Expert: Eric Brandt - 12/24/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi. I am finding nothing but frustration with this whole thyroid stuff. I have been told by four doctors my thyroid is normal (after they tested the free t3 and 4) However my new doctor told me my tsh is high, therefore this is the cause of some of my health issues, and she said I have 12 weeks to fix it by eating a lot of iodine foods or she will put me on hypothroid drugs. I dont know who to believe about my results (t3 and t4 was always in the normal range, but the tsh is a bit high even though other dr. say it isnt--the lab report put a H next to stating it was high. Anyway, my now doctor says its only a bit high. I am terrified of drugs and want to avoid them after I suffered damage from 2 I use to take. My results from last month are 4.24 and the normal is (3.08 for the highest). I have purchased kelp granules but 1/4 teaspoon gives you 2,260% of the rda, so I am wondering how much to take safely?

ANSWER: Hi Jenny,
An elevated TSH means that your pituitary gland detects low levels of thyroid hormone and instructs the thyroid gland to produce more. Low iodine can be one reason, or you may simply have lost thyroid function. This is very common. Follow the label instructions for recommended dose. If the kelp does not work you will need a thyroid supplement.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt,B.Sc. Pharm


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Why would the tsh show hi on one test and a month later show normal?

Also, there were no directions on the kelp granuals, but it says 1/4 tsp provides 2,260%. Would that amount cause me to become hyper? I guess I am asking what amount would make small changes safely?

Thank you so much for your help.

Answer
Hi Jenny,
It is possible that there are variations between labs. Did you go to the same lab both times?
As for a dose of Kelp, I can not provide any more direction than the manufacturer provides. The supplement is just that, a supplement, not replacement therapy that the medications are.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.sc. Pharm