your thyroid still playing up? i think I finally have an answer!! (a podcast with Chris Kresser)

• kelly says:

  I like hearing about other people with thyroid issues. I have had hashimitos and an under active thyroid since I was a teenager (I am 28 now) and have been taking thyroxine daily since, luckily it is under control, I do try and keep up to date with information in case one day something goes haywire.

  Thanks for the post

  [Reply]

  November 24th, 2011 at 8:28
• Bec says:

  Thanks Sarah… I look forward to reading more about this. I was diagnosed with Hashi’s 2 years ago and have been on thyroxine since then. My GP is playing around with doses at the moment but I am still struggling with so many things. The worst is aching hands and feet and waking in the middle of the night with tingling and painful hands. I find the more water I drink the less my hands ache, but if I drink less than 2 litres a day I still struggle. This is most annoying of symptoms and I’m getting a little sick of it. I’ve also had my Anti nuclear antibodies tested which have come back at 1:300. My GP said that I shouldn’t be worried and she will keep an eye on it. I’m just sick of feeling inflamed.

  Bec

  [Reply]

  

  Allison Reply:
  November 25th, 2011 at 11:47 am

  Hi Bec

  The tingling is an interesting one – have you ever had your B12 levels assessed properly? The standard blood test is pretty much useless when one has taken any B12 in the previous 12 months – you get an abnormally high B12 level in the test result. Tingling can be a sign of nerve damage which is a known B12-deficiency symptom. Read this article and the first 10 comments some talk about neuropathy. http://chriskresser.com/b12-deficiency-a-silent-epidemic-with-serious-consequences

  The ANA may be a signpost pointing towards your already diagnosed Hashi’s, though it may be wise to request other autoimmune related tests such as the ones for rheumatoid arthritis – that is most definitely associated with aching and also joint stiffness. I don’t agree with ignoring ANA, I was told by one doc that “most people actually test positive to it but there’s nothing wrong with them” – I doubt that very much. People who get these blood tests ARE getting blood tests usually because they have gone to the doctor sick.

  As you notice that the aching is somewhat alleviated by drinking more water, maybe there is something going on with electrolytes or it could be an alkaline/acid balance issue.

  Omega 3s are also meant to be great for any inflammatory conditions (heaps of literature on this in the Paleo community). Have you tried fish or krill oils and limited Omega 6 in diet?

  All the best!

  [Reply]

  

  Bec Reply:
  December 9th, 2011 at 1:10 pm

  Thanks Allison, your advice is much appreciated. I have been tested for rheumatoid arthritis and it was found negative. I am due to have my ANA retested in January if the aches are still there (and they are). I will read the article you provided the link to which sounds interesting. I have been taking fish oil for around 6 months now and not noticed a difference. I eat fresh and clean foods and avoid processed foods and refined sugar as much as possible. My one downfall is loving coffee (I keep to 1 a day) and wine (again 1 every other day).

  Thanks again!

  [Reply]

  November 24th, 2011 at 9:18
• Amanda says:

  Hi Sarah, thanks for continuing to spread this info – my Naturopath recently asked for me to have the Thyroid test done. The GP was sceptical as I was within the normal range but on the low side and had been in decline over the last year or so but was still unwilling to run the tests. I finally convinced him and the panel was run and I came back with extremely (300+) high thyroid antibodies, but there was no T3 or T4 (free or otherwise) results – apparently labs don’t run them unless there is an abnormal result.

  I will now have to wait until January to run the tests again. So now I don’t know if it is elevated by Hashimotos or Graves disease or simply a biproduct of having almost NO vitamin D in my system (which I was told can also elevate thyroid antibodies). Given I also have had high RH antibodies and had antiphospholipid antibodies preventing pregnancy implantation I guess this is a wider issue and one that has been lingering for the long term.

  Your posts are an enormous help to better understand and seek the appropriate treatment. Cheers

  [Reply]

  November 24th, 2011 at 10:10
• Kendy says:

  Thank you so much Sarah for posting this!
  Great information and i am sure it will help me gain control over my illness and find the root cause. I have all the ‘typical’ thyroid and adrenal issues, but no doctors have picked up what is really going on. This guy sounds amazing and i like his way of treating the whole cause. I have been gluten free for years, but am now trying the paleo diet to see if it helps improve my symptoms.
  Thank again, your blog is helping so many people. Keep up the great work.

  [Reply]

  November 24th, 2011 at 10:36
• Kris says:

  Once again a great entry, thanks Sarah!
  Having been on Thyroxine for Hashi’s for around 9 years now I’m always looking for more information on this.

  While we’re on the topic of Thyroid Disease, were you aware that the ESA (Endocrinology Society of Australia) have released a Position Statement on Desiccated Thyroid or Thyroid Extract recommending that thyroid hormones or combination T4/T3 therapy should not be used as thyroid replacement within Australia?

  Many of those with Thyroid disease are taking a T4 (Thyroxine) replacement (myself included) and are able to ‘feel normal’ again while on this drug, however, a small percentage of these people are not able to tolerate T4 replacement and so are taking a desiccated thyroid extract to function.

  A friend-of-a-friend has informed me about this and you can find more on her story here:
  https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1BPkr5bGrXt1F5D6n-wwitWMSs9j1Fc6xRR_s_VB6pg8

  Please help to raise awareness of this by signing Kate’s petition:
  http://www.change.org/petitions/the-medical-board-of-australia-prevent-desiccated-thyroid-product-being-restricted-in-australia

  Thanks

  [Reply]

  

  Allison Reply:
  November 25th, 2011 at 12:44 pm

  As I understand it, they are not recommending dessicated thyroid, but it doesn’t look like they’re trying to make it unavailable (yet anyway). They can’t even spell dessicated correctly! Here’s a direct link to the document itself:

  http://www.endocrinesociety.org.au/ESA_Position_Statement_%20Thyroid-Extract.pdf

  Regardless, patients have the right to choose – some people do well on T4, some do well on dessicated thyroid, some do well on T3-only and some end up finding a combination of these that works for them.

  I’m in the process of working this out myself. Personally, dessicated didn’t work for me – I end up with high reverse T3 which effectively makes one hypothyroid. I did much better on T3-only, but want to be getting some T4 so am going to be trying T4 for a while possibly adding T3 later on.

  Everyone is an individual and has the right to choose.

  This exact same thing (witch hunt) has already happened in the UK and we need to stop it happening here.

  [Reply]

  November 24th, 2011 at 10:46
• Shanina says:

  I’m having one of those days where the more I’m learning about my AI/thyroid issues, the less I know… and the bigger the clusterf#@k gets. *sigh*
  Thanks for giving me a word that sums it all up.
  xx

  [Reply]

  November 24th, 2011 at 16:13
• Mia Bluegirl says:

  I cannot WAIT to get home from work to listen to this! I love Chris Kresser, he rocks my party socks.

  Next step: Finding a GP/ endo who isn’t a complete moron when it comes to Hashi’s and will actually send me on the right tests. And, know how to read the results! I just broke up with my Perth GP so I need a new one. Any suggestions from readers would be awesome!

  [Reply]

  

  Mia Bluegirl Reply:
  November 24th, 2011 at 4:28 pm

  Oh, and for any Hashi’s sufferers on hormonal birth control pills, I would seriously recommend STOPPING THEM. I cannot believe how much better I feel since I did. It’s like somebody turned a light switch in my brain back on. xx

  [Reply]

  

  Allison Reply:
  November 25th, 2011 at 11:49 am

  Chris is indeed awesome! So highly respected in the Paleo community, great guy.

  [Reply]

  November 24th, 2011 at 16:25
• Rose says:

  Guys go easy on your doctors. Because these this approach is outside ‘normal’ clinical conventions, they are restricted in the kind of tests they can order so that you can still get Medicare rebates for them. If they order them and they get audited, they have to repay the rebates, both for the consult and the tests potentially. The easiest, quickest way to get these tests done is to persuade your doctor to see you privately (that is don’t claim a Medicare rebate) and pay for the tests the same way – if you can afford it. I occasionally see my GP this way. A session usually costs $150. It’s a luxury but gives me the chance to get the treatment I want.

  [Reply]

  

  Allison Reply:
  November 25th, 2011 at 11:52 am

  Yes, my doctors in the past have been audited and gotten in to trouble with Medicare for over-ordering certain tests. My current doc is awesome, he bulk bills but orders his most-commonly-ordered tests as private tests that aren’t covered by Medicare so he can practice without their scrutiny. Since he bulk bills, the costs balance out well

  It’s sad that when doctors try to investigate underlying disease factors, in order to help patients get better, they are penalised by Medicare.

  Unfortunately those with chronic illness are often on a disability pension so they cannot afford to see docs privately and pay for the testing.

  [Reply]

  

  Rin Reply:
  December 16th, 2011 at 5:12 pm

  Can your doc recommend someone in Melbourne? Thanks!

  Does anyone have a natruopath/gp that is open minded to these tests in Melbourne? Any suggestions would be wonderful. All the best.

  [Reply]

  

  Jo Foster Reply:
  December 16th, 2011 at 5:28 pm

  Pam Dudley practices integrated medicine – she is a bit hard to get into but she will be the best person to get referrals from to the right specialists who are open minded.
  Her number is 94296262 – as far as I know she is in Elwood and/or Brighton.

  

  Amanda Bond Reply:
  June 27th, 2012 at 1:02 pm

  Pamela Dagley at NIIM clinic in Hawthorn.

  November 24th, 2011 at 21:48
• Kylie says:

  After being diagnosed two years ago with Hashimotos, I have had my ups and downs. My Dr (that I moved to after nearly 10 years of unsucessful testing for answers by my regular GP), tested for all causes of my symptoms medically and all deficiencies in natural vitamins etc that cause the similar symptoms. My vitamin D was 16, should be over 100! No wonder I was depressed. My normal GP wanted to put me on Antidepressants 5 times, but I knew it wasn’t that. I thought I’d never feel normal again. I have taken many supplements and had many follow up tests to bring levels of vitamins back to normal. I now take 150mg 6 days and 100mg on the 7th. I eat things as close to the way god makes them. My father is Coeliac and has Parkinsons..but I have not cut out all gluten, just eat gluten free if possible in areas, some days having non at all. I eat very minimum dairy. Try to stay away from processed foods. I exercise at least 4 times a week doing body balance, pump, attack classes and tennis. I can go high impact for a bit and then I go low impace. I can not keep up the intermediate stuff, like jogging, stepping up and down on a step though. The quick production of energy to produce the fast moves is fine, but the long drawn out middle paced exercises, makes me get possible dizzyness and I can start to ache in my arms and legs. Plus I can’t think straight if I over do it! I know I’ve read about Hashi people being recommended to walk and do gentle exercise, but my exercise does destress me and makes me feel happy I can still do it. Where I use to ache all over in my bones, feel depressed and lethargic all the time during exercise, now I don’t after 2 years of treatments. I have 3 teenage daughters, work from home (Remedial Massage) and keep my life very simple and organised. Decluttering and not stressing about the things I can not change. In the last few months this is the best I’ve felt in years, I can’t remember feeling this normal. Loads of good food, with a treat maybe once a week, stacks of stretching, weights, cardio exercises (all round plan), no stressing (trying not to everyday and learning to breath and let things go) and heaps of down time, just relaxing quietly doing the things I want to do, seems to be working a treat. The second I get super stressed, like missing a plane stressed, I get all my achy etc symptoms back fast. I hope this helps someone, as I have had many lonely cries over what I use to be and worrying that I’ll never get back there. Btw, I put on about 25kg in the last 7ish years and have only just lost 7kg recently watching portion sizes and upping my protein. Super happy about that one!
  Have a wonderful day everybody,
  Kylie

  [Reply]

  November 25th, 2011 at 3:49
• Cindy says:

  Please keep this information coming Sarah – I am with the commenter above who is finding the more she learns about thyroid issues the more confused she is becoming. I have had an underactive thyroid for 6 years now and it can be a real struggle which nobody really has much empathy for, but these posts really help – it’s not just me!!

  [Reply]

  November 25th, 2011 at 8:00
• Liz says:

  Thanks for the thyroid posts, will listen to the podcast tonight.
  I want to know more as I now have NO thyroid and rely on thyroxin to stay alive.
  I had a multi nodular goitre (my dad had one too, so must be hereditary) and they ended up taking out the whole thyroid. Now wanting to know more as I get older and doctors don’t seem to really acknowledge this fact. Really interesting reading yours and others posts.

  [Reply]

  November 25th, 2011 at 11:41
• Ele says:

  Ive experienced issues with very high cortisol, and am taking a raft of herbs for it (my doc is great on all this; holistic and generally won’t prescribe pharmaceutical drugs – Jane Chapman at Currumbin by the way if anyone interested, she is fantastic).

  Anyway, through study and personal interest, I do a lot of research on this. It’s generally understood that cortisol is released under certain circumstances including to help the body deal with stress. So that made sense given my previous career and stress levels.

  However I recently came across an article relating excess of this hormone to inflammation, mainly from food allergies. So interesting. I wrote to the lady in the US thanking her for the article, and she wrote back expressing her agreed surprise why this connection isn’t made more often. It’s taking me down a varied path of how I can help heal myself.

  So yes it makes send that inflammation can affect other parts of the endocrine system

  Ele

  [Reply]

  November 25th, 2011 at 12:31
• Siewjye says:

  Hi Sarah, I’m also haveing Tyroidism but mines is Hypertyroidism. i have suffered of this for almost 3 years. And I have been seeking medication in Government Hospital which keep asking me to have Carbomizol for many years, still not yet recover. My neck wears a large ring at lower neck. And this definitely does not make me feel any good. I’m sweaty, hyperactive, difficulties to sleep and higher heart rate.

  [Reply]

  November 25th, 2011 at 16:51
• Rose says:

  Kylie I have a similar reaction if I skip my exercise routine and get overly stressed. My massage therapist told me that she read somewhere that people with thyroid issues don’t release the toxins from their bodies as effectively as others. Instead they build up in muscle tissue, hence the aching. Also applies to chronic fatigue apparently. I’ve been trying to track down the source because it kind of makes sense to me at least and I’d like to understand a bit more of the science. Has anyone heard of this before?

  [Reply]

  

  Kylie Reply:
  November 25th, 2011 at 11:26 pm

  Yep Rose. That’s right. As I said, I’m a Remedial Massage Therapist too. Unfortunately our fast twitch fibres slow down and switch to slow twitch fibres..all to do with the slowing down of the metabolism as our usually undiagnosed conditions worsen. The slow twitch fibres require more fatty acid in the blood to feed them, hence causing our cholesterol to be high..if we are not careful with our food intake. So, with the slow twitch muscle fibres, they don’t function as well at the gym under loading. They fatigue quicker, therefore making lactic acid much much sooner. We then don’t have the ability to get rid of the lactic acid as fast as non-thyroidy people, causing our recovery from exercise to be twice as long, or as I found one day when I cracked it and pushed myself through a gym class, I felt physically sick and my entire body ached and I felt like I had sunstroke for about 3 hours. It was horrible and I’ll never let it happen again. I now go high, which is the action of jumping from the floor to the step top, that’s ok. Or, I walk on the spot behind the step, while everybody else is stepping up and down. The fast production of what’s called ATP energy, is short, fast and doen’t make as much lactic acid. The continual motion of jogging or the steping up and down, wears me out in a nano second. My teacher has said that when I get tired I look like I’m watching the step like it’s going to move away from me. lol She’s not far wrong, I got tired doing the steps and didn’t lift my foot high enough and nearly went over in a big mess. I didn’t like that either. So if the exercise isn’t flat out and over in a second, then I go low. There was a theory I found a few years ago when researching all my new Hashimotos potential problems, that the slow twitch fibres never go back to fast twitch. DOHH!! I don’t know. I feel stronger, steadier and fitter than two years ago. I do body balance for core strength, pump to up the muscles and to up the metabolism, tennis and attack for cardio. Tennis is stop start, so that’s not to bad..except for if I have a huge rally, then I can’t even remember I was serving and hit the balls to the others over the net! Whoops. I just accept now that short fast bursts are fine, or doing pushups for ages at my own pace, that’s fine too. I did bootcamp last week, as a ‘friend day’, that nearly killed me. I was fine for all the stationary squats, lunges, pushups, situps, but it was the running about 100m from one lot of cones, to the next lot that killed me inbetween each set of exercises. One lady said for someone who doesn’t run I was doing a great job. That was nice to hear. I felt like I’d had a full body beating the next day. I got up and dropped immediately to the bedroom floor and stretched. The next few days were more stretches than usual to recover. I stretch a lot anyway. Funny thing is, my 17 yr old twin girls were still saying they were a bit sore 4 days later, but I wasn’t at all. The power of long strong muscles and stretching heaps, stops the aching anyway. If I go away for two weeks and don’t do anything but walk around shops then I come home like a twisted aching mess. Stretching is so important and staying away from stress. My two fav things that keep me sane. I forgot to mention that I’m 39, just incase you were wondering. I hope all that helps you understand a little better. There’s so much I’ve found out over the last two years.
  Take Care,
  Kylie

  [Reply]

  

  Mia Bluegirl Reply:
  November 26th, 2011 at 12:30 am

  Re. Muscle fibres… WHY DID NOBODY TELL ME THIS EARLIER. It’s amazing what I still dont know about Hashimotos after 6 years of constant research.

  Seriously. If I’m overtired and haven’t slept enough and I’ve been walking a long way sometimes my right side gets inflamed and my leg gives out. Always my right leg for some reason. Ever stacked it in the middle of the clubbing district at 9pm? Nobody tonight believed that I have auto-immune disease and was sober and on my way from a gallery to my car, that’s for sure!

  Thank you Rose & Kylie!!! xx

  [Reply]

  

  Kylie Reply:
  November 26th, 2011 at 1:38 am

  Mia, my general GP didn’t know much about Hashi at all after my now Thyroid Dr diagnosed me. After 25 years as a Dr, she still asked me “so were those lumps in your neck and armpits from the Hashimotos”. That was when I felt the need to tighten my shoelace, for fear she’d see the anger in my eyes. Dr’s don’t usually know muscles in terms of Range of Motions, pain referral patterns, it’s mostly about medical things and tests and where to jab you. We all have our place in discovering things, I’m just a bit saddened after my nearly 10 year fruitless journey with my ailing health that I wasn’t referred on earlier. Maybe some people who work with us to help us, mind, body or spirit, are only in it for the money. Maybe they don’t know and don’t want to admit it. If I feel the need for more information with my clients, I will refer after the first appointment if necessary. I try to give what I would like to receive.
  I think sometimes that because I’ve studied anatomy and I love anything mind, body, spirit, that I can make sence of some things easier. If your hips are out in any direction, it can cause excess loading/work on one leg, hence the over production of lactic acid and the feeling of it wanting to give out. A quick (and cheaper ) way to see if you are out, test your stretching on both legs, (eg, quads, inner thigh, hamstrings) and see which ones don’t go as far. It may mean you need to see someone to loosen off the tight muscles only, to set you right. But it depends on age, injuries, deteriorating spines, repetitious jobs and your exercise habits, to how long it holds and how many appointments you need. Some people can be fixed and others are maintenance jobs.
  But in my life I will never give up, fall in a crying heap and admit defeat. Maybe I won’t ever be the physical person I once was 10 years ago, but I’m still doing all the same things, just modified. I will be the best I can be. And you’ll never take the silly sence of humor out of me! That’s not much fun at all.

  November 25th, 2011 at 21:12
• Lopsy says:

  Hi there,

  sorry to go off on a bit of a tangent here. Im just hoping someone can shed some light on my Thyroid situation and tell me whether this information would apply to my case and how.
  I have Graves Disease ( auto-immune also ), NOT Hashis.
  Ive had RAI and no longer have a Thyroid….I take Dessicated Pigs Thyroid ( which is is T4, T3, T2 and T1, I beleive). I have been on a journey to hell and back for a very very long time. Since the RAI in 2009 my blood levels have never been stable and I had other things wrong as well. Anyway, without going it to the ridiculously long and complicated story, Im doing alot better than I was…..BUT I never feel like the person I was and although i can funtion, still have physical, emotional and psychological symptoms…. My latest bloods show Im now in range, FINALLY. My TSH is around 1, FT4 is low end of normal, but FT3 is either over and quite high or high end. And I think this maybe causing the anxiety, nervousness, overwhelmed, cant handle any stess symptoms? So just wondering is anyone has any suggestions…..Its like one symptoms goes but Im left with 15 others or new ones crop up. Do you think I can use the suggestions Sarah and Chris Kressor have given here??
  Any feeback would be wonderful. Thanks Sarah for you tireless and heartfelt effort to bring Thyroid/ AI issues out in to the open and address them in such a balanced and thoughtful way.
  And of course for being such a cool chick!!!!
  Lauren in London

  [Reply]

  

  unasws Reply:
  January 12th, 2012 at 11:40 am

  Graves is trickier from what I’ve read. The people at stop the thyroid madness might be able to help. If your antibodies are still active they can still have an effect without a thyroid. Labs aren’t all that useful in your situation. Your adrenals might need short term support. I’d try sorting out your adrenals & vitamin & mineral levels then maybe a suppress and replace dose (I don’t really know though).

  [Reply]

  November 27th, 2011 at 3:39
• James says:

  With regards to LDN – there’s a LDN yahoo group whose moderator has a list of doctors prescribing LDN in Australia:

  http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/lowdosenaltrexone/

  [Reply]

  November 27th, 2011 at 19:02
• Courtney says:

  Thank you so much Sarah for bringing all this information together! I can’t tell you how helpful this was for me and to know that others may be going through something similar to me.

  I had Grave’s disease for 9 years that then switched to Hashimoto’s disease after the birth of my son 2 years ago. The past 2 years have been extremely difficult and my thyroid has been all over the place despite being on medication. I feel like the medication is not helping me at all and actually have been getting worse over time. After so many years of struggling, I recently got RAI treatment 2 months ago but I now I feel worse than ever before. I wonder if I will ever feel healthy and like myself again. I feel at a loss for how to move forward from here.

  I am not sure what advice I can apply to my situation but I am going to start with asking for a full bloodwork panel aside from just the basic TSH and total T4 tests that my doctor typically checks now.

  I will certainly be following along for all your follow up posts on this!!! Thanks again.

  [Reply]

  November 28th, 2011 at 10:55
• Gabrielle says:

  Love it when you share the thyroid goodies, Sarah – there’s so much to learn… Really appreciate the leads you offer

  I’ve recently been checking out these links too:
  http://www.thyroidbook.com
  http://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com

  I’m just coming back out of a bit of a crap time (a month of more pain and fatigue and brain fog than I’ve felt in years), and I’m feeling inspired to do everything I can to support my body… Even been daring enough to toy with the idea of HEALING this stuff through good food n living.

  (and so grateful for my doc, who’s keen to find the right balance of T3, vit D and cortisol)

  [Reply]

  November 28th, 2011 at 12:40
• Carol says:

  Hi Sarah, I love your site!! Thanks for sharing your trials & tribulations with the world. I wanted to recommend a site that I believe would be very helpful to those of us suffering with thyroid disease. I started out with Grave’s disease, refused the toxic cocktail my dr. insisted I take and found another Doc that treated me with just meds. I tried supplements (herbal/vitamins), accupuncture, meditation, reiki, massage & hypnosis. What finally turned my life around was going on the Phase I diet from the website http://www.knowthecause.com. I was so excited when I went eurothyroid. Thought I was cured and started eating like crap again…. Now, I’m struggling with hypo symptoms.. So, I’m back on the anit-fungal diet – for life. Sugar, gluten & most dairy are foods inflame the body & especially for me – my thyroid. Natural anti-fungals are oregeno oil, caprylic acid (from coconuts), olive leaf extract, garlic & most purple foods.

  Blessings of radiant health to you and all your readers!!

  [Reply]

  November 29th, 2011 at 5:35
• Selena says:

  Hi Sarah, your thyroid health related posts are VERY helpful.
  Thanks for the list of tests, I understand the purpose of all of them except hemoglobin A1c, what is this one looking for?
  Thanks, Selena

  [Reply]

  November 29th, 2011 at 10:50
• Leah says:

  I was diagnosed with Hashimotos after suffering a miscarriage 5 years ago. How it was diagnosed is a story in itself. I went to the emergency ward after my body failing me terribly (impending Myxedema Coma?). I had all sorts of blood tests including Luekemia as my white blood cells were almost non-existent. After three days of being in hospital they released me with the diagnosis, “we don’t know”. My Dr then ran bloods and diagnosed Hashimotos with a statement I probably always had the condition and it was genetic. Five years on I know have hypothyroidism, TTTS, RSI in my wrists, anemia , a connective tissue disease (they are running more tests) and an inability to conceive. I have tried not taking medication after a specialist said it shouldn’t affect me. Following this I suffered major issues and thus would never recommend anyone to try the ‘natural’ way to overcome this autoimmune disease. I have eliminated a lot of goitrogenic foods from my eating and have been vegetarian for 18yrs. To be honest this is a rant inthe hope that some of you might have ideas/tips etc.
  And thankyou Sarah for the contribution you have made in society in raising awareness and providing information to the public and sufferers.

  [Reply]

  December 6th, 2011 at 19:48
• KL says:

  I also am posting, hoping for advice. Have been EXHAUSTED for three years. In denial for most of that.But am barely functioning. Had gall bladder issues and went to iridologist who has said, not gall issue but thyroid. Did most of the tests on your list Sarah but it came up fine. Can anyone recommend a doctor experienced in thyroid issues, so I can rule this out as the cause once and for all..?

  [Reply]

  

  Kylie Reply:
  December 12th, 2011 at 8:46 pm

  Where are you from?? Ask your Dr for your TSH number. Mine got up to 4.65, which is between .5 and 5 (which at the time what the range for TSH). So my Dr said, ‘bit high, but you’re fine’. After 9 years I’d had enough. Now my Thyroid Dr in Melbourne said it’s all about how I feel in regards to my medication. Instead of medicating till my TSH is down and within the new range of .3 to 4.5, I take enought till I feel good, nearly all the time now. All we have to watch is that my T4 is within range, since going over can be dangerous for the heart..apparently. My T3 is at the higher end of the scale, but I’m converting that fine. My TSH last check was .011, which is obviously much lower than the range of .3 to 4.5. I have been as low a .021. My regular Dr hates being out of the loop and got my TSH number and said I was on to much Thyroxine. But I was still getting symptoms then and have since increased my medication. I no longer have many symptoms..maybe a little tiredness. But if I cut down on processed food, dairy and gluten, not eliminated completely, exercises at the gym 4 times a week, and the biggest for me is to not stress. If I get a fright I ache immediately and need to breath and calm down. Hope this helps, since I only ever have a Thyroidy day if I over do it…like at Christmas! Good luck

  [Reply]

  

  Leah Reply:
  December 12th, 2011 at 9:25 pm

  “How do you feel?”
  I found out early on that it isn’t just one result, it is the combination of results and symptoms. The tests recommended on this site are a great guide.
  I absolutely agree with Kylie’s specialist. My original Dr kept me at the same level for so long without retesting. All the while my symptoms were worsening. For me (not sure about anyone else) my body immediately reacts by being constipated (no matter what diet or exercise) and feeling like I might just fall over. My current Dr. has the same method of treatment. ‘How do I feel?’ Working with this principal has served me well in reducing my symptoms. But geez, I must say this feed has been a lifesaver. Thanks Sarah.
  P.S.
  I do get very frustrated with people presuming things about me and I am so elated to discover that other sufferers have the same or similar anecdotes. I appreciate everyone’s enthusiasm on here, but I must admit. I am starting to get over the symptoms and how I feel obliged to explain my medical condition to my co-workers and management team to ensure no unecessary discussions. The brain-fog as some people have named it on here, seems to impede my social life more. Again over it. But I am really excited by the tips in here

  [Reply]

  

  Kylie Reply:
  December 12th, 2011 at 9:52 pm

  When I wasn’t on as higher dosage, I would get constipated too. Now, all is good. I also feel less like someone is hanging off my body all day, making me feel all floppy and heavy, with a sluggish response time. Now I’m much more responsive. I still hit the tennis balls away to the other team, forgetting I’m serving, after I’ve had a big rally. lol :3 I still go completely brain dead if I do cardio for too long. My body takes ages to recover and I can’t keep score. Everyone’s use to it and those that arn’t and say thoughtless things, can go jump. If I get stressed, I ‘burn’ on my forearms, like the suns slowly burning me feeling. Breathing and relaxing stops it. I just try to please myself while being respectful to others these days. 3:)

  

  Rin Reply:
  December 16th, 2011 at 5:19 pm

  Hi Kylie, who is your thyroid doc in Melbourne? Thx.

  [Reply]

  

  Jo Foster Reply:
  December 16th, 2011 at 5:29 pm

  Hey Rin,
  I just asked Nat Kringoudis (from The Pagoda Tree)

  Her advice:
  Pam Dudley practices integrated medicine – she is a bit hard to get into but she will be the best person to get referrals from to the right specialists who are open minded.
  Her number is 94296262 – as far as I know she is in Elwood and/or Brighton.

  

  Kylie Reply:
  December 16th, 2011 at 6:58 pm

  My Dr in Melb is Dr Robert Hanner. Go to http://www.yourhealth.com.au and go into his section for all the details of what he does. He is medical and natural and will look for all symptoms from both, that can be causing you problems. AND you don’t need a referal! How good’s that!

  December 12th, 2011 at 14:39
• how to heal autoimmune disease: an update | Sarah Wilson says:

  [...] the craziness going on, trying out some new techniques, like going paleo and talking to folk like Chris Kresser and Nora Gedgaudas. I’m starting to get some traction in my understanding if not my [...]

  January 11th, 2012 at 11:04
• Sonia says:

  Hi Sarah,
  I have been healing Hashimoto’s for the last 4 years, slowly educating myself about what i need to do to take responsibility for healing to occur.
  I have been on Thyroxine for 5 weeks to get TSH down and then tried Compound meds T3 but the best result so far other than eliminating gluten and eating fresh organic produce is taking fish oil to get the inflammation down (and I had titres of 6500, now its 200, so climbing down slowly, plus I take grassfed organic New Zealand freeze dried thyroid with liver. I use to take 2 capsules at 30mg per cap, but now i alternate 30mg with 60 and playing with it myself (i am a studying Naturopath) but so far so good. I am also taking liquid herbs to support brain fag, liver function, and energy. I see myself without symptoms in the future and come far.. i wish you full recovery!!!!
  Dr Ron’s web is drronehrlich.com/
  check him out if you already haven’t. And the very best of luck on your journey!

  [Reply]

  January 11th, 2012 at 12:50
• unasws says:

  Hi Sarah,
  I thought having your Reverse T3 tested was also important? Have you had that one? I’m quite sure its not routinely done but can be another reason one needs a T3 boost. Apparently it is high in many women with mood disorders – bipolar and depression.
  Have you seen the ‘stop the thyroid madness’ website? It has loads of info. I gather they’re into “suppress & replace” type treatment with dessicated thyroid, and boosting the adrenals with hydrocortisone short term, which have been burnt out by compensating for an underactive thyroid for too long. The idea is to get the antibodies down by resting the thyroid.
  tx

  [Reply]

  January 12th, 2012 at 11:18
• kerry says:

  sarah,

  chris never addressed the significance of testing for thyroid antibodies. last year i went from being hypothyroid (for 20+ years) to being hyperthyroid. at that time my thyroid antibodies were elevated and i had a low tsh. after changing my meds, taking me off of t3 (saying i must not tolerate it well), my endocrinologist never tested antibodies again.

  a year later, same symptoms, i’m seeing a functional medicine practitioner. all tests came back within normal range except my thyroid antibodies were even more elevated.

  i’ve been told to eliminate gluten, which i should already have done. my diet is great otherwise. i’m sure that will make a significant difference as far as inflammation goes.

  kerry

  [Reply]

  February 1st, 2012 at 10:22
• Carly says:

  HI Sarah,
  Brillient interview. I was hoping for some follow up points if possible. Firstly, you mentioned not to take gluthiane on its own? Can you tell us mroe about this?
  Ive been very ill for over 16 years with hasimotos and learnt a lot and like you ive done a lot of research myself. Ive really exploring this immune imbalance and think it could be key as I cant ever raise my thyroid meds enough and tried everything possible – adrenals, vits, gluten free, etc etc.

  Do you have experience with LDN? Im very interested in this particularly??

  Thanks! Carly x

  [Reply]

  

  Megan Reply:
  April 6th, 2012 at 9:40 am

  you dont take glutathione directly bc your body can’t process it..instead you should supplement with NAC which your body then converts into glutathione…I see Chris and this is what he recommends. Also, google “apex energetics glutathione recycler” – it helps as well

  go to LDN.ORG for more info -amazing info!

  [Reply]

  

  James Reply:
  April 8th, 2012 at 1:55 pm

  Just wanted to say thanks Megan, your comment on glutathione recycling was really interesting.

  Do you know of a store that ships to Australia? I’ve got one of those US postboxes but if you want it within a month the shipping gets pretty expensive.

  [Reply]

  February 11th, 2012 at 4:28
• Nurse Julie says:

  You can have your cortisol levels checked. Not sure why that’s not mentioned in the list of available lab tests.
  Thanks, Nurse Julie

  [Reply]

  February 21st, 2012 at 8:00
• Emma says:

  I find this post really helpful Sarah, thank you!

  I have been feeling really unwell in the past fortnight (lethargy/tiredness, very sore gland on the left side of my neck and heaps of mood swings/depression as well as very sore muscles in my legs, arms and shoulders) went to the doctor and got a routine blood test – I’ve come back with very low Vit D (49 – the range should be 100 – 150) and a TSH reading of 4.79 (levels should be below 2.5mIU/L) which the doctor said suggests mild hypothyroidism. I’m getting some more tests done tomorrow (bloods – t3, t4 and thyroid antibodies as well as my calcium, phosphorus, uric acid levels and a urinary iodine test – as well as salivary tests of the adrenal hormones and melatonin.

  I’m interested to know how fast other peoples symptoms developed before the checked them out? (days, weeks, months?) what were your TSH reading? I’m still trying to get my head around all of this and find it all confusing the more I read. Thanks!

  [Reply]

  

  Kylie Reply:
  February 23rd, 2012 at 11:42 pm

  Hi Emma. I knew something was wrong nearly 10 years before I was diagnosed. My TSH started at 2.65 and the last reading before diagnosis, was 4.63. I was a tired, achy, lethargic, depressed, 25kg heavier, massivly forgetful, couldn’t process thoughts, had swollen glands and enlarged lymph nodes in my neck and armpits..painfull too. I had to change Drs to discover I have Hashimotos. That was two years ago, Aug 2009. I have lost about 3kg, I’m on 150mg thryroxine for 5 days and two are 100mg. My T4 shot up to 27, should be under 22 (it can cause heartattacks, so I suppose that’s one reason to not overmedicate! My vitamin D was 16. I do Remedial Massage and hate being outdoors..the sun makes me wilt! I play indoor tennis and go to the gym. My life is inside. I have recently started to go for a 10ish km bike ride in the mornings with my husband. When it’s cool, so I don’t turn into a weakling. That makes my days better. I feel crap if I don’t exercise. It has to be gentle exercise too. Body balance, pump. Not long fast innings of cardio. Then I go brain dead. I had my cortisol tested. It peaks at lunch time to wake me up. Nothing I can do except change sleeping patterns to retrain the body. I was deficient in lots of things, like I’ve been anemic forever! I have corrected my levels of vitamin D, zinc, selenium (which should be taken forever when you have a thyroid problem) and EPA DHEA oils etc. So it took me nearly 2 years before I started to feel better each day. It takes time for your body to settle down once you start to give it thyroxine. 150mg is good, then sometimes your body adjusts and you don’t need as much to feel the same. I have gone down a few times. But just so long as my T4 stays down, I’m happy with my meds now. Hope that helps a little. Take Care, Kylie

  [Reply]

  

  Emma Reply:
  February 24th, 2012 at 9:31 am

  Thanks so much for sharing this with me Kylie. It really helps to hear other peoples experiences. I guess I just have to wait until my test results come back next week. I feel lucky with my doctor though, she is really good (they are trained in western medicine but with an eastern approach if that makes sense). She is also said selenium, zinc, etc levels need to be optimal to support the thyroid.
  Thanks again!

  [Reply]

  February 23rd, 2012 at 17:32
• kerry says:

  Hi Emma,

  I’m curious about the Vitamin D range you give. I know that labs vary, but normal range is 30.0 to 74.0 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Two years ago, mine was 11. With supplementation of 3,000 to 4,000 IU per day (and not wearing sunscreen any more), it is now in the upper 40′s. This is what Dr. Mark Hyman has to say about vitamin D:

  2.For all of my adult patients, who are taking > 4,000IU /day I monitor blood levels carefully over the long term. I recommend you do the same if you are taking large doses.
  3.Blood levels should be at least 30 ng/dl, and, for most, optimal levels are between 45 ng/dl to 60 ng/dl.

  As far as your thyroid goes, I think it’s such an individual thing. When my Hashimoto’s was diagnosed many years ago, I had a goiter and a TSH of over 80. I’ve known two people who had TSH levels of over 300. But you’ll read of people who say they have symptoms and they’re in the normal range.

  What I’m dealing with now is cycling from hyper to hypo. After a year of trying to get it straightened out, my TSH is now over 4 and my TPO is over 750. And I’m more miserable than I have ever been in my life.

  From my experience, I’d say, figure out what else is going on before you start treatment for your “mild hypothyroidism.” Along with the other tests you’re having done, are you being tested for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity? They seem to go hand-in-hand. My daughter was just diagnosed with both celiac disease and hashimotos. She’s (obviously) discontinued eating gluten and all other foods she’s developed sensitivities to and waiting to see if she’ll need to treat the hashimotos.

  Gather all the information you can is all I can say. I never took it seriously and now I’m finding out that I probably should have. Eek!

  Good luck!

  [Reply]

  

  Emma Reply:
  February 24th, 2012 at 9:25 am

  Thanks Kerry!

  I have my blood test results here and the lab has said optimal Vit D concentrations should be greater than 75 nmol/L however my doctor has said 100 – 150 range is better. My last result in 2010 was 56, so it has gone down even though I’ve made an effort to get into the sun, eat Vit D rich foods and I never wear sunscreen. My doctor said it’s because Melbourne doesn’t get alot of the sun we need.

  I will look into testing for gluten intolerance/sensitivity – what kind of test is this?

  Thank you so much for sharing your insight and I hope your daughter starts to feel better.

  [Reply]

  February 24th, 2012 at 8:06
• kerry says:

  If anyone is still reading this thread, I’m curious about your talk of the ESA recommending people not take desiccated thyroid hormone. Is it desiccated hormone specifically, or T4/T3 (which can also be synthetic) in general? I know some integrative or functional medicine practitioners don’t recommend desiccated hormone because there are trace amounts of other thyroid hormones in them and, also, the slight chance of disease from the pig hormone.

  [Reply]

  February 24th, 2012 at 8:23
• Kerry says:

  Hi Emma,

  I think our measurements are different (I’m in the US), which is why our vitamin D ranges are different. Yours are based on nmol/L and ours ng/dl?? I have no idea – please excuse my ignorance!

  Testing for celiac disease or gluten intolerance is done with a blood test. Honestly, this is all new to me. I’m following my daughter’s lead and in the process have discovered and started following Sarah’s blog, Chris Kresser (via Sarah’s blog) Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Frank Lipman… It’s been a year of discovery, that’s for sure.

  Here’s a link from Sarah’s blog that you might be interested in. My daughter also has a leaky gut and a high ANA. We’re lucky she’s as young as she is, but, even so, the celiac has done a lot of damage. http://www.sarahwilson.com.au/2012/02/gluten-questions-answered/#more-1401

  [Reply]

  February 25th, 2012 at 4:38
• kassa says:

  Just found the website… thank you Sarah, what a wonderful job you’ve done!!!

  I”m on my journey on finding healthy a happier Me, my doctor doesn’t seem to be interested in at all.

  I wonder, is it thyroids, anemia, leaky gut, SIBO, parasites, hypoglycaemia, stress and over exercise, stomach ulcer … and list goes on and on. I’m very confused currently as to where to start and with my symptoms which can attribute to all of the issues. Sorry for my rent.
  I’m noting some of the recommendations about Melbourne neturopaths, so thanks for that. I need to find a good doctor to help me because just good eating and trying to adjust it by myself is not totally working for me. First few months on Paleo was great but I’m going down at the moment.

  About thyroids, I wanted to suggest the great podcast interview with the Dr Karrazian himself, author of the book – Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms When My Lab Tests Are Normal? It’s a lengthy interview with lots of great info. You can identify the similarities in an approach Chris Krasser has adopted from.

  What would i be without these podcasts, they’re my therapy with coping the aches and pains and with the Melbourne traffic …

  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/undergroundwellness/2010/08/19/why-do-i-still-have-thyroid-symptoms-with-dr-datis

  [Reply]

  March 12th, 2012 at 23:50
• Want to learn more about the Paleo diet? This is for you… | Sarah Wilson says:

  [...] names on the lineup you might recognise from on this blog (Chris Kresser who I’ve interviewed here, and Nora Gedgaudas who I interviewed [...]

  March 26th, 2012 at 18:22
• Lenora says:

  I was diagnosed with Hashimoto 2 years ago and am taking quite a high dosage of thyroxin, Euthyrox 125. Up until about a month ago, I was just taking the meds and relying on them, but after reading Sarah’s website I have realised that I still experience a lot of lethargy and fuzzy brain etc. I was wondering if there is anyone else who was taking such a high dosage and then managed to reverse the affects of AI (ie lower their meds)? I have already started cutting our sugar and caffeine and will probably look into going gluten free too.

  [Reply]

  March 29th, 2012 at 0:43
• Amanda Bond says:

  Hi all,

  Is anybody able to advise where I might obtain ERFA thyroid in Australia?
  It is readily available in Canada and Europe and according to my Integrative GP this is the “Rolls Royce” of the thyroid extracts.
  Feedback most welcome,

  Regards,
  Amanda

  [Reply]

  June 27th, 2012 at 15:21
• how to eat to fall pregnant: a Chris Kresser ebook review | Sarah Wilson says:

  [...] since found an amazing resource…which follows the same principles I adhere to. I did a podcast with Dr Chris Kresser, a practitioner of integrative medicine and creator of The Healthy Skeptic blog, last year, and [...]

  July 12th, 2012 at 10:00
• how to eat to fall pregnant: Chris Kresser’s ebook | Sarah Wilson says:

  [...] since found an amazing resource…which follows the same principles I adhere to. I did a podcast with Dr Chris Kresser, a practitioner of integrative medicine and creator of The Healthy Skeptic blog, last year, and [...]

  July 12th, 2012 at 10:03
• MagicPuffin says:

  Thryoid resistance… I was on Thyroxine for almost 10 years for Hashi’s and started feeling like it just simply wasn’t working.
  Reverse T3 is the blood test that was a key indicator that I’d developed a resistance to the Thyroxine.
  Thanks to this I also ended up with Adrenal Fatigue and a disgusting mould in my blood…eugh!
  Now treating the Hashi’s with prescribed Natural Thyroid Extract (Compounding Pharmacy) and adrenals with a wide range of supplements the main one being Dr Wilson’s Adrenal Rebuilder.
  Four things to check if you feel like somethings not right (more than usual)
  1. Reverse T3 and resistance
  2. Adrenal fatigue (salivary cortisol tests across a 24 hr period)
  3. Mould in your blood (needs someone who can do live blood reading – drgregemerson.com
  4. Parasites – yes gross but they are attributing so much fatigue to the ugly things.
  Get a good naturopath, acupuncturist and Dr who’ve all had it or chronic fatigue. They get it.

  If in BrisVegas
  Naturopath = Linda Brown, Vive, Riding Rd, Hawthorne
  Acupuncturist = House of Healing, Rob Emmery, The Grange
  Dr = Dr Greg Emerson

  Cheers all

  [Reply]

  September 30th, 2012 at 22:58
• Vicki says:

  Hi, I am looking for a doctor in Melbourne that knows about Thyroid and will help with tests and prescriptions of dessicated thyroid. Please help thank you!

  [Reply]

  October 30th, 2012 at 16:16
• Amanda says:

  Hi Vicki,
  I have personally had good experience with seeing Dr Pamela Dagley at the NIIM clinic in Hawthorn.
  She is an Intergrative GP and very informed about various types of thyroid replacement therapy.
  Regards,
  Amanda.

  [Reply]

  October 30th, 2012 at 23:37
• Kelly says:

  Hi,
  I have no thyroid at all (thyroid cancer at 25) so it is a constant battle for me to feel normal. Every year I also have to stop thyroid meds for a month so I can have my whole body scan.
  I have to keep my levels as low as 0.1-0.3 to stop cancer re-occurrence.
  Lately though I feel my Oroxine isn’t working well, or isn’t absorbing. I’ve gained over 6kgs the last 5 months and my TSH has risen to 3.48 which is way too high for me (Hypo).
  I upped my dosage to 150mcg a day with no change in how I feel (I usually get Hyper symptoms).

  I have taken T3 personally, prescribed by my Endo when I have my radioactive whole body scan. It gives me heart palpitations and makes me feel incredibly ill, so use with caution. I would never like to try it again.

  I have looked into desiccated thyroid meds, but apprently the problem lies in dosage, that one tablet is never the same as it’s taken from pigs, so it is not as precise as synthetic.

  [Reply]

  

  Kylie Reply:
  November 30th, 2012 at 9:15 pm

  Hi Kelly, I still have my thryroid, but what I was wondering was, after 3 years of taking Thyroxine (Eutroxsig) at different dossages, my TSH has slowly been coming back..like from .021 to .019 to .013 at last test. (I feel best when it’s this low) I asked my Dr as time passes over the years, will my body, with constant use of Thyroxine, starts to ‘rev’ up and work a bit, remembering and regaining some of my old functions better. He said ‘yes it will slowly build up to a point’ what ever that is. I wonder with you, if your body will do the same? I’m on 150mg for 4 days and 100mg for 3 days. I also take Selenium and other things for natural support. You may need to look into some other natural things to support your bodys use of the Oroxine…because some things help absorption and stuff. Anyway, that’s just a different spin on things. I hope it helps. Also just a thought, I have a friend with Hashimotos, like me..she is taking no Thyroxine. But she also doesn’t eat gluten, lactose, fructose or sugar at all. She said if she gives her body no reason to fight she feels good. So here I am on meds and she’s not? She does get cronic fatigue though and stuff..I didn’t. Every stories different. Good luck with yours!! Take Care, Kylie

  [Reply]

  November 1st, 2012 at 16:43
• Smita says:

  Hi!

  I don’t know what to do and where to get help from. I have been battling thyroid issues, including severe sub-acute thyroditis for 6 years now. I have a 6 year old son and I feel like a terrible mother sometimes because I don’t have the energy to do anything at all. I have recently been put on 75 mgs of Thyroxine and have lost a lot of hair on it. I also have persistent galactorreah/discharge from my breasts. My Endocrine specialist will not order a FT3 levels and my FT4 levels are at the higher end of the normal. RAI uptake scan indicates that my thyroid does not absorb iodine very well. I am at my wits ends trying to find a doctor that will at least order the FT3 tests as the Last FT3 test indicated that my levels were quite low (In July this year). I am scared of asking my endo to consider adding T3/Cytomel medication as the last time I asked him he said that only quacks did that stuff. Does anybody know and can help me with a good Endo that will at least consider doing the FT3 tests and possibly prescribe the T3 & T4 combination. I am so struggling. Please help.

  Thanks
  Smita

  [Reply]

  November 29th, 2012 at 0:00
• Smita says:

  Oh sorry I forgot to mention. I live in Sydney in NorthWest (Hills district). So any recommendations for an Endo in this area would be eternally and totally appreciated.

  Cheers

  Smita

  [Reply]

  

  Kendy Reply:
  November 29th, 2012 at 2:30 pm

  Smita, sorry to hear your struggling so much.
  If you are on Facebook there is a group called Hashimoto’s Australia.
  I am one of the admins of the group, and it may assist you with some support.
  We have a list of Good Dr’s suggested by members and are soley set up to support those living in Aus with Hashimoto’s.

  Here is a link to the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/325648240861070/

  Sarah- i hope it is ok to promote our group on your page, if not please delete my post.
  The group is run by admins who are also suffering from Hashimoto’s and is soley a support group to hekp those in Australia.

  [Reply]

  

  Smita Reply:
  November 29th, 2012 at 2:41 pm

  Thanks Kendy for your kind response. I am in tears that finally someone is at least showing me the way. I have sent a request to be a member of your group on Facebook. My face book ID is Smita Gandhar. I am waiting for my request to be approved. I would greatly appreciate it if you could accept my request.

  Thank you from the bottom of my heart..

  regards

  Smita

  [Reply]

  

  Kylie Reply:
  November 30th, 2012 at 8:59 pm

  Hi Smita, sorry to hear you are having so much trouble. I went for 10 years before a diagnosis..my GP was treating all my symptoms seperately..instead of finding the collective cause, so I got rid of her. I live in central Victoria. My Dr ..now.. is Dr Robert Hanner http://www.yourhealth.com.au/ Take a look at his profile. You don’t need a referal!! If you are desperate enough you might like to fly down to Melbourne and see him. I have only met him once..we now do all appointments by phone. Have done for the last 3 years since I was diagnosed. He has clients all over the place..Tasi etc. If you see him in person, you can claim it on Medicare. If its over the phone, you can’t claim anything. He sends out all blood work forms and instructions. He also is able to dispense his own vitamins and minerals. He will look at natural causes..like low vitamin D for eg, right through to Reverse T3′s etc. He’s fantastic, super patient, super nice and he’ll even let you cry. I find him brilliant, you can ask him any question, no matter how silly. Mine usually goes along the line of…I feel or are getting ????, is that Hashimotos or is that just me?? He laughs and mostly he says that’s me! Hahaha good I suppose. But you do start to think this Hashimotos is going to totally affect every thought, moment or physical event of your life forever. It’s upsetting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m super happy to say now, that I’m on 150mg Eutroxsig 4 days and 100mg for 3 days per week. I was on 150 everyday, but my T4 went too high. So I knocked down a few days and alls good in the world. I also take Selenium, Vitamin D, Chill Pill..and St Johns Wort (both has helped me I’d say 99% with my anxiety), fish oil and glucocamine. I can say now that after 3 years of fine tuneing that I feel near perfect. Still hate the heat, still eat gluten (but not every day), I still nearly faint if you make me run, I’ve started Bodytrim (not doing the shakes and stuff..just high protein real food) and I’ve lost 9kg in 5 weeks!! So maybe you could ring his office and ask if he could recommend a Dr in Sydney that he knows. The girls on the desk are great too. Good luck, chin up..the answers are out there, you just have to find what works for you. Mine was slowing my life down..not too many plans at once thanks. Take Care, Kylie PS, I have been super happily married for 21yrs, I’m 40, have 3 girls (twins first 18.5yrs and little one 14.5yrs) and I’m a Remedial Massage Therapist. xxx

  

  a reader Reply:
  May 17th, 2013 at 5:31 am

  Hi Kylie, I was just wondering why you would be avoiding gluten – especially on an occasional basis? I am a coeliac and have noticed that suddenly gluten avoidance is du jour as some kind of healthful good, I read it referred to in an article on weight loss of all things on Live Strong. I’m somewhat going to blame Miranda Kerr and Miley Cyrus. My question to anyone avoiding gluten is:
  do you know what it actually is? (it is not wheat, or a carbohydrate. it is a protein which is part of the make-up of some grains and in food it provides an elastic, springy texture such as in bread and pasta.)
  why do you think it is bad for you to eat it?
  if you genuinely think you have reactions to gluten, please, please do not randomly avoid it sometimes but go and get the appropriate testing. A lot of GPs will not know a lot about coeliac disease diagnosis even now. There is blood testing (false positive and false negative testing) and even genetic testing now (most coeliacs have the gene, but it’s possible to have it and not be coeliac). The only way to really know is by eating gluten for a certain number of days and then having a biopsy taken by a gastroenterologist via an endoscopy.
  If you are not coeliac, there is a good chance there is no reason for you to avoid gluten for health reasons – and there are arguments for quite the opposite. A gluten-free diet is in fact often deficient in many things and gluten-free substitutes often high in fats. I have read it is “inflammatory” but things don’t really work like that. There is an immunological connection between autoimmune diseases and in particular there IS a link between thyroid and coeliac disease. Btw, I’m pretty sure Bodytrim probably has loads of gluten (I could be wrong, but many such things typically contain it). That process is not an “inflammatory” process as such, as far as I’m aware, and I should know. (Coeliac, father coeliac, member of Coeliac Society and reading their literature for 20-odd years etc).
  Rather the body’s immune system reacts to gluten as though it were a poison attacking the tissue. It kills off the cilia which line the intestine and help move food along and absorb nutrients. This is what they check for when they do biopsy. This only occurs in people with coeliac disease! Most people don’t have this, and if you suspect you have a reaction to gluten and you have thyroid disease, you should check for it.
  There is a lot of disinfo going around about gluten all over the internet right now and it’s concerning that people are casually avoiding it. In this case we are discussing it in the context of the treatment of Hashimoto’s. How does that work? Why should you have to avoid gluten, Kylie – probably the foods that contain it are really good for you! Congratulations on feeling much better sorry to sound so pedantic, but this is a thing.

  

  a reader Reply:
  May 17th, 2013 at 5:47 am

  and sorry, just to clarify that –

  *”inflammatory” comment was made on Live Strong article which contained a lot of misinformation about which foods contained gluten and which didn’t. The Coeliac Society of Australia are just brilliant in their publications, but these are only offered to members and aren’t made available online. Their “ingredient list” booklet is unbeatable. For years I had never realised that soy sauce contained gluten – like an imbecile I just thought it was made from soy beans alone.

  It does however list the correct diagnostic process.
  http://www.coeliac.org.au/coeliac-disease/diagnosis.html

  Best of health to everyone.

  November 29th, 2012 at 0:04
• Terry says:

  Sarah..could you please direct me to a pharmacy that would send me Natural Desiccated thyroid, in Australia?

  My spouse has been taking the synthroid pills for almost a year and they have proved ineffective,so at this point he’s ready to try alternative medicine.
  Thanks, Terry.

  [Reply]

  January 12th, 2013 at 15:07
• Adrienne says:

  I have hasimoto’s and go to a Dr who is also a naturopath from Your Health in Manly.

  Cheers
  Adrienne

  [Reply]

  January 13th, 2013 at 13:30
• Cameron says:

  Hello, this weekend is good for me, since this point in time
  i am reading this enormous informative post here at my house.

  [Reply]

  January 28th, 2013 at 1:49
• Steph says:

  This article raises very interesting info on Vitamin A and thyroid, good read

  http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=1718829

  “Foods high in vitamin A are especially important for diabetics and those suffering from thyroid conditions. In fact, the thyroid gland requires more vitamin A than the other glands, and cannot function without it.8 And a diet rich in vitamin A will help protect the diabetic from the degenerative conditions associated with the disease, such as problems with the retina and with healing”.

  [Reply]

  February 4th, 2013 at 17:14
• nadine says:

  I just also wanted to sing the praises of Pamela Dagley. She has me taking erfa thryroid which is available from the compounding pharmacy in Mosman. My energy levels are getting better daily. It is certainly worth looking into alternatives rather than the usual prescribed drugs as long as you still get your levels tested regularly to ensure everything is on track.

  [Reply]

  March 5th, 2013 at 22:46
• Terry says:

  We will be in Darwin Australia in July, can anyone direct my spouse to a naturopathic
  doctor in that area, who can prescribe the natural dessicated thyroid.
  I’ve been unable to get an information from the Australian websites.
  Thanks for sponsoring this informative website.

  [Reply]

  March 6th, 2013 at 4:03
• Anusia says:

  Hi, I have been desperately trying to find a good doctor to help me with managing my thyroid symptoms. I have Hashimotos for the last 27 years and have been losing my hair since then. I now have high blood pressure. I am constantly tired and have insulin resistance, very sensitive gut, and i’m overweight..I am taking 100mch of thyroxine and I have also started with 7.5mcg slow release T3 in the last 3 months and now have palplitations and tingling feeling on my finger tips. I am not happy with the GP that I’m seeing as I have to tell him what to do rather than getting advice from him. I live in Brisbane. Would you know of a good doctor in Brisbane that can help me. Thank you so much for this blog.

  [Reply]

  

  MagicPuffin Reply:
  March 7th, 2013 at 11:28 pm

  go see greg emerson at http://www.gregemerson.com.au
  You won’t need a referral and he is amazing.

  His clinic is called ‘Treat the Cause’ clinic and he is the best Dr I’ve seen for my Hashimoto’s.

  All the best

  [Reply]

  

  Smita Reply:
  March 7th, 2013 at 11:38 pm

  Hi! Anusia

  I am very sorry to hear about your issues with Hashi’s. However, If you are on Facebook there is a group called Hashimoto’s Australia. The group has been solely set up to support those living in Aus with Hashimoto’s.You can send them a friend’s request and one of the admin’s will accept your request. They are the most fantastic bunch individuals who are not only happy to support you emotionally but they have a great list of good doctors suggested by other members including those living in Brisbane who will surely help you out.

  For me they have been god send and I cannot thank them enough for helping me locate a fantastic doctor in Sydney.

  Good Luck Anusia, you are in my thoughts.

  Regards

  Smita

  Here is a link to the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/325648240861070/

  [Reply]

  March 7th, 2013 at 22:33
• Anusia says:

  Hi MagicPuffin,

  Thank you so much for recommending Dr Greg Emerson.

  Cheers.

  [Reply]

  

  MagicPuffin Reply:
  March 10th, 2013 at 7:31 pm

  No problem. It’s great that he’s in Brisbane. The only thing I can say is that it’s often not an overnight fix. But Greg will recognise that the symptoms you feel are just as important as the bloods.

  All the best

  [Reply]

  March 8th, 2013 at 14:53
• Anusia says:

  Hi Smita,

  Thank you so much for your support. I have send a friend request to Hashimoto’s Australia. It is good to have the support group. I don’t have much support from my family as they don’t understand this disease.

  Cheers.

  [Reply]

  March 8th, 2013 at 14:56
• Terry says:

  Magic Puffin, thank you for recommending Greg Emerson, my son in Australia is going to contact him from Darwin, and set up an appointment for my husband.

  Gracias from Mexico.

  [Reply]

  

  MagicPuffin Reply:
  March 10th, 2013 at 7:32 pm

  No probs, I guess Brisbane is closer to Darwin than Mexico!!!

  Hope all goes well

  [Reply]

  March 10th, 2013 at 10:41
• Michelle says:

  I love your info Sarah. Thank you.
  Not happy with my medication i found a doctor who recomends iodine/iodide combination drops. i tried them and they fixed what the medication did not. I also supplement with selenium. I slowly upped the drops one at a time a day and found
  my hair almost completely stopped falling out, my brain fog went away and i make
  more sense. I don’t feel “just crazy me” anymore and my energy came back with a
  high quality multivitamin.
  I googled thyroid and iodine and up came some scary sights about how dangerous it
  is but the American Thyroid Association said this:
  http://www.thyroid.org/iodine-deficiency/

  I’m in america and feel no support but your site has made me feel so much better.
  Always go home to your roots!

  Mich

  [Reply]

  

  a reader Reply:
  May 17th, 2013 at 5:01 am

  Hi Michelle,

  I have noticed that all over this page, many people are experimenting with trials of “therapeutic” supplements for which there may be little to no positive evidence, contradictory evidence or negative evidence.

  I completely understand why. Chronic disease can destroy quality of life. It’s only natural to want to improve things whatever way we can. If conventional medicine does not help us, then it may not be surprising that people turn in droves to whatever else is on offer.

  While I am glad to hear that you have experienced any kind of improvement in your symptoms whatsoever – big hooray! – it makes me extremely uneasy to think that anyone else might follow your lead.

  You say you “googled” thyroid and iodine and saw some “scary sights”. First of all, google can turn up a lot of disinformation as well as credible information. I use it myself to research all kinds of things extensively but it may not always be a good idea to do so. The quality of the information depends on the quality of the source. Many “health information” portals online are actually connected to commercial interest. This most certainly includes those sites which claim to be an alternative to “big pharma”, conventional medicine and so forth.

  I wouldn’t want you to feel under some form of attack when you’re saying you’re feel no support (I understand, and it’s awful) and the site has made you feel much better.

  However, I looked into iodine not long ago. I’m “lucky” at the moment – well, not so lucky, I have a bunch of autoimmune disease and according to a recent scan might have cancer. But I mean with Hashimoto’s; I’m told I have a mild form which doesn’t require levoxythyroxine. (Did I get that right? I’m going from memory here.) Basically I had a mildly inflamed thyroid and admittedly it was not until after extensive research that I requested anti-thyroid antibodies screening – all of this involved a change of doctors as the one I had (a very good doctor in many other respects) refused to do further testing for a sensation of “lump in my throat” (which actually turned out to have been refractory GERD, for whatever that’s worth… had to churn through doctors for that one – and am no longer having to deal with it after being able to properly treat it). Anyway I am aware of the role of iodine and became interested in it.

  The first thing is that most people on western diets apparently consume adequate iodine through processed foods; it’s mostly a problem in third world areas, and there it can be endemic. However in my case, I’m coeliac and at a certain point I realised that a lot of gluten-free subsitutes, for reasons not entirely clear, seem to make me feel quite nauseous. I have no idea what it is going on there; some vegetable gums can apparently cause a little gastric disturbance; soy flour seems to be a common ingredient plus a lot of added fat. In any regard, I’ve had ongoing gastrointestinal issues I’ve been trying to manage and, for reasons therefore similar to the strange experiments everyone here seems to be trying on, I have started avoiding various foodstuffs partly because it seems to work and partly out of what I suppose is ongoing paranoia.

  Anyway, you say that you came up with some scary sights about iodine supplementation being dangerous and quote that website. I thought, okay, well, that looks like an official organisation and they are probably ethically and legally culpable as well as being non-profit. I thought: really? They are going to say that supplements are ok? I thought they were unsafe.

  Therefore, I wasn’t surprised when I saw this on the page you mention:

  “Are there problems with taking too much iodine?
  Taking too much iodine can also cause problems. This is especially true in individuals that already have thyroid problems, such as nodules, hyperthyroidism and autoimmune thyroid disease. Administration of large amounts of iodine through medications (ie Amiodarone), radiology procedures (iodinated intravenous dye) and dietary excess (Dulce, kelp) can cause or worsen hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.”

  There are no tests for iodine amounts in the body and there is a set RDA (recommended daily allowance). This means if you are taking an unregulated supplement that is high in iodine and in particular if you are taking them in a self-regulated fashion, without knowing how many units you’re taking or how much your levels are, you are risking the last part of their statement. They are pointing out you can do this with seaweed alone.

  Wouldn’t it be ironic to worsen a thyroid condition by its aimed therapy and wouldn’t it be upsetting?

  So what other ways can iodine be taken in a controlled way?

  They are suggesting instead dietary sources, including iodised salt, and/or a multivitamin. I got some iodised salt but was unable to get any information whatsoever from my general practitioner on how much the RDA for iodine was, and I don’t think it was on the packaging of the salt. I notice that the RDA for salt would basically require a measure of between a quarter and half a teaspoon – haven’t measured that out, but even though I like a bit of salt on my food and can see why the Romans used it as currency, it seems like quite a bit to be consuming each day. So, that’s a useful link to know about.

  Based on the link you have provided alone… I would be very concerned that unless those drops are a standardised strength and you stick to the RDA, you risk worsening your condition in the long term. And because of the way individuals absorb information over the internet, it is concerning to think that some people might look at your post, not follow the link and decide that this may be an exemplary idea, and risk their health themselves. I’m not suggesting iodine doesn’t make you feel better. I wish something would make my hair stop falling out! Seriously -_- over the past year the top of my scalp is starting to look like many a guy well into middle age, except I’m in my early 30s and a woman.

  I wasn’t aware of iodine being included in any multivitamins per se – I don’t really take them as I find they sort of sit and fizz in my stomach – but it’s interesting to know.

  [Reply]

  March 29th, 2013 at 3:11
• Evie Campbell says:

  I have been taking ERFA thyroid for my hypothyroidism for the 12 months now and it has totally ransformed me into a new person. For ten years before I was prescribed levoxthyroxine and I was a mess. So for anyone out there who is in the same boat, good luck finding a doctor in Australia willing to try ERFA; all the ones I asked including gps and endocrinologists flatly refused to even let me try it. It is absolutely outrageous so many people are having so many problems unnecessarily, yet these quack doctors refuse to listen. I am in Newcastle, NSW and finally found a physician focused on immunology who has been using ERFA with great results and what a revelation – I am well again for the first time in ten years – not freezing all the time, not tired all the time, plenty of energy and all of the other benefits. People do not give up. If you are not happy with your medication, try ERFA, but realise you are going to be up against an Australian medical profession who don’t want to know. Ask your compounding chemist who in your area will prescribe it for you and monitor your progress. That was a good starting point for me, but other than that ring up every endo in the area and demand to know before you make an appointment whether they are prepared to give ERFA a try. And if you can’t find an endo that will, look at other kinds of doctors. That way you won’t waste your money or your time on endless goose chases. Good luck!

  [Reply]

  April 25th, 2013 at 8:27
• augusta Sportswear says:

  I rarely leave a response, however I looked at a few of the comments on this page your thyroid still playing up?
  i think I finally have an answer!! (a podcast with Chris Kresser) | Sarah Wilson.
  I do have some questions for you if it’s okay. Is it only me or does it look like like some of the remarks appear like they are left by brain dead individuals? And, if you are writing on other places, I would like to keep up with everything new you have to post. Could you list of all of your social community pages like your linkedin profile, Facebook page or twitter feed?

  [Reply]

  May 6th, 2013 at 21:52
• a reader says:

  If I was being snarky, I would suggest that since the writer of the article/blog hasn’t responded to other comments here, she is unlikely to
  a) post a list of all links – a cursory glance at the upper right hand side of the page should reveal all, as might be expected and
  b) comment on the idea that people writing here are braindead.
  It’s just a suspicion.
  No further comment…
  

  [Reply]

  

  a reader Reply:
  May 17th, 2013 at 5:06 am

  this comment being addressed to augusta Sportswear just above.

  [Reply]

  May 17th, 2013 at 5:06

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