OTC Thyroid supplements

[tornadochaser]

Okay, had my f/u appt. with the doctor (PCP).   The free T3 was 4.3 and the free T4 was 1.34 .   (In August, TSH was 6.16 and repeat TSH in October was 2.42.)  Because I have most of the Hypothyroid symptoms and family history (my Mom), I asked him about possible Hashimotos.  He agreed to do the antibody bloodwork and told me his nurse would call me later in the week to set up a lab time.  When I called back the next week (the nurse had not called me back) and asked her about it, she said he was going to wait until my next appointment. (6 months from now!!!)  I forgot to mention that he also told me that if the anitbody bloodwork came back positive, he still would not prescribe anything--just take a wait and see approach.  Who wants to wait around when they feel like this???  
So, my question is this:  until my next appointment, are there any over the counter "Thyroid Support Formulas" that are known to help?  Do these really work?  I have seen lots of different formulas on the internet and was curious if they could help.  I am desperate for relief from my symptoms.  Also, what about progesterone supplements?  Could that help with the hypothyroid symptoms?  Iodine supplements?    Please help.  The frustration of it all has me in tears nearly every day.   And yes, I do exercise and eat right every day (no weight loss--5''7" & 165lbs.--but it does help keep the depression from getting too bad.)  Thank you

[GravesLady]

In some cases the thyroid can correct itself.

AACE 2006 amended guidelines,  the US Government 2004 Guidelines and UK 2006 Guidelines:
"TSH of 4.5 to 10:  No routine levothyroxine treatment for patients with TSH levels between 4.5 and 10 mIU/L, but thyroid function tests should be repeated at 6- to 12-month intervals to monitor for improvement or worsening in TSH level. Early levothyroxine therapy does not alter the natural history of the disease......

TSH Higher Than 10 mIU/L (Overt)Hypothyroidism Levothyroxine therapy is reasonable.

Data do not confirm clear-cut benefits for early therapy compared with treatment when symptoms OF/overt hypothyroidism develop."

Each symptom can and in most cases, be trusted separately from each other and from thyroid.  However, trying to treat the thyroid through other means is not wise because more harm/damage could be done than good.

Wait for your next doctor appointment and discuss your issues.

Good luck

[AlonaJ]

Looks like you posted twice :)

So you are on no thyroid medications from your Doctor at all???  I have heard of Doctor's taking a "wait and see" approach, though I don't know what they are waiting for.  The chances of your thyroid working properly again are slim.  I'm sure supplements can improve your situation, but not to the extent a hormone replacement product would.

I don't know if progesterone would help, but your reproductive cycle relies heavy on the switch of estrogen and progesterone so I wouldn't try it without talking to you Doctor.  The same thing can be said for iodine treatment.  From what I understand iodine is used to treat over-active thyroids and too much in your system can cause hypothyroidism.

What you can do is tell your PCP that you don't want to wait 6 months, ask him for a referral to an Endocrinologist.  If he refuses, call your insurance company and ask them to assign you a new PCP.