Over the counter thyroid glandular supplement - Thyroid Disorders Message Board

staceylc · 11-04-2002, 09:47 PM

Does anyone know if it is safe to take an over the counter thyroid glandular supplement? I have a low t3, low normal t4 and a low/normal tsh. I feel terrible and my doctors don't think there is anything wrong with me. I know 2 doctors here who run a health store and have suggested I try thyrostim (a pituitary/hypothalamus supplement) and GTA (a product similar to armour...low dose of 5mg). They said it won't hurt me and I will feel better in a few days if it is my thyroid. Is this dangerous? I am anxious to try this because I am so tired of being so tired. Another option is wellbutrin...an antidepressant. I really feel like it is more physical than mental. I think I am depressed because I feel so lousy all the time. Oh and by the way, my sister is a nurse practioner in another state and she works for an endocrinologist...she said if I came into their office with these symptoms and my lab values she would treat me with synthroid and/or cytomel. Thanks for your help.
Stacey

Meep · 11-05-2002, 01:26 PM

With your pattern of test results, you likely have slow liver function. Since most of the T3 in a healthy person's blood is converted in the liver, herbal liver cleansing and support might help to bring your T3 up and consequently, probably your mood and energy level.

Teh over the counter glandulars that are sold in the US MUST have T4 and T3 removed. They may contain any of the other things that the thyroid gland makes including T2, calcitionin, T1, and T0, but the amounts aren't necessarily controlled.

It probably wouldn't hurt you to try them because they may provide some limited support, but I wouldn't place too much faith in them. I think the liver cleansing will help as much as anything else.

If you have liver DAMAGE say from heavy drinking, hepatitis, taking acetominophen (Tylenol) in large doses or over extended periods of time, etc.... then you may need to supplement with T3 (cytomel) or somethign that has T3 in it like Armour or Thyrolar.

Bettawrekonize1 · 11-05-2002, 09:13 PM

I heard that Kelp (Pacific Kelp) is very good for the thyroid (especially since it contains iodine).

Meep · 11-06-2002, 12:52 PM

Be careful with Kelp. If you are deficient in Iodine, Kelp can be helpful in moderation. If you are not Iodine deficient, too much Iodine could cause problems.

In my case, I knew I had a thyroid problem and wanted to see if I could fix it nutritionally. I took Kelp for a while and my body shut down HARD. I speak from experience in saying that Kelp made me feel WORSE.

The reason is that too much Iodine can either shut down your thyroid gland further (as it did to me) or it can make you hyper in some cases, too.

Bettawrekonize1 · 11-06-2002, 06:16 PM

Too much of anything is bad for you. Everything should be taken within moderation.