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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 41. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by floatingbridge on June 23, 2009, at 21:31:28
Hello,
My labs results are in. 3.99 tsh (I should be near-ish 1 for mental well-being.) I currently take synthroid, .75. Obviously not enough. Is there a better, more balanced supplement, maybe a T3 T4 combo?
thanks!
(This is cross-posted on the alternative board.)
Posted by Phillipa on June 23, 2009, at 22:55:26
In reply to better than synthroid for Thyroid?, posted by floatingbridge on June 23, 2009, at 21:31:28
Got two books on it now researching looking at armour as some say since it contains both T4 & T3 it's better. But do we believe alternative or FDA? With synthroid as on now which doesn't seem to work anymore. Phillipa ps one book is by Mary Shoman and she has a googleable site.
Posted by chumbawumba on June 24, 2009, at 0:03:53
In reply to better than synthroid for Thyroid?, posted by floatingbridge on June 23, 2009, at 21:31:28
There is a medication called Thyrolar which is a combination T3/T4 . I've taken it but I find thyroxine works just as well and it's much cheaper.
Posted by morganpmiller on June 24, 2009, at 0:17:27
In reply to Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid?, posted by chumbawumba on June 24, 2009, at 0:03:53
There is a natural aternative called Armour. I believe many have been able to take it instead of Synthroid.
I've also read that Maca root can help with thyroid issues.
Don't know if your into trying natural alternatives. Just wanted to throws those out there
Posted by softheprairie on June 24, 2009, at 5:23:45
In reply to better than synthroid for Thyroid?, posted by floatingbridge on June 23, 2009, at 21:31:28
> Hello,
>
> My labs results are in. 3.99 tsh (I should be near-ish 1 for mental well-being.) I currently take synthroid, .75. Obviously not enough. Is there a better, more balanced supplement, maybe a T3 T4 combo?
>
> thanks!
>
> (This is cross-posted on the alternative board.)
I just want to put in a good word for T3/Cytomel.
I take it just as adjunct for mood support (and I wish for more energy, not sure if I get anything out of it energy-wise). My TSH labs have always been "within range," both before and after thyroid medication has been tried. My current dose is 50 mcg/day. Most people would start a lot lower. If a conversion table I found online is correct, 50 mcg Cytomel equals 200 mcg Synthroid/levoxyl/levothyroxine. I am morbidly obese, so that may have something to do w/ needing a high dose to affect me.
I wanted to say that just recently I tried going back to generic Synthroid instead of Cytomel, w/ my prescriber's permission (I get it Rxed by requesting it from my pdoc). My reasoning was purely financial; I'm pretty poor, and my copay difference between the two was $26 a month. I did it pretty sensibly and took half doses of both pills for a while to transition. I think I was on the generic Synthroid for two months recently (have taken it for longer periods in years past). My mood really declined. It came back up when I brought Cytomel back and dropped the generic Synthroid.
Posted by floatingbridge on June 24, 2009, at 12:09:17
In reply to Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid? » floatingbridge, posted by softheprairie on June 24, 2009, at 5:23:45
Thanks for your responses! I'm seeing my doc tomorrow and will discuss thyrolar with her. I think a t3 t4 combo would be good. Am a bit wary of cytomel because I was once treated solely w/ that and it caused me to spin out.
Maca root? I'll have to google that.
Thanks!
Posted by morganpmiller on June 24, 2009, at 14:44:31
In reply to Thanks: Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid?, posted by floatingbridge on June 24, 2009, at 12:09:17
I wouldn't be surprised if your doctor is not open minded to alternatives. Did you google Maca root for thyroid? I'm curious to know what you found.
Posted by ColoradoSnowflake on June 24, 2009, at 15:23:48
In reply to Re: Thanks: Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid?, posted by morganpmiller on June 24, 2009, at 14:44:31
I have had low thyroid for many many years. When I first got depressed 15 years ago they checked it and yes, it was low. I was on Synthroid for a while but just didn't like the idea of it so I switched to Armour and have been taking that ever since. Doc and pharmacist are always trying to get me to change, say you can't depend on what is in Armour, etc., but I stick with it. It does bring my thyroid levels up, but other than that I really don't know. I just like it that its natural. I have been interested in taking those alternative thyroid panels and the cortisol one, but they are SO expensive.
That's my 2 cents worth! Gayle
Posted by floatingbridge on June 25, 2009, at 19:10:38
In reply to Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid?, posted by ColoradoSnowflake on June 24, 2009, at 15:23:48
Gayle,
I'm thinking of going that route--that, and a cortisol test--I suspect adrenal issues as well. Thaks for your two cents!
Candace
Posted by rskontos on June 28, 2009, at 15:36:03
In reply to Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid? » ColoradoSnowflake, posted by floatingbridge on June 25, 2009, at 19:10:38
I have taken armour since last July. It helped bring my tsh levels under control. But not completely. I went to a new endo and he switched me to Levoxyl. I took at the last time I took Armour 5 weeks ago 90 mg. It took increases and my doc was slow about it.
All the research I have read, and that is plenty says you should go up sooner than my doc did. She did it every 6 weeks.I was reluctant to switch. But must confess I feel better. Some symptoms are gone. I have Hashimoto's as well. Which was confirmed two ways.
I have had the adrenal tests, cortisol both salvia and blood and the supplements I used to improve my adrenals worked. My levels are back in the normal range.
Go to the site
adrenalfatigue.org. It is a wealth of information. Dr. Wilson is one of the leaders in adrenal fatigue and has thyroid information there.
I am going to a conference in Oct where Mary Solomon will be the guest speaker. I will relate to you guys what she says.
I have changed my diet to help my thyroid and adrenals. I try to exercise as much as possible but not too much because too much will cause more stress on both adrenals and thyroid.
After my labs the first of july I will see how the synthetic worked versus armour. I have plenty of armour left and I can add it to the Levoxyl or insist that my endo let me take armour. Some people need both T-3/T-4 combos to feel better.
In any case, let me know if you guys need more research I have found way too much out and now I confused myself.
I am still not sure if synthetic is better because I feel it will be based on how your body uses whatever you are given.
rsk
Posted by Phillipa on June 28, 2009, at 20:49:11
In reply to Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid? » floatingbridge, posted by rskontos on June 28, 2009, at 15:36:03
Sent you a babblemail. Love Phillipa
Posted by floatingbridge on June 28, 2009, at 21:04:05
In reply to Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid? » floatingbridge, posted by rskontos on June 28, 2009, at 15:36:03
Thank you, rsk, for the site and your experience. I'll check it out tonight (that is, if I'm not too tired!).
I have an rx appointment tomorrow with a new *holistic* doc. I laid it all out for her, what I want that is, what treatments I'm thinking about, just to see if see'd blanche, but no. So I'm hopeful.
I am don't want to argue with docs anymore about hashimoto's or adrenal fatigue!
Posted by floatingbridge on June 28, 2009, at 21:08:16
In reply to Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid? » rskontos, posted by floatingbridge on June 28, 2009, at 21:04:05
BTW I'm glad to hear about your adrenals healing. Must feel so much better!
Mary Santos... I think Phillipa recommended her book.
Thanks again!
Posted by Phillipa on June 28, 2009, at 21:47:16
In reply to RSK: Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid?, posted by floatingbridge on June 28, 2009, at 21:08:16
Mary J. Shoman. Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on June 28, 2009, at 21:49:17
In reply to Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid? » floatingbridge, posted by rskontos on June 28, 2009, at 15:36:03
Yours is Soloman not Shoman? Phillipa
Posted by floatingbridge on June 28, 2009, at 21:58:36
In reply to Re: RSK: Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid? » floatingbridge, posted by Phillipa on June 28, 2009, at 21:47:16
Posted by rskontos on June 29, 2009, at 11:26:03
In reply to Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid? » rskontos, posted by Phillipa on June 28, 2009, at 20:49:11
Posted by rskontos on June 29, 2009, at 11:32:19
In reply to Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid? » rskontos, posted by floatingbridge on June 28, 2009, at 21:04:05
Yeah I know what you mean. Mine new endo has this 6 weeks lab results to show me the better of the two, armour or synthetic. I have read some interesting information about some people need to augment their synthetic with armour because neither of them alone is enough. So save that thought. IT will take time because of the nature of it all, the way your body responds and your doc's views.
I am not sure why most endo's aren't willing to take views that include all available treats.I know that my new GI uses a very basic old medication for my collagenous collits and when I expressed my surprise about him supporting the use of a very old medication, he said sometimes the best meds are those that have been around for a while. He said it will help you. He is right it has and I only have about 2 more weeks on it and then he said should be done until it flares up again and to repeat the treatment as needed for flareups. He said it might, might make it stay gone. HUH I needed to find this guy years ago.
Now if only I could find an endo like him. If I need to I will ask him for recommendation or go to a holistic doc, a medical doctor certified in anti-aging.
That site has so much and he , Dr. Wilson has an excellent book. I got it and it helped me help my adrenals which are now functioning much better.
take care and good luck
rsk
Posted by rskontos on June 29, 2009, at 11:33:03
In reply to RSK: Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid?, posted by floatingbridge on June 28, 2009, at 21:08:16
No Mary Solomon. Google thryoid information and she is on the about.com site.
rsk
Posted by rskontos on June 29, 2009, at 11:33:41
In reply to Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid? » rskontos, posted by Phillipa on June 28, 2009, at 21:49:17
Nope your are right I misspelled her name. I always do add an extra o.
rsk
Posted by Phillipa on June 29, 2009, at 19:23:20
In reply to Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid? » Phillipa, posted by rskontos on June 29, 2009, at 11:33:41
Rsk why can't the doc with the colitis be your thyroid doc too? Endos at least here don't listen. Google antiading doctors in your location see who turns up. Phillipa
Posted by rskontos on June 29, 2009, at 21:42:53
In reply to Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid? » rskontos, posted by Phillipa on June 29, 2009, at 19:23:20
I think Phillipa because he is a gastroenterologist and I don't think he would handle it.
I found a doctor here that specializes in treating the whole person, whom I believe could help with all, including the psyche thing, he is a trained md and psychiatrist. He specializes in biochemistry, physiology and inflammatory responses that occur in the brain and body and treats the body as a whole unit to help try and customize treatment and reduce the # of presciptions medications. He also is certified in advanced clinical psychopharmacology. The biggest problem is he doesn't accept insurance.
I think I would like to go to him to see if he could handle the endo issues. Plus the hormonal issues I think are still a problem. Or is just that my thyroid isn't doing completely better and maybe it will never be better than now.
It is all so confusing.
But thanks for the suggestion.
rsk
Posted by floatingbridge on June 29, 2009, at 22:52:34
In reply to Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid?, posted by rskontos on June 29, 2009, at 21:42:53
Wow. this doc sounds great (and expensive).
good luck!
Posted by Phillipa on June 30, 2009, at 20:07:07
In reply to Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid?, posted by rskontos on June 29, 2009, at 21:42:53
Reminds me a bit of the doc paid out of pocket for for the bioidenticals. Lady patient has my endo and says she takes armour and feels great. All I know is I don't feel great and am always wired and tired. I seriously know it's the thyroid as didn't have the problems I have til hasimotos. Keep me informed okay please? Love Phillipa
Posted by floatingbridge on June 30, 2009, at 20:12:04
In reply to Re: better than synthroid for Thyroid? » rskontos, posted by Phillipa on June 30, 2009, at 20:07:07
Phillipa,
What type of thyroid are you taking?
FB
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