Combination of NDT and LEVO

[Welshjayne]

Good evening all, 8 weeks ago I switched to NDT and feel alot better, I've recently had my bloods back from medichecks and I'm still not hitting the numbers with regards to t4, I was told that some doctors combine levo with NDT to get the right result, has anyone got any experience with regards to combining them both and how? I don't want to up my NDT due to my TSH or can I? I've uploaded my bloods, also I've only just found out I ha e hashtimos, I've never been informed by my GP so as you can imagine I feel let down, however I am addressing or through gut health (diet ect).. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read and respond xx

[greygoose]

The TSH doesn't matter when you're taking NDT, it's the FT3 the most important number. TSH is bound to be low. You could try 1/4 grain increase. But, if you feel well on what you're taking, it doesn't matter that the FT4 is low.

[radd]

Welshjayne,

Welcome to our forum.

Glad you are feeling a lot better. Your thyroid bloods look fine. FT3 is over half-way through range, and both FT4 & TSH levels commonly drop when we medicate T3 (or thyroid hormone replacement containing T3) due to the pituitary gland sensing enough thyroid hormone in the blood.

NDT works well for many, so if you are still feeling unwell and before adding T4 to the mix, I would be addressing elevated antibodies which can cause destructive inflammation in the body and impair the workings of thyroid function. Have you looked into a gluten free diet ? Are you supplementing selenium ?

Also look at levels of ferritin, Vitamins D, folate & Vit B12 levels. Have you had these tested ? Post any further results for members to comment.

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Hashimotos

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

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Vit D Deficency

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/relate...

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The Role oF Supplements in Hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/treatm...

[Welshjayne in reply to radd]

Hi thank you for the information, I am addressing the antibodies best I can, I've been online looking I to it tirelessly, I have started gluten free, selenium, vit D, probiotics, and turmeric with black pepper mixed, they are all 100 % organic gluten free.. I have faith it wil work but just out of interest can you advise me how best to take my NDT and these, at moment I take NDT first thing in morn 7.30 and all supplements at 9am, I dont eat till 10... This ok? Or should I take NDT at night? .. Thanks so much

[radd in reply to Welshjayne]

Welshjayne,

The T3 in NDT has a short half life. Therefore I (& many members) need to split our daily dose into two, reducing the rapidity of onset and prolonging the duration of its action.

Some find a bed time dose helps them sleep but I take mine 6.30am and 4pm. Always take on an empty stomach with a glass of water, 1 hour before food, 2 hours before supplements and 4 hours before calcium, iron or Vit D supplements.

[Welshjayne in reply to radd]

Ok that's great, didn't realise 4 hour gap for vit D, will adjust accordingly.. Once again thank you, it's so great that there are groups like this at hand x takes alot of the worry away

.👍👍💗

[Welshjayne]

Only symptom left is fatigue, not as bad as it was and Ive started supplements to.see if they help, I think I will up it slightly like you suggested instead of adding levo to the mix...thanks greygoose 👍👍

[jjf255]

Your numbers are good except for the raised antibodiies. When you take NDT your T4 will be lower. For those taking Levo...T4 only...the T4 is converted to T3 or at least it's suppose to if conversion is working. For many people who are poor converters the T4 ONLY doesn't work. Since NDT has T3 ...you don't need that extra T4 for conversion. You could even stand to have your T3 raised slightly. Don't be concerned about you TSH when taking NDT. When I started taking NDT some years ago...I did find it took some time to feel optimal, but I feel years younger now. I'm 70 years old. I actually split my NDT into 3 doses. This is quite difficult to figure out the time needed between food and supplements so 2 doses would be so much easier.

[Welshjayne in reply to jjf255]

Thank you, it's very tricky with timing but I manages today by fasting till 12 👍, thanks for the advice it's greatly appreciated x