Thyroid hormones

[Guest guest]

Oh Boy Bill,

What a huge question. I have been obsessed with two things since my exposure:

my thyroid and sex hormones. I asssume that you have regular hypothyroid syptoms

without the lab tests to substantiate hypothyroidism or Hashimotos. These web

sites may address all your questions.

If you can get your hands on it, the International Journal of Pharmaceutical

Compunding had a GREAT article in Setember/October 1999 Vol. 3 No. 5. It

includes a great algorithm by Milner, ND on the metabolic functions and

courses of action depending on test results.

Controversial yet good sources for info on the thyroid:

http://www.wilsonssyndrome.com

http://www.brodabarnes.org

Also, other good info sites.

http://www.drlowe.com/

http://www.drrind.com/

http://www.thyroid.about.com/mbody.htm has links to all the meds

I have Hashimotos and have been on so many different thyroid meds. I also tried

the sustained release T3 protocol for a while but what I really need is a

sustained release T3 and T4 which according to my compound pharmacy is not

possible to make. The most recent change is to NaturThroid (T3 and T4) and

thanks to the suggestion of some people in this group, I am now splitting the

dose into twice per day and so far so good. This way I am not getting the

entire dose at one time....and as one of our group members said it's the poor

man's sustained release! We believe that some of my bone loss issues (I have

osteopenia) are thanks to Synthroid and other hormone issues. I am so glad not

to be fiddling with the straight T4 thing as it was not working for me.

Anyway, these are some notes that I have taken utilizing the above resources and

more:

PAGE 1

The thyroid system regulates body's metabolic rate. The purpose of the thyroid

system is to maintain a normal body temperature.

T4 is the raw material to make active T3. Active T3 is what the body needs.

TSH and T4 shows thyroid hormone in blood, not how effectively T3 is affecting

the cells. T3 conversion happens in the tissues of the body. No test can test

what's happening in the tissues and cells of the body. WTS is essentially a

stress and starvation mechanism gone amuck. Production of thyroid hormone is

often normal; the processing of that hormone in the tissue can get bogged down.

WTS is a low thyroid problem, happening " downstream " from the blood stream,

therefore undiagnosable with thyroid tests. This downstream part of the thyroid

system is responsible for processing or converting T4 into active T3. Almost

all the active T3 in the body is produced from T4 after T4 leaves the blood

stream.

Under physical, mental or emotional stress the body slows down the metabolism by

decreasing the amount of T4 that is converted to active T3 while increasing the

amount that is converted into the inactive by-product called Reverse T3. This

is done to conserve energy. When stressed or starved, the T4 to T3 conversion

decreases and the cells of the body slow down so the body temperature drops.

When the temperature drops, many of the body's enzymes do not function as well.

When the stress is over, the metabolism is supposed to speed back up to normal.

This does not happen correctly in thyroid disorders.

RT3 can build so high that it can start hogging the enzyme that converts T4 to

T3. This enzyme is called 5'-Deiodinase.

Solution: Clearing out the RT3 so the tissues can reset the system and function

normally on its own again. Bring down the level of RT3 to also decrease T4. No

T4 = no active T3 so the body has to start making it's own again.

Summary: Administering direct pure T3 reduces TSH because the body sees it has

enough thyroid hormone. So the message is not sent by the TSH to make T4, which

is then converted to RT3 or T3. Cannot do T3 therapy long term as it will

weaken long term T4 production.

Period of stress induces T4 conversion into the biologically inert stereoisomer

called Reverse T3. RT3 is a mirror image of active T3 and fits well into T3

cell-membrane receptor sites upside down. Once bound to these receptors, RT3

prevents active T3 from binding, thus preventing thyroid activation at these

receptor sites. Important to note that the symptoms of poor conversion & /or

receptor sites blocked with RT3 can also be similar to symptoms of adrenal

insufficiency from high/low cortisol & /or DHEA.

Hypothyroidism: High TSH and low T4 and T3. Patient's thyroid gland has lost

its organ reserve capacity to produce adequate levels of T4 and T3. These

patients need to take thyroid replacement continually. However, hypothyroid

patients may also be poor converters of T4 into T3 and neither T4 nor glandular

thyroid replacement will optimize these patients. Combination T4 and T3 is

indicated here.

PAGE 2

The body will save energy example: maintenance of skin, our largest organ. By

decreasing energy to maintain = dry skin, dry hair, hair loss, brittle

nails.etc. Poor healing. Don't need food as much. Luxury functions such as

sex drive are the first to go. The more important functions, hearing, heart

breathing are not a greatly affected by body temperature.

Progesterone and pregnenolone activate thyroid function

Estrogen opposes thyroid function

Conventional treatments:

T3/T4 combos: Immediate release T3. Also contain T4, which is what we're

trying to reduce to deplete the RT3 levels.

T4: Symptoms improve but come back, typically after 2-3 months. Dr. increases

dose. Feel better for a while then worse. Eventually, T4 may be increased and

patient gets worse right off the bat.

Avoid Goitrogens: broccoli cauliflower cabbage turnips mustards greens kale

spinach brussel sprouts kohlrabi rutabagas horseradish radish and white mustard

Consume: molasses, egg yolks, parsley, apricots, dates, prunes, fish, chicken,

raw milk, cheeses

PAGE 3

Temperature:

Shake down thermometer to 96.0. Take temperature for 7 minutes

Nothing hot or cold at least 15 minutes prior

Do pulse and temperature 3, 6 & 9 hours after waking

Add and divide by 3 to get average daily temperature

Temperature:

Upon wakening, put in armpit for 10 minutes

97.8 - 98.2 is normal

Protocol Notes:

One-day compensator:

Rise first day

Falls second day of same dose

Will reach 98.6 more easily by raising 7.5 ug every day

Wean down dose every two days

Features of One day:

Reach and maintain 98.6 at certain dose

Temp relapse as dose is lowered

On next cycle, once compensation achieved, use patients lowered temperature as a

guide to increase the dose to the next 7.5 ug increment

At next highest increment, hold the does for five-seven days or longer on

subsequent cycles before weaning down.

If temp relapses, raise the dose

37.5 and higher causes T4 suppression and greater risk of side effects

END

There are many on this list more experienced with this than I am. I have read

that the RT3 test is not an effective way to measure T3. However, there are

some that may disagree with this. In my case, we cleared out my RT3 by

supressing the source which is T4. I knew when this was happening cause it was

not pleasant and my T4 took a huge dive.

As far as testing methods, my doc also treats by symptoms and uses the lab work

only as a reference. As Dr Rind's site says, Free T3 and Free T4 can be the

best test, particularly for women. In my case, we do these two plus the TSH

just to make sure that we are not supressing anything. My doc continues to

treat by how I feel.

Anyway, all of this is simply my notes which are welcome to

criticisms/corrections.

Kathy

thyroid hormones

group

my DR wants me to go on thyroid suppl. based on basal body temp

readings.

i have a couple of questions.

1) is the thyroid hormone you take considered FREE (active) thyroid?

from the reading i have come across there are five states of thyroid

hormone: bound T4, free T4, bound T3, free T3 and RT3 (reverse T3). i

have read that the free thyroids are the active form of the hormone.

i am wondering if this is what you are taking with supplementation

(ie Synthroid)..

2) if you start Thyroid suppl does this (like other hormone

replacement) slow down your bodies own production of thyroid hormone?

3) this is a really technical question, I know....but when T4 is

released from the the thyroid gland, is it in the form of bound T4 or

free T4?

thanks

bill

This list is intended for patients to share personal experiences with each

other, not to give medical advice. If you are interested in any treatment

discussed here, please consult your doctor.

[Guest guest]

Sorry for this post.

I was just wondering if a certain ammount of thyroid hormones are

needed for cortisone effecientcy. My thyroid hormones are pretty low

now and just wondered if this doesnt help the cortiosone to be

effective. I hope someone sees what I mean, I only take 25mcg of

thyroxine at the moment

[Guest guest]

Cortisone is needed to help thyroxine convert to T3 and for the thyroid hormones to be absorbed. All of the hormones depend upon each other. You have to treat the main deficiency first, which in your case, appears to be cortisone. Many people find once they have boosted their adrenals sufficiently no longer need thyroid support, others, that they need less.

Sheila

Sorry for this post.I was just wondering if a certain ammount of thyroid hormones are needed for cortisone effecientcy. My thyroid hormones are pretty low now and just wondered if this doesnt help the cortiosone to be effective. I hope someone sees what I mean, I only take 25mcg of thyroxine at the moment

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[Guest guest]

I do think I need the thyroid hormones, my results seem to show that, TSH now 6 when it was 0.66, Dr P said I should start back on the T4 and too be honest by not doing so wouldnt really help me, my adrenals are being supported now I think with the cortisone, temps seem stable just not rising which indicates poor thyroid, I am worried about becoming dependant on cortisone and never being able to come off it

Cortisone is needed to help thyroxine convert to T3 and for the thyroid hormones to be absorbed. All of the hormones depend upon each other. You have to treat the main deficiency first, which in your case, appears to be cortisone. Many people find once they have boosted their adrenals sufficiently no longer need thyroid support, others, that they need less.

Sheila

Sorry for this post.I was just wondering if a certain ammount of thyroid hormones are needed for cortisone effecientcy. My thyroid hormones are pretty low now and just wondered if this doesnt help the cortiosone to be effective. I hope someone sees what I mean, I only take 25mcg of thyroxine at the moment

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[Guest guest]



I was answering your question , I was not advising you not to start the thyroxine again, nor would I. You must have read many of the links that people have sent to you of adrenal websites, that all tell you there is little likelihood of you becoming dependant on HC with the maintenance dose you are taking. Stop worrying worry, until worry worries you. You are just making yourself more stressed. Once your adrenals are boosted, you can then taper off. Join the adrenal forum as I mentioned before and they know much more than us. I am a member of that forum.

Sheila

I do think I need the thyroid hormones, my results seem to show that, TSH now 6 when it was 0.66, Dr P said I should start back on the T4 and too be honest by not doing so wouldnt really help me, my adrenals are being supported now I think with the cortisone, temps seem stable just not rising which indicates poor thyroid, I am worried about becoming dependant on cortisone and never being able to come off it

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[Guest guest]

I just have joined the adrenal forum so hopefully this forum will not be seeing too much of me and my silly questions!

 I was answering your question , I was not advising you not to start the thyroxine again, nor would I. You must have read many of the links that people have sent to you of adrenal websites, that all tell you there is little likelihood of you becoming dependant on HC with the maintenance dose you are taking. Stop worrying worry, until worry worries you. You are just making yourself more stressed. Once your adrenals are boosted, you can then taper off. Join the adrenal forum as I mentioned before and they know much more than us. I am a member of that forum.

Sheila

I do think I need the thyroid hormones, my results seem to show that, TSH now 6 when it was 0.66, Dr P said I should start back on the T4 and too be honest by not doing so wouldnt really help me, my adrenals are being supported now I think with the cortisone, temps seem stable just not rising which indicates poor thyroid, I am worried about becoming dependant on cortisone and never being able to come off it

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[Guest guest]



I hope you will find the answers you need regarding your adrenals there , we always try to point our members in the direction that we feel will best help them. I wish I knew half as much about adrenals as they do, but I am learning.

Sheila

I just have joined the adrenal forum so hopefully this forum will not be seeing too much of me and my silly questions!

 I was answering your question , I was not advising you not to start the thyroxine again, nor would I. You must have read many of the links that people have sent to you of adrenal websites, that all tell you there is little likelihood of you becoming dependant on HC with the maintenance dose you are taking. Stop worrying worry, until worry worries you. You are just making yourself more stressed. Once your adrenals are boosted, you can then taper off. Join the adrenal forum as I mentioned before and they know much more than us. I am a member of that forum.

Sheila

I do think I need the thyroid hormones, my results seem to show that, TSH now 6 when it was 0.66, Dr P said I should start back on the T4 and too be honest by not doing so wouldnt really help me, my adrenals are being supported now I think with the cortisone, temps seem stable just not rising which indicates poor thyroid, I am worried about becoming dependant on cortisone and never being able to come off it

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - http://www.avg. com Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.7.5/1697 - Release Date: 29/09/2008 07:40

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