Thinking of using NDT or private trial of T3- advice please

[Aquapuss]

Fed up after years of treatment with levo only, have decided to see if NDT or T3/combination therapy might help restore my health. Have asked GP without success. Constantly cold, continuing to gain weight despite following WW and healthy eating, now also losing hair, skin problems and have previously had breast cancer ( oestrogen positive) all of which I believe to be linked to still being hypothyroid. Current levo prescribed dose is 150mg daily ( has increased from 125 over past two years) I would like to find private prescriber or try NDT. Is it legal to buy NDT. from USA? Is it safe? i take Igennus Super B complex and Triple Magnesium as well as VitD/K spray as well as levo

If anyone would like to private message me with any UK suppliers or list of T3 prescribing doctors that would really help. Thank you.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Aquapuss

You can send for the list of thyroid friendly endos from ThyroidUK, NHS and private. Email: [e-mail]

There is also a "contact us" link or the list of private doctors/practioners here:

thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

Not sure if that is different from the other list so maybe do both.

[Aquapuss in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you, I have got the list now from Thyroid UK. None near me, but some do telephone appointment.

[fuchsia-pink]

Before trying either NDT or lio it's worth getting your levo up to sensible levels - and your nutrients optimised. You haven't posted results for a while - 2+ years ago free T4 was only half way through range, which is too low ... so I'd recommend you get everything tested again - and post your results here / following any advice on improving as necessary - so that you are on top form before trying privately-sourced meds. And if you can show high free T4 but still low T3 there's always a chance of getting NHS lio, which is MUCH easier than sourcing privately x

[Aquapuss in reply to fuchsia-pink]

Thanks Fuchsia pink. Good advice. I just feel its a losing battle trying to get to optimum- think I maybe was for about two years at most since being diagnosed 19 years ago!

[pennyannie]

Hello Aquapuss :

I think before you start looking at additional thyroid hormone support you get a full thyroid blood panel run so we know and can advise on your next best steps back to better health.

No thyroid hormone replacement works well until you have optimal levels of ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D and a strong core strength to support your body.

We need t see a TSH< T3, T4m antibodies, inflammation, and the vitamins and minerals mentioned above and is general " sold " as a thyroid " bundle " and about 10 separate blood tests in one blood draw.

If your doctor is unable to help you there is a list of private companies who can, on the Thyroid UK website who are the charity who support this forum.

Get an early as possible appointment, fast overnight, just taking in water, and do not take your daily T4 medication until after the blood draw.

If taking any supplements, stop them a week before so we can see what your body is actually holding onto and jut post and results and ranges back up on here in a new post with a brief explanation of what you are taking and you will be advised accordingly.

[Aquapuss in reply to pennyannie]

Thanks Pennyannie, going to book blood tests - see other replies. Will post on here when done

[shaws Administrator in reply to Aquapuss]

When having a blood test (you most probably know this) that it is a fasting test and don't take thyroid hormones before it, but take afterwards. Always take them with one full glass of water and wait an hour before you eat.

[Aquapuss in reply to shaws]

Thanks Shaws, I remember about not taking them before the test and fasting. I needed to book blood draw as can never get enough using finger prick but won’t be as early as I would like because of their opening times. I did get 20% off the test though with discount code!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Strongly recommend getting FULL thyroid and vitamins tested now before considering adding T3 or changing to NDT

ALWAYS get as early as possible in morning before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

Stop vitamin B complex a week before test as contains biotin and biotin can falsely affect test results

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning and then post back via tracked postal service

Come back with new post once you get results

If Ft4 is high and Ft3 is low you may get T3 prescribed on NHS

Have you had coeliac blood test done

Are you on strictly gluten free diet

[Aquapuss in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks I will get them done again privately. GP won’t do all of them. Always feel symptoms are worse in winter- especially fatigue, dry skin. I need to live somewhere sunny, dread winter months! My antibodies have never been raised when checked so don’t think I am Hashimoto so have not tried gluten free. A year ago, GP did full blood count. Ferritin was 71 ( range 13-250) Coeliac test report states:” IgA transglutamase=<1 ( normal <7) negative IgAtTG make coeliac highly unlikely if individuals have been on a diet containing adequate gluten eg 4 slices bread daily for 6 weeks prior to test.” I would normally have 2 slices bread daily though not 4! Only thyroid measure was TSH 1.2 (0.3-4..5)