Relevant answers to your frequent questions...

Thyroid hormone: Frequently Asked Questions

What do these have to do with thyroid hormone?

There are two slightly different forms of thyroid hormone that circulate in the bloodstream. One form is abbreviated as T3, which is thyroid hormone with three attached iodine units. The other form is known as T4, which is thyroid hormone with four attached iodine units. Both forms are "thyroid hormone. "
Two slightly different forms of thyroid hormone are found in the blood. One is abbreviated as T3 (thyroid hormone with 3 attached iodines) and the other as T4 (thyroid hormone with 4 attached iodines). Both are considered thyroid hormone. The form of thyroid hormone found in replacement tablets is T4.

How long do I need to take thyroid hormone after having my thyroid completely removed?

Because your thyroid has been removed patients need to stay on thyroid hormone for life. They should routinely get their thyroid hormone level checked. If you get palpitation and agitation and tremors on thyroid hormone this may be because your dose of thyroid hormone is too high and needs to be reduced. If you get depression and low energy it may be due to not taking enough thyroid hormone. A simple blood test can determine what your hormone levels are.

What is Thyroid, Cortisol, Estrogen/Progesterone/ Testosterone, Growth Hormone and why are they so important?

Thyroid, Cortisol, Estrogen/Progesterone/ Testosterone, Growth Hormone are so important because...

Why would I need to go on thyroid hormone suppression therapy?

Thyroxine can also be used to keep the TSH level in the low, or low normal, range. This has the effect of turning off one of the signals for thyroid tissue to grow and can be used to try and stop thyroid nodules or enlarged thyroid glands from growing. Risks of suppression therapy include irregular and fast heart rhythms, exacerbation of chest pain and decreased bone density, so this needs to be carefully monitored. ...

When my thyroid hormone levels are normalized will I become fat?

Concern for weight after treatment is one of the most common questions asked by men and women with hyperthyroidism. Few recall that weight loss is one of the most common symptoms of thyroid hormone over activity. Further when in a hyperthyroid state men and women can eat voraciously and never gain weight. But this is not the norm. Once thyroid hormone levels are normalized some weight gain, back to normal is inevitable. ...

Can thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) be used to diagnose hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is released by the pituitary in response to low serum T4 levels, due to loss of negative feedback. An increase in TSH concentration therefore indicates a failure of adequate thyroid hormone production (hypothyroidism). Abnormally high concentrations of T4, as seen in hyperthyroidism (a very rare condition in the dog) will inhibit TSH secretion and cause low serum concentrations of TSH. ...

Will thyroid hormone help me if I have hypothyroid symptoms but normal thyroid hormone levels?

In several scientific studies, there was no difference between T4 and a placebo (sugar pill) in improving symptoms, depression or well-being in patients with “hypothyroid” symptoms and normal thyroid hormone levels

What is hormone coaching to balance energy glands (thyroid, adrenal and sex glands)?

Hormone coaching to re-balance your energy glands (thyroid, adrenal and sex glands) occurs when a person with these concerns books time with Dr. Richard Shames for over the telephone information specific to his/her own personal situation. It is your time - 50 minutes alone with the doctor.

Do I have to replace all hormones i.e. testosterone, growth hormone, thyroid and DHEA?

Hormones may be replaced separately or in combination. The Best results are obtained when all declining or imbalanced hormonal conditions are corrected. We understand the cost limitation on growth hormone, but the cost for Testosterone, Estrogen, Progesterone, Thyroid, and DHEA is considered affordable.

Will my underactive thyroid ever start up and make normal amounts of thyroid hormone again?

Occasionally hypothyroidism is temporary as is the case in hypothyroidism that develops after a pregnancy. Thyroid hormone treatment may be necessary for a while but some women can try to stop taking their thyroid hormone and wait 6 weeks. Then have thyroid hormone tests. If her thyroid has recovered and thyroid tests are normal stopping treatment makes sense but if tests reveal persistent hypothyroidism continued thyroid hormone treatment is necessary.

My patient has a thyroid mass, yet thyroid hormone concentrations were normal to low. Why aren't they elevated?

Most thyroid masses in the canine are nonfunctional and do not secrete excess concentrations of thyroid hormones. The majority of thyroid tumors are thyroid carcinomas, and only a small percentage result in hyperthyroidism. Occasionally, a thyroid mass may cause an increase in TgAA.

How do I request that a Free Thyroxine (Free T-4) be completed only if the Thyroid Stimulatine Hormone is out of range?

By ordering a Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Reflexive, if the TSH is outside the adult reference range, a Free T4 is automatically analyzed at an additional charge to the patient.

I am taking Synthroid (a synthetic thyroid hormone), is Lean-N-Clean® / Acidgone® suitable for me?

Yes, it is. Thyroid hormones increase the metabolic rate of body tissues. They can increase the rate of fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Thyroid hormones have been used to treat obesity, however, they have been found to be ineffective. If your doctor prescribes Synthroid for you as a replacement or supplemental therapy in hypothyroidism, you may continue to take it as prescribed while you are taking Lean-N-Clean® / Acidgone® to help you with other health problems. ...

Do some breeds of dogs have thyroid hormone reference ranges that differ from the general dog population?

Sighthounds (Greyhounds, Salukis, Afghan hounds, Whippets, Borzois, Irish Wolfhounds, Pharoah hounds, Ibizan hounds, etc.) have lower TT4 and FT4 reference ranges although these are generally not published. In some case studies, the TT4 reference range extends to zero. As such, a dog with hypothyroidism cannot be differentiated from a normal dog using T4 tests alone. Fortunately, general canine population ranges for TSH appear to apply well to these breeds. ...

Why is it so important that I see the doctor now? I'm only a few weeks pregnant. Do I still need to take my thyroid hormone replacement medication?

Yes, you must continue to take your thyroid hormone replacement (i.e., Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, Armour, Thyrolar) and it's extremely important that you do, now and throughout the rest of your pregnancy. You are your baby's only source of source of thyroid hormones at this point - your baby's thyroid gland isn't fully functional until after 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you don't have sufficient thyroid hormones, you are at an increased risk of miscarriage, and your baby is at increased risk of developmental problems.

I was confused when I asked my doctor about my child's thyroid hormone level and she talked about T3 and T4 values. What do these have to do with thyroid hormone?

Two slightly different forms of thyroid hormone are found in the blood. One is abbreviated as T3 (thyroid hormone with 3 attached iodines) and the other as T4 (thyroid hormone with 4 attached iodines). Both are considered as thyroid hormone. The form of thyroid hormone found in replacement tablets is T4. The body naturally converts T4 into T3. Q: The doctor said my son's hypothyroidism isn't due to a problem in the

If you suspect hyperthyroidism in a cat, yet all the thyroid hormone concentrations are within normal limits. Does this rule out hyperthyroidism?

Especially if the T4 or FT4 are on the higher end of the reference range. See #2 above.

Will I need to take thyroid hormone tablets after my surgery?

If you are having a total thyroidectomy (removal of the whole thyroid gland) you will need to take thyroid hormone. After a hemithyroidectomy (removal of half the thyroid) the other side will generally function adequately however around 10% of people will require thyroid hormone supplements. For those that need to be on thyroid hormone this will be a lifelong requirement. Thyroid hormone tablets are taken once daily and once at a stable level are simply controlled by a yearly blood test. ...

I blame my weight gain and inability to lose fat on low thyroid hormone levels. How much of an impact does this have?

Some. T3 levels have an impact on one's metabolic rate. The body uses this hormone to help increase or decrease metabolism, often in response to caloric excess or restriction. If one has a low thyroid hormone status, it can lower their total metabolic rate. Lower thyroid levels can be an inconvenience, but it is important to realize that you will still lose weight when caloric intake is less than expenditure.

Q. Why is synthetic thyroid hormone replacement prescribed to nearly everyone these days, instead of a natural one?

The original medication for hypothyroid patients, desiccated thyroid hormone, was made from dried beef and pork thyroid glands. It was a combination of T3(triiodothyronine) and T4 (levothyroxine). T3 leaves the body quickly, so truly effective therapy would require taking pills several times a day, to keep the levels in the blood consistent. ...

My patient has normal thyroid hormone concentrations, but has an elevated thyroglobulin autoantibody result. What does this mean?

This most likely reflects the presence of subclinical thyroiditis (but very rarely might indicate thyroid neoplasia in an older dog). In these cases, there is evidence of pathology within the thyroid glands, but not to the extent that it is interfering with thyroid function. Histologically, there are often small foci of lymphocytic inflammation scattered through otherwise healthy appearing thyroid tissue. ...

I was treated for Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism. I think that my current thyroid hormone level is fine. Should this have any impact on my future medical care?

Before your first meeting, doctors typically ask for a detailed medical, family, and drug history. Be sure to tell new doctors about your history of Graves' disease. It is particularly important to know when your thyroid hormone level is high. The warning labels for some over-the-counter medications, including some for the common cold, contain warnings that persons with thyroid disease should check with their physician before taking any medicine. ...

If I am already taking thyroid medication or other forms of hormone replacement therapy such as oestrogens/progestogens, can I take L44 Rejuvenation?

Yes. If individuals are already taking other medications, particularly those with a hormonal effect, elevating HGH levels to the norms of youth will have no detrimental effect and may have a benefit. Some studies have shown that thyroid secretion which is controlled by the release of thyroid stimulating hormone from the pituitary, is also affected to some extent by HGH levels. ...
Source: newl44.com

My doctor won’t prescribe Armour thyroid, bio-identical hormone Replacement therapy, or any other therapies you recommend. What should I do?

Fire them! I hear this often and it upsets me that people are treated like peasants in the royal court. If your doctor isn’t doing what you want, fire them and get another doctor. They work for you. Read More about Thyroid Issues in this Newsletter
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