DNP with extant hypothyroid

['Ubi]

Hello all,

Would like to give the usual newbie thanks for this forum--I appreciate the well-educated and generous posters (looking especially at Conciliator here, though I'm sure he's used to the nods by now, and Osmanthus for her excellent and detailed diary). Thought the women's forum would be the best place for this first question as it's more likely that other women may have some experience with my particular issue.

I've been diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is one of the more common hypothyroid conditions. After a year or so of supplement increases I'm finally approaching normality of function again, but have weight issues. My exercise levels during the hypo period were low, but I've been picking back up on strength training and cardio to approach my pre-hypo levels (30-45 minutes cardio 4-5x/week plus 3x/week strength training). Had stumbled across info about DNP, began researching 3 months ago, and found this forum. Before taking any further steps toward trying DNP, I'm looking for any info out there regarding this situation. So: does anyone have experience with/thoughts about using DNP when already on thyroid meds (both T4 and T3)?

[Conciliator]

You'd want to stay on your thyroid meds. You'd also want to be aware of the interaction between DNP and thyroid. DNP is known to occupy thyroid binding proteins in blood. That leaves less of the binding protein to bind to thyroid, which can increase free thyroid levels. In the short term, that can result in higher serum levels of thyroid and accelerated clearance from the body. However, a new steady state is soon reached in which thyroid function will be normal, despite potentially reduced serum levels of total T4 and total T3. As one paper on DNP explained, "this action could lower the total hormone concentration in serum but should have no persistent effect on thyroid function". This means that even though the level of thyroid hormones in the blood can be lower than normal while on DNP, thyroid function will still be normal. So if you're seeing a doctor and having blood work done to determine your correct thyroid dose, you would not want to be taking DNP, since it could alter your numbers. Only after your dose has been set and no blood work is planned would you want to take DNP, during which time you'd stay on your thyroid medication.

Hope that helps,
Conciliator

[Note: I am not a doctor and am not giving medical advice. I am merely giving my opinion on a hypothetical situation]

['Ubi]

Indeed, your thoughts and opinion are much appreciated. Based on this and other readings, the conclusion then is that my thyroid hormone function, being regularly supplemented by synthetic T4 and T3, should not be more severely affected than that of someone who is producing all of their own hormone, correct? Absolutely I will maintain my supplementation. Would you refer me to the paper you mentioned?

One other question--I see pyruvate being a recommended supplement, and reading suggests it is for a couple of different reasons, one of which is cataract protection--which I agree is a great idea for DNP use if true. When searching I find calcium pyruvate, but none of the other types described online (sodium pyruvate, pyruvic acid, etc); is calcium pyruvate the best type, or is there another that would be better? I am assembling a list of supplements that seem to be most useful but don't want to pursue a cut n' paste approach--always like to know WHY I'm doing something.