Assembled by Mary Shomon, Your Thyroid Guide
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"This is in regard to Mary Shomon's site on Hypothyroidism.
If it were not for that site I never would have known that the most optimal TSH balance was between 1.0 and 2.0 nor would I have gained a better perspective on the benefits and more importantly side effects of thyroid drugs including levothyroxine.
For approximately 10 years I was borderine hypothyroid and considered by my general practioners to be "normal" because my TSH was around 5.01. However, 2 years ago just before I met my husband I took a cruise, and became lazy and stopped taking my multivitamins and kelp. One month later I had a physical and my general practioner diagnosed me as being hypothyroid and wanted me to immediately go on levothyroxine which I declined after reading numerous materials both on the net as well as in written format of the pros and more importantly cons which the doctors fail to advise you of of this drug - especially given the fact that my brother and first cousin have been on this drug for many years. I decided to rather go back on a good multi vitamin and better kelp and sasparilla - within one month I was retested and my TSH had dropped to 3.9 at which point my doctor told me there was no point for me to go on levothyroxine. 3 months later I was tested and my TSH was 3.0 and I maintained that for about 1 year. This year because I recently moved... I tried to get a doctor who I met but when I told her I was not on drugs - dismissed me out of her office. In Canada, because of the lack of doctors, this can be very disturbing. However, I managed to find a wonderful naturopath who has helped me in 2 months or less to bring my TSH to 1.9. The reason I was more particularly concerned with my TSH was because I want to become pregnant. Had it not been for Mary's site, I would never have known that the fetus can develop abnormalities if the TSH in the mother is out of whack and low. The nautorpath I am going to works in conjunction with a medical doctor who I also went to see and now will be working with.
My brother on the other hand has developed clogged arteries and heart complications while being on his lovely thyroid medication and still suffers 15 years later from low energy, coldness and other typical symptoms symtomatic with being hypothyroid.
It would be wonderful to see a discussion held on the pros and cons by an open minded endocrinologist who does not have her or his blinders on when it comes to alternative medicine. I realize that each person is different and what works for one may not work for the other. Hence a discussion between the pros and cons of the various T4, T3 and T4/T3 combo drugs together with a discussion on Natural Dessicated Thyroid Hormone and a Discussion on Alternatives would, I believe, be of true benefit.
I really love your show which I rarely see because I work during the day but since the inception of your magazine, I purchase it monthly. It is absolutely WONDERFUL.
It would be wonderful if you could organize a show on these topics not only for people who have been diagnosed but also for those thousands who are feeling "horrible" but don't quite know why because their doctors tell them they are "normal" - this might be "their shining light".
Thank you for your consideration."
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