Re: Hypothyroidism

[Guest guest]

HelloI would say that it is good that the TSH is dropping and the T4 is normal so the thyroid is managing to do its job. What dose of thyroxine are they taking?In my experience, even supplementation which restores T4 levels to normal is not always enough to recover people's health or energy. That is why some people go towards thyroid extracts such as Armour.I agree with the other posts that adrenal fatigue/exhaustion is often at the root of thyroid problems - which is why female sex hormone medication is so disruptive of thyroid function.Generally, I ask people to get a T4 and TSH recheck after about 4 months of treatment.All the bestDr GascoigneMedical doctor, acupuncturist, herbalistClinics in Bath & Tetbury, UKTel: +44 (0) 79 88 05 92 01Also, Bandon, Co. Cork, IrelandTel: +353 (0) 87 9266234Website: www.drgascoigne.comOn 18 Jun 2012, at 17:19, Liz Lillicrap wrote:

Hi

The levels for the younger person whose details I described more fully are:-

T4 15

TSH 6.5 dropped from 10.5

Liz

[Guest guest]

I also agree, and find a similar scenario with Scutellaria - sometimes I am asked "Will it make me sleepy? and I say "Only if you need to be".Has anybody tried Schisandra for these type of patients? or any of the other adaptogens? I also like Dioscorea, in various endocrine scenarios (Bartram lists it as useful for supporting pituitary/hypothalamic function )Sally Hi ÁineI agree. I also treat people with acupuncture and patients such as this, running in empty, have to be scraped off the couch after the session as they start to connect with their real state of health.Regarding this specific case, there is no medical reason for the thyroxine to be increased. T4 is normal and further thyroxine will only exacerbate the problem as it will suppress thyroid function and subsequently adrenal function. GP's (and endocrinologists, I have to say) seem to have little or no understanding of basic endocrine physiology such as negative feedback loops. Hopefully the patient can choose the path of health rather than the path of further suppression,RegardsDr GascoigneMedical doctor, acupuncturist, herbalistClinics in Bath & Tetbury, UKTel: +44 (0) 79 88 05 92 01Also, Bandon, Co. Cork, IrelandTel: +353 (0) 87 9266234Website: www.drgascoigne.comOn 19 Jun 2012, at 21:27, Áine Marie Reilly wrote:I have often found that people who are running around constantly like your patient find mildly relaxing/sedating herbs such as Withania, Scutellaria etc. to make them feel very tired, even at doses which others tolerate perfectly well during the day. I'm pretty sure it's because these people are running on adrenalin and further stressing their exhausted adrenal glands, and that the herbs are only making them aware of how tired their system really is. Thanks for your input re this patient. I feel that the alteration in her thyroid hormone levels is good and that she has no need to have her Thyroxine dosage increased. At present she is on 50 mcg Levothyroxine and the GP wishes her to go up to 75 mcg because she is still feeling tired. She has refused but is now having second thoughts because of the low energy. I've got adrenal tonics/adaptogens in her mix but really want her to try Withania again.She does so much - is up at 5, out running by 6 with no food, then back to a quick snatched breakfast, taking the children miles around North Devon to school, then she goes to teach special needs children, has half an hour for lunch which she is not able to eat sitting down, then after school takes the children to various thing, cooks a meal, after she has devoured vast quantities of bread, then doesn't eat much of the meal, then takes the children to evening activities, and feels that is is not right to be tired around 9.30 p.m.!When she actually verbalised all this she was a bit taken aback but then added that she wouldn't want it any other way - hence the adaptogens!The other hypothyroid case is doing well and feels she has turned the corner but she is a different type of person with a calmer yet busy lifestyle.The hyperthyroid enquiry is not sure about herbs because she is breastfeeding a 2 week old and obviously wants to continue for a while and is concerned about herbs and/or drugs transferring to the infant. I think Lycopus is contraindicated in breastfeeding though I haven't checked this.Thanks for all comments.Liz