Should I increase NDT?

[HarrietJW]

4 weeks ago I began AIP diet and switched to NDT from Levothyroxine. I am disappointed to see that my antibodies have not come down, but I think my T3 and TSH are moving in the right direction? I am working towards doing another round of IVF after two failed rounds (poor response). My symptoms are a slow metabolism and inflamed thyroid + cycle disruption. I am currently on 1.25 grains a day, should I increase? I have also noted high B12 and Ferritin, I know that some of my supplements contain these, should I stop taking them. Thanks!

Results:

TSH - 1.39 (0.27-4.2) / Previously 5

FREE T3 - 4.28 (3.1-6.8) / Prev 3.67

FREE THYROXINE - 13.4 (12-22) / Prev 15.7

THYROGLOBIN ANTIBODIES - 76.6 (<115) / Prev 83.4

THYROID PEROXIDASE ANTIBODIES - 355 (<34) / Prev 335

FOLATE - SERUM >19.8 (>3.89)

VIT B12 - 275 (37.5 - 188)

VIT D - 102 (50-175)

FERRITIN - 209 (13-150)

CRP HS - 2 (<5)

[greygoose]

Why were you disappointed about your antibodies? Why were you expecting them to come down? Doesn't matter if they come down to zero, you'll still have Hashi's.

[HarrietJW in reply to greygoose]

Because I was told that AIP might help improve antibodies. Do you have any thoughts on my dose?

[greygoose in reply to HarrietJW]

Yes, people say a lot of things will 'improve' or 'lower' antibodies, but the question is: to what end? It doesn't mean that your Hashi's is less bad because your antibodies are lower. Even if you got rid of them completely - were such a thing possible - you would still have Hashi's, the attacks would still continue on your thyroid, and you would still end up completely dependant on thyroid hormone replacement. A lot of people believe that it is the TPO/Tg antibodies attacking the thyroid, but that is not so. Therefore, it doesn't make much difference if they're there or not.

I think you need an increase in dose. Your TSH is still high-ish for someone on thyroid hormone replacement, and your Frees are below mid-range. I think the majority of hypos need them higher than that to feel well. Your FT4 especially needs to be higher if you are contemplating conceiving, because the baby will be entirely dependant on your T4 during the first few months. Or so I've read.

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to greygoose]

I'd agree with GG. it looks like a small in increase would be helpful. I'd be aiming for free t3 about 5.5. Not sure what's on AIP diet, but be careful not to increase vitamin A too much. Might be worth giving blood, if you can, to get that ferritin down a bit, too. Otherwise cut down on the iron-containing foods a bit, as CRP doesn't suggest a lot of inflammation (which can cause high ferritin).

[HarrietJW]

Thankyou very much. I’ll increase by 1/4 and see where I get to.