Vitamin A in Adrenal Hormone And Mucopolysaccharide BiosynthesisWe know of one function of vitamin A, that in vision, through the researches of Wald and his team. Through their work we know more about what this vitamin does in one particular biochemical reaction sequence than we do about any other fat-soluble vitamin. However, an animal dies of vitamin A deficiency, but not necessarily from blindness.
DRAFT LETTER TO YOUR DOCTORIf you are being denied a diagnosis because your thyroid function test results are 'normal' but you continue to suffer symptoms, consider whether it would be worth your while to send a letter to your GP, setting out details of your symptoms, signs, family history, with list of tests that need. Also, show your Doc. the letter from the Secretary of State for Health, showing that s/he CAN use other thyroid guidelines other than RCP policy statement, CAN diagnose by symptoms AND blood results and CAN treat using thyroid hormones other than T4 alone. Ask for your letter to be placed into your medical notes and keep a copy yourself.
The Shock Award to Professor Weetman.Thyroid Community Appalled. TPA requests Novo Nordisk to reconsider awarding The H. C. Jacobaeus Lecture Prize 2012 to to Professor Sir Anthony Weetman on 29th November. Unfortunately, there is little published about this in English, and TPA were only notified this was happening on 22nd November.
Letters: How Do You Explain to your family what you are going through?It's difficult to fully explain what's going on with a chronic disease that is, in many ways, "invisible" to everyone but the sufferer. But perhaps this "Open Letter to Family and Friends of Thyroid Patients" can be a conversation-starter, or help in some way to help those who love us understand just a little bit better what it is like to have thyroid disease.
Erfa Thyroid - Position Paper on ThyroidIt is important to recognize that hormonal replacement therapy requires an ideal collaboration between the patient and its physician in order to have a favorable therapeutic outcome and one should keep in mind, that natural hormonotherapy with desiccated thyroid is becoming more and more an important part in the treatment of central hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism: Sensitive diagnosis and optimal treatment (of all types and grades) The hypothesis of this paper is that hypothyroidism, in its various forms and degrees, is often undiagnosed in its grade-3 primary, secondary and tertiary central, and nonthyroidal illness hypothyroidism versions; and undertreated in its grades 1 and 2 primary-hypothyroidism versions. An extensive review is presented, which is then coupled with logical argument and clinical experience to clarify the hypothesis.
The current standard and alternative approaches to the diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism, and their logical inconsistencies and inadequacies, are discussed. Methods employing the free thyroid hormone levels (FT4 and FT3), and a lower normal range for the thyroid stimulating hormone level, are described, which help optimize the newly-developed diagnostic strategies. Their superiority over the standard conventional and alternative approaches are suggested.
Diagnostic strategies and treatment methods are described which refute traditional objections to measuring the FT3 serum level and to treating with varying combinations of both T4 and either T3 or T4/T3 combination hormone preparations.
Thyroid Hormone ReferencesHere is a selection of references (compiled by Dr Thierry Hertoghe) of scientific studies on thyroid hormones, deficiencies and therapies.
Adrenal home testingSome basic home tests you can do, to ascertain if adrenal dysfunction might be a problem - and one of the reasons your thyroid hormone isn't working.
Letter from MHRAShow the response from the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency to your GP/Endocrinologist. This is their response to TPA's question to them - "Can NHS practitioners prescribe Armour Thyroid, Nature Throid, Westhroid and Erfa Thyroid to those patients who remain unwell on the licensed thyroid hormones."
Adrenal Stress QuestionnaireIf you feel there is a possibility that you might be suffering with adrenal fatigue, please complete this questionnaire to see how you score.
TPA's First Rebuttal to the Royal College of Physicians Policy StatementTPA sent the following rebuttal to the Presidents of the Royal College of Physicians, the British Thyroid Association, the Society for Endocrinology, the Association of Clinical Biochemistry, The British Society of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, the British Thyroid Foundation and the Royal Society of General Practitioners. No response has been received from them - not even an acknowledgement of receipt
Recovering with T3 or CT3MPaul Robinson is not a writer and writing was never a critical part of his working life. Neither is he a doctor, a medical researcher or a biochemist. He is simply a man who has had his life derailed by thyroid disease and suffered for many years whilst on an ineffective thyroid hormone treatment. He eventually managed to recover his health and get his life back through research, determination and trying other treatments....and it worked, and is now working for thousands of other sufferers too
The Great Thyroid Scandal ReferencesThe following is the long list of references to back up the Response that TPA sent to the President of the RCP (plus the Heads of all Medical Schools, endocrinologists, members of the DoH, GMC, WHO etc etc.
Study: T3 for the Treatment of FibromyalgiaDr. Ian Carroll, MD, MS, and Dr. Jarred Younger, PhD , of the Stanford Systems Neuroscience and Pain Lab are currently enrolling patients for a clinical trial investigating T3 for the treatment of fibromyalgia.
Study: T3 for the Treatment of FibromyalgiaDr. Ian Carroll, MD, MS, and Dr. Jarred Younger, PhD , of the Stanford Systems Neuroscience and Pain Lab are currently enrolling patients for a clinical trial investigating T3 for the treatment of fibromyalgia.
Vitamin B12 deficiency common in primary hypothyroidismThere is a high (approx 40%) prevalence of B12 deficiency in hypothyroid patients. Traditional symptoms are not a good guide to determining presence of B12 deficiency. Screening for vitamin B12 levels should be undertaken in all hypothyroid patients, irrespective of their thyroid antibody status. Replacement of B12 leads to improvement in symptoms, although a placebo effect cannot be excluded, as a number of patients without B12 deficiency also appeared to respond to B12 administration (JPMA 58:258;2008)
An Interview With Dr. Raymond PeatA Renowned Nutritional Counselor Offers His Thoughts About Thyroid Disease to Mary Shomon - who had the privilege to conduct an interview with him in November of 2000, touching upon a few of the many interesting points he raises in his various publications that look at aging, nutrition, and hormones from a biochemical perspective. Dr. Peat has a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Oregon, with specialization in physiology. He has taught at the University of Oregon, Urbana College, Montana State University, National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Universidad Veracruzana, the Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico, and Blake College. He also conducts private nutritional counseling.
Why Thyroid Hormone Stops WorkingThere are MANY reasons and many medical conditions associated with thyroid disease that stop thyroid hormone from getting into the cells, where it does its work. As each new member joins us, they need to know what these are, and so do medical practitioners.
Statin drugs: Dangers and Alternativesmany studies have elaborated on lower levels of cholesterol being associated with increased mortality, while a recent Norwegian study recommends a re-evaluation of cholesterols role as a risk factor in cardiovascular disease, even concluding, “This is especially true for women, for whom moderately elevated cholesterol (by current standards) may prove to be not only harmless but even beneficial.”
Slow Release T3 Patent ApplicationAccording to the Inventors of a slow release T3, they write that it is estimated that between 30% and 50% of patients reported dissatisfaction with their treatment when using T4-monotherapy"
Patient Stories of Medical AbuseThe following are some patient recollections of their experiences with the endocrinology establishment controlled General Medical Council disciplined physicians. These stories indicate a pattern of medical ethics and human rights abuses. They have not been treated fairly, with respect, with any sense of equality, with dignity, or with respect for their autonomy.
The lack of respect that medicine has had for these patients not only shows a lack of respect for their human rights, it shows a lack of respect for the law. Routinely, these patients have been denied fully informed valid consent.
'The Calcium Lie'A long but interesting article from 'The Calcium Lie' by Dr Robert Thompson and Kathleen Barnes:
Some TPA Case HistoriesTo quote one patient: “The ignorance, arrogance and incomprehension of the medical doctors I have been subjected to in my search for diagnosis and treatment leaves me incandescent with rage. Even as a qualified health professional working for a major DGH I remain powerless to prevent the cumulative long term health risks associated with lack of treatment; I am voiceless, neutered, patronised, and crawling day-to-day through what used to be my vital and colourful life. I would give everything I have for an open minded and creative diagnostician, and more for a little compassion, but this seems to be entirely beyond the capability of the modern medic. God help us all.”
“Patients’ Petition for Better Diagnosis and Treatment Choice for Hypothyroid Patients,” International Hormone Society
http://intlhormonesociety.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&It mHack_idp=10
Thyroid Debate - Scottish Parliament....on Effective Thyroid and Adrenal Testing, Diagnosis and Treatment. Letter sent to Scottish Parliament for debate by TPA US Researcher Eric K Pritchard MSc.
Please write with your story, comments, further research etc. to help back this debate to the Scottish Parliament before middle of March 2013.
Internationalpharmacy.com catalogue (including smaller size packets)Armour Thyroid, Nature Throid, NP Thyroid tabs and Westhroid.
RLC Labs (who manufacture some of these products) now offer them in smaller sizes i.e. packets of 30 tablets rather than 100. This is good shipments worth less than £15 which will not attract VAT at Customs and £8 Royal Mail Handling fee on top. Good for those who want a trial of NDT to see if it works for them.
Dr Gordon Skinner's Response to Professor Gill RCPI sincerely urge reconsideration by the College of this document. It will cause untold damage to the future diagnosis and management with unnecessary and unproven restriction of the therapeutic armamentarium. The views advanced are not even consonant with Endocrinological practice which I have indicated from my small pilot survey (Enclosure B). This Document from the College will I fear be considered one of the great ‘howlers’ within the next ten years and I beg your reconsideration with further discussion in an open forum taking proper and wider representation on these issues.
Background Info. to Thyroid Petition lodged with the Scottish ParliamentThis Petition from Sandra Whyte, Marian Dyer and Lorraine Cleaver (Scottish residents) is informed by our personal traumatic experiences of thyroid/adrenal debilitating disease. Many erroneous diagnoses were explored spanning decades which left us homeless, jobless, penniless and close to death.
Thyroid Petition now Lodged with Scottish ParliamentThyroid Petition Lodged at Scottish Parliament 19 December 2012 by Scottish residents Sandra Whyte, Marian Dyer and Lorraine Cleaver, calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to take action to ensure GPs and endocrinologists are able to accurately diagnose thyroid and adrenal disorders and provide the most appropriate treatment for their specific needs.
RCP Does NOT Want to Know!The President of the RCP refuses to enter further discussion as to why 250,000 citizens in the UK alone continue to suffer symptoms because of their flawed policy statement on the diagnosis and management of primary hypothyroidism.
Circadian Rhythm of T4-T3TSH is known to have a circadian rhythm, but the relationship between this and any rhythm in T4 and T3 has not been clearly demonstrated. FT3 shows a circadian rhythm with a periodicity that lags behind TSH, suggesting that the periodic rhythm of FT3 is due to the proportion of T3 derived from the thyroid. Optimizing thyroid hormone replacement may need to take these rhythms into account.
Studies showing NDT-v-synthetic T4 only therapyFor all those of you who are asking your GP/Endocrinologist to prescribe you natural desiccated thyroid extract (NDT) who are telling you that no studies have been done showing the comparison between synthetic T4-monotherapy and NDT - then please keep this list VERY safe and print it off to show them. I will add these to the articles in our web site for all to see. It's time to put an end to the mis-information Endocrinology gives to their patients and to other doctors.
PE1463/A: Submission from Elaine Smith MSP5 February 2013: The Committee took evidence from Sandra Whyte and Lorraine Cleaver. The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government, the General Medical Council, the Royal College of Physicians, Thyroid UK, the World Health Organization, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, Dr Stefan Sjöberg at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden and Dr Henry Lindner, Pennsylvania, USA.
References to Studies: using 'Armour Thyroid/Nat.Thyroid Extract -v- levothyroxineonly.For all those of you who are asking your GP/Endocrinologist to prescribe you natural desiccated thyroid extract (NDT) who are being told that no studies have been done showing the comparison between synthetic T4-monotherapy and NDT - then please keep this list VERY safe and print it off to show them. I will add these to the articles in our web site for all to see. It's time to put an end to the mis-information Endocrinology gives to their patients and to other doctors.
TPA's Submission to The Scottish ParliamentTPA earnestly seeks the support of the Scottish Government in remedying this appalling situation in Scotland and thereby improving the quality of life of tens of thousands of patients in the UK alone, and potentially, millions world-wide. A timely and radical review would be welcomed by an increasingly knowledgeable and empowered public, as well as by those doctors currently struggling to provide what they know to be the most appropriate treatment for their patients.
7 Tips When Getting a Second Medical OpinionThese recommendations come from Dr Jacob Teitelbaum and you should find this very useful if you are seeking a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and treatment given by your doctor.
Thyroid Scale MatrixThe link below takes you to the Thyroid Scale Interpretation Matrix. Remember that lab values are noted in relation to optimal and not standard lab normal/abnormal.
Thyroid AcropachyAn exerpt taken from Werner and Ingbar's book 'The Thyroid' which explains Acropachy.
BBC News on ThyroidThe BBC runs stories on thyroid issues from time to time....
Here are links to some that we have found,
Prozac - Panacea or Poison?by: Ann Blake Tracy, PhD : Consumer Health Organisation of Canada : "Dr. Tracy has worked for ten years to develop a safe method for helping patients withdraw from antidepressants and rebuild their bodies and brains after using them..."
Patients Like MeA health data-sharing platform that could transform the way patients manage their own conditions, change the way industry conducts research and improve patient care.
“Because of PatientsLikeMe, we are better able to recognize warning signs... [and] keep things in perspective. In short, PatientsLikeMe empowers us. ”
A History of Thyroid TreatmentsOne of the early methods of treating an under active thyroid was to fry sheep's thyroid glands and eat them with currant jelly or brandy. This was considered preferable to the previous treatment of grafting sheep's glands beneath the skin of thyroid patients or injecting thyroid extract (1)
Publication of TPA Hypothyroid Patient SurveyThis survey was peer reviewed by Dr Barry Durrant-Peatfield, Patron/ Medical Adviser to TPA. The final version was agreed with all members before being passed to NSM Research (Market Researchers) for analysis and presentation, who then drew up the questionnaire for distribution.
Message from TPA FounderAs founder of Thyroid Patient Advocacy (TPA), I opened our Internet Thyroid Patients' support forum and web site in 2004. I found there are approximately quarter of a million hypothyroid patients throughout the UK who are being left without the thyroid hormone that may help them regain their normal health.
The Quality Assessment Life-Years (QALY) Argument for Continuing a T3 TherapyThere are people, mostly women, who have unrecognised mimics of hypothyroidism. These mimics are so unrecognised they do not appear in the training for GP's or endocrinologists. The medical practice guidelines for hypothyroidism (The RCP Teaching Curriculum) do not address these mimics, they do not prescribe, or they proscribe, the potential diagnostics. And they proscribe the proper therapies.
Adrenal / Thyroid Diagnostics Notes and diagrams from a presentation by Dr Nigel Abraham, Scientific Director at Genova Diagnostics. A 'MUST' for all those patients who are suffering with adrenal/thyroid dysfunction and for all Medical Practitioners who may not be aware of such an association.
A letter to send to your MPAdd your name to those who are calling for changes in thyroid medication. Wil your MP help you? If it helps you, please copy the draft letter below and amend it according to your own needs. This is a copy of the letter that I sent to my MP. Unfortunately, he did nothing.
The Greater Thyroid System TableThis chart illustrates the flow through this system starting at the top of the chart with signals from your brain to the bottom of the chart where the symptoms are sensed.
Fluid Retention - Lack of T3?"We discuss the time dependent development of the derangement of different organ systems, and include recently published biochemical results, according to which the lack of T3 interferes not only with the metabolism of numerous compounds of the interstitial matrix, but also with cell surface proteins and intracellular proteins of microfilaments
New TPA Corrections to the BTA Statement on Armour Thyroid and Combination T4/T3 TreatmentOn 28 August 2007, TPA-UK sent a response to Professor Weetman (President) and Dr. Abraham (Secretary) to the BTA. The aim of TPA-UK is to secure an appropriate amendment to the BTA Executive Committee Statement on Armour Thyroid and T4/T3 combination therapy -v- T4-only therapy. After a meeting, the BTA Executive Committee found no reason to change their statement through "lack of evidence". TPA-UK has now resubmitted their response to BTA with the required 'evidence' on 6th April 2008 and awaited their confirmation that both their statements have been amended. In 2012, TPA is still awaiting such confirmation.
As We See It - Defying The Reference RangesWhen physicians review a patient’s blood test results, their only concern is when a particular result is outside the normal laboratory “reference range.” The problem is that standard reference ranges usually represent “average” populations, rather than what the optimal range should be to maintain good health.
Severe irritability associated with statin cholesterol-lowering drugsThe benefits of statins to heart disease and stroke are powerful and well documented. The success of these drugs has led to their increasingly widespread use, and statins now include the best-selling drug not only in the world, but in history.[1] No drug, however great the benefit, is without risk of adverse effects, and post-marketing surveillance often reveals effects, common or unusual, that may not have been previously evident.
Further Educating DoctorsFromGail's Thyroid Tips. "How do I find a good doctor without driving hither and yon, paying all these fees and then finding out that the guy’s no good anyway?"
The Revised Edition of Recovering with T3 is out!With a foreword by Dr. John C. Lowe, who says: "Paul Robinson has written a book chock-full of information on T3 that is vitally important to many people. I believe that reading Recovering with T3 will be a splendid experience for thousands of people, whether clinicians, patients, patient advocates, or patients’ loved ones."
Recovering with T3 was published at the end of 2011. Thousands of thyroid patients have bought the Recovering with T3 book and have used it to regain their health. The revised edition incorporates feedback from thyroid patients and the addition of a much-requested index.
TPA Annual ConferenceTPA Annual Conference in the Lunar Suite, The Novotel Birmingham Centre,
70 Broad Street, Birmingham
Friday, 25 October 2013 - 11.30a.m. to 6.00p.m.
DEIODINASESTo accurately assess thyroid function, it must be understood that deiodinase enzymes are essential control points of cellular thyroid activity that determine intracellular activation and deactivation of thyroid hormones.
THYROID FUNCTION TESTS; INTERPRETATIONInterpretation of thyroid function tests
The introduction of sensitive thyrotropin assays and free thyroid hormone measurements has simplified the interpretation of thyroid function tests. However, important pitfalls and difficult cases still exist. In this thyroid function test results are grouped into six different patterns. We propose that if assays for thyrotropin, free T3, and free T4 are all done, knowledge of these patterns coupled with clinical details and simple additional tests allow a diagnosis to be made in almost all cases.
New Study Shows Natural Thyroid is BetterNatural Thyroid has been used successfully for more than 100 years (3), and it is blatantly obvious to any experienced clinician that natural desiccated thyroid is superior to T4-only medications such as Synthroid and Levothyroxine. However, in spite its obvious clinical superiority, Endocrinology Societies such as the ATA have published guidelines advising doctors to stay away from natural thyroid. (1) Over the years, they have used a variety of reasons. The latest reason is that there are no controlled trials . Here is the quote from the ATA Guidelines: “As of 2012 there are no controlled trials supporting the preferred use of desiccated thyroid hormone over synthetic L-thyroxine in the treatment of hypothyroidism or any other thyroid disease.”(1)
Selenium and the Thyroid: A Close-Knit ConnectionSelenium, from the Greek selene (meaning moon), is a chemical element (atomic number 34) that was discovered as a by-product of sulfuric acid in 1817 by J. J. Berzelius. Fittingly, selenium was also detected in the moon dust brought back by the 1969 Apollo mission .
Although it was largely ignored as a therapeutic agent for over 100 yr due to its toxicity, recent decades have confirmed its importance for mammalian life, with the recognition that selenium coordinates the functioning of certain proteins, designated as selenoproteins
Maintenance of “selenostasis” via optimal intake not only aids preservation of general health but also contributes substantially to the prevention of thyroid disease
Nutritionists and Other Therapists who can helpHere is a list of people that may be able to help our members as they focus on either hormone health, womens health or the thyroid/adrenal/stress aspect either nutritionally or with herbs. They are not functioning practitioners.
HYPOTHYROID SYMPTOMS\The dry puffy skin, rough voice, cold hands and feet, sluggish reflexes and movements, chronic pain, low basal temperature, scanty hair or gray hair in the 20s, marked dental problems, digestive disorders, recurrent infections, bouts of depression, and positive family history for thyroid related illnesses makes the diagnosis of hypothyroidism obvious.
TPA Requests Amendments to be made to the UKMi Q & ATPA responds to the NHS United Kingdom Medicines Information (UKMi) Q and A, prepared by NHS Pharmacists for NHS healthcare professionals. Published November 2011 “What is the rationale for using a combination of levothyroxine and liothyronine (such as Armour Thyroid) to treat hypothyroidism?”
Thyroid Disorders and Anxiety RecoveryOver the last 15 years we have helped well over 155,000 people from around the world to overcome their high anxiety conditions including generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).… anxiety conditions can be cured; totally cured, regardless of other health issues IF the sufferer receives the correct advice, guidance, support, reassurance and structure.
Primary Care Trust's Refusal to Fund Armour ThyroidMany heads of Primayr Care Trusts are refusing to fund natural thyroid extract, based on the United Kingdom Medicines Information Q & A Guidelines. Many of the statements made by UKMi are misleading and in parts, incorrect. Primary Care Trusts are sending out wrong information to Doctors and patients alike because they are copying the Q & A from UKMi and this needs correction. If you have a similar problem, please use the response I have written below, amending it to suit your personal circumstances. Please include all the 179 references too.
UKMi Q & A - regarding Armour Thyroid v levothyroxineThe following Q & A prepared by NHS United Kingdoim Medicines Information Pharmacists is being sent out to all NHS healthcare professionals. TPA has responded to those answers that we have found to be misleading, inadequate or incorrect. See link at bottom of UKMi Q & A to see that response.
DI02 (Deiodinase 2) Genetic TestingInformation for the ordering and testing for the DI02 Gene with Regenerus Laboratories. Click the link inside the article to download the PDF from Regenerus Laboratories containing prices for the test and ordering details.
UPDATED NHS CONSTITUTION PUBLICATIONThe NHS belongs to the people. It is there to improve our health and wellbeing, supporting us to keep mentally and physically well, to get better when we are ill and, when we cannot fully recover, to stay as well as we can to the end of our lives. It works at the limits of science – bringing the highest levels of human knowledge and skill to save lives and improve health. It touches our lives at times of basic human need, when care and compassion are what matter most.
The NHS is founded on a common set of principles and values that bind together the communities and people it serves – patients and public – and the staff who work for it.
TPA Rebuttal re Combination Therapy (BTA statement)There are many researchers, doctors, and patient advocates who believe that the BTA has been obstinate in its advocacy of thyroxine-only therapy. TPA-UK is concerned that the obduracy of the BTA may be linked, as they are now a registered charity, to the possibility that they may receive regular financial support from drug companies who profit from the prescribing of synthetic thyroxine. This suspicion of financial motivation is reinforced by the BTA’s standard method of enforcing the practice of synthetic thyroxine-only therapy among doctors: dictatorship replacing scientific argument and debate. The suspicion will continue to mount if the BTA, despite the studies showing replacement therapies to be ineffective,even harmful, for many sufferers, continue to ignore the existing evidence demonstrated in this paper by TPA.
How to Take Thyroxine So That it Actually WorksMany people experience problems when taking thyroxine. Before suspecting that the dosage is wrong, or the brand you've been given may be incorrect, make sure that you're not doing anything yourself to prevent your thyroid medication from working correctly.
HEADACHE: Information about the link between headaches and thyroid.Why headaches and migraines and some other conditions occur together is not well understood, but the connections are there. Taking into account other conditions which may be affecting us can help improve our headache and migraine management. If you question whether thyroid issues may be affecting you, speak with your doctor.
The History of Iodine in Medicine Part II: The Search for and the Discovery of Thyroid Hormones In 1874, Sir William W. Gull, MD, published his observations in five women suffering from hypothyroidism, which he called myxedema associated with a “cretinoid state.”1 Hypothyroidism was for a short time afterward called Gull’s disease. This condition of unknown etiology was considered incurable then. Excerpts from the detailed description of one patient with myxedema and cretinoid state by Gull follow.
PROGESTERONE INFORMATIONSixty years ago, progesterone was found to be the main hormone produced by the ovaries. Since it was necessary for fertility and for maintaining a healthy pregnancy, it was called the "pro-gestational hormone," and its name sometimes leads people to think that it isn't needed when you don't want to get pregnant. In fact, it is the most protective hormone the body produces, and the large amounts that are produced during pregnancy result from the developing baby's need for protection from the stressful environment. Normally, the brain contains a very high concentration of progesterone, reflecting its protective function for that most important organ. The thymus gland, the key organ of our immune system, is also profoundly dependent on progesterone.
Reducing the Scope of Guidelines and Policy Statements in HypothyroidismThis paper proves that denying patients the active thyroid hormone Triiodothyronine (T3) to patients, because the Royal College of Physicians policy statement on ‘The Diagnosing and Management of Primary Hypothyroidism’ says so, is out of scope because their policy statements are not applicable outside of the endocrine system. Doctors are, therefore, practicing outside of their scope - which is malpractice.
Although practice guidelines and policy statements on hypothyroidism are generally effective, many patients do not respond to the prescribed treatment. Significantly, clinicians routinely face the conundrum of either following the guidelines, which are ineffective, or ethically prescribing alternative (but proscribed) treatment, which might bring and has brought severe punishment by boards of medicine or medical councils.
From the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, volume 28, number 2, 2013 pp 75-86 In press.
Eric K. Pritchard, MSc - E-mail: ekpritchard@localnet.com
Consent - The basicsRespect for patients’ autonomy is expressed in consent law; to impose care or treatment on people without respecting their wishes and right to self-determination is not only unethical, but illegal.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Therapy as Used by Abram Hoffer, M.D.Vitamin B-3 is a very effective nutrient in treating a large number of psychiatric and medical diseases but its beneficial effect is enhanced when the rest of the orthomolecular program is included. The combination of vitamin B-3 and the antioxidant nutrients is a great anti-stress program.
PE1463:Submission from Thyroid-UKCalling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to take action to ensure GPs and endocrinologists are able to accurately diagnose thyroid and adrenal disorders and provide the most appropriate treatment.
TSH should be tested first thing in the morning only The time of blood sampling has an important role in the interpretation of TSH levels. Moreover, the high TSH circadian variability should be considered in discussions about the narrowing of its reference range.
BTA Statement about Armour ThyroidIn 2004 TPA wrote to the BTF regarding their position on Armour Thyroid which was to deny it was prescribable in the UK or safe to use. TPA sent the Executive Committee of the BTA a number of documents, such as the letter from the MHRA, to prove this was untrue.
In March 2005, the BTA put out this statement which agreed that Armour may be prescribed within the NHS, but was not preferable. This letter is a copy of the TPA response to this statement, their comments being in italics.
NEEDLESS TO SAY - BTA did not acknowledge receipt, nor did they respond in any way, and they made no amendments to their statement online.
Facts About Natural Thyroid Extract (Armour Thyroid, Erfa ‘Thyroid’, Nature Throid And Westhroid)There are a number of misconceptions about Natural Desiccated Porcine Thyroid Extract which we would like to rectify, as it is important that all medical practitioners are given the correct information. If you are asking your GP/Endocrinologist for a trial of thyroid extract, it could help to give a link to this document to them so they could read the facts and links to further information they may need.
Who Gets Free PrescriptionsSome people automatically get free prescriptions. Certain people can get an exemption certificate to obtain free prescriptions. Also, anyone needing regular prescriptions may save money by buying a prescription pre-payment certificate.
Dear New Membe1Welcome Letter. Please ensure that you read the all the information here.
Discounts on Tests and SupplementsThe following companies have agreed to give TPA members discounts on the tests and supplements listed. Please do remember to quote the relevant reference code for each company, and to quote that Thyroid Patient Advocacy is your Medical Practitioner in the case of Genova Diagnostics
Do Not Take Thyroid Hormone Before Serum Thyroid Function TestsMany of our members ask WHY we should not take any thyroid hormone replacement the day we have our blood drawn to test our thyroid function. The answer to this was provided by Professor Anthony Weetman – Head of Medical Schools (UK) and an expert witness who gave evidence at a General Medical Council Hearing.
Making a Complaint Against Your DoctorBelow is an outline of the stages of my complaint about the endo who said I did not have a thyroid problem. I started my complaint in January 2007 and it is still ongoing.
First Visit to an EndocrinologistHere is a document giving you some hints on how to prepare for an appointment with your endocrinologist for the first time. This will help both yourself and your endocrinologist.
For All Members Of TPAPLEASE READ: Please check that you are following the guidelines for posting messages on the TPA Forum.
Funny Thyroid Function TestsAccurate diagnosis of thyroid disease is dependent on understanding hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid physiology and the pathophysiology that can affect this classical endocrine feedback loop. Even minor perturbations of thyroid status, which may be imperceptible to the patient and clinician, can significantly alter the relationship between circulating thyroid hormone levels and pituitary thyrotropin (TSH), such is the finely-tuned nature of the axis.
Guidelines - a Statement from an MPAccording to Ann Keen MP (Parliamentasry Under Secretary of State) NHS doctors can use whatever guidelines they wish even if the guidelines were published in another country. PLEASE TAKE A COPY OF THIS LETTER AND GIVE IT TO YOUR GP/ENDOCRINOLOGIST
Hair LossHormonal dysfunction within the body has a massive effect on hair loss. Hair loss occurs when dihydrotestosterone (DHT) shrinks the hair follicles and eventually causes them to disappear completely. The problem of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism both encourage the conversion process of testosterone into DHT which accelerates hair loss in both men and women of all ages.
Hair loss induced by hormonal abnormalities is serious. This requires immediate action. We suggest that if you are in any doubt then simply feel free to call a trichologist for advice.
How do I access my medical records (health records)?If you want to view your health records, you may not need to make a formal application. Nothing in the law prevents healthcare professionals from informally showing you your own records. You can make an informal request during a consultation, or by phoning your GP surgery or hospital to arrange a time to see your records.
How To Calculate Your Level Of Reverse T3What is "Resistance" caused by Reverse T3?
"Resistance to thyroid hormone" refers to people that don't respond properly to thyroid hormone supplementation (such as natural desiccated thyroid medicine like Naturthroid or Erfa), and continue to have hypothyroid symptoms and normal blood test results. You can calculate your own level of Reverse T3 by following the information below.
Internet PharmaciesInternet pharmacies where you can buy thyroid hormones (natural thyroid exctract/liothyronine/cytomel (T3)) vitamin B12, cortisone, Iodine etc.
NHS choices (Specialists and Hospitals)When you have decided with your GP that you are to be referred to see a specialist, you can usually choose which hospital you would like to go to. The following are resources that may help you to understand about choice in the NHS, and may help you to to make your choice.
NHS Prescription Services - Drug TariffNHS Prescription Services produces the Drug Tariff on a monthly basis on behalf of the Department of Health. It is supplied primarily to pharmacists and doctors surgeries.
Where to order your own Vitamin D Test - BirminghamGetting your Vitamin D blood level above 100 nmol/L (UK) (40 ng/mL in USA) is one of the most important things that you can do. It improves your PTH levels within a few months - and also improves muscle & other pains. If your doctor will not provide tests, you can organise your own!
Response from the DOH to my MPOnce more - he pops his hand into the filing drawer and pulls out whatever pre-written response that fits the questions asked. However, the Department of Health has yet to write detailed responses to ANY of the questions that are asked of them by thousands of folk who are being left to suffer.
Self-medicationThis topic has been raised on some Internet Thyroid forums recently, and provoked alarms and anxieties which are inappropriate and unnecessary.
Taking Thyroxine at night works!Effects of evening vs morning thyroxine ingestion on serum thyroid hormone profiles in hypothyroid patients. Clinical Endocrinology, 66: 43–48. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2006.02681.
The Dangers of StatinsStatins are a class of drugs designed to block the production of cholesterol by the body, with the effect of lowering a patient's blood cholesterol levels. According the modern medical mythology, the use of these drugs ultimately lowers the patient's risk for coronary heart disease.
These drugs are extremely dangerous. There are huge volumes of reports detailing the horrible and often permanent side effects of taking these drugs.
The Royal College of Physicians Great Thyroid ScandalThyroid Patient Advocacy's 2nd rebuttal to the Royal College of Physicians' Policy Statement on the Diagnosis and Management of Primary Hypothyroidism. Their statement was published in 2008 and is often lauded, mistakenly, as a guideline. The following rebuttal was sent to the President on 9th July 2012 and again, by Registered Delivery in September 2012. To date, they have not had the courtesy to even aknowledge receipt. This contributes to the on-going thyroid scandal.
TPA has sent a third request to the President on 31January 2013.
The NHS : Choose and Book & Patient ChoiceThe NHS Constitution, published in 2009, established a new right to choice and to information to support that choice. Choose and Book provides the perfect tool to ensure that referrers have up to date and relevant information to enable patients to access their right to choice.
The NHS : How do I get a second opinion?You can ask your GP or another healthcare professional for a second or further opinion (an opinion about your health condition from a different doctor). Although you do not have a legal right to a second opinion, a healthcare professional will rarely refuse to refer you for one.
The NHS : How To ComplainMost medical care and treatment goes well, but things occasionally go wrong, and you may want to complain. So where do you start? Every NHS organisation has a complaints procedure. To find out about it, ask a member of staff, look on the hospital or trust's website, or contact the complaints department for more information.
Thyroid Nodule Clinics (UK)You can push your GP for an "Immediate Same Day Referral" to see an Endocrinologist who has a weekly joint "Thyroid Nodule Clinic". This is a medical/surgical service for patients with thyroid nodules/goitres that might be causing concern.
Below is an example of referrals by GP's in one of NHS trust areas. Please check to see if your local hospital has a similar services.
TPA Letter to the British Thyroid AssociationWe at Thyroid Patient Advocacy (TPA) are frankly appalled that the British Thyroid Association (BTA) are advocating the broadening of the TSH range for use in the initial diagnosis and subsequent treatment of sub clinical and overt hypothyroidism when recent research is suggesting quite the opposite .
Five Things Thyroid Patients Should Never Say To Their DoctorAs Mary Shomon (Thyroid Patient Advocate) states - thyroid patients know that communicating with doctors can sometimes be a challenge. With busy doctors, all-too-brief appointment slots, and differing perspectives on what constitutes good thyroid care, conversations can end up being unproductive or even frustrating. For more effective communications, here are five things that thyroid patients should avoid saying during a doctor's appointment.
