Natural thyroid meds

[Loualexa]

Hi. After I had my children I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and subsequently received radio active iodine treatment (to destroy part of my thyroid) and have now need hypothyroid for 15 years. I think that in all of this time I have felt a bit depressed - or rather I struggle to enjoy myself. I wondered if other people have had this experience and whether my dose of Levi is off. I am considering taking a natural alternative as a friend has been taking it for a long time and says she feels much better than on synthetic meds. Any thoughts or experiences anyone can offer? Many thanks, Lou

[greygoose]

Are you talking about NDT - Natural Dessicated Thyroid - such as Armour and Erfa, Thyroid S, etc.? Or are you talking about some kind of OTC supplement?

[Loualexa in reply to greygoose]

Umm. NDT I think. I’m not sure what the differences are...

[greygoose in reply to Loualexa]

NDT is made of pig thyroid, and contains strict amounts of thyroid hormones T4 and T3 - the amounts are noted on the container. It is prescription only. Although there are some places on the internet where you can buy it without a prescription.

An OTC supplement - usually called 'thyroid support' or some such - is either a glorified multi-vit, which is absolutely not recommended. Or it's what is called a 'glandular', made usualy from cow thyroid. It may or may not contain hormone, but if it does, amounts are not stipulated.

I would suggest you find out exactly what your friend is taking, and where she got it.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

First step is to get FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing...see exactly what your results are

Frequently GP only tests TSH which is completely inadequate

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

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking?

Do you always get same brand of levothyroxine?

Are you currently taking any vitamin supplements?

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested. Also EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially as you have Graves’ disease (Hyperthyroid before RAI)

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...

Thyroid plus vitamins including folate (private blood draw required)

medichecks.com/products/thy...

Thriva Thyroid plus vitamins

thriva.co/tests/thyroid-test

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3

£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off if go on thyroid uk for code

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

monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...

Medichecks - JUST vitamin testing including folate - DIY finger prick test

medichecks.com/products/nut...

Medichecks often have special offers, if order on Thursdays

[Loualexa in reply to SlowDragon]

Wow! Thanks for very comprehensive reply! I will mull over and have a think about what I maybe need. Many thanks

[Catseyes235]

Yes check that your getting absolutely optimum treatment - a little more or less can make a difference . I have had two periods (once in my thirties and once in fifties) where I had antidepressants..for about a year each time. Got me over whatever it was,!

[GerbilsinSpace_77]

Hi Lou. I have limited experience with NDT from Thailand available without a prescription, but so far positive, feel free to PM me for more info.

[Loualexa in reply to GerbilsinSpace_77]

Thank you! I may we’ll do once I have worked out what I might do or have had blood tests x

[pennyannie]

Hello Loualexa and welcome to the forum :

Were you diagnosed with Graves Disease and that is why you received the RAI treatment ?

RAI is a slow burn that ultimately renders your thyroid burnt out in situ - and you fully hypothyroid.

A fully functioning working thyroid would be supporting you on a daily basis with approximately 100 T4 - synthetic Levothyroxine and 10 T3 - synthetic Liothyronine :

T4 is a storage hormone and needs to be converted by your body into T3 the active hormone which the body runs on and T3 is said to be about 4 times more powerful than T4. and read most people need about 50 T3 daily just to function.

Your conversion of T4 into T3 can be compromised if your ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D are not maintained at optimal levels in their ranges - and this is an area that van be a relatively quick fix and you can start to take back some control of your health, core strength and well being.

In the first instance it might be sensible to arrange a full thyroid blood test panel to include the vitamins and minerals and then we can give you back some feedback as to where you currently are in your thyroid journey.

I too have had RAI, a treatment I deeply regret, and found myself asking for help and advice on here a few years ago.

I do now take Natural Desiccated Thyroid which I believe is what you think you maybe talking about.

Please start reading up, as if this is the route you choose to go, you may have to self medicate and rely on yourself, and you do need to know and have an understanding of all things thyroid.

If you have Graves Disease you might like to dip into the Elaine Moore Graves Disease Foundation website :

This book is written by a doctor who has hypothyroidism : Barry Durrant - Peatfield writes in an easy to understand manner in Your Thyroid and How To Keep It Healthy - as though we don't now have this amazing little gland we do need know all that it does so we can try and compensate accordingly.

[Loualexa in reply to pennyannie]

Thank you for your advice. Can I ask why you regret the RAI treatment?

[pennyannie in reply to Loualexa]

Hey there,

Well you can read my profile and you must do your own research, and if you have Graves you should include the Elaine Moore Graves Disease Foundation website, and Elaine's first boo Graves Disease - a Practical Guide.

[Loualexa]

Wow.. you’ve had a terrible time. So sorry to hear that...