I have just had my third set of blood tests done, following an increase to 100mg levothyroxin 8 weeks ago. My results are interesting. My (private) GP had a suspicion after my first lot of results (8 weeks on 50mg levothyroxin) that I may not be converting T4 to T3 well, and I think these results might suggest the same..? Thoughts from folk here would be most appreciated on that point please 😀
In terms of dose and how I’m doing. I’m feeling much better than I have been, but as though I could still feel better, if that makes sense. However, I suspect my TSH and T4 levels would suggest I don’t need more levothyroxine, I do wonder if my T3 levels suggest I’m right to suspect further improvement is needed. My GP had suggested we try NDT if I had a T4 to T3 conversion issue, but I feel a bit nervous about switching over - thoughts definitely wanted on that front please. I see him again on the 24th September and just want to get my thoughts straight before I am there.
Thank you again 😀
Written by
TheMudRunner
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
In your position I'd be keener to try adding a little T3 rather than NDT as it is easier to adjust your dose as the ratio in NDT mightn't suit you
p.s. don't let him drop your T4 dose down as adding T3 will do this, they have a habit of dropping it and then you feel awful after a couple of weeks even with the added T3
thank you TiggerMe . That’s what I thought. I am a little nervous about NDT, and moving away from a treatment that is broadly working (though I accept it isn’t working optimally). He seemed to be less keen on introducing liothyroxine - is there any reason why that would be the case?
greygoose , SlowDragon I’d be really appreciative if you could also let me have your thoughts, if you’ve a moment 😊
I can't imagine as sourcing NDT is expensive, I must admit I've never tried it as it would be a huge financial commitment when T3 is available from the NHS and like I said much easier to tweak the dosing.... many find the ratio of NDT also requires some levothyroxine to balance it out...
Remember it is your choice so don't be bullied 🤗
Also chances are that most GP's/ medics you deal with in the future will be totally against NDT
I feel like adding liothyroxine makes more sense, for now at least. I’m just a bit nervous he will push hard for NDT. It’s a private GP, but he had said he would write to my NHS GP once we had things balanced in the hope they’d “adopt me” back with no silliness, so I am reasonably comfortable he is genuinely trying to do the right thing by me. However, the NUS don’t use NDT so… I’ll let you know what happens on the 24th.
That sounds promising but like you say they won't accept you on NDT which he surely must realize? You'd be force to stick with him and keep on paying...
I am a little nervous about NDT, and moving away from a treatment that is broadly working (though I accept it isn’t working optimally).
It's not the 'treatment' that isn't working optimally. It's your body. The 'treatment', levo, is a hormone. Hormones cannot 'work' or not 'work', they just do what they're supposed to do. It's a matter of whether or not your body is happy with them and can convert them, etc.
Your body does not convert T4 to T3 very well. But that's not the fault of the levo.
NDT is a tiny bit of T3 with a lot of T4, so some conversion would still need to be done. If your body is not very good at that, then NDT might not be for you. It doesn't suit everyone.
That's not to say you shouldn't try it, but don't make the mistake I made and think it's going to be the magic elixir that solves all your problems! Some people, like me, are just better on synthetics.
Sorry - my wording probably wasn’t right. I meant that the treatment I’m on is t leading to optimal outcomes in me rather than anything else. Obviously the hormones are what they are, just the balance isn’t optimal for me (yet).
My nervousness is taking one step back on the journey, in that I feel relatively ok, but in need of more T3 rather than more T4. I guess moving to NDT would be a total change again, where as adding Liothyroxine would be an addition to what is already working somewhat. Also there is the fact the NHS don’t do NDT meaning I would be wedded to the private route for now at least, which is less desirable too.
I don't agree that trying NDT is a step back, but I do agree that adding T3 (liothyronine) to your levo could possibly be a better option because it's more flexible. For me, NDT had far too much T4 and not nearly enough T3! I got up to six grains, which was a hell of a lot of T4 and still not enough T3. Now I'm on T3 mono-therapy. But we're all different, and we all have to find what's best for us as an individual by trial and error. But, doctors don't encourage us to experiment, and that is wrong of them. Because they really don't know enough about it to lay down the law about what we can and can't take, like they do. Which is just one of the reasons I self-treat. So, if you have a doctor that is willing to over-see NDT, myself, I would be inclined to take him up on it, just to see if it suited me. It is different to synthetic in that the hormone is bound to protein carriers so is absorbed more slowly. And that suits some people. Just not me.
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.
Latest test results - thoughts please
Latest test results 
Help to understand blood test results and the impact of anaemia on hypothyroidism 
Advice on latest lab results please.
Would welcome thoughts/opinions on latest blood test results and new prescription of 25mcg levo
