Phytosterols

Questions and Answers

Questions and Answers Segment

Your questions answered every 2 weeks. If you have a question for Dr Elstein, click here.

QUESTION 1:  I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this case scenario- a patient on SR T3 of 200mcg pd and 50mcg of Oroxine, due to autoimmune hypothyroiditis but despite this medication and dose - (without any cardio disturbances except a resting pulse of 88), there is minimal improvement in symptoms or weight loss.  Monthly pathology indicates elevated cortisol, and thyroid Ab's with very low oestrogen, testosterone and progesterone in the Luteal phase.  No one as yet can provide me with an answer to crack this code so would be very appreciative if you had any thoughts or could point me in the right direction

Answer:  The thyroid replacement might not be working if excess reverse T3 is generated which can get in the way and this should be measured.  Elevated cortisol is associated with increased reverse T3 levels.  You need to find out why all the hormones are low in the luteal phase.  Is there a pituitary problem?  Are we talking about premature menopause or ovarian failure?   If the cortisol is constantly elevated is this person suffering from Cushing’s syndrome?  Is insulin resistance a problem?  DHEA should also be measured.  All of these possibilities should be investigated.

QUESTION 2: I am 25 and am currently taking hgh saizen 3.33,1ml every morning 5 days a week. However I was wondering if I could get a professional opinion if what I was taking was ok and if possible maybe to come in to your clinic and do it the right way under medical supervision.  I am wandering what the cost of hgh is at your clinic and if I could actually purchase it from you even though I am only 25 and probably have no need for it at my age.  The reason I use it at the moment is for bodybuilding, as I seem to put on muscle and lose fat a lot easier.

Answer:  I have to say that I don’t really endorse this approach.  If your body is producing sufficient growth hormone then I don’t think that supplementing with this hormone is appropriate even if there are tangible benefits as far as enhancing muscle mass and losing fat is concerned.  High IGF-1, which is stimulated by growth hormone, is associated with increased cancer risk and you have to be extremely cautious when you embark on such a programme, as I believe that you might well be playing with fire.

QUESTION 3:  My partner has Idiopathic thrombocytopenia (ITP) & has had it for 2 years. He's been on prednisone 7 months non-stop. The doc's just want to take his spleen out but we're not convinced it’s a good idea. His platelets went up to 196 last year for a few months on their own so we know something can be done. Do you know of any natural remedies that might help, as we know the side effects of prednisone are horrible, but his platelets drop to 3 without it. There must be a way, do you know?

QUESTION 4:  I am on Oroxine and Rocaltrol because my thyroid and part para-thyroid were removed.  I have been unwell since taking these drugs and wonder if natural thyroid hormone would give a better result.

Answer: Armour thyroid which combines T3 and T4 is another option or you might look at reducing your dose of oroxine and adding slow release T3 to your regimen.  You would need to find a doctor who is conversant with this approach as it is not a protocol with which all physicians are familiar.

QUESTION 5: How will consumption of Soya Bean milk affect uric acid levels in the body?  Are soya beans high in uric acid?

Answer: I could find no evidence that this is the case.

QUESTION 6: My question is on behalf of a relative.  He has had previous surgery to C3/4 levels.  Prior to the surgery the MRI showed compression of the spinal cord.  He had lost extension in the middle fingers and strength in his wrist extension.  After the surgery (they went through the back not the front of the neck), he lost strength in the triceps.  The muscles have since wasted.  They tried a release at the elbow but this had no effect. The reasoning for the decreased function was reported to be due to a rise in heart rate caused by WPW syndrome during the neck surgery.  Anyway, my question is whether further surgery, such as an artificial disc replacement or other, would benefit him, keeping in mind his fear of surgery due to his past experiences.  My fear is that he appears to have increasing muscle wastage in the upper limbs and lower limbs (i.e. due to compression of the spinal cord, not just peripheral nerves).

Answer:  I have no easy answer for this extremely difficult scenario.  All this should be discussed with your relative’s doctor in conjunction with the specialists and the cardiologist who would be able to advise with regard to the Wolf-Parkinson White (WPW) problem. I wonder if any form of physical therapy would be helpful?

QUESTION 7:  I have diminished zero sex drive and have Hashimoto disease.  What can I do to resume sex drive?

Answer:  You need to have your thyroid function assessed to ensure that you have reasonable levels of thyroid hormone.  Low sex drive can result from low testosterone levels and you should also have these evaluated.

QUESTION 8: Can I prepare a liposomal microencapsulated drug for topical use by simple mixing of the cream or ointment in the pharmacy or do I need a special way.

Answer:  I have a number of compounding pharmacists in Sydney who formulate these remedies for me.  Why don’t you contact one of them on 2-95247131 and ask for Bob Harrison.  I’m sure he will be most helpful.

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