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Switching from Levothyroxine to Naturethroid

Had to leave one doctor and go to another due to insurance. So for two years endured only TSH tests and minimum Levothyroxine while undergoing chemo, radiation and later, pelvic floor reconstruction. Now I have a doctor who is willing to let me switch back to Naturethroid but is not familiar with it and only does Free T3 and Free T4, along with TSH. I am sluggish, have patches of dry skin, itchy scalp, often depressed, cold, emotionally drained, and feel I just can't do 'it' anymore. (But I do still have a sense of humor because I can't quite figure out what 'it' is...*wry grin here*.) I reach TMI pretty fast nowadays, so comprehending long, lengthy explanations cause my eyes to glaze over despite head shaking, deep breathing and eye-rolling to try to stay focused. :-/  Anyway, don't know how much of that background really  helps you understand where I'm at, but I appreciate all the empathy and knowledge shared on this board.

I currently take Levothyroxine, 50 mcg

Labs:
            TSH          0.44 uIL/ml                    0.45-4.50
            FT3            3.5  pg/mL                   2.3-4.2
            FT4            0.87 ng/dl                     0.6-1/7

Oh, and the pharmacist at Costco said he could help the doctor in this; but, I realize that could work against me, not for me, so I still need to understand where I'm going. :)
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Avatar universal
Thank you. I will note all this down and talk with my doctor.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It just occurred to me what you probably mean about inconsistency.  Generic levo can have problems with consistency because your pharmacy might switch manufacturers on you without notification.  The inactive ingredients different manufacturers use can vary.  You can easily solve that problem by going with a brand name, like Synthroid or Levoxyl, etc, insuring the same manufacturer every time.
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Avatar universal
I really don't think that inconsistency in either levo or NT is a real concern.  

As far as your labs are concerned, I don't really think that you need to add T3.  Your FT3 is nicely up in the range, which indicates that you convert well.  However, a little T3 sometimes helps people feel better, even when their labs don't indicate the need.  With synthetic T3, you can add in as much or as little as you want.  I'd ask the doctor about adding very little...perhaps 2.5 mcg increasing to 5 mcg.

However, if I were you, I think I might try a simple increase in levo first.  Nudge your FT4 up just a tad and see how you feel, then make the decision on whether to add T3.

You have some other things going on, so you don't want to rock tthe boat too much.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have read so much about inconsistency in levo. Wouldn't NT be more predictable? But you feel it would be okay to stay on levo and add in more T3? (Yes, I do still have hypo sx--but maybe it is still just rebuildling after chemo last year?)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
30 mg (1/2 grain) NT is the equivalent of 50 mcg levo.  I'm sure your pharmacist can verify that.

Your labs look pretty good.  Your FT4 is a little low, but your FT3 is up in the range nicely, and the balance of FT4 to FT3 looks really good.

Have you and your doctor thought about a simple increase in levo?  I only ask because I don't really see a conversion problem here.  With your FT4 still quite low on levo (T4-only), I would worry about maintaining adequate FT4 levels on NT, with its relatively high T3 content.

You have plenty of room in your labs for an increase to see if it helps with your symptoms.

If you still find yourself with hypo symptoms, you might ask your doctor about adding in some synthetic T3.  Since synthetic T3 is administered as a separate tablet, it's easier to control FT3 and FT4 levels and get a custom fit.  You might find that a small amount of T3 added to your levo would really help.
Helpful - 0
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