GOOD READING - HYPOTHYROIDISM

[stella5349]

Good information here on thyroid imbalances

http://www.arltma.com/HypothyroidismDoc.htm

[stella5349]

I am faily open to reading a ton of material that pertains to my condition. I do feel reading all the material openly is important - however I try to remain very cautious and check out as much as I feel I can about "what " I read.

I am so analytical about everything - I think that in itself gets me in trouble too :)

But comparing my whole thyroid situation and looking back from my first Dx on Grave's I can say I am much better now than then. I didn't have an ounce of knowledge about anything - whether hogwash - or not. I just went in as blind as a bat - thinking a doctor would "fix" me and I could move on with my life as usual. That is the most upsetting to me about myself - I was always careful with these type of things when it came to my husband- kids or others - but when it came to me - I just went with the flow and didn't check anything out.

I have used myself now as a testing tool at times. For example - I wanted to track my basel temp to "see" if it did change the more I felt better and it has. I do find I have normal temps instead of lower ones now that I feel better. Is it thyroid related? Not sure - but I never would have checked it if I didn't read about it.

Some of the other things I read too I have tried. Yet one thing now is always on my mind - make sure it is discussed with someone who totally understands my condition and is there to help me get better.

That I think has been my solid treatment plan now for over a year.

[Thypatient]

Calcitonin is involved in the controlling calcium levels ‘after’ it gets secreted by the thyroid.  That whole controlling of calcium levels process is regulated by the parathyroid glands – not the thyroid.

The item from the company is not an article but an advertising page.  Only it’s set in the style of and titled as an article (an advertising idea).  Gee, if someone is going to attempt to use that style to make money off of potential thyroid patients; wouldn’t they, maybe, at least want to get somewhat completely perfect on basic information about it?

The heartbreaking part is seeing someone pay for something like this that is not only unfounded, but can be downright dangerous if a serious thyroid issue gets missed.  On the other hand, what if a thyroid issue does get picked up on, what would someone do then?  Probably have to go see a better qualified practitioner to take care of it, hence, paying out yet more money.

Anyone notice the bookstore list?  One book is called, “Legal Guidelines for Unlicensed Practitioners,”- which includes tips on ‘words to avoid.’  Super. Boy, talk about a red flag!

[4helen]

What does the thyroid gland do?
The thyroid gland produces three hormones that are released into the bloodstream:
 Thyroxine, often called T4.
 Triiodothyronine, often called T3. In the body, T4 is converted into T3 and this is
what influences the way cells and tissues work.
 Calcitonin. This is involved in controlling calcium levels in the blood. With medullary
thyroid cancer (MTC), too much calcitonin is produced.

http://www.british-thyroid-association.org/info-for-patients/Docs/Thyroid_Cancer.pdf

At the risk of splitting hairs here--no pun intended--lol!----think the article whilst not completely perfect and yes, wholly agree that a 'marketing mind set' behind these articles should always be considered carefully,---it does offer some good thought provoking points about nutrition, water quality, and stress (something the BTA doesn't---can't speak for the ATA) and it is only dealing with hypothyroidism, and not cancer.

I spent 9 months shrivering because the temperature 'tool' was never considered by my GP, yet had a blood diagnostic tool result of TSH of 5 (which is within range used here) so based on my experience of suffering - please forgive me that I can't join the passionate 'thermometer spanking brigade'! lol. I thought last round in this ring establised it as only a tool in the box of many other diagnostic tools? Why is this tool so irrationally hated?

I agree with Nellster--the more I can read--even if I don't agree with it---the better treatment decisions I can make for myself; what works for one, may not be right for another!  It would be heartbreaking if a culture of 'party line' invaded here, such that people wouldn't post stuff for fear of ridicule, and we wouldn't get the opportunity to see if it is an idea that may have legs in our lives.  : )

[Thypatient]

stella5349:  Thanks.  You probably knew I’d be all over this, right?

Barb135:  He’s likely referring to being on a higher dose of med than necessary.  It’s not discussed enough, if you ask me, but a side effect of too much or long term thyroid medication use is risk to the bones.   It’s one reason why the risks and benefits of suppressing the TSH to such a low level are taken into consideration by endos.  In the case of someone who’s had cancer, the benefit of suppressing the TSH outweighs the risks.  This aspect is one reason why my heart goes out to those who must deal with that tough disease.

Also, I understand the disease of hyperthyroidism, if left untreated, can put the bones at risk.  But then so can treating it; making it yet another tough disease to deal with.   Someone with more experience regarding that can probably talk more proficiently on it.

Regardless, even though issues pertaining to the thyroid can affect calcium and the bones, the thyroid gland in itself does not regulate calcium - as these ding-dongs claim!  The parathyroid glands regulate calcium.

As an aside:  Where I live is filled with these same types of ding-dongs.  Oy.

[Barb135]

I believe what you said about the thyroid regualting calcium levels, but I do have a question.  When I went to the endo on Jan 27, he was concerned that my TSH has been running in the 0.01 - 0.16 range since July.  He said that keeping TSH suppressed that much, for that long contributes to osteoporosis.  Can you tell me what the connection is?  

Thanks.  

[stella5349]

I totally think you are the best - you know that.
:)

[Thypatient]

Oops - typo!  Meant to say:  That’s definitely not something a lot of folks here 'would' agree with.'  As in, folks here put a lot of faith in blood tests and range numbers.  Again, that's evident when I see the number of times members are asked to post their lab results here.

This is just a website that's trying to make money by playing on alternative nonsense.  What if someone's hair analysis turned out perfect, and yet they were harboring a cancer or something (?).  Then what?

Please be careful.

[nellster]

Hi.  Thanks for another read Stella.    

I think the more reading I can do on the subject and the more knowledge I gain will enable me to make better choices and decide just what works/may not work for me.  I also like it when my Doc gets that surprised look when I say something that resembles me knowing a thing or two!

I am kicking myself for not having a clue about adrenals when my whole thyroid story started!

[Thypatient]

This looks good, I like the cobalt blue color background, but unfortunately it’s immediately obvious the whole thing falls under the category of ‘hokey.’

The first thing is the mentioning of one, Broda Barnes.  It can’t be stressed enough that he was someone who came up with crazy, unfounded claims about thyroid disease, was debunked by medical societies and should be ignored.

Some other silly nonsense in just that little piece is that, 1.) “The Temperature Test” can detect hypothyroidism (it can’t and only shows one symptom is occurring); and 2.) one of the ‘other detection methods is something silly called “Hair Mineral Testing.”

But here’s the biggest fallacy of all…drum roll please:  “The thyroid gland regulates calcium levels.”  ~ No it doesn't!

In the conclusion it says, “Blood tests for hypothyroidism are not always reliable.”  That’s definitely not something a lot of folks here would not agree with (evident when I see how many times members are asked to post their lab results).

Let’s make sure we’re taking in and sharing information that’s from reliable sources.  This is definitely not in that category.  But information from the American Thryoid Association and the British Thryoid Association, for example, is.

Be careful!

[4helen]

Thx for link - good reading! Maybe one for the health pages?  ----1 question -- what do you think about mineral hair testing?  : )