TSH

[Guest guest]

Hi

You are not going to fell well with a TSH of 2.5ish and obviously, you are still not on the dose that will make you well. TheFree T4 and Free T3 show the amount of thyroxine and triiodothyronine that is floating around in your blood - though the better test is the 24 hour urine test to see how much is actually in your tissue. It is THAT test that gives the true facts. If you are not converting the inactive T4 through your liver into the active hormone T3, then you need some T3 (either synthetic or natural as in Armour) to make every cell in your body function. Asking WHY the laboratories don't do T3 appears to be a useless exercise - I think they believe it is completely unnecessary and they are saving the NHS a lot of money. We ask people (if they can afford it) to get their Free T4 and Free t3 tested through private laboratories like NPTech Services.

Hi

No I never take my thyroxine on the morning of my blood test I wait until after the blood has been drawn, my last test was a week ago and I am going for the results tomorrow and the one before that was 3 months ago when my dose was then increase by 25mcg.

I always have the thyroid anti body test and its always high because I have Hashimotos.

I dont think I get tested for free T3 and T4, not sure really, I think its just usually the TSH test I have.I have never got down to a result of 1 before, I think the lowest has been around 2.5 ish.

I dont feel completly better yet but a lot better than I did this time in 2006, I was suffering with anxiety and depression and really felt very unwell. I still havent lost weight either!

I am interested as to why if the free T3 and T4 are important why arent they tested aswell and what treatment is given for that?

Thanks Shelia

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[Guest guest]

For somebody on such a high dose of L-thyroxine , your TSH really should be very much lower - something not quite right here. I would go to our Files (you can get there from the Home Page of this forum's website) and scroll down until you see NPTech Services. There you can see the tests they do and the prices they charge and get your Free T3 tested. We really need to see whether you are converting or not.

There are various problems associated with hypothyroidism and you can read about these on our website www.tpa-uk.org.uk. Click on Hypothyroidism and on the drop down menu, click on Associated conditions and see if any of these could be your problem in stopping your thyroxine from being utilised by your body properly. Also, on the Home Page there, click on the top item in the right hand column under Mercury Thyroid connection and read the information there. All or any of these will stop your thyroid hormone from working properly and giving you back your health, but sadly, ordinary GP's are completely unaware of these conditions and their connection.

Luv - Sheila

Hi Again

I have been and got my results today and my TSH is now 3.3 (it was 4.5 before my increase) my T4 14.something! Thyroid anti bodies are always high and they are in the 700's.

I have therefore had another 25mcg increase and to go back in 2 months for a re test.

My doctor said my T4 is on the low side and they usually like it around the 17 mark and the TSH is within the normal range but I could increase if I felt I needed to. So hopefully this might just be the increase I need to stablise things but I always worry it might send me the other way and become Hyper! I am sure I am worry for no reason though.

Any comments and thoughts would be appreciated.

..

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[Guest guest]

HI When I was first diagnosed my TSH was around 8, so dont you think the thyroxine is doing something here? I certainly feel a whole lot better than I did back then, I wouldnt have really thought 125mcg is that much of a high dose? It may just be that I am taking longer to stabalise on a suitable dose and I do know Hashimotos is more difficult to control. I do thank you very much for your input it is a great help, I am due another test in 2 months so I will see what the increase had done I did mention the T3 test to my doctor but he said my results didnt indicate a problem there.sheilaturner <sheilaturner@...> wrote: For somebody on such a high dose of L-thyroxine , your TSH really should be very much lower - something not quite right here. I would go to our Files (you can get there from the Home Page of this forum's website) and scroll down until you see NPTech Services. There you can see the tests they do and the prices they charge and get your Free T3 tested. We really need to see whether you are converting or not. There are various problems associated with hypothyroidism and you can read about these on our website www.tpa-uk.org.uk. Click on Hypothyroidism and on the drop down menu, click on Associated conditions and see if any of these could be your problem in stopping your

thyroxine from being utilised by your body properly. Also, on the Home Page there, click on the top item in the right hand column under Mercury Thyroid connection and read the information there. All or any of these will stop your thyroid hormone from working properly and giving you back your health, but sadly, ordinary GP's are completely unaware of these conditions and their connection. Luv - Sheila Hi Again I have been and got my results today and my TSH is now 3.3 (it was 4.5 before my increase) my T4 14.something! Thyroid anti bodies are always high and they are in the 700's. I have therefore had another 25mcg increase and to go back in 2 months for a re test. My doctor said my T4 is

on the low side and they usually like it around the 17 mark and the TSH is within the normal range but I could increase if I felt I needed to. So hopefully this might just be the increase I need to stablise things but I always worry it might send me the other way and become Hyper! I am sure I am worry for no reason though. Any comments and thoughts would be appreciated. . No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.2/1388 - Release Date: 20/04/2008 15:01

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[Guest guest]

Hi Again If after my next blood test my TSH is still not low enough I may go for T3 test, but dont you think different people feel ok on different levels, I may feel ok with a TSH of around 2 but someone else may not? My TSH at present is 3.3sheilaturner <sheilaturner@...> wrote: For somebody on such a high dose of L-thyroxine , your TSH really should be very much lower - something not quite right here. I would go to our Files (you can get there from the Home Page

of this forum's website) and scroll down until you see NPTech Services. There you can see the tests they do and the prices they charge and get your Free T3 tested. We really need to see whether you are converting or not. There are various problems associated with hypothyroidism and you can read about these on our website www.tpa-uk.org.uk. Click on Hypothyroidism and on the drop down menu, click on Associated conditions and see if any of these could be your problem in stopping your thyroxine from being utilised by your body properly. Also, on the Home Page there, click on the top item in the right hand column under Mercury Thyroid connection and read the information there. All or any of these will stop your thyroid hormone from working properly and giving you back your health, but sadly, ordinary GP's are completely unaware of these

conditions and their connection. Luv - Sheila Hi Again I have been and got my results today and my TSH is now 3.3 (it was 4.5 before my increase) my T4 14.something! Thyroid anti bodies are always high and they are in the 700's. I have therefore had another 25mcg increase and to go back in 2 months for a re test. My doctor said my T4 is on the low side and they usually like it around the 17 mark and the TSH is within the normal range but I could increase if I felt I needed to. So hopefully this might just be the increase I need to stablise things but I always worry it might send me the other way and become Hyper! I am sure I am worry for no reason though. Any comments and

thoughts would be appreciated. . No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.2/1388 - Release Date: 20/04/2008 15:01

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[Guest guest]

Hi ,

17 is a long way from the top of the T4 range which is about 20-24 depending on

lab. Those who feel well usually have a T4 near the top of the range- if you do

go ‘over the top’ just stop the T4 for a couple of days then

restart at a slightly lower dose- no harm done! Most of us only feel well with

a TSH or around 1.0 which is where 90% of the healthy population is. Don’t

be scared give it a go- you’ll probably feel heaps better!

..com

Subject: RE:

TSH

Hi Again

I have been and got my

results today and my TSH is now 3.3 (it was 4.5 before my increase) my T4

14.something! Thyroid anti bodies are always high and they are in the 700's.

I have therefore had

another 25mcg increase and to go back in 2 months for a re test.

My

doctor said my T4 is on the low side and they usually like it around the 17

mark and the TSH is within the normal range but I could increase if I felt I

needed to.

------------------------------------

Messages are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always

consult with a suitably qualified practitioner before changing

medication.

[Guest guest]

Hi Thanks my doc said the T4 range is from 12-22 so it does depend on the lab, I am giving it a go and have started the 125mcg today but I know it takes a while to have an effect, its a waiting game all the way isnt it?jenny stenning <jennystenning@...> wrote: Hi , 17 is a long way from the top of the T4 range which is about 20-24 depending on lab. Those who feel well usually have a T4 near the top of the range- if you do go ‘over the top’ just stop the T4 for a couple of days then restart at a slightly lower dose- no harm done! Most of us only feel well with a TSH or around 1.0 which is where 90% of the healthy population is. Don’t be scared give it a go- you’ll probably feel heaps better! .comSubject: RE: TSH Hi Again I have been and got my results today and my TSH is now 3.3 (it was 4.5 before my increase) my T4 14.something! Thyroid anti bodies are always high and they are in the 700's. I have

therefore had another 25mcg increase and to go back in 2 months for a re test. My doctor said my T4 is on the low side and they usually like it around the 17 mark and the TSH is within the normal range but I could increase if I felt I needed to. ------------------------------------Messages are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Alwaysconsult with a suitably qualified practitioner before changingmedication.

[Guest guest]

HI

Apologies, I got the amount of L-thyroxine you were taking muddled up with Barbara's - and that's why I thought you were taking such a large dose.However, everything else I said still stands.

Luv - Sheila

HI

When I was first diagnosed my TSH was around 8, so dont you think the thyroxine is doing something here? I certainly feel a whole lot better than I did back then, I wouldnt have really thought 125mcg is that much of a high dose? It may just be that I am taking longer to stabalise on a suitable dose and I do know Hashimotos is more difficult to control.

I do thank you very much for your input it is a great help, I am due another test in 2 months so I will see what the increase had done

I did mention the T3 test to my doctor but he said my results didnt indicate a problem there.

..

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[Guest guest]

You are absolutely correct, of course different people feel OK when their levels are different to other people, this is because nobody knows what your TSH is when you were normal and healthy - but you may well feel OK with your TSH around 2. You will just have to wait and see - but the majority of people feel best when their TSH is around 1 or less.

Sheila

Hi Again

If after my next blood test my TSH is still not low enough I may go for T3 test, but dont you think different people feel ok on different levels, I may feel ok with a TSH of around 2 but someone else may not? My TSH at present is 3.3

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[Guest guest]

Thats ok, thanks so much for your quick replies it really is nice to hear advice from other people in the same boat so to speak! Not a lot of people know about this disease and its affects and dont seem to have a clue what we are talking about!sheilaturner <sheilaturner@...> wrote: HI Apologies, I got the amount of L-thyroxine you were taking muddled up with Barbara's - and that's why I thought you

were taking such a large dose.However, everything else I said still stands. Luv - Sheila HI When I was first diagnosed my TSH was around 8, so dont you think the thyroxine is doing something here? I certainly feel a whole lot better than I did back then, I wouldnt have really thought 125mcg is that much of a high dose? It may just be that I am taking longer to stabalise on a suitable dose and I do know Hashimotos is more difficult to control. I do thank you very much for your input it is a great help, I am due another test in 2 months so I will see what the increase had done I did mention the T3 test to my doctor but he said my results didnt indicate a problem there. . No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.2/1389 - Release Date: 21/04/2008 08:34

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[Guest guest]

Just started my new dose of thyroxine 2 days ago, how long does the increase take to have an effect in anyones experience? Thanks in advancesheilaturner <sheilaturner@...> wrote: You are absolutely correct, of course different people feel OK when their levels are different to other people, this is because nobody knows what your TSH is when you were normal and healthy - but you may well feel OK with your TSH around 2. You will just have to wait and see - but the majority of

people feel best when their TSH is around 1 or less. Sheila Hi Again If after my next blood test my TSH is still not low enough I may go for T3 test, but dont you think different people feel ok on different levels, I may feel ok with a TSH of around 2 but someone else may not? My TSH at present is 3.3 . No virus found in this incoming

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[Guest guest]

Thyroxine (T4) has a very long half life. This means that it takes up to 6 weeks to get properly into your body. It is an inactive hormone and it has to convert through your liver to the active hormone triiodothyronine (T3). T3 needs to get into every cell in your body and through your brain barrier to make everything function as it should. Some people feel the effect fairly soon, others have to wait quite a while, probably weeks before they feel any benefit. Please be patient and do whatever you can to help yourself by taking 200mgs Selenium daily with food, Vitamin C 1000 mgs and you probably need minerals as well.

Luv - Sheila

Just started my new dose of thyroxine 2 days ago, how long does the increase take to have an effect in anyones experience?

Thanks in advancesheilaturner <sheilaturnertpa-uk (DOT) org.uk> wrote:

You are absolutely correct, of course different people feel OK when their levels are different to other people, this is because nobody knows what your TSH is when you were normal and healthy - but you may well feel OK with your TSH around 2. You will just have to wait and see - but the majority of people feel best when their TSH is around 1 or less.

Sheila

Hi Again

If after my next blood test my TSH is still not low enough I may go for T3 test, but dont you think different people feel ok on different levels, I may feel ok with a TSH of around 2 but someone else may not? My TSH at present is 3.3

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[Guest guest]

Note: forwarded message attached.

Hello,

I am a newbie an joined to try to educate myself. My mother had

thyroid disease and eventually had both nodules removed....

I have always gotten full bloodwork every year since 1995....I am in

excellent health but always feel tired and cold (BP 106/60...

Resting HR 48, Chol 179 LDL 61, HDL 109, TRIG 44...Chol/HDL Ratio

1.6..I lost 60 pounds in a 3 year period 4 years ago by diet and

exercise 5 days a week!

I have had normal thyroid panels but my Dr. let me go on 25 MCG Levo

a day......I have taken that for about 3 years..still tired and

cold...I have started gaining weight back and can't get it off....I

decided to try Armour and have been taking 2 grains a day for about

3 weeks along with 50 MCG of Levo.Still tired and cold... I just had

my yearly bloodwork and all my Dr. did this time was the TSH which

read: 0.03 L range: 0.34-5.60.

My dr. says that I am getting too much thyroid and wants me to cut

back. My mother who is an expert by now on thyroid and says I am

getting to much also! But is it true that you should treat by

symptoms? Do I really need more maybe? Can you by just the TSH

alone?

Thank you,

- 46 year old female

[Guest guest]

Hi

Many doctors just go by the TSH, though they should consider your symptoms alongside this, but often they dont unfortunately!

I dont understand the blood results well enough to comment on them, though your TSH does seem low - but you still have symptoms! There could be other things going on that are affecting you - candida or adrenal problems for example, that you might want to look into.

Having said tha you say you are in excellent health and if you are feeling 'healthy' what symptoms do you need help with to get better? - it might be that you need to tell us what the sympoms are that you want help with, as that will help members to help know what help you need

Is th doctor treating you with Armour?

Ive pasted your original message here so that others can read it,

Gill

Hello,I am a newbie an joined to try to educate myself. My mother had thyroid disease and eventually had both nodules removed....I have always gotten full bloodwork every year since 1995....I am in excellent health but always feel tired and cold (BP 106/60... Resting HR 48, Chol 179 LDL 61, HDL 109, TRIG 44...Chol/HDL Ratio 1.6..I lost 60 pounds in a 3 year period 4 years ago by diet and exercise 5 days a week!I have had normal thyroid panels but my Dr. let me go on 25 MCG Levo a day......I have taken that for about 3 years..still tired and cold...I have started gaining weight back and can't get it off....I decided to try Armour and have been taking 2 grains a day for about 3 weeks along with 50 MCG of Levo.Still tired and cold... I just had my yearly bloodwork and all my Dr. did this time was the TSH which read: 0.03 L range: 0.34-5.60.My dr. says that I am getting too much thyroid and wants me to cut back. My mother who is an expert by now on thyroid and says I am getting to much also! But is it true that you should treat by symptoms? Do I really need more maybe? Can you by just the TSH alone?Thank you, - 46 year old female

[Guest guest]

Gill, Thank you very much! For being in excellent health.....by that I mean all my blood tests, xrays and bp, etc. tests are great...I just do not understand why I am always tired and feel cold....at least all day at the office and in other public places!! GILL <gilljohnthurgo@...> wrote: Hi Many doctors just go by the TSH, though they should consider your symptoms alongside this, but often they dont unfortunately! I dont understand the blood results well enough to comment on them, though your TSH does seem low - but you still have symptoms! There could be other things going on that are affecting you - candida or adrenal problems for example, that you might want to look into. Having said tha you say you are in excellent health and if you are feeling 'healthy' what symptoms do you need help with to get better? - it might be that you need to tell us what the sympoms are that you want help with, as that will help members to help know what help you need Is th doctor treating you with Armour? Ive pasted your original message

here so that others can read it, Gill Hello,I am a newbie an joined to try to educate myself. My mother had thyroid disease and eventually had both nodules removed....I have always gotten full bloodwork every year since 1995....I am in excellent health but always feel tired and cold (BP 106/60... Resting HR 48, Chol 179 LDL 61, HDL 109, TRIG 44...Chol/HDL Ratio 1.6..I lost 60 pounds in a 3 year period 4 years ago by diet and exercise 5 days a week!I have had normal thyroid panels but my Dr. let me go on 25 MCG Levo a day......I have taken that for about 3 years..still tired and cold...I have started gaining weight back and can't get it off....I decided to try Armour and have been taking 2 grains a day for about 3 weeks along with 50 MCG of Levo.Still tired and cold... I just had my yearly bloodwork and all my Dr. did this time was the TSH which

read: 0.03 L range: 0.34-5.60.My dr. says that I am getting too much thyroid and wants me to cut back. My mother who is an expert by now on thyroid and says I am getting to much also! But is it true that you should treat by symptoms? Do I really need more maybe? Can you by just the TSH alone?Thank you, - 46 year old female

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

A very low TSH is normal if you are taking Armour- the T3 in to

affects the TSH more than the T4. TSH is also a flawed test. Some folk do

perfectly fine on levo, but others don't.

Before you make any more decisions, If I were you I'd read all the info

about Armour on the website and then ask you doc to refer you to a good

endo- Sheila has a list and will tell you if there is someone in you area-

but not on the public forum.

Subject: TSH

Hello,

I am a newbie an joined to try to educate myself. My mother had

thyroid disease and eventually had both nodules removed....

I have always gotten full bloodwork every year since 1995....I am in

excellent health but always feel tired and cold (BP 106/60...

Resting HR 48, Chol 179 LDL 61, HDL 109, TRIG 44...Chol/HDL Ratio

1.6..I lost 60 pounds in a 3 year period 4 years ago by diet and

exercise 5 days a week!

I have had normal thyroid panels but my Dr. let me go on 25 MCG Levo

a day......I have taken that for about 3 years..still tired and

cold...I have started gaining weight back and can't get it off....I

decided to try Armour and have been taking 2 grains a day for about

3 weeks along with 50 MCG of Levo.Still tired and cold... I just had

my yearly bloodwork and all my Dr. did this time was the TSH which

read: 0.03 L range: 0.34-5.60.

My dr. says that I am getting too much thyroid and wants me to cut

back. ?

Thank you,

- 46 year old female

------------------------------------

Messages are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always

consult with a suitably qualified practitioner before changing

medication.

[Guest guest]

Hi

> I am a newbie an joined to try to educate myself. My mother had > thyroid disease and eventually had both nodules removed....

Welcome to our forum where I hope you get all the help and support you need. Any questions you need answering, just shout, and somebody will be along to help you. Sorry I have not responded before now, but I have been away for a few days and have just returned.> I have always gotten full bloodwork every year since 1995....I am in > excellent health but always feel tired and cold (BP 106/60... > Resting HR 48, Chol 179 LDL 61, HDL 109, TRIG 44...Chol/HDL Ratio > 1.6..I lost 60 pounds in a 3 year period 4 years ago by diet and > exercise 5 days a week!

Your BP is low, but then, most people with hypothyroidism do have a low BP - so nothing to worry about. Your resting HR is low, but then again, some people do have a very low HR - has yours always been that low? Can't respond to the other test results because we really need the laboratory reference range for each test. You did well to lose 60 lbs - but sadly, people with hypothyroidism have such a low metabolism, they are unable to burn off the excess calories.> > I have had normal thyroid panels but my Dr. let me go on 25 MCG Levo > a day......I have taken that for about 3 years..still tired and > cold...I have started gaining weight back and can't get it off....

Any doctor starting a new patients with thyroxine usually start with 50 mcgs, but with 25 mcgs if they feel their patient has a heart problem. It should be increased with increments of 25 mcgs every 8 to 12 weeks until their patient is on the level that will make them well again. I am gob-smacked that any doctor would leave their patients on such a teeny dose for 3 years.

I > decided to try Armour and have been taking 2 grains a day for about > 3 weeks along with 50 MCG of Levo.Still tired and cold... I just had > my yearly bloodwork and all my Dr. did this time was the TSH which > read: 0.03 L range: 0.34-5.60.

We usually recommend starting Armour on half a grain (30mgs) only. This is becuase Armour contains , as well as T4, the active hormones T3, T2, T1. Your body needs to get used very slowly to these hormones, and it is recommended you should increase your Armour every 4 weeks by another half grain so your body doesn't experience any adverse effects. The T3 in Armour, if taken in too high a dose, can cause dizziness, palpitations, feelings of being 'spaced-out' and generally you could feel YUK - and it could be a frightening experience if you don't know what is happening, or why. This is why we recommend always splitting your dose of Armour in two halves (sometimes three). You take half your daily dose before breakfast, and because T3 has a very short half life of between 6 to 8 hours, take the second half around 2 to 3.00p.m. That way, you get sufficient T3 to keep you functioning throughout the day and you are less likely to get the high 'spike' that T3 can cause a couple of hours after you have taken it.

Anybody on either synthetic T3 or natural Armour thyroid will get a very suppressed TSH. This is simply because your body is getting the active hormone it requires, so there is no need for your pituitary gland to send messages to your thyroid to tell it to start pushing out more thyroid hormone replacement. A doctor should not base your Blood results when you are taking natural thyroid extract on the same basis as if you were taking synthetic 'inactive' thyroxine. > > My dr. says that I am getting too much thyroid and wants me to cut > back.

Try to 'educate' your doctor in the nicest possible way, of course, and tell him that you do not need any Thyroid Stimulating Hormone now you are getting all the thyroid hormones your body requires. I would, however, keep a very careful eye on how you feel, and should you get any of the adverse reactions mentioned, then do cut back by half a grain. If you go to our FILES from the Home Page of this website, you will see one entitled "How to Use Armour Thyroid" and follow the recommendations there. You can't really go far wrong if you do this. Any difficulties in finding this - just shout. This was written for people who are being forced into the situation of self-medication because their doctors are unable to help them.

My mother who is an expert by now on thyroid and says I am > getting to much also!

Good old Mum - this is a case when Mum does know best, and she is absolutely right. However, see how you go, you may be fine. Always remember though that it takes up to 6 weeks for your body to be able to absorb the T4 in thyroxine or Armour Thyroid, so you may not notice too much difference for a while. The average dose of Armour that people take in order to get themselves well again is around 125mgs 150 mgs, but this depends upon weight quite a lot, and also, remember that some people need quite a high dose to be able to function normally.

But is it true that you should treat by > symptoms? Do I really need more maybe? Can you by just the TSH > alone?

Yes, doctors should rely on symptoms and signs. Go to our website again www.tpa-uk.org.uk and click on 'Hypothyroidism' in the Menu, and then click on 'Symptoms and Signs'. Check off how many symptoms you have and how many signs you have and list these and keep them safe - you may need to use these in a letter to oyour doctor at some stage. Signs are things that you can see - and your doctor should also be able to see. This is how doctors diagnosed hypothyroidism before the invention of the blood tests. Now, it is too easy for a doc to tell you that because your thyroid function tests are normal, this means that YOU are normal and you do not have a thyroid problem. DUH!

Read, read and read again . Eventually, little by little, things will start to drop into place and you will soon come to understand what is happening (or not) to you and what you can do about it. There is lots of help and support out here, so just shout.

Luv - Sheila> > Thank you,> > - 46 year old female>

[Guest guest]

WOW! Thank you! You have been a wonderful help! That is so kind of you to take the time to write all this information......... I will certainly do what you suggest! I am sure that you will hear from me in the future! campaigner77 <sheilaturner@...> wrote: Hi > I am a newbie an joined to try to

educate myself. My mother had > thyroid disease and eventually had both nodules removed.... Welcome to our forum where I hope you get all the help and support you need. Any questions you need answering, just shout, and somebody will be along to help you. Sorry I have not responded before now, but I have been away for a few days and have just returned.> I have always gotten full bloodwork every year since 1995....I am in > excellent health but always feel tired and cold (BP 106/60... > Resting HR 48, Chol 179 LDL 61, HDL 109, TRIG 44...Chol/HDL Ratio > 1.6..I lost 60 pounds in a 3 year period 4 years ago by diet and > exercise 5 days a week! Your BP is low, but then, most people with hypothyroidism do have a low BP - so nothing to worry about. Your resting HR is low, but then again, some people do have a very low HR - has yours always been that low? Can't respond to the other test results because we

really need the laboratory reference range for each test. You did well to lose 60 lbs - but sadly, people with hypothyroidism have such a low metabolism, they are unable to burn off the excess calories.> > I have had normal thyroid panels but my Dr. let me go on 25 MCG Levo > a day......I have taken that for about 3 years..still tired and > cold...I have started gaining weight back and can't get it off.... Any doctor starting a new patients with thyroxine usually start with 50 mcgs, but with 25 mcgs if they feel their patient has a heart problem. It should be increased with increments of 25 mcgs every 8 to 12 weeks until their patient is on the level that will make them well again. I am gob-smacked that any doctor would leave their patients on such a teeny dose for 3 years. I > decided to try Armour and have been taking 2 grains a day for about > 3 weeks along with 50 MCG of Levo.Still tired and cold... I

just had > my yearly bloodwork and all my Dr. did this time was the TSH which > read: 0.03 L range: 0.34-5.60. We usually recommend starting Armour on half a grain (30mgs) only. This is becuase Armour contains , as well as T4, the active hormones T3, T2, T1. Your body needs to get used very slowly to these hormones, and it is recommended you should increase your Armour every 4 weeks by another half grain so your body doesn't experience any adverse effects. The T3 in Armour, if taken in too high a dose, can cause dizziness, palpitations, feelings of being 'spaced-out' and generally you could feel YUK - and it could be a frightening experience if you don't know what is happening, or why. This is why we recommend always splitting your dose of Armour in two halves (sometimes three). You take half your daily dose before breakfast, and because T3 has a very short half life of between 6 to 8 hours, take the second half around 2 to 3.00p.m. That way, you

get sufficient T3 to keep you functioning throughout the day and you are less likely to get the high 'spike' that T3 can cause a couple of hours after you have taken it. Anybody on either synthetic T3 or natural Armour thyroid will get a very suppressed TSH. This is simply because your body is getting the active hormone it requires, so there is no need for your pituitary gland to send messages to your thyroid to tell it to start pushing out more thyroid hormone replacement. A doctor should not base your Blood results when you are taking natural thyroid extract on the same basis as if you were taking synthetic 'inactive' thyroxine. > > My dr. says that I am getting too much thyroid and wants me to cut > back. Try to 'educate' your doctor in the nicest possible way, of course, and tell him that you do not need any Thyroid Stimulating Hormone now you are getting all the thyroid hormones your body requires. I would, however, keep a

very careful eye on how you feel, and should you get any of the adverse reactions mentioned, then do cut back by half a grain. If you go to our FILES from the Home Page of this website, you will see one entitled "How to Use Armour Thyroid" and follow the recommendations there. You can't really go far wrong if you do this. Any difficulties in finding this - just shout. This was written for people who are being forced into the situation of self-medication because their doctors are unable to help them. My mother who is an expert by now on thyroid and says I am > getting to much also! Good old Mum - this is a case when Mum does know best, and she is absolutely right. However, see how you go, you may be fine. Always remember though that it takes up to 6 weeks for your body to be able to absorb the T4 in thyroxine or Armour Thyroid, so you may not notice too much difference for a while. The average dose of Armour that people take in order to get

themselves well again is around 125mgs 150 mgs, but this depends upon weight quite a lot, and also, remember that some people need quite a high dose to be able to function normally. But is it true that you should treat by > symptoms? Do I really need more maybe? Can you by just the TSH > alone? Yes, doctors should rely on symptoms and signs. Go to our website again www.tpa-uk.org.uk and click on 'Hypothyroidism' in the Menu, and then click on 'Symptoms and Signs'. Check off how many symptoms you have and how many signs you have and list these and keep them safe - you may need to use these in a letter to oyour doctor at some stage. Signs are things that you can see - and your doctor should also be able to see. This is how doctors diagnosed hypothyroidism before the invention of the blood tests. Now, it is too easy for a doc to tell you that because your thyroid function tests are normal, this

means that YOU are normal and you do not have a thyroid problem. DUH! Read, read and read again . Eventually, little by little, things will start to drop into place and you will soon come to understand what is happening (or not) to you and what you can do about it. There is lots of help and support out here, so just shout. Luv - Sheila> > Thank you,> > - 46 year old female>

[Guest guest]

It can go either way. The best to look at is your Free T3 & Free T4 to know

what is really going on.

Steph

TSH

>I know TSH doesn't mean much but, when taking Iodine, does it make your

> TSH go up or down usually? I had to go to my " other " DR and they drew

> my TSH and I got the results today and it was .002 so they did a re-

> draw today. I hate telling them all I take, such as Iodine, 1 tsp of

> SALT they flip over that part since I have severe edema, but I did tell

> them today and they were lost as to why I would do that. Oh well, was

> just wondering about the TSH.

> Thank you, Janie

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

This was just a conventional DR, , not holistic. They only

know about TSH...lol. He was testing for some other things and threw

the TSH in there. He said he was going to find out why I have such

extreme edema. Felt like saying, OK, your the hero, nobody in 16 yrs

of testing me knows why but, OK. I only went back to him because they

hold my Lasix and K-dur hostage. If you don't go every so often, they

won't refill it. He ran an electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, pelvic

ultrasound, blood test for kidney disease. I was waiting for them to

insisted I have a mammogram, not going to happen!

Anyway, I was just wondering why that TSH was so low and if it had

to do with the iodine. I will let DR B worry about the important

stuff.

They said my cholesterol is 191 and that is just too high! I think

there was a poster on every wall from drug reps advertising statins.

Grrrrrr.

Janie

>

> It can go either way. The best to look at is your Free T3 & Free

T4 to know

> what is really going on.

>

> Steph

>

>

> TSH

>

>

> >I know TSH doesn't mean much but, when taking Iodine, does it make

your

> > TSH go up or down usually? I had to go to my " other " DR and they

drew

> > my TSH and I got the results today and it was .002 so they did a

re-

> > draw today. I hate telling them all I take, such as Iodine, 1 tsp

of

> > SALT they flip over that part since I have severe edema, but I

did tell

> > them today and they were lost as to why I would do that. Oh well,

was

> > just wondering about the TSH.

> > Thank you, Janie

> >

> >

> > ------------------------------------

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Does Dr. B have you on pregnenolone? I was reading one of his articles

recently and he said that Pregnenolone takes down cholesterol because high

cholesterol is a sign that your body is making the precursor to adrenal

hormones. Pregnenolone takes the stress off.

Steph

TSH

>>

>>

>> >I know TSH doesn't mean much but, when taking Iodine, does it make

> your

>> > TSH go up or down usually? I had to go to my " other " DR and they

> drew

>> > my TSH and I got the results today and it was .002 so they did a

> re-

>> > draw today. I hate telling them all I take, such as Iodine, 1 tsp

> of

>> > SALT they flip over that part since I have severe edema, but I

> did tell

>> > them today and they were lost as to why I would do that. Oh well,

> was

>> > just wondering about the TSH.

>> > Thank you, Janie

>> >

>> >

>> > ------------------------------------

>> >

>> >

>> >

>> >

>> >

[Guest guest]

One more thing. When I have swelling it is related to a food issue. For me

it is gluten. I have just been going through this. My body is buffering

the gluten in the body with water.

Steph

TSH

>>

>>

>> >I know TSH doesn't mean much but, when taking Iodine, does it make

> your

>> > TSH go up or down usually? I had to go to my " other " DR and they

> drew

>> > my TSH and I got the results today and it was .002 so they did a

> re-

>> > draw today. I hate telling them all I take, such as Iodine, 1 tsp

> of

>> > SALT they flip over that part since I have severe edema, but I

> did tell

>> > them today and they were lost as to why I would do that. Oh well,

> was

>> > just wondering about the TSH.

>> > Thank you, Janie

>> >

>> >

>> > ------------------------------------

>> >

>> >

>> >

>> >

>> >

[Guest guest]

Yes he has me taking 2-25 mg in the AM. So what does that mean? That

the cholesterol is trying to help my adrenals? I'm lost on this one.

> >>

> >> It can go either way. The best to look at is your Free T3 & Free

> > T4 to know

> >> what is really going on.

> >>

> >> Steph

> >>

> >>

> >> TSH

> >>

> >>

> >> >I know TSH doesn't mean much but, when taking Iodine, does it

make

> > your

> >> > TSH go up or down usually? I had to go to my " other " DR and

they

> > drew

> >> > my TSH and I got the results today and it was .002 so they did

a

> > re-

> >> > draw today. I hate telling them all I take, such as Iodine, 1

tsp

> > of

> >> > SALT they flip over that part since I have severe edema, but I

> > did tell

> >> > them today and they were lost as to why I would do that. Oh

well,

> > was

> >> > just wondering about the TSH.

> >> > Thank you, Janie

> >> >

> >> >

> >> > ------------------------------------

> >> >

> >> >

> >> >

> >> >

> >> >

[Guest guest]

Ohhhh my gosh! I don't know if I could go gluten free. Ouch

> >>

> >> It can go either way. The best to look at is your Free T3 & Free

> > T4 to know

> >> what is really going on.

> >>

> >> Steph

> >>

> >>

> >> TSH

> >>

> >>

> >> >I know TSH doesn't mean much but, when taking Iodine, does it

make

> > your

> >> > TSH go up or down usually? I had to go to my " other " DR and

they

> > drew

> >> > my TSH and I got the results today and it was .002 so they did

a

> > re-

> >> > draw today. I hate telling them all I take, such as Iodine, 1

tsp

> > of

> >> > SALT they flip over that part since I have severe edema, but I

> > did tell

> >> > them today and they were lost as to why I would do that. Oh

well,

> > was

> >> > just wondering about the TSH.

> >> > Thank you, Janie

> >> >

> >> >

> >> > ------------------------------------

> >> >

> >> >

> >> >

> >> >

> >> >

[Guest guest]

I am.

TSH

>> >>

>> >>

>> >> >I know TSH doesn't mean much but, when taking Iodine, does it

> make

>> > your

>> >> > TSH go up or down usually? I had to go to my " other " DR and

> they

>> > drew

>> >> > my TSH and I got the results today and it was .002 so they did

> a

>> > re-

>> >> > draw today. I hate telling them all I take, such as Iodine, 1

> tsp

>> > of

>> >> > SALT they flip over that part since I have severe edema, but I

>> > did tell

>> >> > them today and they were lost as to why I would do that. Oh

> well,

>> > was

>> >> > just wondering about the TSH.

>> >> > Thank you, Janie

>> >> >

>> >> >

>> >> > ------------------------------------

>> >> >

>> >> >

>> >> >

>> >> >

>> >> >

[Guest guest]

Yes Cholesterol is a precursor to your hormones. Go here and you can see it

http://www.biodia.com/TechnicalCharts/SteroidalHormonechart.pdf

Steph

TSH

>> >>

>> >>

>> >> >I know TSH doesn't mean much but, when taking Iodine, does it

> make

>> > your

>> >> > TSH go up or down usually? I had to go to my " other " DR and

> they

>> > drew

>> >> > my TSH and I got the results today and it was .002 so they did

> a

>> > re-

>> >> > draw today. I hate telling them all I take, such as Iodine, 1

> tsp

>> > of

>> >> > SALT they flip over that part since I have severe edema, but I

>> > did tell

>> >> > them today and they were lost as to why I would do that. Oh

> well,

>> > was

>> >> > just wondering about the TSH.

>> >> > Thank you, Janie

>> >> >

>> >> >

>> >> > ------------------------------------

>> >> >

>> >> >

>> >> >

>> >> >

>> >> >