Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's Disease in a Nutshell: From Complexity to Simplicity: Better Diagnosis, Better Treatment, Better Results (Functional Inflammology Book 1) by Vasquez Alex

Author:Vasquez, Alex [Vasquez, Alex]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: International College of Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine ICHNFM.ORG
Published: 2014-09-10T21:00:00+00:00

Synthetic T4: L-thyroxine, Levothyroxine: L-thyroxine is synthetic T4; it is chemically the same as the hormone produced in the body. Because it is synthetic and not derived from animal tissue, it does not contain antigens that can provoke an immune response. Levothyroxine/T4 must be converted in the body to liothyronine/T3 in order to be active; therefore, T4 administration is more safe and “stable” than is the administration of T3 but it is also generally less effective, especially for neuropsychiatric symptoms of depression, anhedonia, and fatigue. The standard allopathic medical approach is to use T4 without T3[43],[44] and the presumed—not examined—"logic" of using an inactive hormone when these patients need and benefit from the active form continues to elude ascriptions of logic.

— Available dose forms (amount per tablet): 25, 50, 75, 88, 100, 112, 125, 137, 150, 175, 200, 300 mcg.

— Conversion equivalents of various forms of thyroid hormone: levothyroxine 100 mcg = liothyronine 25 mcg = Liotrix 1 grain = thyroid (porcine) 1 grain.

— Dose for adults: 50-200 to a max of 300 mcg PO (by mouth) qd (daily) with a starting dose of 12.5-50 mcg PO qd; doses are smaller for children. Levothyroxine appears to be slightly more effective if taken at night rather than in the morning.[45]

— Info: Give on empty stomach between meals; specifically avoid soy products within 2 hours of thyroid hormone administration because constituents of soy bind thyroid hormone in the gastrointestinal tract.

— Contraindications and cautions: Allergy to the preparation, recent heart attack, adrenal insufficiency; caution with cardiovascular disease, cardiac arrhythmia, diabetes mellitus, and elderly patients.

— Drug/botanical/nutrient interactions: L-carnitine 1-4 grams/d can clearly block the hyperthyroid state via blocking thyroid hormone entry into the nucleus[46]; this treatment is effective for Graves disease, iatrogenic hyperthyroidism (thyroid hormone overdose), and thyroid storm. The botanical medicine lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is claimed to block TSH binding to the thyroid gland receptor, but scientific data—let alone a quality clinical trial in humans—is lacking to support this contention.

— Adverse effects—generally not noted with proper dosing: Unmasking of cardiac arrhythmias, angina if cardiovascular disease and arterial stenosis is present. Excessive dosing or overdose can cause palpitations, tachycardia, nervousness, tremor, weight loss (long-term), diaphoresis/sweating, diarrhea/loose stools, abdominal cramps, anxiety.

— Safety/Monitoring: Pregnancy: A, Lactation: Safe

— Half-life: 6-7 days

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