to blood tests being introduced along with levothyroxine (T4) alone but if we take or add other thyroid hormones (NDT contains T4, T3, T2, T1 and cacitonon), symptoms relieved are the best way of knowing whether or not someone is on an optimum dose. The fact that you feel happy and state "On NDT I have lost over 2 stone and feel “normal” again." answers your question I believe.

I shall give you a link and this doctor (now deceased) only took one blood test for the initital diagnosis and thereafter it was all about symptoms being relieved.

Read 'Safely Getting Well'.

naturalthyroidsolutions.com...

in reply toshaws

I could not agree with you more, Shaws! Unfortunately, most doctors do not. They consider the TSH the holy graal of thyroid hormone replacement (many won't even test FTs), and freak out at the sight of a suppressed TSH and some also at above-range FT3 levels...so, for the majority of hypothyroid patents on NDT or T3, it's a constant struggle for their right to stay on the treatment that makes them feel well...often for the first time in years. Sad but true.

Hapyjackie profile image
Hapyjackie in reply to

Thank you. It is so frustrating and a little scary doing it on your own! Don’t know what I’d do without all the help and advice on this site.

Thanks again

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply toHapyjackie

It is scary at first and many are nervous but, when you discover that you eventually know more than the doctors and even some Endos and you recover your health it is amazing when everything settles down and you feel well again. Of course, it isn't an instant fix but a gradual climb back to good health when you get to a dose/hormones that suit.

Hapyjackie profile image
Hapyjackie in reply toshaws

Thank you very much I will give it a read.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Vitamin D is too low.

GP will only prescribe to bring vitamin D up to 50nmol. So you will need to self supplement. Aiming to improve Vitamin D to at least 80nmol and around 100nmol may be better .

Once you Improve level, very likely you will need on going maintenance dose to keep it there.

Retesting twice yearly via vitamindtest.org.uk

Vitamin D mouth spray by Better You is good as avoids poor gut function.

It's trial and error what dose each person needs. Frequently with Thyroid disease we need higher dose than average

Local CCG guidelines

clinox.info/clinical-suppor...

Government recommends everyone supplement October to April

gov.uk/government/news/phe-...

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...

sciencedaily.com/releases/2...

articles.mercola.com/sites/...

betterbones.com/bone-nutrit...

This article explains should discuss with specialists before taking any vitamin K if you take any blood thinning medication

drsinatra.com/vitamin-k2-su...

Folate is also rather low.

Supplementing a good quality daily vitamin B complex, one with folate in not folic acid may be beneficial.

chriskresser.com/folate-vs-...

B vitamins best taken in the morning after breakfast

Recommended brands on here are Igennus Super B complex. (Often only need one tablet per day, not two. Certainly only start with one tablet per day after breakfast. Retesting levels in 6-8 weeks ).

Or Jarrow B-right is popular choice, but is large capsule

If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before any blood tests, as biotin can falsely affect test results

endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

Slightly high ferritin is pretty common. Are you post menopause? This can be reason ferritin rises, or it can be due to inflammation of thyroid disease. If GP has checked iron levels then it's likely fine

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

If/when also on NDT make sure to take last dose 8-12 hours prior to test

Is this how you do your tests?

Suggest you spend 2-3 months improving vitamin levels and then retest thyroid and vitamins

Hapyjackie profile image
Hapyjackie in reply toSlowDragon

Thank you very much for your reply. Looks like I have a lot of reading to do!

I didn’t realise I should have taken my NDT 12hours before test, I always take it as soon as I wake and leave an hour before anything other than water.

My blood test was pre dose or anything other than water (8.30am) do you think that will have made a big difference in the results?

Yes I am post menopausal.

Thanks again

silverfox7 profile image
silverfox7

I was told never to have a FT3 reading over range so I would be shouted at with your results and also if I was just in range but strangely I've thought again and decided I would go along with the plea to lower it and I actually feel better! Not ready for testing yet so we shall see what happens then but I'm now wondering if the difference is because I'm managing to address my vits etc on a more regular basis and so needing less medication so looking forward now to what my new levels will be. At the end of the day we need to go with what's right for us. I've also lost a little weight so may be the extra I was taking was actually working against me.

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