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What is the best medicine? For 1/2 a thyroid & hoshimotos ?

I take 88 MCG synthoid - I have headaches. Feel terrible most days. What can I take that’s better or natural? LOOSING  ALL MY HAIR??? Thank you
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Avatar universal
there is no "best medicine".  Only thing that is important is to obtain the necessary blood levels of Free T4 and Free T3 in order to be symptom free and feeling well.  This is different for everyone.

Also having whole, half, or no thyroid is really irrelevant.  What matters is the thyroid level at the cellular level.  Opimizing the dose to obtain that level which makes a person feel well is more art than science.

Any combination of one, or two synthetics, or a NDT in either T3 or T4 synthetic is also fine.

Some people do fine with T4 only and convert to T3 fine and are able to remain on T4 only.  Other people do not convert and may need to add a synthetic T3. in order to get the necessary balance of Free T4 and Free T3 to feel well.

Other people are able to take only a dose or split dose more likely of a natural dessicated thyroid NDT med such as Arour, WP Thyroid EFRA etc.  Others may need to add more synthetic T4, or more synthetic T3 in addition to the NDT.

Like I said. Whatever works.

I would recommend that people who are gluten intolerant probably should avoid Armour, as I have heard that it contains gluten in the filler/buffer. Whereas other NDT medicines such as Nature Thyroid or WP thyroid are said to not contain gluten.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
there is no "best medicine".  Only thing that is important is to obtain the necessary blood levels of Free T4 and Free T3 in order to be symptom free and feeling well.  This is different for everyone.

Also having whole, half, or no thyroid is really irrelevant.  What matters is the thyroid level at the cellular level.  Opimizing the dose to obtain that level which makes a person feel well is more art than science.

Any combination of one, or two synthetics, or a NDT in either T3 or T4 synthetic is also fine.

Some people do fine with T4 only and convert to T3 fine and are able to remain on T4 only.  Other people do not convert and may need to add a synthetic T3. in order to get the necessary balance of Free T4 and Free T3 to feel well.

Other people are able to take only a dose or split dose more likely of a natural dessicated thyroid NDT med such as Arour, WP Thyroid EFRA etc.  Others may need to add more synthetic T4, or more synthetic T3 in addition to the NDT.

Like I said. Whatever works.

I would recommend that people who are gluten intolerant probably should avoid Armour, as I have heard that it contains gluten in the filler/buffer. Whereas other NDT medicines such as Nature Thyroid or WP thyroid are said to not contain gluten.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
What specific symptoms do you have besides headaches and hair loss, that make you say you feel terrible most days?  Symptoms are the most important consideration in trying ot assess thyroid status.  Along with that it is important to confirm with biochemical tests.  Please post your latest thyroid related test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report.   How long have you been on the 88 mcg of Symthroid?
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Make sure you are having your thyroid levels tested regularly!. I had TONS of migraines, until the Dr RAISED my dose. Now I take a T3 & a T4 medication. I have hardly any headaches, since starting the T3 in addition to my Synthroid.( I take TWO 150 mcg Synthroid a day ) Which would be a super high dose for most people- I finally feel ten times better. There is no magic # for thyroid tests- Everybody is different. Do not let a Dr tell you some "certain number" will make you feel great. If your Dr. is not willing to figure it out- find a new Dr. ! Keep in mind the thyroid is like your body's "thermostat". Off by a little, can have horrible symptoms.
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