Re: T4 to stop mid-cycle bleeding?

[Guest guest]

Rainbow,

I don't know enough about fertility issues, but did the doc say exactly t4 is

supposed to help stop the mid cycle spotting? Also, your temps not rising after

ovulation suggests to me that your progesterone isn't going high enough after

ovulation. The fact that Prometrium tops the bleeding is proof of this. I

believe it is the corpus luteum that produces the progesterone. So I don't know

how t4 is going to make you produce a corpus luteum. It's true that the thyroid

can normalize your ovarian function because when your thyroid isn't right,

nothing works right. But I don't see how taking t4 is the answer. t4 only works

when and if it converts into t3. T4 itself does absolutely nothing except turn

into rt3 if that's your problem and you don't need THAT!

When I worked with Dr. Rind, he had me taking pg all month long, but increasing

the amount each week of the cycle. He told me he had women take a tiny amount of

pg (5 mg topically) during their period to help produce a healthy corpus luteum.

I am not sure how you are dosing your progesterone now, but you might want to do

those 30 day saliva tests where you test your estrogen and progesterone every

single day. Then you can see what's REALLY going on and what you need and when.

I know it's expensive, but if I were trying to have a baby in your shoes, tha's

what I would do.

If you feel well, and I know how hard and long you worked to get there, I

personally would not mess with it by taking Synthroid. And if you have a rt3

issue, I wouldn't go onto NTH, either. You need healthy thryoid levels to get

pregnant and stay pregnant and have a healthy baby, too. I think this is sex

hormone issue and maybe Val can help you on the adrenal forum when it opens next

week.

Good luck to you! Please hang in there.

Kathleen

>

> I believe I've been optimized on 68.75mg Cynomel for several months now. I'm

in the process of weaning off HC/Florinef and feel the best I've felt in YEARS.

I've also been supplementing progesterone for about 8 months due to low levels

causing a luteal phase defect. But all of a sudden starting two cycles ago, I

start spotting 2-3 days after ovulation and the only thing that stops it is

Prometrium (prescription progesterone) that I use vaginally. The progesterone

cream that I use all cycle long does nothing to stop the spotting.

>

> Before I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and started on meds, I bled every

two weeks when not on birth control. This started at age 15 and never went away.

I also discovered at that time I was not ovulating. As soon as thyroid meds were

started (Levoxyl at the time), I began ovulating and the mid-cycle bleeding went

away.

>

> I believe I am still ovulating, as I still get positive ovulation predictor

strips and my daily average temps still rise after that time. But my basal temps

don't go nearly as high after ovulation as they used to (this began 4 cycles

ago) and no longer show a clear shift.

>

> SO. My doctor has suggested that we add some T4 medication back into my

regimen to see if that fixes the issue. If I weren't trying to get pregnant, I'd

probably just ignore the issue and go along my merry way since I'm feeling so

well. But I am trying...so I need to fix this.

>

> He's offered to let me choose between adding Levoxyl to my Cynomel or

switching to Nature-throid. If Levoxyl, he wants me to start with 25mg and work

up to 50mg (not sure how much T3 he wants me to stay on). If Nature-throid, he's

written me a script for 65mg and has made no mention of raising that dose. My

question is...what would you do in my shoes? For some reason, I'm leaning

towards the Levoxyl just so that I can stay on some Cynomel, since that's what

I'm used to. Or is that a dumb idea?

>

> I'm just SO worried that this is going to set me back

>

> ~Rainbow~

> 30 year old Female 5'6 " 140lbs

> Dx: Hashi's, AF, Wheat Sensitivity

> Rx/OTC: Cynomel 68.75mcg, HC 12.5mg, Florinef 1/2tab,

> Potassium 90mEq, Sea Salt 3/4tsp

> My Log and Labs: http://tinyurl.com/pvgjmb

> My Blog: http://hyporainbow.wordpress.com

>

[Guest guest]

I would go with the NT. Levo or any other T4 only meds if just toxic and evil.

Boy and if you are trying to get pregnant I would ot touch Levo with a ten foot

pole.

Diane

Advice is not meant to replace your doctor. No one here is a medical

professional, just other patients sharing our experiences.

http://www.nthadrenalsweb.org/

www.stopthethyroidmadness.com

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/NaturalThyroidHormonesADRENALS/

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/NaturalThyroidHormones/

http://faqhelp.webs.com/

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/NTHA-Chat/

>

> I believe I've been optimized on 68.75mg Cynomel for several months now. I'm

in the process of weaning off HC/Florinef and feel the best I've felt in YEARS.

I've also been supplementing progesterone for about 8 months due to low levels

causing a luteal phase defect. But all of a sudden starting two cycles ago, I

start spotting 2-3 days after ovulation and the only thing that stops it is

Prometrium (prescription progesterone) that I use vaginally. The progesterone

cream that I use all cycle long does nothing to stop the spotting.

>

> Before I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and started on meds, I bled every

two weeks when not on birth control. This started at age 15 and never went away.

I also discovered at that time I was not ovulating. As soon as thyroid meds were

started (Levoxyl at the time), I began ovulating and the mid-cycle bleeding went

away.

>

> I believe I am still ovulating, as I still get positive ovulation predictor

strips and my daily average temps still rise after that time. But my basal temps

don't go nearly as high after ovulation as they used to (this began 4 cycles

ago) and no longer show a clear shift.

>

> SO. My doctor has suggested that we add some T4 medication back into my

regimen to see if that fixes the issue. If I weren't trying to get pregnant, I'd

probably just ignore the issue and go along my merry way since I'm feeling so

well. But I am trying...so I need to fix this.

>

> He's offered to let me choose between adding Levoxyl to my Cynomel or

switching to Nature-throid. If Levoxyl, he wants me to start with 25mg and work

up to 50mg (not sure how much T3 he wants me to stay on). If Nature-throid, he's

written me a script for 65mg and has made no mention of raising that dose. My

question is...what would you do in my shoes? For some reason, I'm leaning

towards the Levoxyl just so that I can stay on some Cynomel, since that's what

I'm used to. Or is that a dumb idea?

>

> I'm just SO worried that this is going to set me back

>

> ~Rainbow~

> 30 year old Female 5'6 " 140lbs

> Dx: Hashi's, AF, Wheat Sensitivity

> Rx/OTC: Cynomel 68.75mcg, HC 12.5mg, Florinef 1/2tab,

> Potassium 90mEq, Sea Salt 3/4tsp

> My Log and Labs: http://tinyurl.com/pvgjmb

> My Blog: http://hyporainbow.wordpress.com

>

[Guest guest]

why cant you add NT to your cytomel..that is what i take..the combo i mean?Subject: Re: T4 to stop mid-cycle bleeding?To: RT3_T3 Date: Monday, August 23, 2010, 7:23 PM

I would go with the NT. Levo or any other T4 only meds if just toxic and evil. Boy and if you are trying to get pregnant I would ot touch Levo with a ten foot pole.

Diane

Advice is not meant to replace your doctor. No one here is a medical

professional, just other patients sharing our experiences.

http://www.nthadrenalsweb.org/

www.stopthethyroidmadness.com

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/NaturalThyroidHormonesADRENALS/

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/NaturalThyroidHormones/

http://faqhelp.webs.com/

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/NTHA-Chat/

>

> I believe I've been optimized on 68.75mg Cynomel for several months now. I'm in the process of weaning off HC/Florinef and feel the best I've felt in YEARS. I've also been supplementing progesterone for about 8 months due to low levels causing a luteal phase defect. But all of a sudden starting two cycles ago, I start spotting 2-3 days after ovulation and the only thing that stops it is Prometrium (prescription progesterone) that I use vaginally. The progesterone cream that I use all cycle long does nothing to stop the spotting.

>

> Before I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and started on meds, I bled every two weeks when not on birth control. This started at age 15 and never went away. I also discovered at that time I was not ovulating. As soon as thyroid meds were started (Levoxyl at the time), I began ovulating and the mid-cycle bleeding went away.

>

> I believe I am still ovulating, as I still get positive ovulation predictor strips and my daily average temps still rise after that time. But my basal temps don't go nearly as high after ovulation as they used to (this began 4 cycles ago) and no longer show a clear shift.

>

> SO. My doctor has suggested that we add some T4 medication back into my regimen to see if that fixes the issue. If I weren't trying to get pregnant, I'd probably just ignore the issue and go along my merry way since I'm feeling so well. But I am trying...so I need to fix this.

>

> He's offered to let me choose between adding Levoxyl to my Cynomel or switching to Nature-throid. If Levoxyl, he wants me to start with 25mg and work up to 50mg (not sure how much T3 he wants me to stay on). If Nature-throid, he's written me a script for 65mg and has made no mention of raising that dose. My question is...what would you do in my shoes? For some reason, I'm leaning towards the Levoxyl just so that I can stay on some Cynomel, since that's what I'm used to. Or is that a dumb idea?

>

> I'm just SO worried that this is going to set me back

>

> ~Rainbow~

> 30 year old Female 5'6" 140lbs

> Dx: Hashi's, AF, Wheat Sensitivity

> Rx/OTC: Cynomel 68.75mcg, HC 12.5mg, Florinef 1/2tab,

> Potassium 90mEq, Sea Salt 3/4tsp

> My Log and Labs: http://tinyurl.com/pvgjmb

> My Blog: http://hyporainbow.wordpress.com

>

[Guest guest]

Sorry to interrupt this thread, but why is levoxyl considered to be toxic?

Because it is synthetic? Isn't cytomel synthetic also? I always get confused

about this, and I am trying to add T4 back in to my regimen, also, so I want to

get the facts

Thanks

Liz

[Guest guest]

I don't know why. All I know is every time they try to put T4 back into my meds I get sick. I feel much better on the T3 only, except till I get the dose where it belongs I get tired in the afternoon.

<>Roni

Immortality exists!

It's called knowledge!

Just because something isn't seen

doesn't mean it's not there<>

Subject: Re: T4 to stop mid-cycle bleeding?To: RT3_T3 Date: Monday, August 23, 2010, 11:05 PM

Sorry to interrupt this thread, but why is levoxyl considered to be toxic? Because it is synthetic? Isn't cytomel synthetic also? I always get confused about this, and I am trying to add T4 back in to my regimen, also, so I want to get the factsThanksLiz------------------------------------We are not medical professionals here, just patients sharing our experiences. Please use this information with the help of a competent doctor.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the responses!! Can someone remind me how many grains 65mg of NT is

equal to? And how much T3 I would be getting from that dose?

Dawn - That's a good idea. I keep forgetting that you can take T3 with NT too

Diane - That's what I was thinking...but needed to hear it again

Kathleen - I don't understand his thinking either. He never explained why he

thought T4 was the answer. And he had talked about adding in T4 at my last appt

before he knew about this spotting issue...so it almost came across as an excuse

to put me on it. The only benefit I can think of is to constantly keep some

thyroid hormone in my system. I can't take T3 at bedtime because it causes

insomnia, so I'm having to dose only 3 times a day. Perhaps at night I'm

" running out " and that's causing some issues.

He's currently got me taking 40mg P cream all cycle long and 100mg P vaginally

starting 4 days after ovulation until menses begins. I tried 200mg capsules

previously and it was obviously too much, because it delayed menstruation. But

even a too high dose didn't raise my temps...so it's hard for me to blame this

on low progesterone.

It's been just over a year since I switched to T3 only and have made a lot of

progress in that time...so hopefully whatever caused my RT3 issue in the past is

long gone. But if I do this, I'll definitely keep an eye on that to make sure it

doesn't return.

~Rainbow~

30 year old Female 5'6 " 140lbs

Dx: Hashi's, AF, Wheat Sensitivity

Rx/OTC: Cynomel 68.75mcg, HC 12.5mg, Florinef 1/2tab,

Potassium 90mEq, Sea Salt 3/4tsp

My Log and Labs: http://tinyurl.com/pvgjmb

My Blog: http://hyporainbow.wordpress.com

> >

> > I believe I've been optimized on 68.75mg Cynomel for several months now. I'm

in the process of weaning off HC/Florinef and feel the best I've felt in YEARS.

I've also been supplementing progesterone for about 8 months due to low levels

causing a luteal phase defect. But all of a sudden starting two cycles ago, I

start spotting 2-3 days after ovulation and the only thing that stops it is

Prometrium (prescription progesterone) that I use vaginally. The progesterone

cream that I use all cycle long does nothing to stop the spotting.

> >

> > Before I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and started on meds, I bled every

two weeks when not on birth control. This started at age 15 and never went away.

I also discovered at that time I was not ovulating. As soon as thyroid meds were

started (Levoxyl at the time), I began ovulating and the mid-cycle bleeding went

away.

> >

> > I believe I am still ovulating, as I still get positive ovulation predictor

strips and my daily average temps still rise after that time. But my basal temps

don't go nearly as high after ovulation as they used to (this began 4 cycles

ago) and no longer show a clear shift.

> >

> > SO. My doctor has suggested that we add some T4 medication back into my

regimen to see if that fixes the issue. If I weren't trying to get pregnant, I'd

probably just ignore the issue and go along my merry way since I'm feeling so

well. But I am trying...so I need to fix this.

> >

> > He's offered to let me choose between adding Levoxyl to my Cynomel or

switching to Nature-throid. If Levoxyl, he wants me to start with 25mg and work

up to 50mg (not sure how much T3 he wants me to stay on). If Nature-throid, he's

written me a script for 65mg and has made no mention of raising that dose. My

question is...what would you do in my shoes? For some reason, I'm leaning

towards the Levoxyl just so that I can stay on some Cynomel, since that's what

I'm used to. Or is that a dumb idea?

> >

> > I'm just SO worried that this is going to set me back

> >

> > ~Rainbow~

> > 30 year old Female 5'6 " 140lbs

> > Dx: Hashi's, AF, Wheat Sensitivity

> > Rx/OTC: Cynomel 68.75mcg, HC 12.5mg, Florinef 1/2tab,

> > Potassium 90mEq, Sea Salt 3/4tsp

> > My Log and Labs: http://tinyurl.com/pvgjmb

> > My Blog: http://hyporainbow.wordpress.com

> >

>

[Guest guest]

65 mg of NT is one grain. Here's a link to a grains-to-mg converter:

http://www.unitconversion.org/weight/grains-to-milligrams-conversion.html

As far as how much T3 is in 1 grain of NT, Moderator Nick's website says:

The Desiccated Thyroid meds all contain 9mcg of T3 per grain

http://www.thyroid-rt3.com/starting1.htm

> > >

> > > I believe I've been optimized on 68.75mg Cynomel for several months now.

I'm in the process of weaning off HC/Florinef and feel the best I've felt in

YEARS. I've also been supplementing progesterone for about 8 months due to low

levels causing a luteal phase defect. But all of a sudden starting two cycles

ago, I start spotting 2-3 days after ovulation and the only thing that stops it

is Prometrium (prescription progesterone) that I use vaginally. The progesterone

cream that I use all cycle long does nothing to stop the spotting.

> > >

> > > Before I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and started on meds, I bled

every two weeks when not on birth control. This started at age 15 and never went

away. I also discovered at that time I was not ovulating. As soon as thyroid

meds were started (Levoxyl at the time), I began ovulating and the mid-cycle

bleeding went away.

> > >

> > > I believe I am still ovulating, as I still get positive ovulation

predictor strips and my daily average temps still rise after that time. But my

basal temps don't go nearly as high after ovulation as they used to (this began

4 cycles ago) and no longer show a clear shift.

> > >

> > > SO. My doctor has suggested that we add some T4 medication back into my

regimen to see if that fixes the issue. If I weren't trying to get pregnant, I'd

probably just ignore the issue and go along my merry way since I'm feeling so

well. But I am trying...so I need to fix this.

> > >

> > > He's offered to let me choose between adding Levoxyl to my Cynomel or

switching to Nature-throid. If Levoxyl, he wants me to start with 25mg and work

up to 50mg (not sure how much T3 he wants me to stay on). If Nature-throid, he's

written me a script for 65mg and has made no mention of raising that dose. My

question is...what would you do in my shoes? For some reason, I'm leaning

towards the Levoxyl just so that I can stay on some Cynomel, since that's what

I'm used to. Or is that a dumb idea?

> > >

> > > I'm just SO worried that this is going to set me back

> > >

> > > ~Rainbow~

> > > 30 year old Female 5'6 " 140lbs

> > > Dx: Hashi's, AF, Wheat Sensitivity

> > > Rx/OTC: Cynomel 68.75mcg, HC 12.5mg, Florinef 1/2tab,

> > > Potassium 90mEq, Sea Salt 3/4tsp

> > > My Log and Labs: http://tinyurl.com/pvgjmb

> > > My Blog: http://hyporainbow.wordpress.com

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

> 65 mg of NT is one grain. Here's a link to a grains-to-mg converter:

> http://www.unitconversion.org/weight/grains-to-milligrams-conversion.html

> As far as how much T3 is in 1 grain of NT, Moderator Nick's

> website says:

> The Desiccated Thyroid meds all contain 9mcg of T3 per grain

> http://www.thyroid-rt3.com/starting1.htm

Thanks Margery!! But boy, that's a big drop from what I'm currently taking. I

looked back through my notes and saw that there are 38mcg of T4 in one grain,

but the body only converts about 80% of that to T3...so say 30mcg + 9mcg = only

39mcg of T3, whereas I'm currently taking 68.75mcg. That's quite a drop! I put a

call in to the doc just to make sure that wasn't a mistake...or at least to see

if he agrees with me staying on some Cynomel with that dose.

~Rainbow~

30 year old Female 5'6 " 140lbs

Dx: Hashi's, AF, Wheat Sensitivity

Rx/OTC: Cynomel 68.75mcg, HC 12.5mg, Florinef 1/2tab,

Potassium 90mEq, Sea Salt 3/4tsp

My Log and Labs: http://tinyurl.com/pvgjmb

My Blog: http://hyporainbow.wordpress.com

[Guest guest]

Hi Rainbow,

Yes, it does sound like an excuse to put you on some t4. ;-) Then again, IF you

don't have rt3 issues, I do think NTH is better and more natural for the body

than t3 only. It's what the body would do if it could and you make t3 as you

need it. I don't know your situation or why you had to go onto t3 only. It just

seems that most, though certainly not all, people with rt3 problems can never go

back to NTH. I've seen them try. But you're young and can try and you can always

go back to t3 only again if you have to. I would really keep an eye though on

your temps, labs, everything to nip the rt3 in the bud if it does start to

happen.

Have you considered doing the 30 day saliva test to see EXACTLY what's going on

with your hormones? Maybe that would help with the fertility issue.

Kathleen

> > >

> > > I believe I've been optimized on 68.75mg Cynomel for several months now.

I'm in the process of weaning off HC/Florinef and feel the best I've felt in

YEARS. I've also been supplementing progesterone for about 8 months due to low

levels causing a luteal phase defect. But all of a sudden starting two cycles

ago, I start spotting 2-3 days after ovulation and the only thing that stops it

is Prometrium (prescription progesterone) that I use vaginally. The progesterone

cream that I use all cycle long does nothing to stop the spotting.

> > >

> > > Before I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and started on meds, I bled

every two weeks when not on birth control. This started at age 15 and never went

away. I also discovered at that time I was not ovulating. As soon as thyroid

meds were started (Levoxyl at the time), I began ovulating and the mid-cycle

bleeding went away.

> > >

> > > I believe I am still ovulating, as I still get positive ovulation

predictor strips and my daily average temps still rise after that time. But my

basal temps don't go nearly as high after ovulation as they used to (this began

4 cycles ago) and no longer show a clear shift.

> > >

> > > SO. My doctor has suggested that we add some T4 medication back into my

regimen to see if that fixes the issue. If I weren't trying to get pregnant, I'd

probably just ignore the issue and go along my merry way since I'm feeling so

well. But I am trying...so I need to fix this.

> > >

> > > He's offered to let me choose between adding Levoxyl to my Cynomel or

switching to Nature-throid. If Levoxyl, he wants me to start with 25mg and work

up to 50mg (not sure how much T3 he wants me to stay on). If Nature-throid, he's

written me a script for 65mg and has made no mention of raising that dose. My

question is...what would you do in my shoes? For some reason, I'm leaning

towards the Levoxyl just so that I can stay on some Cynomel, since that's what

I'm used to. Or is that a dumb idea?

> > >

> > > I'm just SO worried that this is going to set me back

> > >

> > > ~Rainbow~

> > > 30 year old Female 5'6 " 140lbs

> > > Dx: Hashi's, AF, Wheat Sensitivity

> > > Rx/OTC: Cynomel 68.75mcg, HC 12.5mg, Florinef 1/2tab,

> > > Potassium 90mEq, Sea Salt 3/4tsp

> > > My Log and Labs: http://tinyurl.com/pvgjmb

> > > My Blog: http://hyporainbow.wordpress.com

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

That does sound like a big decrease. Also, there is a question whether the T4

will get properly converted to T3...if not, it's an even bigger decrease.

>

> > 65 mg of NT is one grain. Here's a link to a grains-to-mg converter:

> > http://www.unitconversion.org/weight/grains-to-milligrams-conversion.html

> > As far as how much T3 is in 1 grain of NT, Moderator Nick's

> > website says:

> > The Desiccated Thyroid meds all contain 9mcg of T3 per grain

> > http://www.thyroid-rt3.com/starting1.htm

>

> Thanks Margery!! But boy, that's a big drop from what I'm currently taking. I

looked back through my notes and saw that there are 38mcg of T4 in one grain,

but the body only converts about 80% of that to T3...so say 30mcg + 9mcg = only

39mcg of T3, whereas I'm currently taking 68.75mcg. That's quite a drop! I put a

call in to the doc just to make sure that wasn't a mistake...or at least to see

if he agrees with me staying on some Cynomel with that dose.

>

> ~Rainbow~

> 30 year old Female 5'6 " 140lbs

> Dx: Hashi's, AF, Wheat Sensitivity

> Rx/OTC: Cynomel 68.75mcg, HC 12.5mg, Florinef 1/2tab,

> Potassium 90mEq, Sea Salt 3/4tsp

> My Log and Labs: http://tinyurl.com/pvgjmb

> My Blog: http://hyporainbow.wordpress.com

>

[Guest guest]

> That does sound like a big decrease. Also, there is a question

> whether the T4 will get properly converted to T3...if not, it's an

> even bigger decrease.

True. But thankfully I got a call back from his nurse and apparently the 65mg NT

is only a starting dose. He plans to recheck my labs in 5 weeks on that dose and

then increase if needed from there. Of course, if I feel worse during that 5

weeks I won't hesitate to call and tell him so

I've been jaded by so many doctors in the past, it's tough for me to put my

trust in a good one! But so far he's been pretty awesome, so I'll give his

suggestions a shot. If it doesn't work, I can always go back to what I'm

currently doing. I don't seem to be nearly as " fragile " as I used to be. When I

have a set back these days, it typically lasts a week or less...not weeks or

months like it used to. That alone is very reassuring

I'll definitely keep an eye on my RT3/FT3 ratio to make sure it doesn't get out

of hand. I'm not sure if this doctor is familiar with RT3 dominance, but if not

I'll try to help him understand it and keep an eye on it too.

And no doctor I've ever been to has put any stock in saliva testing for sex

hormones. They've all told me that serum is the way to go...so it appears a 30

day saliva test would be a waste of time. Even if it showed something, no doctor

would take it seriously. I'm sure you know how it goes.

Here's hoping my pharmacy can fill the script and the switch goes well! Keep

those fingers crossed

~Rainbow~

30 year old Female 5'6 " 140lbs

Dx: Hashi's, AF, Wheat Sensitivity

Rx/OTC: Cynomel 68.75mcg, HC 12.5mg, Florinef 1/2tab,

Potassium 90mEq, Sea Salt 3/4tsp

My Log and Labs: http://tinyurl.com/pvgjmb

My Blog: http://hyporainbow.wordpress.com

[Guest guest]

> That does sound like a big decrease. Also, there is a question

> whether the T4 will get properly converted to T3...if not, it's an

> even bigger decrease.

True. But thankfully I got a call back from his nurse and apparently the 65mg NT

is only a starting dose. He plans to recheck my labs in 5 weeks on that dose and

then increase if needed from there. Of course, if I feel worse during that 5

weeks I won't hesitate to call and tell him so

I've been jaded by so many doctors in the past, it's tough for me to put my

trust in a good one! But so far he's been pretty awesome, so I'll give his

suggestions a shot. If it doesn't work, I can always go back to what I'm

currently doing. I don't seem to be nearly as " fragile " as I used to be. When I

have a set back these days, it typically lasts a week or less...not weeks or

months like it used to. That alone is very reassuring

I'll definitely keep an eye on my RT3/FT3 ratio to make sure it doesn't get out

of hand. I'm not sure if this doctor is familiar with RT3 dominance, but if not

I'll try to help him understand it and keep an eye on it too.

And no doctor I've ever been to has put any stock in saliva testing for sex

hormones. They've all told me that serum is the way to go...so it appears a 30

day saliva test would be a waste of time. Even if it showed something, no doctor

would take it seriously. I'm sure you know how it goes.

Here's hoping my pharmacy can fill the script and the switch goes well! Keep

those fingers crossed

~Rainbow~

30 year old Female 5'6 " 140lbs

Dx: Hashi's, AF, Wheat Sensitivity

Rx/OTC: Cynomel 68.75mcg, HC 12.5mg, Florinef 1/2tab,

Potassium 90mEq, Sea Salt 3/4tsp

My Log and Labs: http://tinyurl.com/pvgjmb

My Blog: http://hyporainbow.wordpress.com

[Guest guest]

> That does sound like a big decrease. Also, there is a question

> whether the T4 will get properly converted to T3...if not, it's an

> even bigger decrease.

True. But thankfully I got a call back from his nurse and apparently the 65mg NT

is only a starting dose. He plans to recheck my labs in 5 weeks on that dose and

then increase if needed from there. Of course, if I feel worse during that 5

weeks I won't hesitate to call and tell him so

I've been jaded by so many doctors in the past, it's tough for me to put my

trust in a good one! But so far he's been pretty awesome, so I'll give his

suggestions a shot. If it doesn't work, I can always go back to what I'm

currently doing. I don't seem to be nearly as " fragile " as I used to be. When I

have a set back these days, it typically lasts a week or less...not weeks or

months like it used to. That alone is very reassuring

I'll definitely keep an eye on my RT3/FT3 ratio to make sure it doesn't get out

of hand. I'm not sure if this doctor is familiar with RT3 dominance, but if not

I'll try to help him understand it and keep an eye on it too.

And no doctor I've ever been to has put any stock in saliva testing for sex

hormones. They've all told me that serum is the way to go...so it appears a 30

day saliva test would be a waste of time. Even if it showed something, no doctor

would take it seriously. I'm sure you know how it goes.

Here's hoping my pharmacy can fill the script and the switch goes well! Keep

those fingers crossed

~Rainbow~

30 year old Female 5'6 " 140lbs

Dx: Hashi's, AF, Wheat Sensitivity

Rx/OTC: Cynomel 68.75mcg, HC 12.5mg, Florinef 1/2tab,

Potassium 90mEq, Sea Salt 3/4tsp

My Log and Labs: http://tinyurl.com/pvgjmb

My Blog: http://hyporainbow.wordpress.com

[Guest guest]

Checking labs at 5 week intervals on NT sounds sensible, I believe it takes that

long for NT to stabilize and for the labs to be accurate.

I hope this goes really well for you!

>

> > That does sound like a big decrease. Also, there is a question

> > whether the T4 will get properly converted to T3...if not, it's an

> > even bigger decrease.

>

> True. But thankfully I got a call back from his nurse and apparently the 65mg

NT is only a starting dose. He plans to recheck my labs in 5 weeks on that dose

and then increase if needed from there. Of course, if I feel worse during that 5

weeks I won't hesitate to call and tell him so

>

> I've been jaded by so many doctors in the past, it's tough for me to put my

trust in a good one! But so far he's been pretty awesome, so I'll give his

suggestions a shot. If it doesn't work, I can always go back to what I'm

currently doing. I don't seem to be nearly as " fragile " as I used to be. When I

have a set back these days, it typically lasts a week or less...not weeks or

months like it used to. That alone is very reassuring

>

> I'll definitely keep an eye on my RT3/FT3 ratio to make sure it doesn't get

out of hand. I'm not sure if this doctor is familiar with RT3 dominance, but if

not I'll try to help him understand it and keep an eye on it too.

>

> And no doctor I've ever been to has put any stock in saliva testing for sex

hormones. They've all told me that serum is the way to go...so it appears a 30

day saliva test would be a waste of time. Even if it showed something, no doctor

would take it seriously. I'm sure you know how it goes.

>

> Here's hoping my pharmacy can fill the script and the switch goes well! Keep

those fingers crossed

>

> ~Rainbow~

> 30 year old Female 5'6 " 140lbs

> Dx: Hashi's, AF, Wheat Sensitivity

> Rx/OTC: Cynomel 68.75mcg, HC 12.5mg, Florinef 1/2tab,

> Potassium 90mEq, Sea Salt 3/4tsp

> My Log and Labs: http://tinyurl.com/pvgjmb

> My Blog: http://hyporainbow.wordpress.com

>

[Guest guest]

Rainbow, if it were me, I'd want to start on a dose NT that equates to the

amount of t3 you are currently taking. Otherwise, even if the r4 converts

perfectly, you're still going to be on way less thyroid meds than you are now --

and will end up hypo and losing ground. :-( Can't you get the doc to let you

start at an equivalent dose? Remember, all the t3 you are taking right will be

out of your system within 3 days once you make the switch. He seems pretty open

minded.

NO, he may not listen to the saliva test, but YOU would know. I had a girfriend

who was trying to get pregnant and she said it got to the point that SHE was

making suggestions to the doc on what to try! :-) So you could make suggestions

based on the results of your 30 day saliva test if things weren't going well in

the fertility department and he wouldn't have to know you were getting your

ideas from a saliva test. You could just say " Well, I was doing some research

and I found... "

Kathleen

> >

> > > That does sound like a big decrease. Also, there is a question

> > > whether the T4 will get properly converted to T3...if not, it's an

> > > even bigger decrease.

> >

> > True. But thankfully I got a call back from his nurse and apparently the

65mg NT is only a starting dose. He plans to recheck my labs in 5 weeks on that

dose and then increase if needed from there. Of course, if I feel worse during

that 5 weeks I won't hesitate to call and tell him so

> >

> > I've been jaded by so many doctors in the past, it's tough for me to put my

trust in a good one! But so far he's been pretty awesome, so I'll give his

suggestions a shot. If it doesn't work, I can always go back to what I'm

currently doing. I don't seem to be nearly as " fragile " as I used to be. When I

have a set back these days, it typically lasts a week or less...not weeks or

months like it used to. That alone is very reassuring

> >

> > I'll definitely keep an eye on my RT3/FT3 ratio to make sure it doesn't get

out of hand. I'm not sure if this doctor is familiar with RT3 dominance, but if

not I'll try to help him understand it and keep an eye on it too.

> >

> > And no doctor I've ever been to has put any stock in saliva testing for sex

hormones. They've all told me that serum is the way to go...so it appears a 30

day saliva test would be a waste of time. Even if it showed something, no doctor

would take it seriously. I'm sure you know how it goes.

> >

> > Here's hoping my pharmacy can fill the script and the switch goes well! Keep

those fingers crossed

> >

> > ~Rainbow~

> > 30 year old Female 5'6 " 140lbs

> > Dx: Hashi's, AF, Wheat Sensitivity

> > Rx/OTC: Cynomel 68.75mcg, HC 12.5mg, Florinef 1/2tab,

> > Potassium 90mEq, Sea Salt 3/4tsp

> > My Log and Labs: http://tinyurl.com/pvgjmb

> > My Blog: http://hyporainbow.wordpress.com

> >

>

[Guest guest]

That was my thought too. I hate to bug him again, but I'm getting pretty worried

about this. Especially since my weight is already going up, and I've only

dropped 12.5mcg T3 so far since adding in the 1 grain NT.

I'm also confused about where to go from here. I've read Nick's technique for

swapping over:

http://thyroid-rt3.com/swapping.htm

So during this first week, I've started the 65mg NT and dropped 12.5mcg T3. Then

on the second week I plan to drop another 12.5mcg T3. But I'm confused about

what comes next. After that point, since

I don't have any more NT to add in, should I continue to drop 12.5mcg T3 per

week until I'm only on the 65mg NT? If I do, I will have only been on the 65mg

NT by itself for a week before we run new labs. Will those labs be accurate?

I was a bit surprised to read that you should add more NT after just 2

weeks, as I'd always heard that it takes 4-6 weeks for an NT dosage change to

fully take effect. Is that not the case?

~Rainbow~

30 year old Female 5'6 " 144lbs

Dx: Hashi's, Adrenal Insufficiency

Rx/OTC: Naturethroid 1 grain, Cynomel 56.25mcg,

HC 10mg, Florinef 1/2tab,

Potassium 90mEq, Sea Salt 3/4tsp

My Log and Labs: http://tinyurl.com/pvgjmb

My Blog: http://hyporainbow.wordpress.com

> > >

> > > > That does sound like a big decrease. Also, there is a question

> > > > whether the T4 will get properly converted to T3...if not, it's an

> > > > even bigger decrease.

> > >

> > > True. But thankfully I got a call back from his nurse and apparently the

65mg NT is only a starting dose. He plans to recheck my labs in 5 weeks on that

dose and then increase if needed from there. Of course, if I feel worse during

that 5 weeks I won't hesitate to call and tell him so

> > >

> > > I've been jaded by so many doctors in the past, it's tough for me to put

my trust in a good one! But so far he's been pretty awesome, so I'll give his

suggestions a shot. If it doesn't work, I can always go back to what I'm

currently doing. I don't seem to be nearly as " fragile " as I used to be. When I

have a set back these days, it typically lasts a week or less...not weeks or

months like it used to. That alone is very reassuring

> > >

> > > I'll definitely keep an eye on my RT3/FT3 ratio to make sure it doesn't

get out of hand. I'm not sure if this doctor is familiar with RT3 dominance, but

if not I'll try to help him understand it and keep an eye on it too.

> > >

> > > And no doctor I've ever been to has put any stock in saliva testing for

sex hormones. They've all told me that serum is the way to go...so it appears a

30 day saliva test would be a waste of time. Even if it showed something, no

doctor would take it seriously. I'm sure you know how it goes.

> > >

> > > Here's hoping my pharmacy can fill the script and the switch goes well!

Keep those fingers crossed

> > >

> > > ~Rainbow~

> > > 30 year old Female 5'6 " 140lbs

> > > Dx: Hashi's, AF, Wheat Sensitivity

> > > Rx/OTC: Cynomel 68.75mcg, HC 12.5mg, Florinef 1/2tab,

> > > Potassium 90mEq, Sea Salt 3/4tsp

> > > My Log and Labs: http://tinyurl.com/pvgjmb

> > > My Blog: http://hyporainbow.wordpress.com

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Unfortunately, I don't know a whole lot about NTH as I don't convert at all and

haven't taken it for years.

But I can imagine you MAY indeed feel hypo for a few weeks (or gain weight)

because even if you make an even swap of NTH to equate to the amount of t3 you

were taking, you're right that it takes several weeks for the t4 to build and

start to fully convert. I guess that's the reason for the gradual swap, so that

you don't lose ALL your t3 while your're waiting for the t4 to start converting.

I also thought it took more like 4 weeks for t4 to build up and convert, so I " m

not sure either about the 2 week suggestion.

Perhaps bump this to Nick directly? Or just start a new thread entirely on the

swapping over process. Maybe you need to stay on more t3 until the t4 builds up.

I have no idea, unfortunately!

Kathleen

> > > >

> > > > > That does sound like a big decrease. Also, there is a question

> > > > > whether the T4 will get properly converted to T3...if not, it's an

> > > > > even bigger decrease.

> > > >

> > > > True. But thankfully I got a call back from his nurse and apparently the

65mg NT is only a starting dose. He plans to recheck my labs in 5 weeks on that

dose and then increase if needed from there. Of course, if I feel worse during

that 5 weeks I won't hesitate to call and tell him so

> > > >

> > > > I've been jaded by so many doctors in the past, it's tough for me to put

my trust in a good one! But so far he's been pretty awesome, so I'll give his

suggestions a shot. If it doesn't work, I can always go back to what I'm

currently doing. I don't seem to be nearly as " fragile " as I used to be. When I

have a set back these days, it typically lasts a week or less...not weeks or

months like it used to. That alone is very reassuring

> > > >

> > > > I'll definitely keep an eye on my RT3/FT3 ratio to make sure it doesn't

get out of hand. I'm not sure if this doctor is familiar with RT3 dominance, but

if not I'll try to help him understand it and keep an eye on it too.

> > > >

> > > > And no doctor I've ever been to has put any stock in saliva testing for

sex hormones. They've all told me that serum is the way to go...so it appears a

30 day saliva test would be a waste of time. Even if it showed something, no

doctor would take it seriously. I'm sure you know how it goes.

> > > >

> > > > Here's hoping my pharmacy can fill the script and the switch goes well!

Keep those fingers crossed

> > > >

> > > > ~Rainbow~

> > > > 30 year old Female 5'6 " 140lbs

> > > > Dx: Hashi's, AF, Wheat Sensitivity

> > > > Rx/OTC: Cynomel 68.75mcg, HC 12.5mg, Florinef 1/2tab,

> > > > Potassium 90mEq, Sea Salt 3/4tsp

> > > > My Log and Labs: http://tinyurl.com/pvgjmb

> > > > My Blog: http://hyporainbow.wordpress.com

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Unfortunately, I don't know a whole lot about NTH as I don't convert at all and

haven't taken it for years.

But I can imagine you MAY indeed feel hypo for a few weeks (or gain weight)

because even if you make an even swap of NTH to equate to the amount of t3 you

were taking, you're right that it takes several weeks for the t4 to build and

start to fully convert. I guess that's the reason for the gradual swap, so that

you don't lose ALL your t3 while your're waiting for the t4 to start converting.

I also thought it took more like 4 weeks for t4 to build up and convert, so I " m

not sure either about the 2 week suggestion.

Perhaps bump this to Nick directly? Or just start a new thread entirely on the

swapping over process. Maybe you need to stay on more t3 until the t4 builds up.

I have no idea, unfortunately!

Kathleen

> > > >

> > > > > That does sound like a big decrease. Also, there is a question

> > > > > whether the T4 will get properly converted to T3...if not, it's an

> > > > > even bigger decrease.

> > > >

> > > > True. But thankfully I got a call back from his nurse and apparently the

65mg NT is only a starting dose. He plans to recheck my labs in 5 weeks on that

dose and then increase if needed from there. Of course, if I feel worse during

that 5 weeks I won't hesitate to call and tell him so

> > > >

> > > > I've been jaded by so many doctors in the past, it's tough for me to put

my trust in a good one! But so far he's been pretty awesome, so I'll give his

suggestions a shot. If it doesn't work, I can always go back to what I'm

currently doing. I don't seem to be nearly as " fragile " as I used to be. When I

have a set back these days, it typically lasts a week or less...not weeks or

months like it used to. That alone is very reassuring

> > > >

> > > > I'll definitely keep an eye on my RT3/FT3 ratio to make sure it doesn't

get out of hand. I'm not sure if this doctor is familiar with RT3 dominance, but

if not I'll try to help him understand it and keep an eye on it too.

> > > >

> > > > And no doctor I've ever been to has put any stock in saliva testing for

sex hormones. They've all told me that serum is the way to go...so it appears a

30 day saliva test would be a waste of time. Even if it showed something, no

doctor would take it seriously. I'm sure you know how it goes.

> > > >

> > > > Here's hoping my pharmacy can fill the script and the switch goes well!

Keep those fingers crossed

> > > >

> > > > ~Rainbow~

> > > > 30 year old Female 5'6 " 140lbs

> > > > Dx: Hashi's, AF, Wheat Sensitivity

> > > > Rx/OTC: Cynomel 68.75mcg, HC 12.5mg, Florinef 1/2tab,

> > > > Potassium 90mEq, Sea Salt 3/4tsp

> > > > My Log and Labs: http://tinyurl.com/pvgjmb

> > > > My Blog: http://hyporainbow.wordpress.com

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Unfortunately, I don't know a whole lot about NTH as I don't convert at all and

haven't taken it for years.

But I can imagine you MAY indeed feel hypo for a few weeks (or gain weight)

because even if you make an even swap of NTH to equate to the amount of t3 you

were taking, you're right that it takes several weeks for the t4 to build and

start to fully convert. I guess that's the reason for the gradual swap, so that

you don't lose ALL your t3 while your're waiting for the t4 to start converting.

I also thought it took more like 4 weeks for t4 to build up and convert, so I " m

not sure either about the 2 week suggestion.

Perhaps bump this to Nick directly? Or just start a new thread entirely on the

swapping over process. Maybe you need to stay on more t3 until the t4 builds up.

I have no idea, unfortunately!

Kathleen

> > > >

> > > > > That does sound like a big decrease. Also, there is a question

> > > > > whether the T4 will get properly converted to T3...if not, it's an

> > > > > even bigger decrease.

> > > >

> > > > True. But thankfully I got a call back from his nurse and apparently the

65mg NT is only a starting dose. He plans to recheck my labs in 5 weeks on that

dose and then increase if needed from there. Of course, if I feel worse during

that 5 weeks I won't hesitate to call and tell him so

> > > >

> > > > I've been jaded by so many doctors in the past, it's tough for me to put

my trust in a good one! But so far he's been pretty awesome, so I'll give his

suggestions a shot. If it doesn't work, I can always go back to what I'm

currently doing. I don't seem to be nearly as " fragile " as I used to be. When I

have a set back these days, it typically lasts a week or less...not weeks or

months like it used to. That alone is very reassuring

> > > >

> > > > I'll definitely keep an eye on my RT3/FT3 ratio to make sure it doesn't

get out of hand. I'm not sure if this doctor is familiar with RT3 dominance, but

if not I'll try to help him understand it and keep an eye on it too.

> > > >

> > > > And no doctor I've ever been to has put any stock in saliva testing for

sex hormones. They've all told me that serum is the way to go...so it appears a

30 day saliva test would be a waste of time. Even if it showed something, no

doctor would take it seriously. I'm sure you know how it goes.

> > > >

> > > > Here's hoping my pharmacy can fill the script and the switch goes well!

Keep those fingers crossed

> > > >

> > > > ~Rainbow~

> > > > 30 year old Female 5'6 " 140lbs

> > > > Dx: Hashi's, AF, Wheat Sensitivity

> > > > Rx/OTC: Cynomel 68.75mcg, HC 12.5mg, Florinef 1/2tab,

> > > > Potassium 90mEq, Sea Salt 3/4tsp

> > > > My Log and Labs: http://tinyurl.com/pvgjmb

> > > > My Blog: http://hyporainbow.wordpress.com

> > > >

> > >

> >

>