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Question:
I have recently been diagnosed with
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis hypothyroidism and my doctor
has put me on 100mg of (Thyroxine) Synthroid or T4.
I’m having a lot of trouble losing weight. I’ve also
tried small amounts of T3 which have made me put on
weight! very weird. I’m thinking of switching to
Armour Thyroid. What’s your opinion on this
medication? I’m 18 years old and I’m trying to
become a bodybuilder but its becoming increasing
difficult to do everyday tasks let alone such a
demanding sport. I eat a healthy balanced diet with
protein, complex carbohydrates and essential fatty
acids and supplement Vitamin C, ZMA and Udo's Oil.
I’ve also had highly elevated AST and ALT liver
values and my testosterone levels have been
constantly low on my blood tests. I also have
elevated thyroid peroxidase antibody levels. Hair
growth is scarce, facial hair grows only on the
lower part of the jaw, very little hair growth. No
sex drive. Sleeping long hours unable to wake up
till I’ve slept at least 10 hours waking up earlier
leaves me fatigued and exhausted throughout the rest
of the day. Sometimes feeling exhausted especially
after training. Joint paint in the knuckles and in
the knees. Brain fog sometimes feeling like I’m in a
dream. Gain weight easily despite consistent diet,
weight training and cardio, can't lose body fat.
Hair is brittle and falls out easily. Waking up in
the middle of the night frequently with an appetite.
Can get extremely bad water retention in the
abdominal, lower back and inner thigh area. Not
gaining enough muscle mass, not getting stronger or
bigger from training. General wellbeing is poor.
Answer:
Nutrient deficiencies can often lead to
hormonal imbalances and in your case inadequate
amounts of iodine, zinc and selenium might be
implicated which can lead to thyroid hormone
insufficiency. Zinc deficiency can also compromise
testosterone production. Heavy metal overload and
food allergy/intolerance might be involved.
Candida/yeast, gluten and dairy intolerance need to
be evaluated. Adrenal hormone deficiencies might be
part of your problem and this can be evaluated by
means of salivary and urine assays which assess
cortisol production. As you’ve discovered T4 is not
always the best form of management for thyroid
hormone insufficiency but before you proceed with
Armour thyroid having the above investigations would
yield information that would be highly informative.
Equally measuring blood glucose and insulin levels
would also be useful.
Question:
I am 30 years old living in Saudi Arabia since 4
years but I have some health problem from 2 years. I
have acidity & gases problem. I used so many
medicine but not recovered from disease and I have
taken 4 time helicobacter pylori test. It is
showing always positive. I used anti bacterial
medicine tablet but still not recovered. I am not
sleeping at night properly. I’m changing side by
side all night during sleep and my stool is also not
good. It’s not regular or not on time. It’s very
hard like layer by layer so please advise me what to
do and tell me also what to take for the
helicobacter pylori infection.
Answer:
A
substance called zinc-carnosine which not
surprisingly is comprised of the mineral zinc
together with the antioxidant carnosine combined
with the herbs cranberry, liquorice and picrorhiza
has been advocated as a treatment for helicobacter
pylori. There is some evidence that these
substances on their own can combat helicobacter and
the wisdom is that when working in tandem these
remedies might be even more powerful. Vitamin
C, mastic gum, acidophilus powder or capsules and
the herbs barberry, grapefruit seed extract, thyme,
myrrh, cinnamon, golden seal, garlic, liquorice and
tansy when used in combination can also be used to
manage helicobacter pylori infection. You have to
give this kind of approach 3 months to be effective.
It is also possible that food
intolerance might be related to your problems and
being tested for gluten and yeast intolerance and
eliminating dairy might be helpful.
Question:
I’m 40 years old and I had a total thyroidectomy
4 months ago. Prior to the operation, my thyroid
hormone levels were normal, the reason for the
operation was the enlarged multinodular goitre which
kept growing and was becoming visible. I opted for
an operation because my doctor has assured me that
the hormone that I would be taking has exact same
chemical formulation as the hormone produced by my
body and that I won't have any side effects
associated with it. However, 1 month after the
operation, I've started noticing rapid changes in my
face - more wrinkles, less elasticity in the skin,
circles under the eyes, etc. I have always
looked younger than my age, just prior to the
operation someone has commented that I looked 25 -
and now I look at the mirror and I don't recognise
myself. Now I definitely look 40 or older! I am
happy to accept my age, but my concern is that if
the changes I experience are related to the lack of
my own thyroid hormone and if the trend continues, I
will age too quickly - and I don't want to! Do you
think it is possible to stop this process and get my
skin look the same as before the operation?
Answer:
It would be a good idea to idea to
have your nutrient status and hormone levels
evaluated. As you might have discovered from reading
this segment T4 is not always the best treatment for
compromised thyroid function which often merits from
a comprehensive approach. The stress of an
operation can also adversely effect hormone status
and can unmask nutrient insufficiency which is
another reason for this type of evaluation.
Question:
We have just had our first baby and are weighing
up wether to vaccinate or not. We did not do the hep
B at birth as I knew she wouldn’t be using needles
or having intercourse to contract it but now she is
coming up to her 2 month jabs and I’m wondering your
view on this. Should we wait till her immune system
is stronger or forget them all together or just be
selective with which ones we choose.
Answer:
I’m
not the greatest endorser of vaccinations but there
are many who would take umbrage with this point of
view. I was recently listening to a National Public
Radio broadcast from the
USA during which a medical expert
indicated that the hypothesis connection vaccination
with autism had been refuted. Then a colleague
informed me that a recent court case in the USA
supported the opposite point of view. Either way I
would certainly endorse your desire to delay
hepatitis B vaccination indefinitely and to choose
vaccinations judiciously.
Question:
I take andriol and I have swelling of my feet.
I had an analysis and everything is good. Is this
because of andriol? How can I avoid this swelling?
Answer:
It would be important to have your
physician review this form of testosterone treatment
as andriol can compromise liver function which can
lead to swelling. Equally under-production of
thyroid hormones can lead to swelling as can
impaired heart function so be sure to have your
physician evaluate these possibilities.
Question:
I have recently plagued by a pain or
stiffness around my lower neck and have a foul taste
in my mouth and have noticed I’m losing quite a bit
of hair. I thought it was due to starting a diet.
All my food intake is steamed. I mainly stick to
vegetables and salads yet have not lost any weight
past 10 pounds and now I’m experiencing stomach
craps. I was wondering if I might be having trouble
with my lower thyroid and what symptoms should I be
looking for that would indicate that kind of
problem.
Answer:
It sounds like your protein intake is
inadequate. This might limit digestive function
which can lead to cramping. A foul taste in the
mouth might be caused by inflammation of the gums.
Hair loss and difficulty with weight loss might be
due to thyroid insufficiency and inadequate
production of other hormones including testosterone,
oestrogen, DHEA and growth hormone. You would need
to get your physician to evaluate your neck problem
as well as your nutrient, hormonal and digestive
status.
Question:
I am seeking professional advice on
human growth hormone (HgH) product. I see many HgH
products online, but I’m also aware that the
internet is action packed with scams that try and
capitalize on insecure and self improving people.
I want to revitalise my body and recharge my
batteries I have been told that HgH which some of my
friends have used is very good at replacing the loss
of males hormones? There was lot of publicity about
anti-aging effects of Human Growth Hormone several
years ago but this seems to died down. Is this
because it has now become an accepted treatment, or
has it failed to live up the initial promise?
Answer:
There is probably more hype surrounding growth
hormone than actual benefits. While this substance
can build muscle mass over time, boost the immune
system and help to strengthen bones over time if you
are young and producing adequate amounts of growth
hormone or if you are overweight taking growth
hormone might be counterproductive especially
initially in the case of those who are overweight
and certainly if you are young and your levels are
sufficient taking this hormone would not be a wise
choice. As far as rebuilding male hormones and
recharging your batteries I’m not sure there is any
evidence for this.
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