Where can i get dessacated pigs thyroid?

[zac69]

How do i go about getting to try NDT, pigs thyroid in the uk? my thyroid has been underactive for 50 years and my doctor would not even discuss it as he has never heard of it. he just kept saying your levels are perfect. I feel constantly exhausted.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Welcome to the forum

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking

Do you always get same brand of levothyroxine

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking, if any?

First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies.

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results

UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.

Important to see exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn’t been tested yet

Far too frequently only TSH is tested which is completely inadequate

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies

Ask GP to test vitamin levels

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .

Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood test. (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

Is this how you do your tests?

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin

medichecks.com/products/thy...

Medichecks often have special offers, if order on Thursdays

Thriva Thyroid plus vitamins

thriva.co/tests/thyroid-test

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Add any results you have already

Or come back with new post once you get full test results done

Before considering adding T3 or trying NDT you will need optimal vitamin levels

And essential to see EXACTLY what current thyroid levels are

[zac69 in reply to SlowDragon]

I am currently taking 150mg levothyroxine, the same dose for 35 years. the brand of tablets does change. I don't know my exact levels but my doctor said they are perfect, I have had blood work, vitimin b and iron are fine. I'm not taking any supplements.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to zac69]

So get hold of the actual results and ranges

First step is to get FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing. Thousands of UK patients forced to do this privately to make progress

Eg a few samples

healthunlocked.com/search/p...

healthunlocked.com/search/p...

Come back with new post once you get results

Members can advise on next steps

Nether levothyroxine or NDT or T3 will work well if any of these four vitamins are not OPTIMAL

[Marz in reply to zac69]

Having been a member here since 2011 I have read hundreds of posts where people say their Doc has proclaimed their results Fine/Normal/OK. They really mean they are within range - but that does not mean optimal. The other problem being that the correct testing is rarely carried out. When we probe a little deeper we discover results are far from perfect.

Which VitB is fine ? Your exhaustion is probably due to LOW T3 - low B12 - Folate - Ferritin and VitD.

Do you have Hashimotos ? Keep reading here and asking questions..

[penny in reply to Marz]

It’s depressing, isn’t it? Like you I read the same thing every day and my heart sinks when I read “in the normal range”. This will mean yet another person kept unwell.

[Marz in reply to penny]

So true !

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to zac69]

Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable.

Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription.

Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or at repeat prescription.

Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine. Teva contains mannitol as a filler, which seems to be possible cause of problems. Teva is the only brand that makes 75mcg tablet. So if avoiding Teva for 75mcg dose ask for 25mcg to add to 50mcg or just extra 50mcg tablets to cut in half

Teva and Aristo are the only lactose free tablets

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Teva poll

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

academic.oup.com/jcem/artic...

Physicians should: 1) alert patients that preparations may be switched at the pharmacy; 2) encourage patients to ask to remain on the same preparation at every pharmacy refill; and 3) make sure patients understand the need to have their TSH retested and the potential for dosing readjusted every time their LT4 preparation is switched (18).

Levothyroxine is an extremely fussy hormone and should always be taken on an empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after

Many people take Levothyroxine soon after waking, but it may be more convenient and perhaps more effective taken at bedtime

verywellhealth.com/best-tim...

No other medication or supplements at same as Levothyroxine, leave at least 2 hour gap. Some like iron, calcium, magnesium, HRT, omeprazole or vitamin D should be four hours away

(Time gap doesn't apply to Vitamin D mouth spray)

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

zac69

You cannot get NDT in the UK without a prescription.

Follow SlowDragon's advice, let's see your test results and take it from there. It's very likely that you are under medicated and may have poor nutrient levels, fixing those may very well be the answer.

[Hidden]

I find it difficult to believe that any GP or endocrinologist can be totally unaware of the existence of NDT. Could their denial have anything to do with the INSRUCTION of the GMC that if they are aware of the existence of any alternative product and believe that it could improve the health of a patient, then they MUST tell the patient even if they are prohibited from prescribing it?

My GP CERTAINLY knew about NDT but FAILED to tell me about it for 8 years.

[Rapunzel]

Ooooh that's so interesting Hidden I must have missed this as I don't have much time at the moment...Can I have a link to the NICE instructions, please? Thanks in advance...