Diagnosed, treated but still unwell

[noquitter]

Hello

I finally got diagnosed with hypo 10 months ago - armed with knowledge and advice from this forum.

My question: I started on Levo, which didn't suit me at all. Since Oct 2021 have been taking Erfa NDT 2 tablets (1 grain) twice daily. Last (24/1/22) blood test was:

TSH 1.88 (0.27-4.2)

T3 4.8 (3.1-6.8)

T4 14.7 (12-22)

I am taking supplements for B12 and Vitamin D and they are in good shape.

I have more energy (most days) and nails have stopped splitting, but main symptoms - morning stiffness; breathlessness; pain in shoulders, arms, feet, neck and weight gain - are still causing major problems.

Do I need a change of meds or an increase in dose or something else? Should I get iron tested? Is Armour worth trying?

Any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated.

noquitter

[Jazzw]

I would say an increase in Erfa might be warranted—there’s more than a bit of wiggle room for improvement. I think I’d be considering an additional half grain a day in the first instance.

[noquitter in reply to Jazzw]

Thank you. I'm thinking along those lines, but reassuring to get another opinion.

[Peanut31 in reply to noquitter]

Hi

As Jazzw has already suggested an increase in NDT would be a good idea as you have room for this based on your results.

Take your increases slowly and keep notes. I could only tolerate 2 grains of NDT as it sent my T3 results too high and felt jittery, but my T4 results were still low and needed the extra increase as still had symptoms. After trying to increase NDT I now take 2 grains of NDT and some levo either 25mcg or 12.5mcg (I cut the tablets with a craft knife), this seemed to work for me.

This could be an option for you too, if you can’t find your sweet spot with NDT.

Good luck

[noquitter in reply to Peanut31]

Thank you so much. I am feeling pretty awful right now. Going on from what you said, perhaps T4 plus T3 would work for me.Thanks again. Much appreciated

[Peanut31 in reply to noquitter]

I know it hard when you feel absolutely awful and want a quick fix, but stick with it. You will start feeling better, just take your time with your increases on NDT so you don’t miss your sweet spot.

Good luck

[noquitter in reply to Peanut31]

Thanks again. Sometimes it just helps to have someone else's view - from a distance, so to speak.

[pennyannie]

Hello Noquitter :

With NDT you dose to the relief of symptoms and not a blood test or range :

When optimally medicated your TSH will likely be very low/suppressed :

Your T4 may well be quite low in this range :

But your T3 should be proportionately much high in this range :

You may find you feel better not splitting your dose and taking it all at once ?

No thyroid hormone replacement works well until ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D are up and all maintained at optimal levels.

The ranges, guidelines and the science of the blood tests were all introduced to be used alongside Big Pharma' s T3 and T4 medications in the middle of the last century and on the back of NDT which was already being used very successfully and you simply dose low and slow in 1/4 grain increments to relieve symptoms being experieced.

[noquitter in reply to pennyannie]

Yes, I'm sure you're right and I am trying to get it right. I will test my ferritin folate etc as I have had problems there before. It's hard to keep focused when you feel rubbish, isn't it? Thank you

[Jajda]

I am having some very unpleasant symptoms for more than 4 years -finally after many visits all kind of dr's - more btw my problem was found as nodules = hyperthyroidism. Started right the way Borax regime (advice found here and elsewhere) and I am better - it works for me as obviously for others - I am taking it short time and that is giving me confidence that it will better i time. I am also taking 20 ml Hemp seed oil daily. I am not recommending anything I am just sharing my case and experience- good luck to you 💕🙏

[noquitter in reply to Jajda]

Thank you Jajda. I don't know anything about 'Borax regime', but will find out. I'm very glad that you have something that works - long may it continue.