Posted by BarbaraCat on July 24, 2004, at 12:24:20
In reply to Re: TSH Levels and Thyroid Meds? » twinmom, posted by tealady on July 19, 2004, at 4:30:32
> I think BarabaraCat has thyroid and bipolar?
>
**What a good memory, TeaLady! I certain do and am. My thyroid has not been helped at all by lithium, as my TSH tends to bounce all over the place. I take 200mcg selenium, 500mg Tyrosine for it, along with all the other nutrients, fish oil, etc. etc. Getting daily aerobic exercise is important too.My recent thyroid test showed TSH at 8.5. No wonder I was feeling like crap. Since increasing my thyroid meds I feel much better. My fibrmyalgia symptoms improve greatly when my thyroid is levels are optimal - for me, TSH around 1.5. I take 1/2 natural thyroid and 1/2 synthetic.
As far as levels within 'normal range', my feeling is that anything over 2.0 is borderline, especially if one has a mood disorder. One has to ask the question, however, if it's wise to supplement a still functioning thyroid gland with an exogenous source of the hormone and risk suppressing the gland's functioning. I would try everything else (besides thyroid hormone) first to try to lower the TSH and, most importantly, start feeling better. That said, in a true hypothyroid condition, there is no substitute for supplementing the hormone and I'm resigned to it being a lifetime commitment.
**Also, interesting you mention high iron levels. My recent lab work showed that my iron is high. Not many people are aware of the very serious dangers of this condition and how prevalent it is. One of the symptoms is 'psychological disturbances', as the iron can deposit in the brain, as well as other organs (the liver is a favorite). Hah! yet another addition to my long list of possible culprits. Men and post-menopausal women are at risk. Frequent blood giving is the only way to reduce these levels.
I strongly encourage you all to do a search on 'excess iron' or 'hemochromatosis', which is the more serious genetic disease form of it. Don't assume you have 'iron poor blood' or need iron in your multi-vites, and have your doctor run a ferritin test, especially if you're in the at risk population. - BarbaraCat
poster:BarbaraCat
thread:366914
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040724/msgs/369952.html