I am extremely skeptical of drug company boasts, but I do wonder if they have a point here.... since supplements are not regulated at all, how DO you know you're getting the right omega-3 and the right dosage? they could give you sugar and arsenic... how could you know?

Hi Doc:
Two questions please:

1  It's well known that cutting carbohydrates also lowers trigs. significantly.
Do you consider increasing omega 3s your primary attack?

2 In this case is controlling omega 6/omega 3 ratio an issue, as it is in controlling inflammation?

Thanks

Mike V

"But insurance covers it in most cases!"

I wonder how much of the rise in health care costs can be attributed to this mentality? Why use a cheap, effective, non-patentable alternative when you can get something more expensive "for free" through your insurance? I think insurance coverage has had the unintended effect of causing health care to cost more and more since there's been ready money from insurers to cover the costs.

Interesting ... I lowered by triglycerides from 344 to 106 mg/l in 6 weeks, but I'm not sure what the mechanism actually was.  I had been taking 1500mg of niacin per day for quite a while with little effect, but started a low carb diet (<30 grams of carbs per day) and taking 1600 mg of EPA in fish oil per day.  Within 6 weeks my test results showed the decrease.  

I've heard both low carb diets and fish oil help lower triglycerides.  I'm hesitant to change anything ... thinking perhaps that its a "magical mix" of approaches that is working.

I'm sure readers here will be aware of Vitamin D3 and it's role reducing MMP9's. Here are a couple of examples.
  Vitamin-D insufficiency is associated with increased circulating MMP2,9 and CRP, correctable by supplementation.

Vitamin D and its derivatives can evidently influence invasive processes by two means: (a) decreasing the expression and activity of cell invasion-associated serine proteases and metalloproteinases; and (b) inducing their inhibitors.
When one considers the role of MMP9's in other conditions as well as heart disease, such as MS and cancer, it makes you wonder why fish oil and vitamin D aren't even considered as potentially useful additions to treatment or prevention of conditions where MMP's wreak such havoc.
Both D3 and omega 3 are cheap and safe and there is good science explaining why they may help, so why the reluctance to correct deficiency states?

Thanks for the article Dr. By the way, does the fish oil increase Uric acid in (certain) individuals?

In my case, I noticed that when I started on fish oil capsules, Uric acid jumped from 5.5 to 8.0 and hence the concern.

Thanks

Venkat

We face similar ridicule from specialists. They not only get upset with us for managing our own patients (cardiology wants referrals for high cholesterol, psychiatry wants us to refer to them our average depressed patient, GI wants referrals for initial GERD) but they also very quickly dismiss our efforts to manage patients using generic medications and Vitamin D. We are family physicians. We MANAGE patients.

A rheumatologist stopped by our office the other day to meet our providers.

I witnessed his introduction to each provider (so I heard the same speech 5 times) and each time, the second or third sentence began with a list of 2-3 new drugs that the FDA just approved for treatment of XYZ condition, which he is already incorporating into his practice.

After allowing him the courtesy to make his case, two of our providers questioned his experience with Vit D. His tone turned sour (as did the conversation) and he very quickly rushed through D (commenting that the results of managing D are "mixed" and "the jury is still out on that").

He specifically asked how we manage patients who fail bisphosphonate therapy, to which one doc replied, "I haven't written for a bisphosphonate in almost 18 months, so I can't say that I've had any patients recently that fail a therapy I haven't put them on. I manage their osteo_____ by cranking up their D level. It's great! I've seen several patients with T-scores that increase 6-8%! Patients go from losing bone to making bone! We didn’t just slow their bone degeneration; we actually made new bone! With the bisphosphonates, you're preventing a natural process from occurring, plus the half life of at least 10 years doesn't sit well with most patients."

To which the specialist replied, "oh sure. Which is why each patient must go on a drug holiday after 5 years."

DRUG HOLIDAY? I'd never heard such a term.

My doc went onto discuss how his patients have been very successfully treated for many types of arthritis without the use of prescription drugs.

The conversation got especially tense when the specialist questioned how a patient could be “ethically” treated for osteo____ without the use of FDA approved pharmaceuticals.

Needless to say, the specialist concluded with a comment about how we could stand around and argue medicine all day but he would appreciate more referrals from us.

Yikes.

(He also mentioned on more than one occasion how he can see our patients same day. A same day rheumatology referral? I'm struggling to picture a rheumatology referral that would require same day access.....

He is also only 1 of 2 rheumatologists within 50 miles....and he has same day access and has been in the area for more than 2 years? Leads me to believe that maybe those services are becoming less needed due to D. Just a thought.)

-JL

Low carb, low glycemic index, also help reduce tryglicerides:

http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/reprint/131/10/2772S.pdf
http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/reprint/85/9/3085.pdf
http://www.ebmonline.org/cgi/reprint/225/3/178.pdf

That is such a typical specialist reaction to the hormone D issue.  I experience this frequently.

BTW, Lovaza is marketed by GSK, not AZ.

In the migraine world, the concept of a "drug holiday" is pretty common. It isn't fun - you avoid all meds but it helps avoid rebound or medication overuse headaches.

JL--
Thanks for your great story! Tell us more.


Anonymous--

GSK, AZ--Can you tell the difference? I certainly cannot.

Their representatives are the same smiling-to-your-face, can-I-please-my-supervisor-and-make-my-bonus? sorts of people after one thing: their own career advancement--whether or not health is served.

Here is an interesting letter to congress from a former drug rep--

http://aging.senate.gov/events/hr190sa.pdf

I ran across a forum for drug reps, while randomly searching for info on a specific drug --

http://www.cafepharma.com/boards/forumdisplay.php?f=3

Their practices are scary and they basically come across, for lack of a better term, as evil. Sell their drug, whatever it takes.

I really appreciate this blog but seriously, some times it just scares me into a semi-anxiety attack.
( Oh where oh where is my valium, LOL)
TY Dr. Davis and all who provide such great information.  Keep up the good work!

Yes, and everyone wants the free samples.....So the beat goes on.  Doctors are well aware of the tactics that are being used. Most feel that perhaps their colleagues may fall for drug rep tactics.  Doctors underestimate their own vulnerability.  These days the most a drug rep can provide is a free take out lunch for the staff, free pens or a cup of coffee. Most docs don't realize that some drug reps and most of their supervisors make more money than the doctors do!  No wonder lovaza is so expensive.

My trigs roller coastered between 300 and 650.  I was on extreme diets, statins, and Lovaza.  Nothing touched it.  My cardiologist blamed it on genes and said there's nothing much more we can do.  The LAST time I visted him, we argued about it to the point he finally agreed to run a series of blood tests.  Hypothyroidism...  I've been on thyroid medicine for about 5 months and the last two cholesterol screens came back normal in ALL aspects!
Rich

Result! Send him to read this blog!

Yes there are stories of woeful undertreatment of thyroid. My current doctors are very proactive on it - a pleasant change - and report finding problems quite often, increasing with age and female gender but present in others as well.

This should be a relatively low incidence area - high selenium soil content and iodine from seafood - but there is a large (active) elderly population which might slant the numbers the other way - but they don't have comparative information from other areas to check due to diagnostic bias.

i have high triglycerides too.  i learned a lot from this website:
http://loweryourtriglycerides.blogspot.com/

Thanks Dr. Davis for your blog and efforts to make people healthy. I think you will find this blog (if you haven't seen it) by Dr. Mike Eades very interesting as it fits right in with your "Triglyceride buster" blog.

Four patients who changed my life. (blog by Dr. Eades)

Things are looking up.  This was posted on the CafePharma Board yesterday.
"Not to burst your bubble, but there are 120,000 reps out of work. Don't bother. Even people with GREAT credentials are finding nothing. Companies will continue to cut back. Access is harder than ever. The only reps that do well with getting even 2 minutes of time have some HOT sample with excellent formulary coverage. Device reps bust their ass and work from 6 am to 7 pm, 5 and even 6 days a week. I am hospital and leave at 6 am to 8 am and come home at 6 pm, on the road from 2 to 5 hours a day. It takes me 30 phone calls/emails to get ONE apppointment and when I show up, I better provide something valuable to the HCP or they will NEVER see me again. Hence, I spend my weekends studying and preparing for work. If I was under age 40, I would go back to school for a tech or nursing degree."

Being a nurse, I never thought I would see this day. Actual doctors (Dr. Davis and others) promoting alternative therapies that are really not alternative but wholistic in nature. I am just beginning my own journey with self directed preventive care and cannot say enough about the fantastic information available. Looking forward to seeing how this develops. So far my weight has dropped 35 pounds, triglycerides reduced from 323  to 151 and this is just the beginning.

Well I have heard plenty of stories about Omega-3's I have looked into them all including Lovaza and found that only one stands up to the test that truly helps triglycerides to be lowered. OceanBlueProfessional.com has their Omega-3 2100 product that has such a high potency of omega-3 if you take the suggested dosage it really works I take it every day and recommend it to everyone I know.

My father has a high level of Triglyceride, and we are all worried about him, I know he takes Omega-3 but I believe he should increase the dose.

I am continually surprised at the number of people with high triglycerides who are still treated with a fibrate drug, like Tricor, or a statin drug, when fish oil--widely available, essentially free of side-effects, with a proven cardiovascular risk-reducing track record--should clearly be the first choice by a long stretch.

QUOTE:
"... gram for gram, wheat increases blood sugar to a much greater degree than, say, chickpeas. "

Well, that ain't good.

I've really enjoyed these last couple of posts about wheat. Very informative and accessible. Thanks for taking the time to make this kind of info available to the wider audience.

David

fascinating

WOW- a classic lose-lose. 25% remains in your colon, to become a bacteria feast and the rest (75%) increases blood sugar and insulin production to store it as a fat cell.  hmmmmm, thank goodness for science, we may save ourselves.

Dr. Davis,

While not on a directly related note, do you have any general feelings on moderate consumption of buckwheat as a carbohydrate source? From what I have read, this "pseudo" grain seems to be far less problematic than true grains. It would still not give most folks a license to consume it ad libitum, but I am curious if you'd consider this a decent choice in controlled amounts (with the actual amount varying by context and the overall health of the person in question).

-Dave Balon

Excellent explaination, Dr Davis.

I'm really enjoying your posts about wheat.  Very interesting.  Thanks

Yet another study was just recently published showing a link between a high-carb diet and cancer:

Available Carbohydrates, Glycemic Load, and Pancreatic Cancer: Is There a Link?

I found this particularly interesting:

"The positive association for available carbohydrate intake was observed during the first 4 years of follow-up (HR(<2 years) = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.34, 5.06; HR(2-<4 years) = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.06, 3.55) but not subsequently (HR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.52, 1.44); the opposite pattern was observed for total fat and saturated fat intake.

Another study:

Glycemic load, glycemic index, and pancreatic cancer risk in the Netherlands Cohort Study

Another study:

Dietary glycemic load and risk of colorectal cancer in the Women's Health Study

And another study:

Soft Drink and Juice Consumption and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: The Singapore Chinese Health Study

Thank you Dr. D

Dear Heart Scan Blog,

I am a student at the  University of Rochester working on an internship project in conjunction with RateADrug.com to collect primary user data about side effects and benefits from commonly used treatments for Atherosclerosis & Arterial Disease.  The goal is to build a large, public access database of unbiased, anecdotal data about Atherosclerosis & Arterial Disease treatments.

We want to let both patients and practitioners know about how they can participate in or benefit from the project.  Users can add their experiences with a treatment and learn more about how the treatment is affecting them by taking a short, confidential survey. They can also use RateADrug to compare aggregate data for different Atherosclerosis & Arterial Disease treatments- both conventional and alternative (http://www.rateadrug.com/Atherosclerosis-and-Arterial-Disease-symptoms-feedback.aspx) - and forward the results of their own surveys to their doctors or family members.

Rateadrug is an independent data gathering and information website that does not accept funding or advertisement from drug companies.

Would it be possible for you to make this information available to your viewers so they can help us collect important data on Atherosclerosis & Arterial Disease treatments?

Thank you in advance. I'd be happy to speak with you if you have any questions or comments.

University of Rochester
www.RateADrug.com student intern
jillian@radpprep2.com

Hi, Paul--

Yes, indeed. The data relating high-carbohydrate intake with multiple forms of cancer is getting very scary.

Wow, I am a long time fan of heartscanblog, but Paul's citation is the most misleading EVER.   The authors found that carbs were associated with pancreatic cancer only in the FIRST FOUR years of follow-up, whereas fat and saturated fat were associated with pancreatic cancer during follow-up GREATER than four years.  Since pancreatic cancer takes years to develop, the authors conclude that carbohydrates are NOT CAUSAL to pancreatic cancer - fat may be.

"The data relating high-carbohydrate intake with multiple forms of cancer is getting very scary."

I would think at least in part from the higher blood sugars.  Much less problematic w/ whole, intact grains (boiled vs ground into flour and refined (and then higher temp. baked or fried)!

I love your blog.  We have switched out diets to something much closer to what you recommend due to the fact that my husband's psoriasis gets so much better if he avoids wheat,potatoes, corn, refined sugars, and dairy.  We figure it's better than using steroids for the problem.  We also have one son who has been biopsied for celiac after is blood work and we were told he doesn't have the correct atrophy but does have a damaged intestine.  

So we are committed to eating this way.  But one thing I have wondered about is if you feel that carb blockers work for blocking starch.  There are times when I would kill for a baked potato but try not to because it starts a negative cycle.  And now I know that it's not so hot for my heart either.  

This post made me wonder if there isn't some merit in them.

Thanks for discussing this.I thought whet is sort of better than the white bread for the diabetic and the heart patients.

This is one of greatest blogs I’ve read since ever. Your site contains a lot of useful information and I’m sure many people will like it as I do. I'll keep visiting your blog very frequently.

This is one of greatest blogs I’ve read since ever. Your site contains a lot of useful information and I’m sure many people will like it as I do. I’ll keep visiting your blog very frequently.

Bill and I found our Wheatbelly book and have been off gluten for 9 months, it was hard at first but we now
feel so different, Bill's blood sugar dropped 25 points, and we look at all our food so differently now!
The display of wheat rolls and pastry at our buffet looks more and more like hidden poison.
We are off sugar, too it is so tempting but our body says, Thank you Dr. Davis!

Here's one theory:

http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.com/2008/12/omega-6-linoleic-acid-suppresses.html

For my last thyroid test my TSH came back at .752 - which I believe is good.  I get cold relatively easy so figured before testing that my results would come back problematic.  

Then again I'm thin, with little body fat.  

Don't know if this means anything for thyroid results, but I've noticed a dramatic feeling in coldness when I eat milk products.  If I have milk product, I become deeply chilled in the winter time.  So I've avoided milk for around 20 years for that and other reasons.  

Since a feeling of cold goes along with hypothyroidism I've wondered if cows milk can cause thyroid issues.

Funny, the symptoms you describe are basically the same as those of my dog when she developed thyroid problems.  She was very weary and down, unable to do much, always cold, etc.  However, I suspect that you didn't have the problems with your fur like she did.  

Going on thyroid meds gave her a new lease on life: it took years off of her life in very short order.  I can only imagine how much of a difference it made for her mental state from the inside -- and I wish that we'd caught it sooner.  

For a person, the ordeal would have been even worse.  At least my dog didn't know any better.

One theory floating around in the hypothyroid circle...Antibiotics have kept more of us alive than would have prior to antibiotics being invented. Poor thyroid function will lead to poor immune system function. Take away the antibiotics we were given as children for our various ear infections and strep throat and many of us grown adults would not have made it to adulthood. Now we're just grown adults with wide-spread thyroid problems.

All that stress may have caused some adrenal fatigue which will lower tissue responsiveness to thyroid hormone. It would be interesting to know what your Reverse T3 was, as adrenal fatigue will reverse the T3 making it useless at the tissue level but still measurable as a normal total T3. With continuing adrenal fatigue and exogenous thyroid hormone you may start feeling "hyper" in the future even with normal numbers. Heart palpitations were my "hyper" symptoms while on thyroid for Hashimoto's but with still lowish lab numbers. This was then misdiagnosed as "anxiety" (palpitations do cause anxiety) and I was put on an SSRI. Years later I addressed the adrenal fatigue, am off the SSRI, and can tolerate exogenous thyroid without palpitations.

Hi Dr. Davis:

I was very interested in this post.  I have recently found out that the thyroid nodule I had excised 4 years ago was most likely a nodular goitre due to iodine deficiency.  I have never felt well since the surgery.  I was put on synthroid.  More recently I've been on Armour, since I consulted a complimentary physician.  He discovered that my iodine levels were very low.  I've started supplementing with Lugol's and now I've been able to go off the thyroid meds and I'm feeling much better.  I too have had thyroid problems every fall/winter since the surgery which resolve with the coming of spring.  Once I look forward to having my lipids rechecked once my iodine levels are normalized to see if it has any effect.  I was diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia 20 years ago.  Your blog has been a wealth of information.  Thanks so much.

Olga

Have you considered that perhaps stress and lack of sleep simply caused your thyroid functions to become 'sluggish'?

So instead of your thyroid being the cause of your symptoms, it was your lack of sleep + stress, which then caused your thyroid to work less effectively? Meaning... your thyroid issues, if there are any, were temporary, and restoration of sleep, etc. would result in an improvement?

Armour would improve your symptoms under such a scenario too. But perhaps simply sleeping more, etc. would have done the same. Although this is a bad analogy, it's as if you took lots of caffeine or an amphetamine to keep yourself awake, more alert, etc. Yes, you would feel better, but taking better care of yourself, sleeping more, less stress would be the better option.

Your hormone numbers are actually pretty good, by the way. I mean, no Endo or familty doctor would ever treat you with a TSH that close to perfect, and your hormone levels, although not perhaps ideal, really weren't that bad. And TSH, T3 and T4 all do fluctuate, not only day to day, but in the same day. Your TSH could come back close to 1.0 after a couple of night's of good sleep.

Did you have your thyroid antibodies tested? That is the main cause of hypothyroidism, and can cause symptoms on their own, regardless of thyroid hormone levels (as least that's what I believe, but some doctors may think differently).

I don't mean to sound negative with these comments, but I'm just playing Devil's advocate. It does sort of sound like you are finding thyroid disease everywhere, even in yourself, when it may not exist.

Generally, for a proper  thyroid disease diagnosis, you can't go by a single test if your TSH is close to normal like that. A TSH >2-3, raised thyroid antibodies, and an ultrasound are usually used. If you come back abnormal on a couple of those, then yeah, you probably have Hashimoto's or some sort of thyroid problem.

If you have been low carbing, there is something I read about called Euthyroid Syndrome where your thyroid slows as response to the ketogenic state--the body thinks it is starving and slows down.

This is different from thyroid disease. Very common.

Unfortunately, it is impossible for us ordinary mortals who don't have prescription pads to get the thyroid hormone we need.  Doctors see the normal test results and refuse to prescribe.

For me, the only cure is to up the carbs again (with insulin) since I can't get treatment.

A lot of the Armour/natural throid fans and proponents say that your FT3 should ideally be at the top of the range, and FT4 at least in the top third. So, by the looks of it, you were in fact having something of a thyroid dip.

So...how do you convince a doctor to prescribe thyroid when your lab results don't support it?

All great comments.

However, I've told everyone only part of the story. For instance, in patients we are seeing marked reductions in LDL and lipoprotein(a), not to mention improved energy, weight loss acceleration, and mood.

As time passes, I am becoming more and more convinced that first a.m. oral temperature is the best way to identify low thyroid.

Improvements in lipid scores is another matter. It's not subjective anymore then.

The question of why it's so common then is an interesting issue. You can't just assume it's lifestyle or lack of D, etc.  It is possible that's the cause, but it'd be a guess and not really scientific.

I mean, we can safely assume you are following your own plan, yet  your thyroid may be sluggish there too.

For Euthyroid Syndrome, you'd want to get your reverse T3 tested. At least that's what my doc said to test for. And as for getting treatment when your labs don't support it... umm... it's a problem. It's difficult enough getting treatment when your labs are abnormal.

I'm glad Dr. Davis mentioned that there are patients with reduced LDL after treatment. I've recently been diagnosed with Hashimoto's -- TSH routinely >3 this past year, elevated antibodies, and two abormal ultrasounds later, an Endo is finally treating me. My lipids have been extremely stubborn, even though I follow a low carb, very little wheat diet, fish oil, normalized D, exercise, etc. My trigs won't go below 150 & LDL is in the 120ish range. Thankfully my Lp(a) has always been low 4-5. We'll see after treatment (assuming my endo doses me enough) if my numbers improve.

The free t3 result you posted was low.  Very low.  This can cause a spiral of damage & disease.

I am one who had a normal TSH even when my free t3 falls below the normal range.  The HPA Axis is at fault.  

This situation is not as rare as some doctors like to think.  

I do not believe doctors should rely only on TSH (a pituitary hormone.)  Free t3 is THE active thyroid hormone, and deserves the strongest attention.  

I like to keep my ft3 at or just above the midpoint of the lab's reference range.

Dr Dach reviews the book "Stop the Thyroid Madness" and links to other books and websites concerning thyroid/synthroid/armour issues. http://jeffreydach.com/2009/02/06/stop-the-thyroid-madness-by-jamie-bowthorpe.aspx

I have been on Synthroid for years and now wonder if I would feel better on Armour. I am always cold and my skin, although less dry, it is still dry. I lost hair at one time. I am no longer losing hair, but I never grew back what I lost.

Not long ago my son and I were tested for gluten (IgA antibodies, anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA, and genes, and we both tested positive but with a slightly different combination of genes that predispose.  

Then it occurred to me that the hypothyroid symptoms greatly worsened during the years when I was eating the most gluten, at the end of my "bread machine phase" (bread machine recipes often specify high gluten wheat flours and added wheat gluten to boost rising performance and enhance texture) and when I was low carbing, but consuming LC bread products that contained not only soy, but added wheat gluten to boost protein and reduce starch content.  Gluten sensitivity and thyroid conditions often are related, but of course, I was not checked for anti-thyroid antibodies at the time.  

I still eat LC, but a few years ago I did drop the LC bread and wheat products (and basically grains altogether) because they didn't fit into my goal to eat less industrially processed (fake) foods.  I'm not entirely paleo, but definitely eat in that direction, with very good results.  Wish I could say that was enough for my thyroid function to improve without added thyroid hormone supplementation, but I still take thyroid hormone (T4 and T3) to feel better.

Unfortunately, it is impossible for us ordinary mortals who don't have prescription pads to get the thyroid hormone we need.

For those in jurisdictions in which importation is allowed (or for those willing to risk ordering a medication that is probably not a high priority for prosecution):

U.K. source
S. Africa source

I've heard a lot of similar stories in the UK - in many areas thyroid is not treated unless TSH is over 5 or even in double figures, and T3 and T4 tests are unavailable.

Some people simply do not do well unless TSH is around 1 and it often takes a geographical move to obtain treatment, the effects of which can be dramatic and may include improved BG and "treatment resistant" depression resolving.

Yet others need more subtle rebalancing until T3 and T4 are in range.

As to causal factors, no clue, but this seems commoner that it's supposed to be.

Dr. Davis I'd be interested in your experiences with patients with low testosterone levels and its relation to heart disease, plaque progression and metabolic syndrome. Has restoration to "normal" levels led to improved cardiovascular health?

Regarding Euthyroid Syndrome. The full name is Euthyoid Stress Syndrome. Dr. Eades says he did not see this effect in his patients. See the comments section of this link for further information. http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/uncategorized/vampire-myths/

People practicing CRON, calorie restriction with optimal nutrition, also report low T3 levels.  In fact, they say low T3 levels is associated with longevity and seem to think it's a good thing.

Yes there is a school of thought that Free T3 should be at the top of the range and free T4 mid range or higher. Since this is the school of thought that actually has success with patients feeling better, I would go with that. My TSH was totally normal like yours but my antibodies were pretty high. Although, that being said I have read that a TSH over 1 in a woman and 1.5 in a man is already in the danger zone http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/dommisse.htm. Have you had your antibodies tested?

There is a thyroid scandal going on all around the world where those of us with hypothyroidism are neither being diagnosed nor adequately treated.

My temps have been in the 96's for years. God knows how long my thyroid gland has been being attacked.

FYI it has been reported that most pateints feel their best on 3-5 grains of armour. There is even a theory that in healthy individals TSH is very, very low and that TSH only activates as a kindof emergency response.

Here is a good NYTimes overview on treatment and controversy. 3/28/09

http://preview.tinyurl.com/ckg6uq

MikeV

I could be a poster child for what no T3 can do to you.  I wonder if you could address the recent lack of availability of Armour thyroid and the disinformation regarding such.  I have resorted to ordering glandulars from NutriMeds but I am already suffering from a week of having to go back on levoxyl because of Armour not being available.  I have called many pharmacists and physicians and asked them what they are being told and virtually EVERYONE SAID NOTHING.  Any comments appreciated on this.  To me, this borders on criminal to abruptly stop the availability with confusing and contradicting reasons and all they will say is take a syhthetic.

MyGalSal,

The thyroid shortage is most acute at the corporate chain drugs stores.  They almost always order via dtisributers (middlemen) rather than direct from the maker.  

Try a compounding pharmacy, either local or via online/mail order.  If you don't know of one, try this site:  www.iacprx.org/  Compounding pharmacies make individual preparations for all sorts of reasons.  They are often located near major medical centers.

Many compounding pharmacies still have natural thyroid supplies (though they may be limiting refills to give everyone a chance during the shortage).  Compounding pharmacies also can compound a thyroid preparation specifically for you (though it is more naturally expensive than buying ready-made pills) if they still have a supply of the bulk thyroid extract powder, but your doctor will have to know how to write a prescription for compounded meds (my HMO endo didn't know how, I had to find out for him!).

I've been able to get Nature-throid via a compounding pharmacy (they mail it to me), though lately I've had to be flexible and split larger dose tablets in half or take two of a smaller dose.  I don't mind, as long as I can still get Naturethroid.

Janie Bowthorpe at Stop the Thyroid Madness blog has tips for maintaining your access to natural desiccated thyroid hormone, including having your doctor write your prescription as "broadly" as possible to so that the pharmacy can fill it with different brands or tablets cut in half, etc.  YOu may have to think outside of the "shopping center drugstore box" though.  

I haven't tried this yet, but many people are having good luck ordering thyroid hormone from Canada (there is NO thyroid hormone shortage in Canada and Europe).  Again, Janie at STTM blog has posted specifics and communication with a Canadian manufacturer if you decide to try this route

Good luck.

It's your discovery, good job!

A fantastic read….very literate and informative. Many thanks….what theme is this you are using and also, where is your RSS button ?

With regards to adrenal fatigue, there’s a new web site that gathers much of the information from Val, who’s been helping people treat adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism, including rT3 issues, for a long time: http://nthadrenalsweb.org

Highly recommended.

Well Whattadya know, yet another great site to add to my reader!
Hypnose or hypnosis

It's been a tough winter in Wisconsin. Let's face it: It's Wisconsin. But it's been tough even for this region, with weeks of temperatures consistently below 10 degrees. Even so, I was having a heck of a time keeping warm. Extra shirts, socks, soaking my hands in hot water--none of it worked and I was freezing.

Pardon me for sounding bitter, but you got to resolve effortlessly symptoms I had to endure for four years (actually they were much worse, but it took 3 years of being told I had perfectly normal TSH levels, so shut up, and then another year to get an appointment with an endocrinologist who said, why yes, yes, you do have a goiter, we'll try synthroidl.  Two years on that crap, which didn't help at all, eventually some t3 which didn't either, and finally a minimal dose of Armour Thyroid (1 grain) which keeps me from feeling quite so crap, but I can't lose weight -- ever -- and can't ever stay warm in winter, or regulate my body temp in summer.  I HATE doctors.  And no, I can't change endos, there are't any more endocrinologists in this area, I'm damned lucky I got this one.

I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism April 2006. My doctor started me on 100 mc of synthetic drug a day. After being on the dose for 2 months TSH level was down to 1.4 and my area normal range is 0.2-4.5. My doctor decided to keep me on the 100mc Thyroxine a day to see how i went. 4 weeks later i started to feel alarming symptoms as if i had Hyperthyroid. So I decided to switched to bovine thyroid, so far I gained positive results.