> Great followup on "Kurt" - except it doesn't address any of the relevant points I raised. The doc in question is a cardiologist, makes inaccurate statements about hormonal therapy, uses testimonials instead of hard evidence and promotes a form of home lab testing in which he apparently has a financial interest, and which sounds highly dubious as to accuracy of results ... You are welcome to look at a clinical experience backed up by lab results as mere 'testimonials' - I think that there is a demonstrated link between low T3/T4 and elevated cholesterol, and I think that in many people, correcting an iodine deficiency is enough to restore the T3 and TSH levels to normal.... which is why I posted a link to that. As to his financial interests in the products he advocates, I don't know and don't pretend to know. On the radio yesterday, there was a discussion about doctors who make hundreds of thousands of dollars referring their patients to imaging clinics they own ... that type of possible conflict of interest seems to be rather common, and the medical boards don't seem interested in taking any action to stop it. I would not be surprised if "Kurt" actually does believe that levels of hormones like T3 and vitamin D and testosterone can be important in the development of heart disease, and that the testing is an accurate, cost-effective way to identify whether or not there might be a problem with any of these. But you would have to ask him. >> It remains true that taking iodine supplements is not the way to treat Hashimoto's thyroiditis - and could even be harmful. We have already established that large amounts of iodine can have negative effects - there is no dispute there. Where we have not agreed is related to smaller doses - it is my position that iodine deficiency can make any form of hypothyroidism worse, and reasonable amounts of iodine may be useful for some with hypothyroidism. Nope, we don't know that coconut oil had any effect in this regard. Beyond the unreliability of testimonial evidence in general ... Look, Magoo, the literature review I linked to above is not 'testimonials' - it was put together from dozens of studies related to MCTs and coconut oil - it found these compounds can in fact increase metabolic rate ... the shorter chain compounds enter cells without need for transport, and they burn faster and hotter than other fats. That word 'testimonial' seems to hold magical import in your psyche - you apparently think that calling any argument you disagree with a 'testimonial' proves that it is untrue (even when it is not even a testimonial)! This has nothing to do with the unreliability of testimonies - it is about an individual patient adjusting their lifestyle to feel better - a big difference, but something you can't understand since it is all so abstract and by the book for you. You deny that the patient can be aware of their own condition, or do anything constructive about their...

I have one thing to add about low thyroid hormones. I have been battleing Thyroid issues for years now, 10 years actually. I originally had an overactive or Hyper thyroid. I had to have the radioactive Iodine, as I had a severe case, and needed to have the thing shut off. But since then it has been an on going battle to get on the "right" does of Thyroid hormone. Well in the last year an intresting problem occurred. For a couple years my levels were normal. Then all of a sudden at my last check up my levels were WAY underactive. About 8 months prior to this visit I had switched to soy milk because dairy was giving me issues. Well they have just published several articles about soy products stop or lessen the absorption of throid hormones. Soy blocks the hormones so you are not absorbing all that you should be. I stopped drinking soy milk and my levels have returned to normal. So long story short if you hare having "borderline" thyroid problems, look and see if you are eating much soy. It is a sneaky item now, since it has been proven to be so healthy (which it is for most people) they are putting it in everything. I had to search high and low to find a multi-vitamin that did not have it listed in the ingredients. Also so many of the vegatrian "meat" substitutes are made with soy. Try eliminating soy and see if affects the small change you need.

Anyway, I had no idea to check adrenal function when (preferably before, actually) going on Thyroid (similar to Armour). The doctors are supposed to do this, but they do not unless the patient has a problem. I had a huge problem as I raised my Armour.. I kept getting more hypothyroid and my doctor kept raising my Armour. I almost ended up agoraphobic, I would get so freaked out in a traffic jam or even driving though a row of trees! It did a number on my mental well-being, I had major brain-fog, swollen legs/feet and terrible constipation. All due to low cortisol and probably a high reverse T3... things my doctor never checked. My blood was FULL of thryoid hormone but it wasn't getting into my cells. I'm doing better now (not great) and it's only due to my own research. I frequent the forums mentioned above and both are very helpful. I also just bought the "Stop The Thyroid Madness" book and am really impressed so far. Lots more info here than on the website.

How are you doing? I only needed to take extra calcium for 36 hours. Haven’t experienced any more tingling. I’m taking my thyroid med when I go to restroom between 3-5am and go back to bed (thanks for mentioning that, above). I feel fine but have absolutely no appetite. The last two days I have slept later, but I’m not tired during the day. Will be interesting to see where my numbers are when I go to the Dr next month. I went to my dermatologist yesterday for skin cancer screening, and she gave me a Serica brochure. She said it’s much much better than Mederma. The brochure had a $5 off coupon from Walgreens, and it was already $5 less than on Amazon. It’s only 1oz but a thin, clear gel so a little goes a long way.