what to tweak

[terebol]

Been Ord's 30+yrs currently taking NP 90mg for just under 2 yrs. I am not prone to depression or anxiety, but anxiety been horrible last 4,5 days preceded by some depression. Latest labs10/26:

FT4 .55 (.58-1.5)

T3 .91 (.87-1.78)

TSH .014 (.34-5.6)

Ferritin 27.9(11-306.8)

Vit D 42.7 (30.-101)

B12 368 (180-914)

Had to go back 11/26 since dr. forgot to order folate & FT3

Folate 13.9 (>3)

FT3 2.0 (2.0-4.4)

I had been sniggling off my 90mg of NP as I felt it was too high As soon as I got labs on FT3 (11/26) back, I started the full 90mg, bumped up my B12 & D3 supplements. With increasing my supplements over the last 3weeks, why would I be experiencing anxiety & mild depression now? I can, only, think ferritin? I am in good health (except Ord's!!) and early 70s. This is something I've never dealt with so I welcome the guidance. Thank you!

[terebol]

Correction (could not find how to alter post) I bumped up my supplements in the last 7, not 3 weeks

[RuthieRuth]

Sorry to hear you are feeling so unwell. What's NP?

[terebol in reply to RuthieRuth]

sorry for delayed response - I overlooked it - NP is a generic of Armour. It is a uncluttered NDT w/just 3 excipients in it; mineral oil, dextrose, & calcium stearate.

[pennyannie]

Hello Terebol :

Everywhere I researched suggested that ferritin needs to be at least over 70 for any thyroid hormone replacement to work well -

With a ferritin under 30 - I think this needs further investigations before supplementing - I had to have a endoscopy and colonoscopy - before an iron supplement was prescribed -

which I couldn't tolerate so purchased my own - and any iron bisglycinate will be kinder on your stomach - if you too find the supplement too harsh on your stomach.

 terebol Your T3/T4 are very low - so it's a bit of a catch 22 - and you may need to reassess your dose of NP once your ferritin starts building again - as currently it looks like the NP is having little effect.

[terebol in reply to pennyannie]

Hi, thanks for response. I have seen on this site that ferritin should be over 70. I am in the US & don't know how that translates, which is why I put lab values. Why would an endo or colonoscopy be advised before supplementing?

[pennyannie in reply to terebol]

In the UK this result would be below a threshold with the suggestion being that first off - iron deficiency anemia would need to be ruled plus I would imagine more serious issues such as cancer -

That range for ferritin is very wide - and your result just 6% through the range -

so this is much too low - and you must be feeling horrible :

We need ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D to be at least a good 50% through their ranges - and I think vitamin D range a little low anyway :

Your B12 just 26% through it's range -

Folate - is ok - would be better a bit higher -

and vitamin D range looks a little low and your result around 60% -

I now aim to maintain my ferritin at around 100 - folate around 20 - active B12 125 ( serum B12 500++ ) and vitamin D at around 125.

[terebol in reply to pennyannie]

Thank you, thank you, pennyannie - puts goals out there for me. I do know my D &B12 are low & it will take time to get them up there & I am working on that.

[pennyannie in reply to terebol]

Yes - it's a full time job keeping on top of it all - but so worth while - as you are in the States I'm sure you have a good selection of each ' A ' grade supplement you need -

iron supplements need to be taken well away - 4 hours - from any other supplements -

I take my B12 + vitamin C - after breakfast -

and vitamin D after my main meal containing the most protein - and also take MK7-K2 - which is said to divert the D to teeth and bones rather than the heart and arteries.

Onwards and upwards :

[terebol in reply to pennyannie]

Ah, so iron needs to be 4hrs away from all supplements, not just from thyroids? It certainly is a game of juggling around the clock. I ordered the D3K2 spray that I will start tomorrow. My hope is that it raises the D3 while eliminating the need to time it around thyroid, & now, iron supplements. Thx for all of your advice!

[pennyannie in reply to terebol]

Yes - thyroid hormones on an empty stomach and wait an hour afterwards before eating or drinking anything other than water -

I now take my NDT in the night at a toilet break so well away from anything - and this has worked out very well for me - as the thought of waiting an hour for a cup of tea or coffee in the morning - is not appealing.

[terebol in reply to pennyannie]

I have toyed w/the idea of meds @ night, but have not gotten around to it. Somehow I manage to keep myself busy while awaiting morning beverage., but I realize it can be quite the chore for many people. I can't do caffeine; hence, the ability to wait it out

[pennyannie in reply to terebol]

I also ' pinged you into my initial reply to you as I added on a comment -

and to a SlowDragons extensive reply over several replies within one post to someone else regarding vitamin and mineral levels and supplements :

[radd]

terebol

FT4 .55 (.58-1.5)

FT3 2.0 (2.0-4.4)

TSH .014 (.34-5.6)

You are under medicated, so need a dose raise. FT4 is under range and FT3 at bottom of range.

Thyroid meds can make us feel over medicated when essential cofactors (particularly ferritin) aren’t optimal. We need these nutrients to support the meds and make them work properly.

If I was you, I would initially try working to increase iron levels and nutrients, and then raise thyroid meds in another month or two.

[terebol in reply to radd]

Thank you, radd! Yep, figured best to raise nutrients, first