Background:
Was feeling "good" in June, recovering well and was very active. Pushed too hard (planned a backpacking trip to Montana!) and had a crash. Spent the whole summer in low gear - with symptoms of heat intolerance, fatigue, tingling, and depression.
After reading Dr. Richard Shames' book "Thyroid Mind Power" -
http://www.amazon.com/Thyroid-Mind-Power-Hormone-Related-Depression/dp/160529...
- I began to have a much greater understand of how the thyroid affects one's overall sense of energy, vitality and wellbeing. I got my thyroid tested at the local doctor and the results were "perfect". But in Dr. Shames' book he explains how some thyroid dysfunctions cannot be measured accurately by lab tests, and that symptoms (which I had MOST of) and family history (lots of thyroid and adrenal issues) can be more indicative than lab tests.
The basic OTC supplemental support formula Dr. Shames originally suggested to me for boosting thyroid function was:
6000 I.U of Vitamin D3
100mg of Rosemary extract (or cook with Rosemary)
400ug of selenium
I took this PLUS some kelp (200ug of iodine) and some Ashwaganda extract and my mood, energy, stamina, outlook soared higher than it had been in ages.
There is a supplement Xymogen T3 Medcaps that isn't cheap but it conveniently combines all these nutrients into one capsule. I have instead taken this for about 2 weeks and it works great for my particular thyroid condition.
I did a phone consultation with Dr. Shames (overall recommended) and he said my lab tested indicated that my thyroid dysfunctional was mild "more nutritional" than suggestive of a serious thyroid disease - but it could be "off" enough to cause a major impact on my well being. He saw that I was having a slight but not huge problem converting T4 to T3 - within the normal ranges but could be a little higher. He suggested trying over the counter, thyroxine-free thyroid glandular.
He recommend Xymogen T-150 caps... which is OTC thyroid glandular that has has the T3 type compounds removed... and it also has adrenal glandular, spleen, pituatary tissues, etc. He said that is good because if you are stimulating one gland, it is often a good idea to ramp up the others to keep them all in sync.
The T-150 was little expensive and I haven't had the best experience with adrenal glandular (too stimulating) \... so I ordered - Swanson Premium Thyroid Glandular (Thyroxin-Free)
http://www.swansonvitamins.com/swanson-premium-thyroid-glandular-thyroxin-fre...
- made from New Zealand cows. The reviews were good and the price ($5 a month) can't be beat.
I started with a 1/4 capsule and worked my way up, had no problems.
I now take 4 Xymogen T3 Medcaps - and 1 Swanson Thyroid Glandular in the AM and the difference is amazing!
I feel 500% better than I did just 4 weeks ago... and actually better than I ever felt before developing AFS. I feel like myself as I was 15 years younger. I feel alive, confident enough to make plans and go on dates, I can attend intense power yoga classes in heated rooms, and my
Depression and anxiety have markedly decreased. I can also sleep better and handle changes in temperature... and tolerate heat... much better.
So the moral of this story is that in additional to adrenal supplements, you may need THYROID SUPPORT - even if your lab tests are normal. Especially if your adrenals have been through the mill.