Comments on: Breakthrough Discovery in Thyroid Hormone Therapy: Part 2 http://www.metabolism.com/2009/11/07/breakthrough-discovery-thyroid-hormone-therapy-part-2?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=breakthrough-discovery-thyroid-hormone-therapy-part-2 Metabolism, weight loss, diabetes, thyroid and more. Join the experts! Tue, 22 May 2012 00:59:04 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: zeesanyoura http://www.metabolism.com/2009/11/07/breakthrough-discovery-thyroid-hormone-therapy-part-2#comment-14468 zeesanyoura Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:59:09 +0000 http://www.metabolism.com/?p=1683#comment-14468 Hello, I had irregular period for 3 months actually from last December untill today I was getting my period every 15 days then the doctor noticed that is because I have hyper active thyroid I did my blood test and it was abnormal TSH 0,05 and T4 17,7 now I am under medication synthroid 0.088 but my question is: do this means that I am under a risk or I could be okay, I am too late cause it is been 3 month cause really I am scared of infertility please can you help by answering my questions thank you in advance Hello,
I had irregular period for 3 months actually from last December untill today I was getting my period every 15 days then the doctor noticed that is because I have hyper active thyroid I did my blood test and it was abnormal TSH 0,05 and T4 17,7 now I am under medication synthroid 0.088 but my question is: do this means that I am under a risk or I could be okay, I am too late cause it is been 3 month cause really I am scared of infertility please can you help by answering my questions thank you in advance

]]> By: Dr. G. Pepper http://www.metabolism.com/2009/11/07/breakthrough-discovery-thyroid-hormone-therapy-part-2#comment-11128 Dr. G. Pepper Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:47:43 +0000 http://www.metabolism.com/?p=1683#comment-11128 Katherine What is the correct ration of T4 to T3 is a question I have been asked a lot. t is very difficult to say what the correct ratio of t4 to t3 is for any individuals. The often quoted “correct” ratio of T4 to T3 in humans is approximately 14:1 but that is merely an average. It’s like saying the shoe size of humans is 7 because if you take the average shoe size of 1000 people that is what you get. How many people out of that 1000 actually wear a size 7 shoe? Not many. Likewise the t4 to t3 ratio is highly variable between people and what you are asking is what should yours be. I don’t know but I can tell you that you and your doctor can come close to finding your ideal set point with some effort and willingness to be flexible with different dosing trials. As long as you and your doctor don’t go to extreme doses outside of normal physiology it is likely you will find a healthy and comfortable solution to this problem. I don't see any major benefit to dissolving T3 under the tongue. It is absorbed very well from the stomach if the stomach is empty. Some people can't wait enough time between their thyroid med and eating so maybe in that case under the tongue may be better. T3 action is short, particular compared to T4. I find most people do better on twice daily. But my goal is to have a happy, comfortable patient so if taking T3 twice daily is impractical because of schedule, hectic lifestyle etc.it may be worthwhile to see if acceptable results can be obtained with once daily. Not much downside to trying. Please ask you own doc if they agree in your case however. Each individual responds differently to medication changes. Good luck. Dr. G. Pepper Katherine
What is the correct ration of T4 to T3 is a question I have been asked a lot. t is very difficult to say what the correct ratio of t4 to t3 is for any individuals. The often quoted “correct” ratio of T4 to T3 in humans is approximately 14:1 but that is merely an average. It’s like saying the shoe size of humans is 7 because if you take the average shoe size of 1000 people that is what you get. How many people out of that 1000 actually wear a size 7 shoe? Not many. Likewise the t4 to t3 ratio is highly variable between people and what you are asking is what should yours be. I don’t know but I can tell you that you and your doctor can come close to finding your ideal set point with some effort and willingness to be flexible with different dosing trials. As long as you and your doctor don’t go to extreme doses outside of normal physiology it is likely you will find a healthy and comfortable solution to this problem.

I don’t see any major benefit to dissolving T3 under the tongue. It is absorbed very well from the stomach if the stomach is empty. Some people can’t wait enough time between their thyroid med and eating so maybe in that case under the tongue may be better.

T3 action is short, particular compared to T4. I find most people do better on twice daily. But my goal is to have a happy, comfortable patient so if taking T3 twice daily is impractical because of schedule, hectic lifestyle etc.it may be worthwhile to see if acceptable results can be obtained with once daily. Not much downside to trying. Please ask you own doc if they agree in your case however. Each individual responds differently to medication changes.

Good luck.

Dr. G. Pepper

]]> By: katherine walker http://www.metabolism.com/2009/11/07/breakthrough-discovery-thyroid-hormone-therapy-part-2#comment-11097 katherine walker Thu, 10 Nov 2011 01:46:54 +0000 http://www.metabolism.com/?p=1683#comment-11097 Dr. Pepper - General Question: How does one determine the "RIGHT" Ratio of T3 to T4? I have been on 100mcg of Synthroid for a year. I want to add some T3. My old-school trained Dr. said to just add 5 mg Cytomel to the 100mcg., but I see dangers in doing this, and possible side-effects. I want to reduce my Synthroid, when I add the Cytomel. How do I determine the correct ratio?? Also, do you recommend dissolving the T3 Cytomel under your tounge? What are the pros/cons to that? Also, is is always necessary to take T3 2x per day because the half-life isn't so great, OR can you only take it once and be OK...? Thanks! :) Dr. Pepper – General Question: How does one determine the “RIGHT” Ratio of T3 to T4? I have been on 100mcg of Synthroid for a year. I want to add some T3. My old-school trained Dr. said to just add 5 mg Cytomel to the 100mcg., but I see dangers in doing this, and possible side-effects. I want to reduce my Synthroid, when I add the Cytomel. How do I determine the correct ratio?? Also, do you recommend dissolving the T3 Cytomel under your tounge? What are the pros/cons to that? Also, is is always necessary to take T3 2x per day because the half-life isn’t so great, OR can you only take it once and be OK…? Thanks! :)

]]> By: Peggy http://www.metabolism.com/2009/11/07/breakthrough-discovery-thyroid-hormone-therapy-part-2#comment-7693 Peggy Sun, 27 Mar 2011 21:30:33 +0000 http://www.metabolism.com/?p=1683#comment-7693 I'm from Chicago and I have been hypothyroid since I was 12 years old. I almost died from synthroid, Lavoxol, levothyroxine and Armour. I had a fever of almost 105%, was incoherent and burning up and when my husband carried me to the car drove me to the doctors office and she didn't know what was wrong with me. I stopped taking the meds each time it happened and I had to wait till it wore off and not take anymore and I was fine. In the book Thyroid Power 10 steps to total health by Richard L.M.D. & Karilee Halo R.N. Ph.D Shames. They say that many people are toxic to medications for thyroid. About 6 years ago I went on Cytomel once a day and about 3 years ago my thyroid went crazy and I gained 60 pounds in 6 months and lost 80% of my hair. My diet was no different, I bake, broil or pressure cook all my foods, seldom fry anything and I don't eat sweets or even grave them. Doctor didn't even know what to do. I have a new doctor now and she said that Cytomel only works for 8 hours and you need to take it twice a day. I have very bad water retention and the new blood pressue med I'm on is making it worse. I'm feeling better, but not up to par, but because of the weight gain I now have high colestrol and blood pressure. Which those meds make me ill! and I have fibromalgia so that adds to pain and sleepless nights. Lightheaded, dizzy, nausia alot of! I asked my doctor if I need Cytomel 3 times a day and she said no. I think I do! What do you think? I have been dieting for a long time, I mean years and can't lose unless I eat under 25 carbs a day and 600 to 800 calories. It's had to do that when you just turned 64. The body can't handle it like it did when I was younger. The arthris in my knees and right foot won't let me excersie and walk like I use too. I do some but not alot. Any suggestions? P.S. Everyone should read Thyroid Power and avoid all the foods that can cause a goiter in the thyroid I’m from Chicago and I have been hypothyroid since I was 12 years old. I almost died from synthroid, Lavoxol, levothyroxine and Armour. I had a fever of almost 105%, was incoherent and burning up and when my husband carried me to the car drove me to the doctors office and she didn’t know what was wrong with me. I stopped taking the meds each time it happened and I had to wait till it wore off and not take anymore and I was fine. In the book Thyroid Power 10 steps to total health by Richard L.M.D. & Karilee Halo R.N. Ph.D Shames. They say that many people are toxic to medications for thyroid. About 6 years ago I went on Cytomel once a day and about 3 years ago my thyroid went crazy and I gained 60 pounds in 6 months and lost 80% of my hair. My diet was no different, I bake, broil or pressure cook all my foods, seldom fry anything and I don’t eat sweets or even grave them. Doctor didn’t even know what to do. I have a new doctor now and she said that Cytomel only works for 8 hours and you need to take it twice a day. I have very bad water retention and the new blood pressue med I’m on is making it worse. I’m feeling better, but not up to par, but because of the weight gain I now have high colestrol and blood pressure. Which those meds make me ill! and I have fibromalgia so that adds to pain and sleepless nights. Lightheaded, dizzy, nausia alot of! I asked my doctor if I need Cytomel 3 times a day and she said no. I think I do! What do you think? I have been dieting for a long time, I mean years and can’t lose unless I eat under 25 carbs a day and 600 to 800 calories. It’s had to do that when you just turned 64. The body can’t handle it like it did when I was younger. The arthris in my knees and right foot won’t let me excersie and walk like I use too. I do some but not alot. Any suggestions? P.S. Everyone should read Thyroid Power and avoid all the foods that can cause a goiter in the thyroid

]]> By: nbarnard http://www.metabolism.com/2009/11/07/breakthrough-discovery-thyroid-hormone-therapy-part-2#comment-4924 nbarnard Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:07:37 +0000 http://www.metabolism.com/?p=1683#comment-4924 Hello Dr. Pepper, I just found your blog and decided to join. I admire you for helping so many people this way. As with many people on this board, I have hypothyroidism. They removed my thyroid due to Hashimoto's Thyroiditis a few years ago. It took a very long time before I started to feel better after taking the generic T4 meds. I was much heavier than I am now, since having started a special diet program where I lost 100+lbs. During my weight loss experience, I felt my best ever when I was down 60-80lbs. At that time, I was taking 250mcg Levothyroxine daily, with 25mcg every other day. (also taking maxzide 25mg, levonorgestre, and calcitriol – due to the parathyroid glands malfunctioning). Now I am down 100lbs and feel like I did before they removed my thyroid and I cannot lose any more weight. I am on a program where I should be losing everyday and nothing. My current dose is 200mcg per day. The doctor did blood work and they stated the levels were too high, so she lowered my thyroid medication. At the same time, I had to lower my blood pressure meds. My concern is that as the days go by, I feel worse and worse. My hypothyroid symptoms are so bad, that I cannot function. I am tired, cannot concentrate, dizzy, depressed, and on and on. I live in Texas and need a heater by my desk because I am so cold. I talked to the doctor about this and we did another blood test. She said the level dropped from 20 to 16 and that is an indication the med change is working. In the past when my numbers were too high, the doctor raised my medication. I am very concerned that this might be wrong dosage direction. I have appointments to see her, but cannot get in for a few months. In the mean, time, I am researching what can be done to help my situation. Any help would be appreciated. Hello Dr. Pepper,

I just found your blog and decided to join. I admire you for helping so many people this way. As with many people on this board, I have hypothyroidism. They removed my thyroid due to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis a few years ago. It took a very long time before I started to feel better after taking the generic T4 meds. I was much heavier than I am now, since having started a special diet program where I lost 100+lbs. During my weight loss experience, I felt my best ever when I was down 60-80lbs. At that time, I was taking 250mcg Levothyroxine daily, with 25mcg every other day. (also taking maxzide 25mg, levonorgestre, and calcitriol – due to the parathyroid glands malfunctioning). Now I am down 100lbs and feel like I did before they removed my thyroid and I cannot lose any more weight. I am on a program where I should be losing everyday and nothing. My current dose is 200mcg per day. The doctor did blood work and they stated the levels were too high, so she lowered my thyroid medication. At the same time, I had to lower my blood pressure meds. My concern is that as the days go by, I feel worse and worse. My hypothyroid symptoms are so bad, that I cannot function. I am tired, cannot concentrate, dizzy, depressed, and on and on. I live in Texas and need a heater by my desk because I am so cold. I talked to the doctor about this and we did another blood test. She said the level dropped from 20 to 16 and that is an indication the med change is working. In the past when my numbers were too high, the doctor raised my medication. I am very concerned that this might be wrong dosage direction. I have appointments to see her, but cannot get in for a few months. In the mean, time, I am researching what can be done to help my situation. Any help would be appreciated.

]]> By: Clinical Nutritionist http://www.metabolism.com/2009/11/07/breakthrough-discovery-thyroid-hormone-therapy-part-2#comment-3980 Clinical Nutritionist Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:39:29 +0000 http://www.metabolism.com/?p=1683#comment-3980 Hi again MLSW.... I'm sorry, I didn't see all 3 sets of your comments... I see you are on 120 mg Armour.. .and sounds like you still have hypothyroid symptoms. You didn't mention excess stress but if your adrenals are out of balance, it becomes nearly impossible to straighten out the thyroid! As far as returning to 122-125#, our total energy needs decrease as we get older so it is especially important for you to try and build some lean body mass/muscle that will work for you as far as burning Calories and increase your exercise/walking to tolerance. You'll need to burn an extra 250 Calories per day as well as decrease Calorie intake by 250 Calories per day in order to lose 1 pound of fat per week. Slow and steady! Hi again MLSW….
I’m sorry, I didn’t see all 3 sets of your comments… I see you are on 120 mg Armour.. .and sounds like you still have hypothyroid symptoms. You didn’t mention excess stress but if your adrenals are out of balance, it becomes nearly impossible to straighten out the thyroid! As far as returning to 122-125#, our total energy needs decrease as we get older so it is especially important for you to try and build some lean body mass/muscle that will work for you as far as burning Calories and increase your exercise/walking to tolerance. You’ll need to burn an extra 250 Calories per day as well as decrease Calorie intake by 250 Calories per day in order to lose 1 pound of fat per week. Slow and steady!

]]> By: Clinical Nutritionist http://www.metabolism.com/2009/11/07/breakthrough-discovery-thyroid-hormone-therapy-part-2#comment-3979 Clinical Nutritionist Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:28:52 +0000 http://www.metabolism.com/?p=1683#comment-3979 Hi... you hadn't mentioned whether or not you have been tested for hypothyroid function but it sounds like you have a number of related symptoms. Hopefully you can get a baseline (if you haven't had one yet) for Free T3, TSH, reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies. A full comprehensive metabolic assessment would be useful in pinpointing possible nutrient deficiencies as well. Chia seeds are a great source or antioxidants, fiber and omega-3's so they help to decrease inflammation as long as you are converting the plant based source to the EPA/DHA and subsequent eicosanoids needed to control inflammation, blood pressure, blood clotting, etc. etc. You can't live on Chia alone though! A balanced diet, developed to address your carbohydrate, protein and fat requirements would help you to get on track with healthy weight maintenance. Even if someone has the genetic propensity to be overweight/overfat, you can still control your "environment" as far as intake and exercise and modify that gene expression! Consider having an individualized consultation! http://www.metabolism.com/beth-ellen-diluglio/ Beth Ellen DiLuglio, MS, RD, CNSD, CCN, LD/N In regards to this reply please read the our terms of service at:http://www.metabolism.com/legal_disclaimer/ Hi… you hadn’t mentioned whether or not you have been tested for hypothyroid function but it sounds like you have a number of related symptoms. Hopefully you can get a baseline (if you haven’t had one yet) for Free T3, TSH, reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies. A full comprehensive metabolic assessment would be useful in pinpointing possible nutrient deficiencies as well.

Chia seeds are a great source or antioxidants, fiber and omega-3′s so they help to decrease inflammation as long as you are converting the plant based source to the EPA/DHA and subsequent eicosanoids needed to control inflammation, blood pressure, blood clotting, etc. etc. You can’t live on Chia alone though!

A balanced diet, developed to address your carbohydrate, protein and fat requirements would help you to get on track with healthy weight maintenance. Even if someone has the genetic propensity to be overweight/overfat, you can still control your “environment” as far as intake and exercise and modify that gene expression!

Consider having an individualized consultation!
http://www.metabolism.com/beth-ellen-diluglio/

Beth Ellen DiLuglio, MS, RD, CNSD, CCN, LD/N
In regards to this reply please read the our terms of service at:http://www.metabolism.com/legal_disclaimer/

]]> By: mlsw kosicki http://www.metabolism.com/2009/11/07/breakthrough-discovery-thyroid-hormone-therapy-part-2#comment-3971 mlsw kosicki Thu, 22 Apr 2010 02:14:55 +0000 http://www.metabolism.com/?p=1683#comment-3971 I just left the comments above. I will add that my hair is dry, thin and my eye brows and lashes are disappearing fast. My skin is dry and flaking off. I need an interior temperature of 73 degrees F. in order not to be chilly. I also have osteopenia. I need 10 hrs of sleep at night- and still can fall asleep sitting up during the day. I have also fought constipation- now live on CHia seeds daily. I used to have enormous energy- but not of late. I will add that I was on Cymbalta for 2.5 yrs for depression and feel that iot affected my metabolism. Just quite three months ago. My mother was very heavy at one point in her life- and fought fat constantly. My father was what you might call "heavy" although not "fat". However he died at 49 yrs of age. I just left the comments above. I will add that my hair is dry, thin and my eye brows and lashes are disappearing fast. My skin is dry and flaking off. I need an interior temperature of 73 degrees F. in order not to be chilly. I also have osteopenia. I need 10 hrs of sleep at night- and still can fall asleep sitting up during the day. I have also fought constipation- now live on CHia seeds daily. I used to have enormous energy- but not of late.
I will add that I was on Cymbalta for 2.5 yrs for depression and feel that iot affected
my metabolism. Just quite three months ago.
My mother was very heavy at one point in her life- and fought fat constantly. My father was what you might call “heavy” although not “fat”. However he died at 49 yrs of age.

]]> By: mlsw kosicki http://www.metabolism.com/2009/11/07/breakthrough-discovery-thyroid-hormone-therapy-part-2#comment-3969 mlsw kosicki Thu, 22 Apr 2010 02:01:58 +0000 http://www.metabolism.com/?p=1683#comment-3969 I have had thyoid/weight gain problems since I was 16....have battled weight gain eating a minimum of nutrtious food and exercising . I will NOT do a colonic cleanse! Not for me!! BUT I need help with something other than what the usual endocrinologists prescribe for me in thyroid medication. I would like to see an endocrinologist in my area ( Baltimore, MD-Baltimore County) who thinks outside the box......I am currently taking 120 mg Armour Thryoid medication. I am 5 ft 3 inches and weigh 140. Small frame. My best weight has been 122-125. I feel awful with rolls around my waist and thighs rubbing together. I need to get back to size 8-10. What help can you be? m lsw kosickl (86 yr old female) I have had thyoid/weight gain problems since I was 16….have battled weight gain eating a minimum of nutrtious food and exercising . I will NOT do a colonic cleanse! Not for me!! BUT I need help with something other than what the usual endocrinologists prescribe for me in thyroid medication. I would like to see an endocrinologist in my area ( Baltimore, MD-Baltimore County) who thinks outside the box……I am currently taking 120 mg Armour Thryoid medication. I am 5 ft 3 inches and weigh 140. Small frame. My best weight has been 122-125. I feel awful with rolls around my waist and thighs rubbing together. I need to get back to size 8-10. What help can you be? m lsw kosickl (86 yr old female)

]]> By: Marie http://www.metabolism.com/2009/11/07/breakthrough-discovery-thyroid-hormone-therapy-part-2#comment-3656 Marie Sun, 04 Apr 2010 00:50:12 +0000 http://www.metabolism.com/?p=1683#comment-3656 Hi, I'm living in the UK and have been diagnosed hypo for 2 1/2 years. For the last 12 months I have been on 100mcg. I do not feel any better at all since starting treatment. If anything my symptoms have got worse -cold, fatigue, memory loss, dry skin, weight gain despite low appetite etc etc.. Last week I went to see my GP about T3. I had only just read online that there was an alternative treatment to just Levothyroxine. He was not happy at all! He said my recent bloods (he used the word bio chemistry!) is showing that everything is fine. He suggested that the problem is something else and asked why I was getting upset. I felt he thought I was depressed and was looking for something else to blame. I am a busy mum to four gorgeous children and I do have a busy life but I'm exhausted in a way I never used to me. I had to practically beg him to help me as he didn't want to do anything. He has agreed to write to an endocrinologist and refer me but that will take some time. He also said he would be very interested to see what I had read in favour of combination therapy as to his knowledge it wasn't known to make a blind bit of difference. I certainly will be taking in the information about the polymorphism and deiodinase -I'll try and get my head round it first though. Can you point me in the direction of the most recent studys done on t3? I am desperate for support with this, I feel like my doctor thinks I am neurotic. One last thing, it has really made me smile reading how people on here have helped each other. I daren't get my hopes up that one day I might be free from these symptoms but I am so pleased many of you now are due to the support you have given each other. Kindest regards from England. Marie Hi,
I’m living in the UK and have been diagnosed hypo for 2 1/2 years. For the last 12 months I have been on 100mcg. I do not feel any better at all since starting treatment. If anything my symptoms have got worse -cold, fatigue, memory loss, dry skin, weight gain despite low appetite etc etc..
Last week I went to see my GP about T3. I had only just read online that there was an alternative treatment to just Levothyroxine. He was not happy at all! He said my recent bloods (he used the word bio chemistry!) is showing that everything is fine. He suggested that the problem is something else and asked why I was getting upset. I felt he thought I was depressed and was looking for something else to blame. I am a busy mum to four gorgeous children and I do have a busy life but I’m exhausted in a way I never used to me. I had to practically beg him to help me as he didn’t want to do anything. He has agreed to write to an endocrinologist and refer me but that will take some time. He also said he would be very interested to see what I had read in favour of combination therapy as to his knowledge it wasn’t known to make a blind bit of difference. I certainly will be taking in the information about the polymorphism and deiodinase -I’ll try and get my head round it first though. Can you point me in the direction of the most recent studys done on t3? I am desperate for support with this, I feel like my doctor thinks I am neurotic.
One last thing, it has really made me smile reading how people on here have helped each other. I daren’t get my hopes up that one day I might be free from these symptoms but I am so pleased many of you now are due to the support you have given each other.
Kindest regards from England.
Marie

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