elevated TSH ...

Okay friends, I need some support. Yeah, it is well known that Iodine supplementation can lead to a temporary elevation of TSH. And I just got confirmation that this is happening to me. My TSH last year (June, October) was in the 5.x range. Certainly not good, but no need for medication. About three months ago I started Iodine supplementation. I am now on one Iodoral tablet five days per week. I faithfully consume all the companion supplements daily. My TSH is now 12.23. Oh my!

Let me say clearly: I do not have overt hypothyroid symptoms. I am not overweight, I do not feel sluggish, no dry skin, no goiters ... none of that. All I can think of is that my long standing intermittent sleep problem (I wake up every couple hours) may be thyroid/adrenal related. But I always wake up refreshed. Oh, and Iodine supplementation has been WONDERFUL for me. I have more energy, my disposition (mood) is great, my Psoriasis improved, and my libido is the best its been in years. And so, ... I am confused as to what to do. Such an elevated TSH makes me nervous. But stopping iodine supplementation sounds wrong also since it would undo all the good I've gained.

Here are my thoughts:

- get free T3 and anti-thyroid antibodies tested. This should give me a much better snapshot of my thyroid health. My free T4 values have been consistent: low normal(, no I am not too happy about this either).

- tell the doctor to give it time for my TSH to drop
- refuse to take Synthroid or other thyroid hormones unless I am given a pretty damn good reason, like if I have anti-thyroid antibodies and/or my free T3 is in the toilet.

But my questions are: when should my TSH value drop? In 3 months? Six months? Longer? Does it depend on how much iodine I take??

As an aside, I need to switch primary care physicians (..my doctor moved away). I'm thinking of going with an osteopath, with hopes he/she will be more open minded about iodine. I fear most medical doctors will not be receptive to iodine supplementation, ... to put it mildly. Unfortunately there aren't any naturopaths in my state.


_Lazza


PS - my cholesterol levels are FANTASTIC, much better than a year ago. My already healthy Diet has only been tweaked in two ways: more oils/fats and less carbs. I wonder if iodine has had a role here too? My triglycerides went from 69 to 40. Oh, and I was surprised to learn my vitamin D level is 55 ... w/o any supplementation. I guess living in Florida has its advantages. :)