Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Thyroid
Health. Scroll Down For The Thyroid Function Test.
From Dr. Beth Dupree
Protandim
and Thyroid Issues:
I had my thyroid radiated when I was 19 and
suffered miserably because of it for 18 years. I tried Synthroid, generic
levothyroxine, Westhroid, Compounded, Armour, Cytomel both generic and
brand, and everything else under the sun.
I finally got to quote "bearable" about 4 years ago using Cytomel brand
name only at 100mcgs a day. But I was still having alot of symptoms of low
thyroid. I started on
Protandim
for other reasons over a year ago and to my amazement not only did most of
my symptoms go away but I have been able for the first time in my life I
have been able to start reducing both my Cytomel and bioidentical hormones!
I am now convinced that
Protandim
alone can straighten out hormone issues. I now suggest that first when
anyone is sick in any way. When you remove all oxidative stress from the
body it will heal itself.
ENDOCRINOLOGISTS SAY TSH NORMAL RANGE
IS NOW 0.3 TO 3
MILLIONS MORE HAVE THYROID PROBLEMS UNDER NEW GUIDELINES
According to the American
Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), 1 in 10 Americans - more
than the number of Americans with diabetes and cancer combined - suffer from
thyroid disease, yet as many as half remain undiagnosed. In order to
counteract this lack of awareness and educate the public about the
prevalence of thyroid disease, diagnosis, and treatment, in January, AACE
continued its annual thyroid awareness campaign. The 2003 campaign, Hiding
in Plain Sight: Thyroid Undercover, launched as part of the January 2003
Thyroid Awareness Month.
According to the AACE, until November 2002, doctors had relied on a normal
TSH level ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 to diagnose and treat patients with a
thyroid disorder who tested outside the boundaries of that range. The new
guidelines narrow the range for acceptable thyroid function, and AACE is now
encouraging doctors to consider treatment for patients who test outside the
boundaries of a narrower margin based on a target TSH level of 0.3 to 3.04.
AACE believes the new range will result in proper diagnosis for millions of
Americans who suffer from a mild thyroid disorder, but have gone untreated
until now. AACE estimates that the new guidelines double the number of
people who have abnormal thyroid function, bringing the total to 27 million.
AACE made the decision to narrow the range because of data suggesting many
people may have low-level thyroid problems that could be improved with
treatment and a narrower TSH range will give doctors reason to more
carefully consider those patients.
"The prevalence of undiagnosed thyroid disease in the United States is
shockingly high - particularly since it is a condition that is easy to
diagnose and treat," said Hossein Gharib, MD, FACE, and president of AACE.
"The new TSH range from the AACE guidelines gives physicians the information
they need to diagnose mild thyroid disease before it can lead to more
serious effects on a patient's health - such as elevated cholesterol, heart
disease, osteoporosis, infertility, and depression."
CAN YOU
LOSE WEIGHT? ABSOLUTELY!! VISIT
THE THYROID DIET & WEIGHT LOSS CENTER
Your starting point toward success in the frustrating battle to lose weight
with thyroid disease.
WHAT ABOUT
A HEALTHY PREGNANCY?
VISIT THE THYROID & PREGNANCY/FERTILITY INFORMATION CENTER
Information to help combat infertility, have a healthy pregnancy and
post-partum period, and successful breastfeeding -- despite thyroid disease.
NEED A
GREAT DOCTOR? THYROID TOP
DOCTORS DIRECTORY
Thousands of the best thyroid doctors in the U.S., and around the world --
as recommended by patients! Find a great doc now!
Could
You Have Thyroid Disease? Don't Explain Away Symptoms!
Do you have weight changes, fatigue, depression, and other
symptoms, but figure it's normal for your age, gender, lifestyle, or
hormonal situation? Don't explain away your symptoms until you read this
article -- it could save your life.
Thyroid
Drug Database
A complete database featuring information on thyroid hormone
replacement drugs, anti thyroid drugs, manufacturers and their contact
information -- including Synthroid, Thyrolar, Armour, Cytomel, Tapazole,
PTU, Thyrogen, and other brands of thyroid drugs.
Help,
I'm Hypothyroid and I Still Don't Feel Well
When you've already been diagnosed and are being treated with
thyroid hormone replacement drugs but you still don't feel well, there are
many things you can do to feel well.
15
Reasons Why Your TSH May Be Fluctuating
If your TSH levels are changing from lab test to lab test, do
you know why? Discover 15 different reasons behind changing TSH levels,
including some things you may be taking or eating every day that can
substantially impact your thyroid and health.
Glossary of Thyroid Terms
If terms like TSH, T4, anti thyroid antibodies, and T3 sound
confusing, then you need this glossary, which offers definitions of common
thyroid terminology you're likely to encounter.
Inspiring Thyroid Success Stories
An inspiring selection of people telling their first-person
thyroid success stories. Beating the odds for diagnosis and treatment of a
range of thyroid disease, these folks are going on to truly live well.
Information for people who don't have a thyroid gland, due to congenital
hypothyroidism or surgery, as well as other causes of hypothyroidism, from
Thyroid Guide and patient advocate Mary Shomon, author of Living Well With
Hypothyroidism.
5 Lies About Your Thyroid You're Likely to Hear
5 Lies About Your Thyroid You're Likely to Hear talks about
some of the myths and misunderstandings about thyroid disease that are
perpetuated by practitioners, and helps correct them with information for
patients, from patient advocate Mary Shomon.
10 Ways to be a Smart Thyroid Patient
Part of getting well and living well is taking charge of your
health. Here are ten ways that you can be a smart thyroid patient, and
maximize your own efforts to live well.
Kelp or natural source iodine is the most commonly recommended supplement
for low thyroid (hypothyroidism). This is a terrible mistake! Iodine
in any form SLOWS thyroid function and is used medically to kill
thyroid tissue. You should avoid it all costs unless you are absolutely sure
you are deficient in your diet. Since salt is iodized and Americans have an
overabundance in their diets, this is extremely rare. This is the
cause of the hypothyroid epidemic in people and pets. Please get a blood
test before you start supplementation with iodine. If you are hypothyroid
and need iodine supplementation; the absolute minimum needed to bring you
into normal range should be considered. Celtic or raw sea salt ( it should
be grayish-green) is a great source of all minerals including iodine) Avoid
any thyroid supplement with Kelp or Bladderwrack in it.
The quote iodine arm test is not a good indicator of your need for
iodine.
Thyroid
Function Test
Your thyroid is a
small bowtie or butterfly-shaped gland, located in your neck, behind and
below
your Adam's Apple
area. The thyroid produces hormones that are critical to your body's ability
to
produce and use
energy. Experts estimate that there are at least 20 million thyroid
sufferers in the
U.S. -- and 13
million of them are undiagnosed. The majority of people with thyroid
conditions have Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition that causes
hypothyroidism “ an under active thyroid. Women are seven times more likely
than men to develop thyroid problems, with a one in five lifetime chance of
developing a thyroid problem. For both men and women, the risk of thyroid
disease increases with age.
The fallowing test
is by no means all inclusive and perfect. It is a good starting point,
however I recommend that anyone with a majority of these symptoms see a
competant endocrinologist and get blood
work or a saliva test to make sure.
Make sure these test include TSH, Free T3, T3 Uptake, and
Thyroid antibodies. If your doctor says levels are fine and you need a
second opinion
contact Dr. Beth Dupree for a second opinion.
Thyroid Test 1
Always
exhausted and Fatigued
Hands and feet sensitive to cold
or body sensitive to heat
Losing hair, outer eyebrows thinning
Dry and brittle nails
Muscle and joint aches and pains
Bloating and water retention in face, fingers, feet
Heavy, longer or more frequent periods
Constipation
Periodic heart palpitations
High cholesterol
Candida (yeast infections) in many areas
Rash (similar to Psoriasis) on hands or fingers
Inability to lose weight
Chronic low body Temp 97degrees and below
Low immune function or chronic illness
Answers:
1-5 CheckmarksYour symptoms
may be caused by Hypothyroidism. You should consider: avoiding cauliflower, Soy, Chlorine, Fluoride and kelp or iodine.
Eat more broccoli! You may want to
consider Organic, Extra Virgin, Cold Pressed Coconut oil, as well as
500-1000 mg of l-tyrosine a day, Protandim Progesterone Cream,
Endobalance essential oil blend, 1 drop daily on the top of each big toe.
5-10 Checkmarks:Your symptoms are
very likely to be caused by Hypothyroidism. You should
consider: avoiding cauliflower, Soy, Chlorine, Fluorideand kelp or iodine. Eat more broccoli! You may want to
consider Organic, Extra Virgin, Cold Pressed Coconut oil, as well as
500-1000 mg of l-tyrosine a day, Protandim Progesterone Cream,
Endobalance essential oil blend, 1 drop daily on the top of each
big toe.
Nutmeg essential oil and
true myrtle essential oil 1 drop each rubbed over the thyroid daily. You should set a
Saliva TSH Test. and/or TSH, Free
T4, and T3 blood tests.
10+ Checkmarks:You symptoms
most definitely are caused by Hypothyroidism. You should
consider: avoiding cauliflower, Soy, Chlorine, Fluorideand kelp or iodine. Eat more broccoli! You may want to
consider Organic, Extra Virgin, Cold Pressed Coconut oil, as well as
500-1000 mg of l-tyrosine a day, Protandim Progesterone Cream,
Endobalance essential oil blend, 1 drop daily on the top of each big toe..
Nutmeg essential oil and
true myrtle essential oil 1 drop each rubbed over the thyroid daily. And
Black Pepper essential oil 1 drop daily on the inside of your elbow
daily. You should set a
Saliva TSH Test.
and/or TSH, Free T4, and T3 blood tests.
Thyroid Test 2
Rapidly Losing weight,
and always hungry
Insomnia
Sweating
and always feeling hot
Tremors
in your hands
Diarrhea
and frequent loose stools
Periods
have stopped or are light
Muscle
pain, cramps, and weakness in upper arms and thighs
Fine and brittle hair
Erratic behavior
Bulging
eyes
Vision Changes
1-5 Checkmarks:
You may be suffering from Hyperthyroidism. You should
consider lots of
Kelp or Lugols,
(for no more than a 2 week period, then normal amounts and under strict
supervision of a competent medical professional)Protandim, Kava Kava,
Endobalance, and
Serenity: as well as 500-1000 mg of l-tyrosine a day. You may need to increase
Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium, As well as Trace
minerals, B Vitamins and a good high potency Food supplement such as
Natures' Way Alive.
5+
Checkmarks:
You may be suffering from Hyperthyroidism. You
should consider lots of
Kelp
or Lugols,
(for no more than a 2 week period, then normal amounts and under strict
supervision of a competent medical professional)Protandim,
Kava Kava,
Endobalance, and
Serenityas well as
500-1000 mg of l-tyrosine a day.You may need to
increase Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium, As well
as Trace minerals, B Vitamins and a good high potency Food
supplement such as Natures' Way Alive.. You should set a Saliva TSH Test.
and/or TSH, Free T4, and T3 blood tests
Note: Are You Overwhelmingly Both Combinations of 1&2?
This is often noticed on those who are being treated for
hypothyroidism. This situation is most likely caused by the inability to use
T3 or if you cannot covert T4 to free T3.
If you have been on T3 supplementation such as Cytomel
and are using the generic. ( It doesn't seem to work as well get brand
name).
You may want to consider Organic, Extra Virgin, Cold Pressed Coconut oil,
as well as 500-1000 mg of l-tyrosine a day, Protandim, Progesterone Cream,
Endobalance essential oil blend, 1 drop daily on the top of each big toe..
Nutmeg essential oil and
true myrtle essential oil 1 drop each rubbed over the thyroid daily. And
Black Pepper essential oil 1 drop daily on the inside of your elbow
daily. You may also want to consider adding Armour Thyroid or have a
Compounding Pharmacist make a better preparation for you.
If you are not taking any
prescription medications are are taking T4 only (Synthroid/ Levoxyl):
You
really should find a Physician who will put you on direct thyroid
replacement that contains T3 such as Armour, Cytomel, or compounded. You may
want to consider Organic, Extra Virgin, Cold Pressed Coconut oil, as
well as 500-1000 mg of l-tyrosine a day, Protandim, Progesterone Cream,
Endobalance essential oil blend, 1 drop daily on the top of each big toe..
Nutmeg essential oil and
true myrtle essential oil 1 drop each rubbed over the thyroid daily. And
Black Pepper essential oil 1 drop daily on the inside of your elbow
daily.