Posted by tealady on July 19, 2004, at 4:30:32
In reply to TSH Levels and Thyroid Meds?, posted by twinmom on July 16, 2004, at 16:07:49
Hi Twinmom,
I haven't been reading here lately, so I don't know much about you. Hypo symptoms are the pits.
Few things
Firstly, when did you have these twins?
One can go a bit hypo after childbirth..and it is hopefully temporary.That's a reasonable wait time for an endo appointment.
If it was me, I'd start immediately on the selenium (200mcg for the 2 weeks..taken daily in the morning probably)then reduce to say 100 mcg daily (I'm assuming you live in ths US?)
..retest TSH, FT3, FT4 about 3 months after starting selenium.Next get a blood test for ferritin...this is a part of iron studies usually but can be done alone.
(probably needs to be above 50 for optimal thyroid function..and preferably around 70-80 ..acceptable range perhaps 65-95??)..this is NOT the same as "normal"... Note..rough guideline only..and only mentioned as "normal" is just too broad..(I think normal in Japan is over 50)Iron should not be supplemented without a blood test for ferritin first (unless on doc's advice..as in anemia).. too much iron is bad for you too...
Next..consider zinc..do you have any white spots on your fingernails? That's a telltale sign for me when I am low on zinc.
Latest studies indicate a TSH above a "3" should be treated ..but most endos probably would not do so.
Giving your test result , I'd try selenium first (and zinc if indicated)...as thyroid meds can be "hard" to take and its preferable if you an get your own thyroid to "function" better again.If they do help ..but not enough..try trysoine ..first thing in the morning on an empty stomach...as Lar mentioned I think..but I would say only 500mg per day with some B6 (preferable P5P B6..20-50mg max.) taken at breakfast together with the zinc(about 20mg per day) and selenium(60-100mcg daily) and probably a multiB as well for balance....then iron (if needed) with lunch.
Then calcium/magnesium at bedtime also..just to be sure<grin>.
Yeah, you HAVE to spread them out like this or one stops the other ...Another blood test worth doing is B12..but I think the endo will probably run that one. (and lots more too ..so make sure you get a photocopy or fax of your test results)
There's a few thyroid forums around if you are interested in more detailed info and help.
I think BarabaraCat has thyroid and bipolar?
poster:tealady
thread:366914
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040719/msgs/367656.html