- Estrogen blocks the release of hormone from the thyroid gland, and progesterone facilitates the release. Estrogen excess or progesterone deficiency tends to cause enlargement of the thyroid gland, in association with a hypothyroid state.
- Instead of taking dietary supplements, it is far safer in general to use real foods, and to exclude foods which are poor in nutrients. For example, magnesium is typically deficient in hypothyroidism, and the safest way to get it is by using orange juice and meats, and by using epsom salts baths.
- Men should be aware that leg cramps, insomnia and depression are often the result of hypothyroidism. Heart failure, gynecomastia, liver disease, baldness and dozens of other problems can result from hypothyroidism.
- He considers even the lowest TSH within the "normal range" to be consistent with hypothyroidism; in good health, very little TSH is needed.
- When too little protein, or the wrong kind of protein, is eaten, there is a stress reaction, with thyroid suppression. Many of the people who don't respond to a thyroid supplement are simply not eating enough good protein.
- When a person is using a thyroid supplement, it's common to need four times as much in December as in July.
For more information about Dr. Ray Peat, see the [link url=http://garcia.efn.org/~raypeat/sub.html]Publications Order Page[/link] to order Ray Peat's monthly newsletter, or his books, which include Progesterone in Orthomolecular Medicine, Generative Energy: Protecting and Restoring the Wholeness of Life, Mind and Tissue: Russian Research Perspectives on the Human Brain, Nutrition for Women,and From PMS to Menopause: Female Hormones in Context.
