Hi All,
I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid about 5 years ago and have been on Levothyroxine sodium 25microgram tablets since then. I have gradually gained weight and finding it very hard to lose any. My nails are also still badly ridged. I was wondering if anyone can suggest any supplements to assist with an underactive thyroid that will not affect my medication? Thanks
Vitamin D and magnesium are both important. Perhaps get your Vit D level tested as it needs to be optimal to maximise the absorption of Levothyroxine. “Better You” offer private blood test and can sell you a mouth spray of the then recommended level. Worth a look at the website.
I had my thyroid removed in 1979 (cancer) way back then they gave you Armor thyroid (made from pigs thyroid—a good product). Anyway, I will tell you what I know. Thyroid medication is very fragile. It doesn’t work well with other medications—-or food! So take it first in the morning, wait an hour and then you can eat or take other medications. I am one of those people that my body knows Synthroid from all other thyroid medications. so to keep my hormone levels right I take Synthroid (also much more expensive). Some doctor told me my thyroid needs would remain the same. Ha! Not true for me! Anyway, the best way to help with your thyroid is to take your medication like I said, and follow up with your doctor regularly. I know it’s weird, but it takes a solid 3 months to see a change in your blood tests when you change doseages. Good luck!
Thank-you, is there any makes/brands of magnesium and vit D that you would recommend?
Better You mouth spray is good as it doesn’t depend on gut absorption. After testing you get guidance as to required strength and you can test again after 6 months to see the impact and whether to adjust your dose.
Magnesium comes in several forms - I personally like Magnesium Taurate capsules from Ethical Nutrition as it doesn’t upset my stomach.
Probably best to try one thing at a time rather than change too much at once.
Is there a reason you’re on such a low dose? 25mcg is generally the starter dose for children, elderly and those with heart problems. Everyone else starts on 50mcg (or starts on the dose likely to be appropriate for their weight : about l.6 x weight in kg) then from 50 it is usual to move up incrementally every 6-7 weeks until TSH is 1 or below and the thyroid hormones, FT3 and FT4 are at least 50% through the range. I haven’t heard of anyone being on 25mcg for more than 6 weeks. Levothyroxine doesn’t top up your dose of hormones it replaces it and 25mcg is not enough
Est-ce que vous avez besoin de toutes les vitamines D ou d’une en particulier ? Merci d’avance.
You need VIt D3 with K2 Mk 7 as this helps transportation of calcium to bones. A magnesium supplement is also useful, I take Mag Glycinate. Check out John Campbell on YouTube who has lots of information re Vit D etc.