DEAR THYROID^TM

“K” asks: Why is it, Ann Glanders that doctors, especially endocrinologists go to school forever, yet have zero knowledge about autoimmune thyroiditis?

DAG:  Wow, I bet there are many of us that are wondering the same dern thing! I have been to quite a few endocrinologists and have noticed there are those that just specialize in diabetes and not as much in thyroid.  Just like other doctors out there, each one picks one area to “specialize” in. I think it is very rare to find an endo that encompasses autoimmunology around thyroid diseases.  They’re rare, but they can be found.

“V” asks: How can we change the minds of the medical community about how horrible Hashimoto’s and other endocrine disease really make us feel, and HOW COME WE CAN’T GET SYMPTOMS ALL OF US SUFFER FROM ADDED TO THYROID DISEASE?

DAG:  This is one of the reasons that Dear Thyroid and other organizations and foundations are out there; to bring attention to a specific disease; not only community organizations but national disease centers that focus on endocrine diseases and disorders.  Being a part of these bring awareness and more knowledge to others and medical professionals, so that there is a broader understanding of just how complex thyroid diseases can be.

“D” asks: Dear Ann Glanders, I have hypothyroidism, but was never given a top antibodies test. When I went to this new GP for the first time, I told him I wanted the antibodies test and he told me the test had no value, as treatment is the same. I said it has value to me.

DAG:  I’m not sure which test you are referring to, sweets, but for a look at lab tests for thyroid function please see: Blood Tests for your thyroid, Getting Tested and Diagnosed, Key Thyroid Function and Interpreting Lab Values, Dr. Ken Woliner’s, Understanding Lab Tests and Thyroid Gland Function; Go over the lab tests and please print out and highlight the tests you are concerned with, to talk to your doctor about because it is very important that you know the “whys” and “why nots”.

“R” asks: What’s the highest dose of Armor that a person can safely take? I have a friend who takes 180 and she’s skinny and has energy. I am on 120 and my doctor says there’s no way he will go up to 180, ever! Should I find a new doctor? I think I need more than 120, its taking years to find the right dosage that works for me. I’m tired of it. I just want one set figure and to take the medicine, and see ya next year, not every month! I’m trying to be patient but I’m tired of getting poked for blood work every month.

DAG:  When speaking of Armor, most doctors have patients take 60 to 120 mg daily. Failure to respond to doses of 180 mg suggests lack of compliance or mal-absorption in the intestines.  Armor tablets can be prescribed up to 300 mg, which is also known as 5 gr.  Please feel free to use this link to print out the dosages and how Armor is supplied: Remember this too, every patient responds to treatment, doses and medications differently. Your friend’s response to her dosage might not be the same response that you will have. The most important thing is that you’re working in partnership with your doctor and that you feel confident advocating for yourself. Finding the right dosage can be a long and arduous process, unfortunately.

Final Notes from Ann Glanders

All of us can never speak enough about lack of energy. Another thing to take into consideration is mal-absorption of B12 and B vitamins in the intestines.  You can have a lab test taken for your B vitamin levels to see where they are, and maybe a B12 shot could help improve your daily life. I am required to take a B12 shot every other week due to mal-absorption.  You can have the doctor’s office give you the shot or you can elect to do the shots yourself at home, if this is something required by your doctor.

This is Ann Glanders signing off and saying, “Keep your neck in check” and please keep sending those questions in.  I am here for you to talk, so let’s sit a spell and talk like hens squawking in the yard.

Additional Reading:

• Your Thyroid, Your Gut: The Road to Thyroid Health is Paved with Good Intestines, by Dr. Gottfried.
• Additional posts by Dr. Gottfried
• Autoimmune Hypothyroidism, a multi-part series by Dr. Connors

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