I discovered some useful information on NDT pharmacokinetics (rate of uptake, time to achieve peak level in blood, and loss rate). Note that >99% is protein bound, mainly onto thyroglobulin, so it will take time for the hormones to be released from the protein in the stomach/intestine and explains the delay in initial effect and the time it takes to achieve peak level, especially T3. Also we know that T3 taken on its own has a halflife of 1 day, yet it takes 2-.5 days to reach peak level. again indicating slower pharmacokinetics than T3 alone. T4-NDT half-life doesn't seem to differ from T4 alone. The different bioavailability also suggests slower uptake of NDT.
Mechanism of Action
Natural thyroid hormone from animals; increase basal metabolic rate, increase utilization and mobilization of glycogen store, promotes gluconeogenesis
Pharmacokinetics
Onset: Initial effect: 3hr
Bioavailability: 48-80%
Protein Bound: >99%
Metabolism: Hepatic; also in kidney and intestinal walls
Amazing, thanks diogenes, this is why I can take NDT with levo, it seems more gentle, when I took levo and t3 synthetic it was dreadful for me..this slow action seems to suit me
I'm exactly the same. Doing well on T4 & NDT but on synthetic t3 & T4 could not sleep, had palpitations & felt very unwell. I wish my gp & endo understood this.
Yeah, had palpitations nonstop on synthetics, insomnia etc. Still not yet where I should be, but at least now I know what suits me. Synthetics t3 for me was too stimulating.
All these people saying how difficult it is to manufacture a slow release form of T3 and how someone needs to develop one before they can possibly recommend it's 'user friendly' inclusion in thyroid hormone replacement therapy.... etc etc ..... and it turns out they've already got one .....right under their piggy little noses.
Fascinating. I have most certainly got my life back since taking NDT. If only they would reinstate it and prescribe in on NHS . Why does something so simple seem like an impossible dream?
Thanks. I assume this is from the medscape document?
It would be useful if the manufacturers published the study and in particular reveal the dose the subjects TFTs before and after so that we have some idea what it relates to. I assume the Time to Peak and Half Life of T3 are based on a bolus dose of NDT that has its T4 converted to T3 over time. As you mentioned the T3 half life is one day.
It would be really useful to know the actual phamacokinetics of NDT, it could be argued that for any endocrinologist who is interested in delivering T3 and T4 in the correct ratio combination therapy with levothyroxine and NDT is the obvious solution. The patient with primary hypothyroidism gets better treatment and the endocrinologist gets humble pie.
Thank you, yet again, diogenes - I did rather well on this via Dr S, then NHS but, when foolish enough to accept 'their [flawed] for me' ranges + labs wouldn't test - I used more T3 (as Dr P advised in any event) but always enjoyed Armour. 💚
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.