Sleeping 12 hours per night and Low T4

[Baggiebod]

I am taking NDT prescribed by my Endocrinologist. Having had unrelated surgery the hospital advised me that my blood tests showed T4 below range. I feel OK but I do sleep too much needing 12+ hours per night. Is it possible to add T4 to NDT? My Endo suggested it was not usual but advised eating 2 Brazil nuts per day and to discuss next month at our scheduled appointment.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Do you have a copy of your latest blood results that you can share with us? You are legally entitled to a printed copy of your results, ask at GP reception. In England you can get the NHS app and ask for permission to see your blood results on that by asking at GP’s reception.

Some people do need the addition of a small amount of Levo to their NDT as the balance of T4 to T3 isn't always right for every person.

When hypo we get low stomach acid which means we cannot absorb vitamins well from our food, regardless of a great diet. For thyroid hormone to work well we need OPTIMAL levels of vitamins. Have you recently or could you ask your GP to test levels of ferritin, folate, B12 & D3? Private tests are available, see link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

There is also a new company offering walk in (includes free blood draw) & mail order blood tests in London, Kent, Sussex & Surrey areas. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...

Only do private tests on a Monday or Tuesday to avoid postal delays.

Do you know if you had positive thyroid antibodies? Many with autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's benefit from a gluten free diet. A smaller percentage of those also need to remove dairy from their diet to feel well. These are intolerances and will not show up on any blood test.

[Baggiebod in reply to Jaydee1507]

I didn't get the print out as I was an inpatient having surgery, but was advised to inform my Endocrinologist that my T4 was below range. My TSH was very low but that is usual when on NDT.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to Baggiebod]

I'd recommend you get a copy of the results and also get vitamins tested.

[Baggiebod in reply to Jaydee1507]

I don't have Hashimotos as I had my antibodies checked and it was said it wasn't Hashimotos.

[greygoose]

Oh dear! He is confused, isn't he. lol

It's people with conversion problems that eat Brazil nuts, for the selenium. Poor conversion means that you have low FT3, not low FT4. T4 is converted to T3. Brazil nuts have nothing to do with T4 levels.

Actually, it's quite common to take a little levo with NDT. Quite a lot of people do it. Sounds like he's very out of touch, poor thing.

[Baggiebod]

That sounds about right! At least a couple of Brazil nuts shouldn't hurt me? I'm hoping to get a tiny bit of T4, do you think this might help me to sleep a bit less? 12 hours is rather excessive!

[waveylines in reply to Baggiebod]

You sound like you are under medicated. I'd ask for the blood test results.... Hopefully he did Ft3 as well! It maybe you need an increase of NDT. TSH is always suppressed on NDT when optimally treated. Mine is 0.02. I'd focus on your Ft4 & Ft3 levels alongside symptoms signs. Needing to sleep for 12hrs is probably due to under treatment.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to Baggiebod]

To give amore educated reply we do need to see a full thyroid panel but generally speaking taking a little more Levo might help you sleep less.