Re: Question on Medication Absorption

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Sorry to hear you are having such a rough time.

Do you smoke? Are you taking your BC pill at the same time every day? Are you

taking any medications that could affect the absorption of the pill? Has your

Gyn changed you to a higher dose pill i.e. a BC pill containing a higher amount

of estrogen? Have you tested all female hormones? Are you in perimenapause?

What does your CBC and iron panel with ferritin show? Did your Gyn run a blood

test for clotting abnormalities? This is the standard step after four months of

consistent break through bleeding. What did your US show? Your Gyn should have

ordered an ultrasound to see if internal polyps, fibroids or ovarian masses are

present. And of course, your Gyn should do a Pap smear and examine you to make

sure your cervix shows no irritations, polyps or tumors. If all this was NOT

done consider getting a second opinion.

If malabsorption is an issue, your iron and B12 would be low or low-normal.

Check for gut bugs and infections, bio-toxins, yeast etc. All of these can

hinder absorption of lots of things. My doctor says B-12 should be at least

above mid-range, preferably around 75% in the reference range for Hashi

patients. Again, what does your iron panel/ferritin show?

Also, gluten has been shown to impede thyroid hormone from going into the cells.

Before, I changed my diet/life-style; my FT3/FT4 labs were pathetic at the

bottom of the normal lab ranges, sometimes well below range. I was on 6 grains

of Armour plus 50 mcgs of Cytomel at that time. Also, low cortisol will inhibit

thyroid hormones absorption at the cellular level. A blood draw for cortisol

should be done at 8 am, my doctor says random tests are useless other than to

show extreme lows or highs. I had treatable hypoadrenalism, which took about

three years to treat.

I hope this helps,

~Bj

>

> Hi everyone!

>

> I am really hoping you can all help me.

>

> When I was first diagnosed with hashis, the main symptom that I was

experiencing was breakthrough bleeding midway through my cycle. This bleeding

sometimes would be a lot, sometimes not.

>

> Since I began taking levo, I have felt a lot better. My carpal tunnel syndrome

has virtually disappeared, my skin hasn't been dry, and the best part for me was

that for 2 or 3 months (I wish I could remember exactly what it was) the

breakthrough bleeding stopped. Unfortunately now it has begun again.

>

>

> When I was first diagnosed with hashis, my numbers were:

>

> TSH: 3 (.4-4.50

> Free T4: 1.3 (.8-1.9)

> Total T4 10.9 (4.5-12)

> Free T3 3 (2.3 – 4.2)

> Total T3 132 (76-181)

>

> TPO: 419

> TGAB: 139

>

> I was put on combination T3/T4 8/53.

>

> Here were my most recent numbers:

>

> TSH: .64 (.4-4.5)

> T4 free: 1.3 (.8 – 1.8)

> Total: 10.2 (4.5- 12)

>

> T3 free: 3.4 (2.3-4.2)

> T3 Total: 137 (76-181)

>

> Vit b12: 423 (200-1100)

> Cortisol Total Test was taken at around 1:00 pm): 10.5 (am: 4.0-22, PM: 3-17)

>

> TPO: 394

> TGAB: 42

>

> I am frustrated for two reasons. First, my TPO has not been coming down at

all. Second I am still experiencing the midway cycle bleeding.

>

> I am on a birth control pill, which I have been on for a year and a half. My

gynecologist had prescribed it to me saying it would help stop the breakthrough

bleeding. The pill did not help it. What did help it was the levo I was on.

Within six weeks of taking my first thyroid pill I didn't have breakthrough

bleeding. That lasted about 2-3 months. Now it is back for the last two months

and I don't know why. I do not want to go off the pill, for two reasons. I am

nervous that I might have endometriosis so I want to stay on the pill as long as

possible. Second reason is if I do have fertility issues my gynecologist said

that I should stop the pill the month before I want to get pregnant because my

hormones will be really high then.

>

> Finally to my question:

> I was wondering, is it possible that my body isn't absorbing, or using, the

thyroid medication properly? The reason why I ask is because the timing with

using the medicine and its effect on my body was so striking. I had the bleeding

for a year, nothing helped, went on thyroid medication it stopped almost

immediately for 2-3 months and then it has come back for the last two months.

>

> Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to get my TPO levels down,

and also if it is possible that for some reason my hormone isn't properly being

used (whether through blocking or not absorbing) by my body?

>

> Thanks so much for any input you might have. I really appreciate it!

>

> -

>

[Guest guest]

In addition...

Here is a partical list of non-specific Hashi symptons. Conditions that can

contribute to Hashis illness and must be addressed if we have one, some or all

of them before we can regain any wellness.

Intestinal parasites, Hepatitis, vitamin D deficiency (leading to apathy and the

poor utilization of thyroid hormones), infections (such as chronic sinusitis and

tonsillitis with lowered resistance to infections), chronic fatigue due to

environmental molds and chemicals, food allergies in addition to gluten

intolerance, heavy metals from dental amalgams and various other sources, low

progesterone levels, out-of-balance sex hormones or other hormone imbalances,

Candida and pathogenic bacteria in the gut, low or high minerals or vitamins,

Adrenal fatigue leading to sub-optimal cortisol levels or high levels, asthma

and allergies, silent yet chronic bacterial infections, tooth abscesses,

Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach, poor digestion and assimilation of

food due to inadequate digestive enzymes.

HTH!

To Wellnes,

~Bj

> >

> > Hi everyone!

> >

> > I am really hoping you can all help me.

> >

> > When I was first diagnosed with hashis, the main symptom that I was

experiencing was breakthrough bleeding midway through my cycle. This bleeding

sometimes would be a lot, sometimes not.

> >

> > Since I began taking levo, I have felt a lot better. My carpal tunnel

syndrome has virtually disappeared, my skin hasn't been dry, and the best part

for me was that for 2 or 3 months (I wish I could remember exactly what it was)

the breakthrough bleeding stopped. Unfortunately now it has begun again.

> >

> >

> > When I was first diagnosed with hashis, my numbers were:

> >

> > TSH: 3 (.4-4.50

> > Free T4: 1.3 (.8-1.9)

> > Total T4 10.9 (4.5-12)

> > Free T3 3 (2.3 – 4.2)

> > Total T3 132 (76-181)

> >

> > TPO: 419

> > TGAB: 139

> >

> > I was put on combination T3/T4 8/53.

> >

> > Here were my most recent numbers:

> >

> > TSH: .64 (.4-4.5)

> > T4 free: 1.3 (.8 – 1.8)

> > Total: 10.2 (4.5- 12)

> >

> > T3 free: 3.4 (2.3-4.2)

> > T3 Total: 137 (76-181)

> >

> > Vit b12: 423 (200-1100)

> > Cortisol Total Test was taken at around 1:00 pm): 10.5 (am: 4.0-22, PM:

3-17)

> >

> > TPO: 394

> > TGAB: 42

> >

> > I am frustrated for two reasons. First, my TPO has not been coming down at

all. Second I am still experiencing the midway cycle bleeding.

> >

> > I am on a birth control pill, which I have been on for a year and a half. My

gynecologist had prescribed it to me saying it would help stop the breakthrough

bleeding. The pill did not help it. What did help it was the levo I was on.

Within six weeks of taking my first thyroid pill I didn't have breakthrough

bleeding. That lasted about 2-3 months. Now it is back for the last two months

and I don't know why. I do not want to go off the pill, for two reasons. I am

nervous that I might have endometriosis so I want to stay on the pill as long as

possible. Second reason is if I do have fertility issues my gynecologist said

that I should stop the pill the month before I want to get pregnant because my

hormones will be really high then.

> >

> > Finally to my question:

> > I was wondering, is it possible that my body isn't absorbing, or using, the

thyroid medication properly? The reason why I ask is because the timing with

using the medicine and its effect on my body was so striking. I had the bleeding

for a year, nothing helped, went on thyroid medication it stopped almost

immediately for 2-3 months and then it has come back for the last two months.

> >

> > Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to get my TPO levels down,

and also if it is possible that for some reason my hormone isn't properly being

used (whether through blocking or not absorbing) by my body?

> >

> > Thanks so much for any input you might have. I really appreciate it!

> >

> > -

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the help. It is so appreciated!

No I don't smoke.

I take my BC the same time every day within a half hour. I was very careful

about this for months because I thought that maybe that would be the reason for

the bleeding.

I am on no other prescribed medications besides for thyroid. The vitamins I am

on are: B12, Vitamin D, Multi-Vitamin, Omegas and saccromyces bolardi (a

probiotic).

She tried two different pills for me. The one I am on now was better of the two

in terms of mood swings but didn't clear up the bleeding. I am on aviane which

contains levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol Tablets. I have been on this one

since October or so. My hormones were tested, but of course they are suppressed

because I am on the pill. I am nervous to go off the pill until a month before I

want to get pregnant just in case I have endometriosis or some other fertility

issue. I really, really hope that I am not going through perimenopause because I

just turned 30! Although the thought did cross my mind with horror.

My iron panel and ferritin seemed to be fine – nothing out of range. I had it

tested September of last year and since it didn't produce a flag I didn't have

it tested again:

Iron: 161 (50-170)

Iron Binding Capacity 361 (205-512)

Iron Saturation 44.6%

UIBC: 200 (155-300)

Ferritin: 37 (10-120)

CBC seems fine too.

My b12 seems to be a little low. At least that is what my doctor tells me. This

latest result was the first time it was over 400. Other times it has been under

400. Which is funny, because I feel that I do a lot of b12. For many months I

was taking two b12s when I had my period or was experiencing the breakthrough

bleeding.

As far as yeast, my physician said that in New York you are not allowed to check

for candida. He did write me a prescription for a month of antibiotic to get rid

of candida which I am hesitant to take if I don't have it. I am not sure what

else to check for in terms of gut bugs.

So you don't agree with the 24 hour saliva testing for cortisol?

My US was completely normal. Not one single polyp or fibroid. In fact I was told

that I have a gorgeous uterus – something that I found absolutely hysterical. My

pap was completely normal.

No, I did not get a blood test for clotting abnormalities – honestly I didn't

think of it because if I get a cut on my finger it heals pretty quickly. What

tests would the be? A platelet count? If it is the platelet count, that was

fine.

I had chronic sinusitis about ten years ago and had the surgery. I get probably

around 5 sinus infections a year.

I am extremely careful to have mostly organic (I still enjoy going out to eat!)

But all of my food inside my house is organic. I try to be very careful about

toxins too – I use glass water bottles, I don't take receipts (because of the

BPA) all of my cleaners are green, my make-up is as organic and natural as I can

get it, completely organic shampoo, conditioner, body wash etc. Even my

toothbrush is BPA free!!!

As far as the gluten goes, I really do not think I have a gluten intolerance. My

blood tests don't show it, I had an endoscopy and the biopsy didn't show it, I

don't really have any discernable reactions. But I still do probably about 75%

gluten free, and no soy.

I think what I have to do next is start eating brazil nuts for the selenium,

order a 24 hour adrenal cortisol test (I live in NY, so I am going to ask my

friend in CT to get it for me). Again, what blood tests are for clotting

abnormalities? I would like to test for heavy metals – do you have a company you

recommend?

What is perplexing (I think) is that all of my numbers seem to be fine. Yet

because of the strong correlation between my bleeding and the thyroid pill I

think perhaps it isn't being absorbed or my body isn't utilizing it. Any other

thoughts with what could be wrong?

Thank you so much!

> >

> > Hi everyone!

> >

> > I am really hoping you can all help me.

> >

> > When I was first diagnosed with hashis, the main symptom that I was

experiencing was breakthrough bleeding midway through my cycle. This bleeding

sometimes would be a lot, sometimes not.

> >

> > Since I began taking levo, I have felt a lot better. My carpal tunnel

syndrome has virtually disappeared, my skin hasn't been dry, and the best part

for me was that for 2 or 3 months (I wish I could remember exactly what it was)

the breakthrough bleeding stopped. Unfortunately now it has begun again.

> >

> >

> > When I was first diagnosed with hashis, my numbers were:

> >

> > TSH: 3 (.4-4.50

> > Free T4: 1.3 (.8-1.9)

> > Total T4 10.9 (4.5-12)

> > Free T3 3 (2.3 – 4.2)

> > Total T3 132 (76-181)

> >

> > TPO: 419

> > TGAB: 139

> >

> > I was put on combination T3/T4 8/53.

> >

> > Here were my most recent numbers:

> >

> > TSH: .64 (.4-4.5)

> > T4 free: 1.3 (.8 – 1.8)

> > Total: 10.2 (4.5- 12)

> >

> > T3 free: 3.4 (2.3-4.2)

> > T3 Total: 137 (76-181)

> >

> > Vit b12: 423 (200-1100)

> > Cortisol Total Test was taken at around 1:00 pm): 10.5 (am: 4.0-22, PM:

3-17)

> >

> > TPO: 394

> > TGAB: 42

> >

> > I am frustrated for two reasons. First, my TPO has not been coming down at

all. Second I am still experiencing the midway cycle bleeding.

> >

> > I am on a birth control pill, which I have been on for a year and a half. My

gynecologist had prescribed it to me saying it would help stop the breakthrough

bleeding. The pill did not help it. What did help it was the levo I was on.

Within six weeks of taking my first thyroid pill I didn't have breakthrough

bleeding. That lasted about 2-3 months. Now it is back for the last two months

and I don't know why. I do not want to go off the pill, for two reasons. I am

nervous that I might have endometriosis so I want to stay on the pill as long as

possible. Second reason is if I do have fertility issues my gynecologist said

that I should stop the pill the month before I want to get pregnant because my

hormones will be really high then.

> >

> > Finally to my question:

> > I was wondering, is it possible that my body isn't absorbing, or using, the

thyroid medication properly? The reason why I ask is because the timing with

using the medicine and its effect on my body was so striking. I had the bleeding

for a year, nothing helped, went on thyroid medication it stopped almost

immediately for 2-3 months and then it has come back for the last two months.

> >

> > Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to get my TPO levels down,

and also if it is possible that for some reason my hormone isn't properly being

used (whether through blocking or not absorbing) by my body?

> >

> > Thanks so much for any input you might have. I really appreciate it!

> >

> > -

> >

>