There were a ton of thyroid patients who were hit in the proverbial face when Nature-throid and WP Thyroid were taken off the market.
And it looks like the hits keep coming with the recent targeting of NDT by the FDA.
For many patients, NDT has been one of the most effective thyroid medications available (not the only option, but often the one that worked best).
The good news? You don’t have to sit back and watch your best option disappear.
With the right combination of prescription thyroid medications and supplements, you can recreate many of the benefits of NDT all by yourself… safely and effectively.
Here’s how to do it:
What’s in NDT That Makes it So Effective?
If you want to recreate your own NDT formula, you need to understand what makes it work so well:
The first has to do with active ingredients and active thyroid hormones:
Levothyroxine contains only T4 thyroid hormone (1), whereas NDT contains a combination of T4, T3, and T2 thyroid hormones.
So right off the bat, you are getting a more complete thyroid hormone replacement regimen when taking NDT.
But there’s more:
The concentration and ratio of T4:T3 in NDT matters as well.
Each “grain” of NDT is standardized to contain roughly 38 mcg of T4 and 9 mcg of T3.
Beyond this, NDT likely also contains some amount of T2 (which isn’t standardized).
It’s this combination that helps to explain why thyroid patients prefer NDT over levothyroxine (3) and other T4-only thyroid medications.
From the perspective of thyroid hormones, NDT wins by a landslide when compared to levothyroxine or Synthroid.
The second reason that NDT works so well has to do with additional ingredients that are naturally found in the thyroid gland of both humans and animals:
This includes naturally occurring proteins, pro-hormones, enzymes, and nutrients (such as iodine).
Remember:
Comparatively speaking, levothyroxine contains none of these added ingredients. It only contains T4.
Why does this matter?
Because you can add all of these extra ingredients to any existing set of thyroid medication to “build” your own NDT.
How To Build Your Own NDT-Like Regimen
For most people, this starts with a T4-only base (like levothyroxine or Synthroid) and adds all of the extra ingredients that we just discussed to match those found in NDT.
But you can safely combine ALL of these ingredients that we are about to discuss to any thyroid medication (including those already taking Armour or NP thyroid).
Step #1. Add a Thyroid Glandular Supplement.
Your first step is to add a supplement to your regimen that contains thyroid glandulars.
Thyroid glandulars contain dried-up thyroid gland tissue from cows, which allows you to obtain the enzymes, proteins, and pro-hormones that would be included in NDT.
Glandulars contain:
- Enzymes, proteins, and pro-hormones similar to those found in NDT (their sourcing is similar)
- Trace amounts of T4 and T3 thyroid hormone (probably some T2 and T1)
- Trace minerals naturally found in the thyroid gland (copper, zinc, selenium, and iodine).
This is a critical step because there is really no other way to get these ingredients.
You can find my recommended thyroid gland powder (designed specifically for thyroid patients) here.
Step #2. Add a T2 Supplement (3,5 diiodo-l-thyronine).
The next thing you’ll want to do is add T2 thyroid hormone on top of your levothyroxine.
Because T2 is found in small amounts in NDT, this is not something you’ll want to forget.
T2 doesn’t get the same credit as T4 and T3, but it’s still a powerful thyroid hormone.
T2 has been shown to have a potent effect on metabolism (6) that is equal or greater to that of T3, an effect on cholesterol metabolism (7), an effect on adipose tissue (8), and an effect on cellular ATP production.
There’s no question that T2 is contributing to the overall power of NDT.
As I mentioned before, the only problem with the T2 component in NDT is that no one knows how much is actually in there.
The assumption is made that it likely is simply because some T2 would exist in the thyroid gland of pigs, but no one knows how much.
Regardless, it’s still very important to account for this T2 component if you are trying to make your own NDT.
Fortunately, T2 is the only thyroid hormone that is available over the counter, which means it’s something that you can add to your levothyroxine right away.
The best form of T2 to use is 3,5 diiodo-l-thyronine, which you can get in a supplement like this.
In terms of dosing, my recommendation is to start with 100 mcg per day.
This dosing puts you well below any dosing that would cause problems or symptoms, which means it will support thyroid function without causing problems.
This type of dosing will also not impact your thyroid lab test results.
In some sense, using a T2 supplement is preferred over getting your T2 from NDT because it allows you to know exactly how much T2 you are taking and how you respond to that.
Because T2 dosing likely varies from lot to lot, it would be hard to know exactly how much T2 was in your last prescription of NDT and how that was impacting how you were feeling.
Step #3. Add T3 Thyroid Hormone.
Your final step is to add some T3 thyroid hormone to your levothyroxine.
As I mentioned above, NDT contains 9 mcg of T3 for every 38 mcg of T4.
This gives NDT a ratio of T4:T3 of about 23% T3 and 76% T4.
You can then use this ratio to determine how much T3 you should add to your levothyroxine dose to get a dose that is roughly equivalent to the T3 found in NDT.
If you were using 100mcg of levothyroxine, for instance, then you’d want to get around 20mcg of T3.
Don’t worry too much about getting the ratio or percentages just right as it’s more important to just add some T3 to your regimen to fill the gap.
Out of everything we’ve discussed so far, T3 will be the hardest thing to get because it is gated behind a prescription from your doctor.
Even though that’s the case, I would still encourage you to try and get the T3 if possible.
T3 is a very powerful thyroid hormone and is lacking from T4-only thyroid medications like levothyroxine and Synthroid.
Simply adding T3 to your existing thyroid hormone regimen will be a great addition, even if you are only able to add 5-10mcg.
(Optional) Step #4. Add an Iodine Supplement.
I’m including this one here as an optional ingredient because if you are making your own NDT then you can choose to add extra iodine as needed based on how much you consume from your diet and from other supplements.
But you should be aware that NDT does contain raw iodine as well as iodine from the thyroid hormones found in the medication.
Each grain of NDT contains roughly 130 mcg of iodine.
If you were previously using 2 grains of NDT like WP Thyroid (a fairly standard dose), then you would have been getting around 260 mcg of iodine each day from your medication alone.
If you then switched to levothyroxine, you would then need to make up for that iodine deficit.
As a general guideline, safe and effective daily dosing of iodine for thyroid patients is usually around 300 mcg each day (9).
You can adjust how much you supplement with iodine (or if you want to) based on how much you are getting from food sources and from your supplements.
My recommendation is to err on the side of less iodine rather than more.
The higher the dose, the more likely you are to run into trouble with iodine, but it isn’t until you consistently hit doses of 1 milligram (1,000 mcg) or more per day that you reach this threshold.
Conclusion
Here’s what the final formula looks like:
- T4 – 80-100 mcg of levothyroxine/Synthroid/Tirosint
- T3 – 10-20 mcg of Cytomel/liothyronine/SR T3
- T2 – 100-200 mcg of T2
- Thyroid gland powder (150-600mg)
- Thyroid supporting trace minerals
By adding an extra 2-3 supplements and 1 additional prescription medication to your levothyroxine, you can create a powerful thyroid hormone combination that allows you to re-create many of the benefits and ingredients found in NDT.
In my opinion, using all of these individual pieces together will likely provide you with even more benefits than just using NDT because you can more finely tune individual doses and more easily figure out what is helping you the most.
Now I want to hear from you:
Were you impacted by the recall of NDT formulations like WP Thyroid and Nature-throid?
Are you having trouble managing your thyroid symptoms with your current thyroid medication?
Did you know that there were ways to recreate the ingredients found in NDT with a combination of supplements and medications?
Are you planning on giving any of these recommendations a try?
Leave your questions or comments below!
Scientific References
#1. accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/021342s023lbl.pdf
#2. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6068267/
#3. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23539727/
#4. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537039/
#5. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4370311/
#6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8708544/
#7. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5112267/
#8. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16014396/
#9. ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-HealthProfessional/
Is it safe to add on these supplements to my current 50mcg levoxyl while I’m trying to conceive? Thank you
Hi Neelofer,
Yes, they can be used on top of all thyroid medications and while trying to conceive. You should check with your doctor once you do conceive, though, to make sure they are ok with the supplements mentioned here. There are a lot of differing opinions on thyroid supplements during pregnancy with some doctors being for it and others being against it.
Can you take the T2 supplement if you’re on mostly T3 only?
I had the opportunity to sample Np Thyroid and Nature-Throid. Not sure what Nature-Throid issue was but felt like it didn’t have enough T3. I just couldn’t “feel” the T3. Always had a good response to NP Thyroid. Shortly after taking NP I could feel that T3.
Hi Jrborenz,
Yes, you can still use T2 if you are on T3 only. T2 will put upward pressure on thyroid conversion which can stabilize T3 levels.
Hello and thank you for all of this amazing information! I was diagnosed with Hashimotos about 5 years ago, have been to an endocrinologist who did nothing except watch my TSH, told me Diet did not really matter with this?? My primary care Dr is the same way. I have gained 20 pounds in the last 2 years, my cholesterol is thru the roof and my blood sugar is now high.
What would cause my TSH to go from 3.6 in October to 11.4 a couple of weeks ago? I was on 150mcg of levothyroxine but now he has raised it to 175mcg.
I am so frustrated by my Drs not paying attention to anything but my TSH, but who do I see?? And what prescription is best for this condition. Any suggestions are much appreciated!! Thank you!
Hi JoDee,
Please see this article for help finding the right type of thyroid doctor: https://www.restartmed.com/how-to-find-a-doctor-to-treat-your-thyroid/
I first was given armour thyroid at the age of 12. My mother thought I was a slug so she had me evaluated. On and off meds throughout my life. Hard road, like so many others. At 63, using your conversion charts, I convinced my doctor to add T3 (she didn’t know what she was doing), it was hands down, the best thing that ever has happened. I began to have energy, my mind began to work, relief from the fear that I was slipping into Alzheimer’s disease. I also added other supplements based on reading and trying to help myself. After 2 years on the Amour/Liothyronine 30mg/25mcg my TSH was 0. My doctor wants the TSH to go up. She works at a clinic and politics means this has to happen or I might lose access to the T3. Do you think that my taking l-tyrosine 500mg every other day made the TSH go to 0? Do you think taking mucuna pruriens twice a week impacts this TSH level? The only info I have found is https://www.ehealthme.com/drug-interaction/mucuna-pruriens/armour-thyroid/ . I see your supplements use a lower tyrosine level. I also had a torn rotator cuff accident that was extremely painful and was given pain meds and steroids which made me toxic and extremely depressed. A dna test proved I most likely do not process opioid based drugs. Do you think that they could have impacted my TSH test. My doctor only orders a TSH/T4 test. The T4 is fine. My history is T3 has always low. I am assuming it now is high. How long does it take to lower T3 enough to impact a TSH blood test should I lower my T3?
I was in the same boat. I take Synthroid brand name 50 mcg and Cytomel (T3) 20 – 30 mcg daily and feel great with very few hypothyroid symptoms. My doctor likes to run blood work on medication. On medications, my TSH was at 0 – 0.5, and if I did not take them prior to the test, my TSH was 1 -1.5. I now stop my T3 medication two days prior to my TSH test so that my doctor does not try to reduce my T3 medication. I also stop all supplements 48 – 72 hours prior to blood testing. The doctors do not usually request blood work that often, so a few days off does not throw me off to much.
I am a little confused. Dose the bovine granules just help convert T4 to T3 or does it contain some. I am on 125 levo with TSH out of range at 5.75. My Endo only seems cares if I make it to the in range number which isn’t helpful at all for my Hashi symptoms. he flat out said the goal was to just get me in the normal range to just add an extra half a pill a week. Which I will do, but I can see I need to help myself. I am a little unsure still should I go for the t3 converter, or the thyroid adrenal complex and a T2. He clearly does not think we need to add T3 even though he hasn’t tested any of that in the last 2 years. Please help where to start.
Hi Linda,
Glandulars do not contain active thyroid hormone so they just support thyroid function. You’d want to start with the supplements in this bundle: https://www.restartmed.com/product/hypothyroid-bundle/
It’s my understanding that there is another hormone that the thyroid should produce called T1 but the medical world rarely speaks of it. Is there a way to replicate that?
Also Calcitonen. You mentioned it and included a technical citation n it which is very scientific and I did not fully understand. I believe that it is at play in osteoporosis for those of us post menopausal ladies, deficient or completely lacking in thyroid function. It would seem simple to test that theory, but you would need satisfactory replacement for all the hormones produced by the thyroids of healthy people in order to test any one aspect.
Will you kindly comment?
hi Jo,
I agree. I’m not sure why he doesn’t mention T1 and calcitonin. I noticed he doesn’t answer several questions in the comment section, hopefully he will answer yours.
Hi Lisa,
T1 wasn’t mentioned because it doesn’t have any known effect (and there’s no way to get it) and calcitonin is produced by the parathyroid glands (not the thyroid). The parathyroid glands and thyroid gland are two different tissues, they just happen to be next to each other and share a similar name which causes confusion.
Just out of curiosité if i feel so tired i cant wake in the morning would ot help by taking my thyroxine half in the morning and half at night?
Hi Jo,
There are some studies which suggest that taking thyroid medication at night is superior to taking it in the morning.
So, should T2 also be taken at night? Was taking T2 1st thing In morning since it should be on empty stomach- followed by armour
(Also what is best source/ way to supplement iodine? Apparently diet isn’t cutting it)
Hi Tricia,
T2 can be taken in the evening or in the morning. I think taking thyroid hormones in the evening is preferred as long as they don’t keep you awake.
I currently live in Portugal and T3 is not available here. Any suggestions? I have been on NDT for over 20. years and already have noticed the difference with the standard T4 they prescribe. I am gaining weight and cant sleep. Help 🙂
Hi Judy,
You may be able to find a pharmacy willing to mail the prescription into your country. A handful of places do allow for this.
If you can obtain a script for Cytomel or Liothyronine, you can order it from Universal Drug Store. I have ordered it through UDS, and it is sourced from India. I can attest that it does work, as I have compared my blood work on Cytomel from the USA and from the Indian company. It is much cheaper to order from UDS. When I was on brand name Synthroid, I also ordered it from UDS, and which was sourced from Canada cost $37.00 for 90 90-day supply.
Hi,
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. My Endo gave me phentermine and 5mg of Liothyronine. I have never had a big appetite, so good isn’t my issue. Phentermine did nothing for me to lose weight. He gave me Topiramate 50 mg. Still wasn’t loosing. So I started doing my own research. I started taking, Saffron, Berberine, Citus Bergemont, MCT oil, cow colostrum, vitamin A, D, K, E. I started feeling better but no losing weight. I was doing Beachbody everyday and nothing. I found Forefront health. I ordered their round of natural dedicated thyroid, molecular progesterone liquid, a vitamin b complex liquid and a ADK liquid and a grass fed hydrolized bovine powder. I started to lose. I can’t afford to keep using their products, so I learned that I shouldn’t be doing cardio, so I switched to strength training (after I healed from breaking my ribs from a fall on my wet tile floor), and I kept losing. I could that most collagen is grass fed bovine and is much cheaper, and I am already taking vitamins ADK, so, I bought some of the T2, you mentioned, 100 ng or mcg, 3.5 dio-something liothironine. And I’m getting these little red spots on my skin. Any idea?? I have only been on it a week and it really started to help me lose each day. But I don’t want more red spots. I can’t think of anything else that corresponds with these showing up. My email is Email us: Click to view address.
I think this is incorrect/typo bout 1g equals 1000mcg (?)…..
“The higher the dose the more likely you are to run into trouble with iodine but it isn’t until you consistently hit doses of 1 gram (1,000 mcg) or more per day that you reach this thresh hold. “
Hi Sarah,
You are correct. It should read 1 milligram, not 1 gram.
My thyroid has been removed in 2014 took np for about 7 yrs then got real suck no one can figure out whats wrong i have a shaky sensation in my body that makes me a nearvous wreck. Im on np 90 and my itragrative dr wats me to take more like 120 i loose weigjt real fast and stomach is nauseated. Is it possible im not getting enough? I have twitches in my muscles all over my body. Please help. My last labs were t3-79
Tsh -2.040, free t4-1.06, free t3-2.2,
Hello!
I have been on NDTs since the beginning of my thyroid journey. Armour to Westhroid to Nature Throid and recently NP Thyroid. My TSH hovered around 1.3-1.4
When I switched from having Nature-tripod compounded to NPThyroid, I began experiencing heart palpations, sweating, nervous energy, and almost a frantic mind racing after 6 weeks. I have never experienced that, so my dr suggested I stop the NP Thyroid. My symptoms stopped. My blood work showed TSH of 3.5.
My Dr prescribed synthroid and will start that tomorrow. She said that my symptoms are due to too much T3 and that just doing T4 is good.
What??? I don’t understand. She explained the T4 converts to T3 so it isn’t necessary.
Please help me to understand.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Theresa,
That’s the standard (and incorrect) way to manage thyroid medication that all conventional doctors use and it’s the reason that so many thyroid patients feel so terrible. I would recommend reading this article for a better understanding of why T4 doesn’t always convert to T3 and why that method of managing hypothyroid patients will need to be changed: https://www.restartmed.com/updated-hypothyroid-treatment-guidelines/
I’m 77 years old, I’ve been on thyroid meds (Levothyroxine) for a little over a year given by my general practioner. I am very skeptical and have lost faith in the medical community. Each time I am required to go in which is every 6 months, all they do is screen for depression (aka, extreme interrogation). So I am weaning myself off of my medication and am not going back in to be treated like I’m old,feeble, and senile. which, by the way, I’m not ~I still work, on my feet, 20 hrs a week, have plenty of energy, eat healthy, am at a healthy weight and I feel fine. My quandary is whether your suppliment pakage would be enough even without the T3 which you said would require a prescription.
Hi Joyce,
Ideally, you’d want to get T3 somehow but if you aren’t able to, then, generally speaking, something is better than nothing.
My thyroid was removed in 2003. Cancerous nodules, and Hashimotos. I have been taking levothyroxine in various doses ever since and just recently my doctor switched me to Synthroid due to TSH levels that were too low. I have had problems with fatigue, hair thinning, and sleeplessness for the whole 20 years. Without a thyroid would getting T2 and T3 perhaps help?
Hi Patti,
T2 and T3 is even more important for those without a thyroid so I would definitely recommend considering both if you are in that situation and not feeling well.
Hi. I’m no longer taking a prescription thyroid because it became unavailable. I’ve taken nothing for at least 8 years. It’s been a struggle and now that I’m 69 the weight gain seems to be impossible to lose. I believe that I need T3 but I will not take any synthetics. Is there a way to mimic T3? Thanks.
Other than that what do you recommend to lose weight?
Thanks
Hi Sharon,
Unfortunately, no. The only thing you can do is support T4 and T2 levels in hopes that your body creates more T3 and preserves it in your system for longer. You could try this by taking a combination of T4 and T2 thyroid hormones. You could also try taking a T3 booster like this: https://www.restartmed.com/product/t3-conversion-booster/
You can learn more about what is needed for weight loss here: https://www.restartmed.com/weight-loss-with-hypothyroidism/
I finally got my doctor to prescribe a compounded T4/T3 medication for me, as we kept tweaking the NP Thyroid (and I had issues with availability). But I still think something is missing. If I add the Glandulars and T2 – can I take them all at once? I typically take my thyroid at night before bed, as it’s long enough away from food and drink. Also, your Glandular has Iodine in it – would I need more in addition? Thanks!
Hi Ann,
Thyroid Glandulars and T2 would ideally be taken away from each other and on an empty stomach.
Your goal should be to get around 300 mcg of total iodine each day from all sources. So whether or not you need more would depend on your other sources. Each serving of Thyroid Glandular+ has around 90 mcg of iodine.
I did great on ndt. My osteoporosis totally reversed to normal. I felt energy for the first time in 30 years that I was on levothyroxin. Now, I have hashimotos and even on autoimmune paleo diet, my antibodies will not come down and my t3 and t4 are sinking. My dr believes the antibodies are going after the pork thyroid. I’ve tried synthroid now, but get severe migraines. What to do?
Losing Weight is NOT my goal but getting my Hashimotos under control or eliminated is. I think I would get more restorative sleep if Hashimotos was not in the picture. I have been on Levothyroxine for 50 years but NONE of my doctors ever tested anything except TSH and every year we are on a roller-coaster with adjusting the dose of Levothyroxine. So this past month I have a new doctor and he agreed to have the FULL thyroid panel performed and there it was…. Hashimotos!!!! Before we switch to a “desiccated” prescription (which is NOT covered by my medicare) we are just increasing my Levothyroxine up to 175 from 150. But I am also adding/hanging the following on my own…. adding 25 mg Zinc-Gluconate, adding 1 Brazil Nut at 96 mcg of Selenium, and lowering my intake of Lugals 5% Iodine from 10 drops to 2 drops. Now adding these myself is taking me close to the same monthly cost as taking Armour or some other prescription. As are taking your supplements. So not to offend you but those supplements are very costly and NOT covered by insurance either. So for those of us on a FIXED income what treatment regime for Hashimotos and/or Hypothyroidism will give us the “best bang for our money”?
Hi Gina,
The biggest bang for your buck will always be in making changes to your diet and lifestyle. This means eating whole foods, exercising regularly, getting better sleep, and reducing the impact stress has on your body. Making these changes will be more impactful than taking any supplement. Supplements just help you get control of your symptoms faster, but they aren’t necessarily required to get you back to 100%.
I was recently told by my doctor that my insurance doesn’t like me taking Armour Thyroid since I am over 65. This was alarming to me because I was one sick woman when I was on levo, and it took me going to many doctors to find one that would prescribe NatureThroid. I did great on it, and finally settled on Armour after NatureThroid became unavailable. Right now my Free T3 is a little bit high. I’m thinking about doing your supplements. Would it make my T3 go higher? I’m feeling pretty good as I am but could be better. Thanks!
Hi Joyce,
Thyroid support supplements typically do not have a profound effect on thyroid lab tests. Here’s some more information from a FAQ section on the product page of T3 Conversion Booster that you may find helpful:
Will it increase my free T3 levels?
In short, maybe, but not always.
In general, thyroid support supplements typically do not have a big impact on thyroid lab tests compared to thyroid medications.
This is because they each contain different ingredients and each has a different mechanism of action.
Thyroid medications typically have a bigger impact on thyroid lab test levels like TSH, free T3, free T4, and reverse T3.
Thyroid support supplements like T3 conversion booster tend to work more at the cellular level which impacts symptoms but doesn’t always impact thyroid lab test results.
This isn’t always the case, though, as some people do see changes to their lab tests when using these types of supplements.
But because of the reasons listed above, the best way to determine if it’s working for you is by evaluating how you are feeling, not your thyroid lab tests.
Hello, thanks for all your helpful insights.
I had been taking Armour Thyroid for years, but recently my doctor changed my prescription to 175 mcg tirosint with 5mcg liothyronine as she thought my blood work could be better (High TSH, low Free T4, somewhat normal T3). After a few months, I am wishing I was still on Armour as I just don’t have the energy I once had. I am thinking if I followed your protocol here, I might feel better. Can you take T2 with my regular thyroid meds? Also, when would be the best time to take the glandulars and iodine. I take my tirosint and liothyronine in the morning around 6:30. Also, probably important, my thyroid gland was removed 25 years ago. Still battling! Thanks for any info you can give me.
Hi Roberta,
T2 can be taken at the same time as other thyroid hormones, yes, but I still recommend taking it away from them if possible. There are plenty of people who have used my T2 at the same time as their thyroid medications, though, and they haven’t had any issues so it seems like it’s likely fine.
I see I can get the Thyroid glandular from you. Where do I get the T2?
Hi Cynthia,
I have a thyroid glandular supplement as well as a T2 supplement. You can find the glandular here: https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroid-glandular-plus/
And the T2 here: https://www.restartmed.com/product/essential-t2/
Where can I get T2?
Hi Cynthia,
You can get T2 here: https://www.restartmed.com/product/essential-t2/
Hi! Will these supplements help if I’m taking tirosint instead of NDT?
Hi Caroline,
They are beneficial regardless of the thyroid medication you are taking. They can even be used if you aren’t taking any thyroid medication.
I’m already doing this and it works!!! When you came out with the T2, I began taking it with the thyroid granular and my NP thyroid. I also take your berberine.
Since I started this combo my energy levels have increased, my weight is stable and I don’t feel “sick” anymore.
Hi Odomcb,
Glad to hear it’s helping! Thanks for sharing your experience.
I just read today that they are banning all natural thyroid medications by 2029 (Like NP and armour). the doctors will need a special license just to prescribe them. Do you happen to know if supplements that contain desiccated porcine will still be legal to buy on a site like this?
Since NP thyroid was taken off the market I’ve been a mess. My doctor prescribes 30 mg. of Armour and I swing between symptoms of too much and not enough thyroid as well as adrenal fatigue symptoms ie. very low BP. I’ve tried adrenal support with and without glandulars and haven’t found the perfect solution because I believe the thyroid connection is off. I’ve recently been on the adrenal with glandulars and started feeling high anxiety levels so I stopped that and went back to the herbal only support. My symptoms are extreme fatigue, brain fog, sleep problems etc. I have taken your T2 supplement which seems to help for a while but stopped it when anxiety levels made me wonder what was out of balance.
Thank you for any advice you could offer!
I had an ultrasound of my thyroid and they found nodules (all under 3 cm) on both sides. I have no symptoms other than my T4 being 0.25. TSH normal and T3 low normal. No call from the dr on my results yet. I’m wondering if it would be ok to take your supplements? I’m on 25mcg Synthroid and 12.5mcg Cytomel. Im concerned about the nodules.
At present, I am trying to work through a huge problem momentarily. 2 different endocrinologists refused to give me Lio along with levo. So I went back to armor. @ 45mg/d. Was feeling awful, lightheaded, in addition to constipation, acid reflux, muscle pain, depression and more. A test done about 2 weeks ago showed my TSH is 7.760, range is 0.270-4.200. T4 is 0.73 range is 0.90 -1.70. The GP and endo would not even respond to increase the med as I requested. Their not caring has really troubled me in addition to their formidable lack of knowledge and stubbornness. They will not test for anything other than those 2 levels and sometimes only the TSH . They will not test the antibodies. It is a real struggle to try to medicate myself esp. when they refuse to prescribe what I know I need. They think they know my body better than I.
I am allergic to Levo and Synthroid. I take NP for that reason. What should I do?
I cannot take synthetic meds. Will there be a way to stay on a compound? I do take your vitamins, they really help me.
Hello Dr Childs …
I was on NDT’s for many years & felt great until the issues with NP Thyroid came up in 2019 – smelled & tasted like cat pee! I was switched to Synthroid 50mcg & T3 15mcg (split 3x a day).
As far as adding in the T2, glandular & Iodine would it be recommended to take those at same time as my morning dose of thyroid meds? Currently take 75mcg Synthroid & 5mcg T3 in the am & an additional 5 T3 in the pm.
Yes, all this for a small fortune! And now multiple pills
It’s far cheaper than the alternative, allowing your thyroid to cause multiple diseases, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, weight gain, increased cancer risk, etc. All of these cost way more than managing it. I’ve done the calculations already; they can be found here: https://www.restartmed.com/cost-of-hypothyroidism/
On Armour compounded due to corn allergy. How much iodine for Hashimoto do you recommend, as I’ve heard mix reviews?
Thank you!
Hi Coleen,
Well, you may not like my answer, but the ideal dose is anywhere between 0 to 1,000 mcg per day of iodine which most people doing fine somewhere in the range of 150 to 300 mcg per day. But there are situations in which it should be avoided (if you are getting it from other sources such as cosmetics) and situations where more is needed.