Posted by M on March 26, 2000, at 17:27:20
In reply to Re: Wallowing, or...., posted by Noa on March 26, 2000, at 14:12:30
> Absolutely on the issue of what is "normal"--many doctors seem to rely too heavily on a statistical norm and leave their thinking minds at the door. If "normal" for TSH levels is said to be between .5 and around 5, what does this mean? Does it mean that "most" (a statistical majority of) people are completely asymptomatic at these levels? What about the minority?
>
> Apparently, there is some new research showing that a TSH of 2 or higher is highly predictive of future hypothyroid symptoms.
>
> Many docs are afraid to prescribe thyroid hormones because of the possible increase in risk for osteoporosis. However, now there are some researchers saying that the risk for osteoporosis is increased with actual hyperthyroid illness, and not necessarily from thyroid hormone replacement.
>
> And, M, you are right, hypothyroid is associated with increased risk of heart disease.
>
> I urge you to check out the website mentioned above. It is an excellent resource--even has doctor recommendations.
>
> BTW, the book, Living Well with Hypothyroidism, has been extremely helpful to me, and how fortunate that is has hit the shelves just as I begin to address my questions about how my hypothyroidism affects my depression and my response to medications. The author explains the different diagnostic tests and how to make sense of the results, including some of the history and controversy about diagnosing hypothyroidism. She discusses treatment options, drug quality, why treatment sometimes does not work, and what to about it. Finally, she provides lists of resources, including Dr. Bob's Psychopharmocology Tips, from which she cites discussions about the use of T3 and T4 to treat hypothyroidism associated with depression, giving credit to pdocs for being ahead of their non-psychiatric peers in thinking more flexibly about thyroid treatment.
Hmmm, thought I posted this message but it didn't seem to make it here. Oh well, here it is again:Thanks, Noa. I visited the website you suggested and found lots of good info. I'm heading to the library tomorrow to pick up a copy of Living Well with Hypothyroidism so I'll be well prepared for the doc next month!
poster:M
thread:28080
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000321/msgs/28204.html