What should my next step be with my thyroid issue?
When I got my thyroid tested a couple of months ago, my TSH levels were at 3.67. When I went to my naturopath, she said that I had a borderline thyroid problem. However, I came across this release from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists yesterday that said that "Now AACE encourages doctors to consider treatment for patients who test outside the boundaries of a narrower margin based on a target TSH level of 0.3 to 3.04."(see complete link here: http://www.aace.com/newsroom/press/2003/index.php?r=20030118 This information was actually released in January 2003.
So, according to the AACE, my thyroid level is too high. I am finishing my detox in a couple of weeks and getting my thyroid retested after that. I am wondering what the next step should be if my levels are still high......Go to a traditional endocrinologist? My whole reason for going to a naturopath was because I didn't want to go on synthroid, but I am also concerned about this finding.
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Joanna, before you worry about the next step, it may not be a bad idea to wait for the results of your test. I also recommend that in the meantime, while you wait for the results, get a hold of this book: The Thyroid Solution by Ridha Arem, MD. He is a genious in this area and I think one of the best endocrinologists. His revolutionary mind-body program will help you decide what route to take about your thyroid issues. His book is sold on Amazon.com or via this website http://www.thyroid-info.com/aremrevw.htm
Hi Virginia -- This looks like a great book. I was just about to place an Amazon order, so it looks like I have one more book to add to the list! I see he has also written for EmpowHer, which is great. Also, I checked out his web site, www.thyroidwellness.com, which was very interesting. I loved reading the testimonials and was interesting to see the supplements he offered that are designed especially to help people with thyroid issues. Thanks so much!!!!!!
Joanna, you might find this blog really interesting. It is written by a thyroid doctor who blogs about issues his patients are dealing with, and how he is treating them. I think the eighth blog down talks about
The doctor is Dr. Richard B. Guttler in Santa Monica, California. He has been a thyroid expert for 31 years and directs a thyroid center that does all aspects of thyroid diagnosis and treatment.
Many of his blogs will not pertain to you, but he often discusses hormones and prescriptions, and it's interesting to read all the issues patients are dealing with:
http://thyroid.blogspot.com/
And here is his website:
http://www.thyroid.com/patientinformation.html#articles
That page has a lot of links at the bottom that might take you to other sites where Synthroid, current levels of thyroid measurement, or thyroid treatment in general is discussed. Just a little light reading while you're waiting for the results of your tests, LOL. In all seriousness, here's a wish that your results are so good that no further treatment will be necessary.
To Joanna:
My suggestion is to have blood tested for TPO/TG antibodies which may indicate autoimmune thyroid condition [Hashimoto's thyroiditis]
Some patients [about 30 %] were able to reduce the antibodies' level by taking selenium supplements [dose varied for different trials; was between 65 and 150 microgram per day];reducing levels of antibodies slowed down destruction of the thyroid.
Increase of iodine in the diet is NOT recommended if autoimmune condition is confirmed.
Hi Anonymous -- Thanks for the info. Actually, I just got that test done & I was fine... no Hashimotos (whew) Thanks for posting this, though. It is good info.