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The Thyroid Thread (Part II)

69K views 862 replies 142 participants last post by  shelley4 
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#653 ·
Can anyone help me interpret these test results>

TSH 1.1
I'm low in GGT <10 where range is 1058
Low in LD 209 with range of 260-494

GGT: GAMMA GLUTAMYL TRANSPEPTIDASE (blood)
Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT) is an enzyme found in the liver. Its values rise in liver disease and excessive alcohol consumption.

LD: LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE (blood)
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH, LD) is an enzyme found in any cell that metabolized glucose, and so is present in most tissues. An increase in the LD commonly indicates inflammation in the liver or muscle or destruction of red cells.

Could explain my fatigue..
 
#654 ·
What are the thoughts of pregnancy and Hashis, anyone? DH and I are wanting to start trying in Jan perhaps but I'm very nervous about having thyroid issues and having a baby. I'm sure it's going to be difficult for me since my periods have always been super irregular. Along with my progesterone being pretty much non-existent at the moment. Herbs have always worked well for me regarding hormone regulation but I'm scared to start them again since I don't want to be pregnant too soon
 
#655 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by mom61508 View Post
What are the thoughts of pregnancy and Hashis, anyone? DH and I are wanting to start trying in Jan perhaps but I'm very nervous about having thyroid issues and having a baby. I'm sure it's going to be difficult for me since my periods have always been super irregular. Along with my progesterone being pretty much non-existent at the moment. Herbs have always worked well for me regarding hormone regulation but I'm scared to start them again since I don't want to be pregnant too soon
I would be sure to be strictly gluten free. I'd be concerned something major is going on with progesterone at that point and the risk of miscarriage then will be high. How are you treating the Hashi's?
 
#656 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by mom61508 View Post
What are the thoughts of pregnancy and Hashis, anyone? DH and I are wanting to start trying in Jan perhaps but I'm very nervous about having thyroid issues and having a baby. I'm sure it's going to be difficult for me since my periods have always been super irregular. Along with my progesterone being pretty much non-existent at the moment. Herbs have always worked well for me regarding hormone regulation but I'm scared to start them again since I don't want to be pregnant too soon
I also have Hashimotos and am ready to start trying too. My doctor recommended vitex which takes 3 months to work and I've been drinking Red Raspberry Leaf tea. I don't think these things will hurt at all. Can you use some sort of barrier method of birth control until you are ready be pregnant?
 
#657 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by JaneS View Post
I would be sure to be strictly gluten free. I'd be concerned something major is going on with progesterone at that point and the risk of miscarriage then will be high. How are you treating the Hashi's?
Totally agree on the GF. JaneS What do you know about progesterone? My concern is miscarriage as well. Like I said herbs tend to regulate me fairly easy. I hadn't had a period in months went on certain herbal tincture for 1 week got a period that little of time....but I'm still concerned as to *why* it's so low. My ND wants to put me on progesterone cream but I'm not willing so she said her 2nd choice would Kan herbals formula called womans precious
http://www.kanherb.com/cons_pi_kh_product.asp?

I was doing acupuncture but since being out of my home state I have stopped. I'm taking selenium, trying to master GF, taking metagenics gut support, Vit D daily and FCLO oh just started mag glycinate along with mag oil. I also doing adrenal stuff, B complex wtih extra B5, methyl B12 and milk thistle for liver support. Need to start C And just started doing nettle infusions again So what do you think Jane
I would love to hear your 2 cents!!!


I'm wanting to get mineral test done so trying to research that.

I'm also interested in the finding out T1/T2 thing in Dr. Kharrazian book. This makes so much sense to me!
productNameId=1565

Quote:

Originally Posted by camprunner View Post
I also have Hashimotos and am ready to start trying too. My doctor recommended vitex which takes 3 months to work and I've been drinking Red Raspberry Leaf tea. I don't think these things will hurt at all. Can you use some sort of barrier method of birth control until you are ready be pregnant?
I guess my concern is the state of my insides
I just KNOW I have deficiencies so it scares me that I will not be up to par and give baby the best environment. DD is healthy but I see little things that I know stemmed from me. Although I was not eating as well as I do now and was drinking a little to much back then...we weren't trying to get pregnant it accidently happened
I had a great pregnancy with DD but at 4 mos PP my thyroid went bonkers and I could tell I was unhealhty even from my nails(I had almost like small holes/dents in my nails that started during pregnancy)so I worry what will happen after next baby. Dong quai works wonders for me I took that in combination with some other herbs. Lately I don't even want to do "it" with DH...uhhhh the hormones but once I start those herbs I'm a whole different woman
 
#658 ·
mom61508 - did you have blood tests done to determine progesterone levels? I've had many years experience with fertility treatments and that includes lots of education and testing on hormone levels before and during pregnancy. Progesterone should start to rise after ovulation, usually cycle day 14. If your progesterone was tested cd1 - 14, it should be < 1. Women who have higher progesterone or early rising progesterone prior to ovulation may have a harder time getting pregnant.

I was able to decrease anti-thyroid antibodies using Young Living's Frankincense essential oil, which I do also sell (www.youngliving.org/dropbydrop). I was tested Jan 26th and my ATA's were over 200. I was retested in March and they dropped to 11. This is the 2nd time I've reduced ATA's using Frankincense oil.

Are you on Armour or any other thyroid medication ?

I recently took a class on pregnancy and essential oils and during this class it was stated that too-low progesterone in early pregnancy is a frequent cause of miscarriage.

I also had good results using acupuncture in relation to making my cycles healthier. I would suggest finding an acupuncturist that specializes in fertility issues and can treat through a pregnancy. My acupuncturist also does the chinese medicine part and has lots of input on which chinese herbs to use for thyroid.
 
#659 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by cheryllynn View Post
mom61508 - did you have blood tests done to determine progesterone levels? I've had many years experience with fertility treatments and that includes lots of education and testing on hormone levels before and during pregnancy. Progesterone should start to rise after ovulation, usually cycle day 14. If your progesterone was tested cd1 - 14, it should be < 1. Women who have higher progesterone or early rising progesterone prior to ovulation may have a harder time getting pregnant. The last period I got was Feb 14th, haven't had one since but it was hard when I got the blood work done because my cycles are so irregular so I really have no clue what my cycle is. I appreciate any advice btw especially since you've been through the hormone thing


I was able to decrease anti-thyroid antibodies using Young Living's Frankincense essential oil, which I do also sell (www.youngliving.org/dropbydrop). I was tested Jan 26th and my ATA's were over 200. I was retested in March and they dropped to 11. This is the 2nd time I've reduced ATA's using Frankincense oil.
I've never heard of using frankincense oil with this! Very interesting! My antibodies weren't to bad last time I had them checked around 30 but I'm due again for another test shortly so we will see.
Are you on Armour or any other thyroid medication ?
I'm on no thyoid meds.
I recently took a class on pregnancy and essential oils and during this class it was stated that too-low progesterone in early pregnancy is a frequent cause of miscarriage.

I also had good results using acupuncture in relation to making my cycles healthier. I would suggest finding an acupuncturist that specializes in fertility issues and can treat through a pregnancy. My acupuncturist also does the chinese medicine part and has lots of input on which chinese herbs to use for thyroid.
Yes i was doing acupuncture a few months back did about 6 sessions in Feburary so that could have been why I got a period then. For Hashis I think it's most important to figure out the immune system since it's our immune systems out of whack causing out thyroid issues...no?
 
#660 ·
Since you aren't having regular cycles, I wouldn't worry about the progesterone levels right now, but if you were tested prior to ovulation, then your level should be < 1 and is not indicative of a progesterone problem. Progesterone rises after ovulation and is fed from the corpus luteum, which is what is left of the follicle after the egg is released. This progesterone in a normal pregnancy cycle is what sustains the pregnancy until the placenta takes over, around week 12 - 14. Women do have problems with luteal phase progesterone levels, but you need to know when you ovulated and then have the blood test.

For those of us doing an IVF cycle, the follicles are disturbed by the retrieval process and the pregnancy cycle is supported with progesterone supplements, either suppositories, injections or sublingual tabs.

It does make sense to figure out the immune system and why it's taken a turn. In my studies on essential oils, there have been some oils that help reprogram DNA and this is why I chose what I did. I will be going to the annual convention in June which I know will focus on frankincense essential oil and also take a certified aromatherapy course starting in June so I am looking forward to learning more. I feel a bit weird discussing this as I am a distributor of these oils. But you can purchase them from anyone registered. I'm not discussing this topic to make money. I have found that Young Living oils are very pure, high grade and therapeutic quality and I trust them and use them as my medicines. I hope that ppl don't read my post and by a $10 bottle at the co-op and expect results. Most store front oils are perfume quality and are great for incense or baths but not high enough quality to affect physical changes in the body. Actually the cheaper oils could very well have fillers in them that are not good for you. So, enough of my disclaimer.

For change, sometimes I look at a problem from inside out and then outside in. I thought if I could get the antibodies down or eliminated using the oils, then at least for now my thyroid should be protected and possibly function better. I know now that I will add ATA testing to my annual tests to make sure they haven't sneaked back in.

I'm a bit of an odd duck, as my CRP # is low indicating no real inflammation in my body. My gluten tolerance test came back normal, so I am technically not gluten intolerant. I do have digestive issues (low stomach acid and low digestive enzymes) for which I take supplements.

I do take high doses of iodine to support my thyroid. I'm on a yahoo group that discusses iodine. I currently just increased my Ioderol from 25 mg to 37.5 mg. My thyroid nodule changes size from day to day but I am encouraged that I have days where it is significantly smaller. I also use Myrrh and Myrtle essential oils that are supportive for the thyroid. I am also on 60 mg armour.
 
#661 ·
Cascadian - I do have shoulder problems that are much better this year, although my thyroid is having more issues. My husband has this but hasn't tested his thyroid.

I can't help with your test results as I have no idea what they are. I do know that TSH 1.1 looks good but not really relevent without the free T3/T4 numbers too.
 
#662 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by mom61508 View Post
So what do you think Jane
I would love to hear your 2 cents!!!


I'm wanting to get mineral test done so trying to research that.
I'm not sure I know much about progesterone specifically. (But Cheryl is right, too low is most common cause of m/c that is why I said I was concerned.) I do know that all the hormones are related. And insulin control is a big issue when there is problems with enough sex hormones not being made.

I feel like I've forgotten about magnesium's impact on progesterone from Dr. Carolyn Dean's book but I do know it's very important for DHEA, which is also connected.

Vitamin A is essential, how's that in your diet?

And cholesterol is important too. But not what you think... cholesterol is what our hormones are made from. As you know, I'm a Weston Price member and eat a traditional high fat, high cholesterol diet. I have *no* PMS. It's truly amazing. I barely know when I'm about to get AF anymore, I used to feel like crap first and then know it was coming. Not a twinge or hint of a cramp since I started eating a TF diet. And cutting out high omega 6 fatty acid oils (canola, corn, soy, safflower, cottonseed) and supplementing CLO and eating wild seafood and pastured dairy/eggs for the omega 3s.

What are you eating for other minerals? I'd be concerned about your calcium too if your fingernails were so effected.
 
#663 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by JaneS View Post
I'm not sure I know much about progesterone specifically. (But Cheryl is right, too low is most common cause of m/c that is why I said I was concerned.) I do know that all the hormones are related. And insulin control is a big issue when there is problems with enough sex hormones not being made.

I feel like I've forgotten about magnesium's impact on progesterone from Dr. Carolyn Dean's book but I do know it's very important for DHEA, which is also connected.
This I did not know. I'm wondering how much mag to take. Right now I'm taking about 360 mg of mag glycinate and 200 of mag oil. Maybe I need more??
Vitamin A is essential, how's that in your diet?
I take FCLO and we eat a decent amount of grass fed butter but I can't stomach liver but I really should try the frozen pills??This is in no way supplying my body with enough A right?
And cholesterol is important too. But not what you think... cholesterol is what our hormones are made from. As you know, I'm a Weston Price member and eat a traditional high fat, high cholesterol diet. I have *no* PMS. It's truly amazing. I barely know when I'm about to get AF anymore, I used to feel like crap first and then know it was coming. Not a twinge or hint of a cramp since I started eating a TF diet. And cutting out high omega 6 fatty acid oils (canola, corn, soy, safflower, cottonseed) and supplementing CLO and eating wild seafood and pastured dairy/eggs for the omega 3s.
Jane this is motivating! I'm totally into TF but I'm sensitive to eggs, have a hard time with organ meats. I'm not consistent with my diet with DH job we are in VA right now then go back home to AZ for 4 months then FL again so this complicates our diet

What are you eating for other minerals? I'd be concerned about your calcium too if your fingernails were so effected.
Example:
Breakfst: usually bacon and gluten free toast for me. Glass raw milk
snack: cocnut milk yogurt mixed with cow milk yogurt and kefir or fruit
lunch: WE usually eat out
Dinner: drumsticks, green salad, broccoli lots of butter, cucumbers with homemade salad dressing side kimchi
I've started Netle infusions again too.

yes my nails looked weird they are better now. Only one dent left on 1 nail would this mean I need calcium or do I just need more mag to absorb my calcium?? janeS I now your super busy so I truly appreciate the advice you take the time to leave
 
#667 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by mom61508 View Post
What are the thoughts of pregnancy and Hashis, anyone? DH and I are wanting to start trying in Jan perhaps but I'm very nervous about having thyroid issues and having a baby. I'm sure it's going to be difficult for me since my periods have always been super irregular. Along with my progesterone being pretty much non-existent at the moment. Herbs have always worked well for me regarding hormone regulation but I'm scared to start them again since I don't want to be pregnant too soon

I have hashi's ... since 3mo pp with DS#1. I had a great pg and hbac with #2. I am now pg with #3.

Actually got pg while on progesterone supplementation because it was severely low. My naturopath had ordered a saliva test for me.

You will likely need to up your dosages of thyroid meds while pg.
 
#668 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by JacquelineR View Post
CBC = complete blood count
Thx


Quote:

Originally Posted by HappyMommy2 View Post
I have hashi's ... since 3mo pp with DS#1. I had a great pg and hbac with #2. I am now pg with #3.

Actually got pg while on progesterone supplementation because it was severely low. My naturopath had ordered a saliva test for me.

You will likely need to up your dosages of thyroid meds while pg.
That's great to hear. Mine is severely low too. I'm wondering if it's guaranteed I'll need thyroid meds while pregnant. I haven't been on thyroid meds in almost a year. Do you feel better while pregnant or worse, just curious. What supps did you do while pregnant?
 
#669 ·
I am so completely overwhelmed reading this!!

I've been diagnosed hypothyroid but I think I probably have hashimoto's. My doctor refused to do a full panel test because 'the treatment would be the same' but he is also of the mind set that the old normal range still applies. Currently he has me on the lowest dose til mid July because after a month my TSH did go down (above 7 to 3.5ish) but I feel NO different so I know that either it isn't low enough (my mom feels her best with it at 1.. she has hashi's as well and I'm usually just like her health wise) or something else is off. I'm not really sure what information to bring to him to push for a full panel and what that would solve for me... should I ask for a referral to a specialist?

Also, in my info on the medicine I'm on, it says something about being careful about calcium supplements as well as soy... I knew the soy thing but how concerning is the calcium bit... until then, I was taking NOW brand prenatals along with the NOW brand calcium supplements... can I still take them no worries? or is this something I need to stop? I'm feeling pretty confused.

Along with the soy... you guys have talked about all sorts of stuff I need to avoid or add and I feel SO lost here with figuring out the right diet... did I read it right that broccoli is a problem? that is my favorite vegetable.. I have some I'm about to harvest out back actually ...


how important is it that I look into getting onto a natural medication like the one site talked about rather than being on my current synthetic (T4 only?) one?

basically... I am completely overwhelmed with all this new info and the links (ithyroid wasn't working for me though... I couldn't navigate anywhere) and I think I need someone to break it down barney style for me. I need the dummies guide or something. I KNOW I'm not better although I think my doctor is under that impression and I have no clue how to go from here to get what I need... I'm not sure what I need!
 
#672 ·

Taking Synthroid and not happy? Still have sxs of hypothyroidism with TSH lab results 'in range'? I just might be your guinea pig!


After pleading with my doctor for months and months, I finally got an appointment with one of the few endocrinologists where I live who does things a little differently. I had to jump through hoops, tell my doc I didn't want my old endo, and wait 3 months for the appointment I had today.
This Dr. works out of the university and is a professor and researcher in the field, so he's perhaps a little more cutting edge than the others I encountered.

I've been on Synthroid for 7 years, and feel terrible....but my TSH lab results are within range My most overriding concern is fatigue, brainfog and low stamina. Basically I feel like a lump on a log.

My endo today basically said to STOP taking Synthroid immediately, and wrote a prescription for BOTH Cytomel (T3) and dessicated thyroid (called Thyroid in Canada = Armour in the US). Synthroid has a half life of about a month so it's still in my system until then.

Here's the plan:

1) Stop Synthroid immediately, take Cytomel for a month (bec Synthroid still in my body, I'll effectively be on T3 and T4)

2) After a month when all Synthroid in body is out, increase dose of Cytomel, effectively I'll only be on T3.

3) After another month, stop Cytomel and take the dessicated thyroid.

He said, and I quote, "No bloodwork. Just keep a note of how you feel and we'll meet again in 3 months."
Finally!!! A doctor who doesn't go solely by bloodwork!!! He wants it to be based on my interpretations of how I feel, so I'm going to journal it.

I'll post my last lab results FYI, as well as how I feel on all the combos.
 
#675 ·
I've been on and off feeling overwhelmed with my thyroid issues. From tests I got done last year, my swollen thyroid, and my one sorta bulging eye the doctor said I had Grave's. I don't think they did enough tests. I researched and found I got the old thyroid panel done. I just have this feeling that it could be Hashimoto's. Can't you have the bulging eye things and swollen thyroid with Hashimoto's? They only offered me Synthroid and I was overseas and didn't have any other options really. I started taking iodine, coconut oil, royal jelly, and the one'n'only daily vitamin. Nearly all my symptoms disappeared.

I feel a lot better but I had a doctor's visit yesterday and she told me that the natural way wasn't good enough and I could just have heart failure any second. I have read about thyroid storms and I don't think its that extreme? My blood pressure was normal but my heart rate was high. She scheduled me for more blood tests, an ultrasound, and a physical. She also gave me a prescription for propanolol. Should I take it? If they find a "benign" growth with the ultrasound should I push to get it removed? Should I ask to get a biopsy now? I'm really worried about whether or not I have cancer.

Also one night my husband was moving around and couldn't really see and elbowed me in the nose. My nose bled profusely and I've been getting nose bleeds every couple of days but sometimes it won't happen for 2 weeks. Could this be related to my thyroid? Is it a sign of cancer?

I also loved this one site that I can't find anymore. Someone wrote about their husband's story and suggested coconut oil, iodine, the one'n'only vitamins. Does anyone know what website this is?

I'll take any suggestions or hugs.

ETA: Also I stayed up really late one night and was stressing out and my thyroid felt tingly/numb-ish and I just rubbed some iodine on it and it stopped. I just went to sleep right after. Does that mean anything? Maybe it was going to rain the next day? Haha...
 
#677 ·
Hi

I am usually on the blood clotting disorders thread here and I know a lot about that but I am now thinking I need to find out more about thyroid issues


I feel awful and have been feeling that something isn't right for a long time now. I am weary. I sleep for about 10 hours a day and I still feel awful, I am cold, I have put on 14lbs in weight in under a year and am now almost as heavy as I have been when massively pregnant. My mood is low and I just want to lie down and cry.

I've been to my GP and cried in her office too out of desperation but after two appointments she doesn't think I am depressed or have any thyroid issues - the classic situation of all my bloods coming back 'normal' as far a she is concerned. She thinks I am stressed and just need to exercise more to lose weight and lift my mood. Dh and I run our our own business which is pretty stressful at the mo and we have 4 kids: 2 home educated and two teens. Life isn't simple but I don't think this is all just about stress.

The only thing she said that stood out was my cholesterol at 325 and my phosphate was a little low so I got retested for phosphate, calcium and also PTH.

She was away from the surgery for a week and told me she would call if there was any problem with the blood results and then refer me to endocrinology.

She didn't call so I rang and they told me my results were normal. I went to get a copy and have looked up all the normal ranges which is hard to do with a fuzzy mind. Some look ok but I think some like B12 and iron are at the low end of normal.

TSH is 4.01mu/l
PTH is 6pmol/L
Cholesterol 325.
B12 297
iron 63.3
Calcium 2.37mmol/L
and a ton more that say everything else is normal.

I want to get to the bottom of whatever is wrong but I don't know how to convince my GP to refer me to the endo (I am in the UK and it is very hard to get to a specialist without a GP referral.) I'm sure my cholesterol is thyroid-related and if how I'm feeling generally isn't thyroid related I just don't know what I can do to get back to what I feel is normal.

Can I help myself with B12 supplements, selenium and eating more primal or should I wait for a referral and have them look at me 'as I am' right now?

Also is there a reason why I shouldn't do the temperature test with a digital thermometer? I'm menstruating as of yesterday and took my temp this morning as 93.7 which is waaay low. It put it under my arm and it took 2 mins to beep.

TIA ladies.
Rachel
 
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