Study reveals superiority of natural desiccated thyroid over levothyroxine in hypothyroidism treatment

[shaws]

From Hypothyroidmum:

hypothyroidmom.com/study-re...

[Anthea55]

Thanks for posting, Shaws.

Interesting point in the section near the end about Dr Melnick.

'He has been impressed by the large number of infertile women that he has seen over the years, who are symptomatically hypothyroid, and who conceive after treatment with thyroid medication.'

[shaws Administrator in reply to Anthea55]

If the women ever had their thyroid checked, doctors would probably only look at TSH and T4 and if in range they wouldn't be diagnosed. Whereas, the old-fashioned clinical symptoms would have been taken into account and a starting dose of NDT. If they felt well it would be gradually increased.

[UrsaP]

Interesting article. Brought to mind the recent study involving over 65's where it was summarised that they did not benefit from thyroid meds. Because they were not optimally medicated!

[shaws Administrator in reply to UrsaP]

But I think the researchers missed out that essential point - subjects were not given an optimal dose to reduce their TSH.

[UrsaP in reply to shaws]

My point exactly shaws

[dtate2016]

Another great article that we can use to educate doctors! It is true that some are open minded although rare. And it's amazing how those that are open minded - how they stop trying to feed you mainstream medical garbage on the thyroid! I'm fortunate to live in A part of the world were NDT is not all that hard to come by - doctors will give you the prescription you insist upon even though they look down their nose. I get sick of that look, and these articles get their attention. 🤗. Thank you so much.

[shaws Administrator in reply to dtate2016]

The fact is that NDT was widely prescribed but the 'powers that be' said it was no longer to be prescribed (just like they've done with T3) and pursued doctors who did.

Dr Lowe wrote the following Rebuttal to the BTA and RCoP and despite three yearly reminders before his death they never did respond.

thyroidscience.com/Criticis...

jgelliss Anthea55

[jgelliss]

shaws , THANK YOU SO MUCH . For bringing forward articles that are so enlightening and meaningful . Dr Melnick happens to be my beloved Endo . I'm just sorry that I did not know him when I first started my "THYROID JOURNEY" . Dr Melnick not only "GETS IT" but thinks totally "OUT OF THE BOX " . He is a Dr that puts most of his emphasis on "SYMPTOMS" . He runs all the labs too . You don't need to remind him to include FT3 and more . Dr Melnick is very BIG on NDT . Dr Melnick himself doses with high doses of NDT . He is very big on listening to his patients . His patients well being is his #1 PRIORTY . I often tell Dr Melnick we need to clone him . We need more Dr Melnicks to treat thyroid patients the way thyroid patients deserve to be treated . With RESPECT TRUST and OPTIMALY !!!!!!

[shaws Administrator in reply to jgelliss]

So many members have been so excited and hopeful when they are referred to an Endocrinologist and so disappointed some of them are when the person isn't open and helpful and the patient made to feel they have a mental health condition rather than a dysfunction of their thyroid gland. The leave the consultation very despondent.

[Anthea55 in reply to jgelliss]

Interesting that Dr Melnick takes NDT. Dr Peatfield is also a sufferer. We get so much more sense from doctors who have thyroid problems themselves.

[UrsaP in reply to jgelliss]

jgelliss Does Dr Melnick get it because he takes NDT himself? It seems that the only Dr's that really 'get it' are the ones who suffer alongside. Perhaps we should get him and Dr Renee together to form a group to support us!

[jgelliss in reply to UrsaP]

UrsaP I think it makes any Endo/Dr more sensitive to patients needs when they themselves are on thyroid meds . They know first hand . Dr Melnick besides is very compassionate and "LISTENS" to patients . His #1 priority is his patients well being .

[UrsaP in reply to jgelliss]

So true jgelliss if only they would be more vocal for us. Would your Dr Melnick be prepared to support the ITT campaign, along with Dr Renee?

[jgelliss in reply to UrsaP]

Can you please e-mail me privately .

[shaws Administrator in reply to UrsaP]

That would be a good idea indeed. They could be Advisers to Thyroiduk.org.uk.

[jgelliss]

shaws you are so right . That's why TRUST is a very important and is one of major components between patient vs Dr and Dr vs patient . If the Dr does not trust what the patient has to say and trusts the lab paper only patient can never feel well with that kind of care . Symptoms just keep growing like a long shopping list . Never getting to the cause and root of the problems .

[shaws Administrator in reply to jgelliss]

I always suspected doctors knew nothing about hypothyroidism or any other thyroid problem. This link provided the answer in that the Doctor said they are only taught about TSH and T4!!!!!!

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

The original paper is linked from this post:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu....

[shaws Administrator in reply to helvella]

Thanks Helvella. 4 Years old... At least we can catch up now and then

[jgelliss]

shaws there is more to thyroid treatment then TSH T4 . Medical Academia Universally must revamp their thinking's and teachings when it comes to how to treat thyroid patients . It does not work how it's now . There are some smart sympathetic good willing Dr's but not enough that are treating patients they way they ought to be treated . Hopefully patients empowerment will change Medical Academia from get go so that thyroid patients can benefit fully how they need to be treated .

[shaws Administrator in reply to jgelliss]

The 'old School' doctors were taught as students all the clinical symptoms and prescribed a trial of NDT. If we improved we stayed on it. Simple and effective and safe too.

Dr Peatfield and other doctors were hounded when the new 'levothyroxine and blood tests' were introduced when they used their initiatives and diagnosed/treated without blood tests - or took more notice of symptoms than tests. Some lost their licences and Dr P couldn't take the strain so resigned his licence in order that he could still advise patients to good health.

Diana Holmes was one person who consulted Dr P and if you read her book 'Tears Behind Closed Doors' which is wonderful to read you will find it an amazing book.

She then went on to work for Dr Skinner and both tried their hardest to change attitudes. But you know what a closed shop is - neither Dr S nor Diana were Endocrinologists!.

Dr Skinner was horrified that so many were being undiagnosed as they were ending up in his consulting room and set up a Conference with all Endocrinologists to discuss the Parlous Situation which had arisen due to 'evidence based medicine' One by one these Endocrinologists refused - but Dr S was then pursued as if he was the enemy for daring to say the patients were in danger. Dr S died of a stroke and his patients believe it was due to persecution.

[UrsaP in reply to jgelliss]

jgelliss have you joined the ITT campaign?

[jgelliss in reply to UrsaP]

Would you kindly explain what the ITT campaign is ?

[UrsaP in reply to jgelliss]

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, jgelliss ITT Improving Thyroid Treatment, a campaign to fight the withdrawal of T3 and fight for better understanding, diagnosis and treatment. (including NDT) There is a petition at:-

change.org/p/itt-campaign-g...

A Twitter account, itt_campaign

And a Facebook page facebook.com/ITTCampaign/

[jgelliss]

Granted shaws . That our great great parents must have been on NDT . NO DOUBT . However since the new Synthetic T4 came on the market . Patients found new relief too. But that's not to say that there is no room for NDT synthetic T3 and synthetic T4 . There is nothing wrong to have choices as to what works best for each individual patients . Dr need to respect and trust patients as to what works the very BEST for the patient . The best treatment should be left up to the patient as to what feels right and best for them . After all patients are the best judges for themselves .

[shaws Administrator in reply to jgelliss]

I agree, it should be up to the patients instead of of doctors adjusting doses down according to the TSH. Also if someone isn't recovering on T4 (I'm one) alternatives should be able to be prescribed. I tried several NDTs myself. It's easier if we can go to the pharmacist rather than source them ourselves.