anyone use bladderwrack to stimulate thyroid

[buckeyes#1]

My wifes having a horrendous time losing weight. Her T-levels came back low normal, but the doc won't do anything for her yet. WIll bladderwrack help stimulate the thyroid enough to help start shedding pounds. She hits the gym 4-5 days a week and is on a low carb diet(<40/day). How much should she take. If the doc won't give her a Rx for T-3 at her next appointment, I will probably get it for her. Thanksfor any help

 

[Daisy_Girl]

1) T-Levels? Is that THYROID levels, or TESTOSTERONE levels? What was tested? TSH? Free T-3 and T-4? What were the numbers?

2) People with low Thyroid levels are NOT given T-3. They are given T-4 - Synthroid. DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE HER. If she is already on the low end of Thyroid production, the T-3 will only exacerbate the situation. BAD BAD idea.

 

[buckeyes#1]

Thanks Daisy,
I have been reading up on it lately and totally understand what you are saying. I was not given the number as far as thyroid. The lab told her the numbers were normal, but the OBGYN said they were low normal. I have been reading up on this thing called Wilson's Syndrome and feel it could be the cause. She shows all of the signs of low thyroid and in addition is always running a temp below 97.6, which are symptoms.

 

[Daisy_Girl]

Well, without knowing spefici numbers, it is hard to say. You MUST find out what specifically was tested and what the numbers were. There are several different thigns that can be tested for Thyroid. Most likely, her TSH was tested. She should also ask for: Free T-4, T-3, Antimicrosomal Antibodies, and Antithyroiglobulin Antibodies. This will give a more complete picture of the Thyroid.

The symptoms of Wilson's are varied - many can be easily explained WITHOUT involving the Thyroid. Without a FULL blood workup, it is impossible to tell. You HAVE to ask for more bloodwork, and KNOW the numbers. Without knowing the numbers, and knowing what is a normal range, then you cannot diagnose. Discuss these possibilities with the doctor.

When my bloodwork came back, my doc referred me to a specialist. He discussed everything with me, including symptoms and medicated me. My numbers were not crazy low, but when combined with my symptoms, medication was necessary. He also ran a complete blood panel on me, and ordered an Ultrasound. This is necessary to get to complete picture of what is going on.

DISCUSS these symptoms with her doc. If she does not discuss the symptoms, then s/he will not get an idea of what is going on.

As far as temps, some people just have a lower body temp. 98.6 is just an average. Not many people are 98.6 normally.

 

[lefthandofdarkness]

I use Bladderwrack. It really makes me feel more grounded and less stressed/nervy when I need it. I buy it in bulk from one of the bulk herbal places. Much cheaper than capsules, I just pour a little in to my hand, eat, and rinse down with water. If you are a woman with border-line low thyroid, however, I suggest trying bio-identical progesterone cream (which is available over-the-counter), since high estrogen suppresses thyroid. (It made a little extra fat just fall off right off my thighs. They say low thyroid is only responsible for about 2 lbs of overweight but it is hard to work out when you are tired.) It is probably best to find a book and educate yourself first though as a regular doctor is probably not going to be much help. John R. Lee M.D. who pioneered work with progesterone cream has a skinny volume simply called "Progesterone" (I think)as well as a more comprehensive volume called "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause: The Breakthrough Book on Natural Hormone Balance" --A book I recommend for anyone with female hormones, not just the pre-menopausal or menopausal. Also try Mercola.com for good natural health advice and articles on thyroid. I just read today that you need to types of iodine: iodide & iodine.