I recently had a patient come to me with severe chills, hair loss, and a host of other symptoms. After asking several questions and making some observations, I decided the thyroid gland should be considered. She quickly told me that her medical doctor had done a thyroid test within the last month and it was fine. Lab tests were ‘unremarkable’ in regards to TSH, T4, and T3. However; my clinical 'suspicion' screamed, “Check the thyroid!”
Why worry about the thyroid if the blood tests all came back normal? Simply put, the blood test doesn't reveal the whole picture. We can have normal levels of TSH, T3 & T4, but it says nothing about our ability to take it from the blood to the cell and allow it to attach to the appropriate receptor site. Also some chemicals are actually toxins that take the best seats at the orchestra, keeping us from really ‘using’ thyroid hormone. The sneaky thing is, these toxins are are chemically very similar to iodine (critical for the synthesis of thyroid hormone).
So if you’re experiencing hair loss, weight gain, feel cold frequently, have feelings of malaise or depression, poor morning energy, and the list goes on...this message is especially for you! Read on...
Here's a test called the Barnes Thyroid Test you can do at home. All you DIY divas take heed! For next-to-nothing, you can ‘diagnose’ your thyroid as under-functioning, or functioning well but not taking up the hormone to the receptor sites:
1. Buy a glass thermometer. (much preferred over a digital thermometer for our purposes)
2. Put it next to your bed.
3. Measure body temperature immediately upon waking, under your arm (even before going to the bathroom.)
4. Leave thermometer under your arm for 10 minutes and get a reading.
5. Repeat Step #3 for 5 mornings in a row.
6. Add all 5 readings together and divide by 5.
7. Call Dr. Tompkins at 417.336.2620 if your temperature is outside the 98.2-98.8 range.
By the way, the patient mentioned in the first paragraph has no more chills and is experiencing much better health since we’ve addressed this issue using specific supplementation and a thyroid glandular to help her get on top of her thyroid issues. In closing, your natural, God-given thyroid CAN be restored and is much preferred over a synthetic thyroid given in pill form.
I have been on synthetic Thyroid for 18 years. I finally got to read "Stop the Thyroid Madness' and am so thankful for what the book has inspired me to do! I found an endocrinologist who was willing to change me to Armour (a desiccated thyroid) but thought I was a little bonker since my thyroid test were completely 'normal' (whatever that means)!!! I clearly had hypothyroid symptoms (fatigue, foggy thinking, anxiety, increased cholesterol, hair falling out, heart palpatations, no appetite but increase in weight, and the list went on). I tried some natural things and felt better but overwhelmed because I didn't know what I was doing. My new endo wanted me to go back to my synthetic and was not willing for me to raise my Armor dosage even though I was feeling so much better but not all symptoms had resolved. So it forced me to find again someone new.
ReplyDeleteI recently found a homeopathic doctor who has a medical degree and specializes in the endocrine system. I can't be more pleased after my appt last Thursday. He suggested I start with my adrenals and feels like my thyroid will begin to respond also. He is doing lots of other testing but I feel he is going to get me on the right path. For all those suffering with thyroid symptoms, I encourage you to read, "Stop the thyroid Madness'. It is very inspiring and helps you understand so much more about your body in terms everyone can understand. She also address adrenal fatigue which is important in treating our thyroid symptoms. She gives explicit lab that should be drawn - not just the TSH, T3 and T4 but antibodies, cortisol, DHEA, ferritin, RBC Magnesium and Potassium, Vit D, etc. She has a website at www.stopthethyroidmadness.com if you are interested. Good luck and I know with Dr. Wayne he will be willing to help you out! Wish we were closer!
You can not simply close your eyes to low thyroid or hypothyroidism when you have it. In many cases, hormonal replacement is suggested but if you are not really comfortable with it, you can opt for thyroid medications or natural thyroid supplements.
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