Iodine, thyroid, and breast cancer??
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Springtime-
COngratulations! That is so exciting!
That's a lot of Vitamin C! I think some of us need more of the companion nutrients than others. I am finding out that I am one of those gals who needs lots of Magnesium. How much did you end up taking when you doubled?
Beth
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Hi Beth,
I take one 250mg magnesium in the morning and one in the evening. then there is magnesium included in some of the other supplements I take. So 500mg daily or more.
Vit C - My Osteopath is crazy about Vit C, she says it is particularly important to get lots of antioxidants when you take high dosage of iodine. I think she'd like me to take more even, but I have found this doable, and apparently, it is working! I could not take that much C in tablets... the powder really helped me...
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Springtime,
Thank you so much for reporting in after talking to Dr. Flechas.
I never thought of doubling the ATP Cofactors. Tho I do love my magnesium and I take a lot of C.So, is doubling the cofactors the latest strategy for getting the iodine into the cells?
thankyouthankyouthankyou
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Springtime, that is AWESOME! I was just shopping for some vitamin C, and the place I wanted to try next is out of stock. What vitamin C are you using?
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I use Trader Joe's "Vitamin C Crystals" (this is a nice, smooth powder) and I mix it in with another powder thing I take (L-Glutamin) and I take with each meal, so 3x a day (1 tsp of the C = 4K). I mix with Sobe Zero water (made with stevia, not sugars)
So I really do not know if it is the Powdered C, the double magnesium, or the double ATP cofactors and B-complex. But something is working! Yay! Dr. Flechas had recommended the double ATP cofactors after my 2nd test was only 59%.The vit C is a recommendation from my osteopath, but I wonder if the "powder" is more easy absorbed? and of course, it is a higher dose.
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Thanks Spring. I'm curious also, did you have your bromide levels tested?
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No I never did the bromide levels, Althea. But I was considering the fluoride loading if my numbers were not optimal again this time. (We ended up getting a reverse osmosis water filter anyway, no regrets about that!)
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I love Trader Joe's ..... wish they had them in Florida.
I'm very iodine proficient, yet I've never heard of testing bromide levels. I knew I was dumping lots of bromide when I first started iodine because of all the classic symptoms.
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OK, I fit the profile to a T. Had surgery 10 yrs ago for an enlarged thyroid, it was growing fast so they thought it was cancer. I had the right lobe removed. At the same surgery they did a lumpectomy because I had a cluster on my mamo. Both were found neg. I took synthorid for all those years. When my mamo showed another area of concern the lump was done but this time it was diagnosed as BC.
Mothers sister diagnosed when she was in 70's, no other known relative has BC. I've always been a conscious of what I ate. No smoking, drinking or eating lots of bad foods.... in fact would make two meals (one for me healthy and one for my ex). I also have four sisters w/o BC. The only difference with us is that I've always had issues with hormones - now that I know what to look for.
I'm scheduled to go in for blood-work for TSH - T3 - T4 soon since I insisted in changing from Synthroid to Armour. I need to check to see if the dose is correct. Does anyone know the med diagnosis to test for iodine and bromide? I want to add that to my blood-work.
I've been feeling really exhausted which was a sign of low thyroid for me, also taking DIM so not sure how that's effecting the dose. I'm currently taking something to boost the adrenals that my DR gave me.
I haven't started anything with iodine yet, waiting to see what the tests shows.
Thanks for all the information. I've gone back and read nearly all the posts and went to some of the web sites mentioned. My mind is spinning with all this data!
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SamSue, the only way I know of to get an iodine loading test is to order it yourself, and pay for it, from breastcancerchoices.org. See the Iodine tab at the top. I've found no local doctor can help me with the results (even though you pay for it, you have to have the results sent to a local doc). So I get the free consult for 15 minutes with Dr. Flechas. You can call back and schedule this after you get the results from your local doc. I believe the test is 85 dollars. I feel this is not bad given it includes a 15 min consult with Dr Flechas.
There used to be a "study" they were doing on that site I mentioned, and if you were diagnosed with BC, you could get the first test for Free or half price or something. You can look into it there. Hope this helps...
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Thanks Springtime. I'll check that out. As always I was hoping for an "easy" approach to this.
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ha!!! I have found all things outside of the standard medical protocol to be anything but "easy". But don't give up. There is no "standard medical" cure or prevention for breast cancer, that means we are sort of left to figure this out for ourselves. I, for one, cannot just sit here and accept the "standard of care" - it's just not working. ugh. <<off soap box>>.
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Hello all, I am newly diagnosed with idc. 1 month. About to see my oncologist for the first time to find out what treatment is for me. I have had a hypothyroid for at least 10 years, I am 44. My aunt had bc in her 30's and is also hypothyroid. My insticts tell me it is somehow linked. The tumour I had was 100% ER PR+ 'hormones' My thyroid, the governing endocrine gland is underactive in its production of a 'hormone' my pituitary gland has been at times working overtime to produce TSH a 'hormone', bet with all this my adrenals are working overtime as well!! Quite interesting!! BTW have any of you heard of GANODERMA a mushroom wonder pill. I am taking it and am wondering if anyone else is, what do you think?
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PS: about the hypothyroid, I have been on thyroxine 10 years for this issue
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Gonna-win, welcome (although I always have mixed feelings about "welcoming" someone to the club no one wants to join)! It definitely makes sense that hypothyroid and BC are related, especially if there is the connection of iodine deficiency. I'm not familiar with ganoderma... does it help the thyroid or is it more of an all-around beneficial thing?
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Welcome Gonna. What CPM said above...
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gonnawin: Thyroxine is a synthetic? I am on the Armour which is supposed to work the best. Just went to have all my blood test results to see where my levels are at 8 months after chemo because I still feel out of wack.
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I also switched from synthroid to Nature-Throid (like Armours) It does both T3 and T4. Gonna, check into that. Desecrated thyroid vs. synthetic, better for you overall.
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Springtime: I think if it is natural you are fine it's just the synthetic stuff that doesn't do the job.
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agreed!
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MBJ & Springtime: Will definitely talk to my naturopath about what you have said. Very interesting. Have either of you heard of the supplement Ganoderma? It repairs cells and the immune system. MBJ How did the fat grafting work out? I am facing a possible bil mastectomy & reco. Springtime, absolutely love the Psalm you have quoted!! Hugs to you both, even though I don't know you I feel a bond with other women facing this problem!!
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Gonna-win: I have not heard of Ganoderma. Who makes it? As for the fat grafting, it really helps with the step off where your chest meets the implant. Gives it a bit of cushion so there isn't that dramatic difference. I will have it done again when they do my nipple. It looks like they caught your BC pretty early. When do you find out if you will need a mastectomy? Check out breastcancerchoices.org re: iodine.
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Gonna-win, I have not heard of Ganodema either, and I go to an Osteopath and take a slew of supplements. I can't believe there is one she does not have me on. ha! Have you checked out the Iodine site? www.breastcancerchoices.org and click on the iodine tab. I do this, and several others here.
About recon, I did a natural tissue recon (DIEP / GAP) because my body hated the implants (hated the port! hated drains!). Also, I am very physically active and did not want to use muscle like a tram or lat flap. Just mentioning this b/c it is not an option you will hear about often as it requires the doc to be a micro-surgeon. I went to NOLA for the DIEP/GAP recon, and they're a few of the best in the world. There are also a few other places that do this type of surgery if you are ever interested -- we have a board called "NOLA in September" where there is lots of info. Good luck to you.!
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I was on the synthroid for 15 years and every time I tried to switch the dr popo'ed it. After reading the threads here and doing research, I insisted on Armour. My hair stopped falling out after the rads treatment. Can't say any grew back but the shower drain always had some stuck and I had to remove.... now there's not enough to mention picking up.
Went for my first blood-work yesterday to check out how the transfer went synthroid/armour. Hard to tell how it's working because of all the other supplements I'm taking but my skin isn't quite as dry - at least one thing I noticed besides the hair thing.
Also checking into the iodine. Wanted my Dr to do the test but will have to order from Dr F. soon. It's so amazing the info coming out of these threads. Bless all of you for sharing!
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My naturalpathic doctor wonders if my recent stomach problems (H Pylori and candida) has effected my thyroid absortion (taking Tsh, t2 and t4). Now that the H Pylori is gone, and candida under control, she is looking forward to the next thyroid blood test.
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hello you girls!! Ganoderma is the general name given for a couple of supplements I am taking. It is derived from a Chinese mushroom and has been used in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. I even use a toothpaste made from it. It rebuilds cells and the immune system. There are websites about it. My naturopath says it is good and my brother in law, a chiropractor, researched it for me and said research is promising esp with shrinkage of tumours in animals.I will definitely be researching your iodine recommendations and surgery options as well. I see my oncologist tomorrow for the first time....eek! I am feeling a little depressed this morning, I am a nurse and never believed I would ever be saying I am going to see a cancer doctor!!! Loving your support, friends on the other side of the world that I have never met, but have a common bond with!!
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A friend of mine from the UK sent me this--we are friends from the Yahoo Iodine Group: Vitamins, Minerals and your Thyroidby Anthony Pearce
Anthony Pearce is a Specialist Trichologist & Registered Nurse - a founding member of the Society for Progressive Trichology & the official lecturer for Analytical Reference Laboratory (ARL) for hair loss & hormone imbalance. He is the Clinical Director for Trichology Hair Solutions of Virginia/DC in the United States. In Australia he can be contacted on 02 9542 2700, or through his website at www.hairlossclinic.com.au .
Shortly after hanging my Trichology 'shingle' I decided to specialise in female hair loss issues. I'd discovered early - contrary to general opinion - female hair loss is quite complex in what both influences and impels it.
Although males can (and do) experience different forms of alopecia, overwhelmingly the most commonly seen is Male Androgenic Alopecia - male 'pattern' balding. When a male has the genetics to exhibit this, it's as much a natural part of post-pubertal secondary sex characteristics as facial whiskers, deepening voice, muscle bulk, and body hair.
By contrast thinning scalp hair in women is almost always an indication of internal dysfunction; a collapsing of body homeostasis to the point where hair growth can no longer be supported.
From menarche* to menopause it's reasonable to assert most menstruating females will have some degree of iron deficiency at times in their life. Very few functions of the body are activated without sufficient iron to 'furnace' them.
Iron storage (termed ferritin ) is considered the true indicator of iron status - with an accepted reference range of 20-300ug/L. To aspire to a 'target' level about mid-range - i.e.: 150ug/L - could not be considered unrealistic given the importance of iron in the body.
The significance of reaching and maintaining this target level was the research of
Dr. John Lee - Australia's most prolific thyroid researcher. Insufficient iron restricts cell mitochondria production from which Adenosine Tri-phosphate (ATP) - 'cellular energy' is created. Our metabolic activity and Phase II liver detoxification pathways are ATP dependant.
Regrettably conformist practitioners still claim a ferritin of 21ug/L is within range and therefore 'normal'! Just two points below (19ug/L) suggests 'depleted iron stores'. To take this point further are they proposing a woman with a ferritin of 21ug/L (one point within range) will experience the equal energy and metabolic drive as another whose ferritin is 299ug/L (again one point within range)?
I also reject the claim of those traditionalists who say it's impossible to achieve a 150ug/L ferritin in a pre-menopausal woman.
In terms of metabolic importance, Iodine is deemed the next most essential (trace) nutrient after iron. Simply put: Iodine deficiency = compromised thyroid hormone production.
Testing Iodine levels is a simple urinary 'spot-screen', but is seldom routinely assessed. Low Iodine results in an under-functioning thyroid. There is also a studied correlation between Iodine deficiency and reduced IQ in children, and breast disease in women.
At the time of writing - Australian Professor Creswell Eastman from the Council of Control (Iodine Deficiency Disorders) - is urging food manufacturers to again add Iodine to their products. His statement arises from a recent national study which found almost half of all children of primary school age show Iodine deficiency.
A urinary Iodine test is not even presently claimable under Australian Medicare.
As a Trichologist/ registered nurse I'm unable to directly order blood pathology for my clients. Instead I suggest they ask their family doctor to review their complaint and authorise appropriate blood pathology. Two principle reasons for this:
It's a professional 'given'; the primary doctor has a right to know what another practitioner - orthodox or alternate - is proposing for their patient.
Medicare should cover the bulk of this pathology - that's why we pay the Medicare Levy.
It can be exasperating when zinc and/or copper testing are disregarded as unnecessary. Sometimes one will be authorised but the other refused. Both nutrients are vital for thyroid homeostasis (and hair growth) but each antagonises the other's action and absorption. If either mineral is elevated the other will (but not always) be depressed. Elevated or depleted levels of either mineral will have a profound affect on body functioning and the disruption of other nutrients.
Zinc is held to be implicated in at least 150 enzymatic actions within the body. Its main contributions to thyroid homeostasis are:
The synthesis of Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH) - produced by the Hypothalamus to stimulate production of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
A crucial catalyst in the binding and activation of the active thyroid hormone Triiodothyronine (T3) to receptors on the cell nucleus.
Zinc deficiency is thought to contribute to poor thyroid hormone conversion - and deficiency diminishes healthy genetic expression of thyroid hormone.
A refractory zinc deficiency may result from inadequate protein availability (Baratosy:2006). Amino acid (Tyrosine) derived from protein is a foundation of thyroid hormone production.
Reviewing copper levels is particularly crucial. Low copper is said to inhibit thyroid gland hormone production, whilst elevated copper obstructs cell receptor interaction with thyroid hormone.
A deficiency of copper hinders the deployment of iron by the red blood cells, resulting in the iron being accumulated (and unavailable) within the organs of the body. Because this stored iron cannot be utilised whilst the copper deficiency persists, symptoms of iron deficiency may present - despite an actual iron sufficiency .
An elevated copper level and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin is regularly seen in females using a contraceptive. This is largely due to the additional (synthetic) oestrogen found in contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy. Oestrogen gives rise to copper retention - and vice versa - ultimately leading to zinc and other nutrient depletion, and oestrogen dominance.
Once copper is in excess and too dominant in relation to zinc, it can exert what Baratosy (2005) describes as an 'anti-nutrient' - or toxic metal influence. High copper levels restrict the absorption and utilisation of zinc (particularly), iron, magnesium, Vitamins B3, 5, and 6, Vitamins C and E, and certain trace elements.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is produced in the liver, and is the carrier vitamins protein for (amongst other hormones) 70% of the circulating but 'bound' (inactive) testosterone and oestrogen. Elevated SHBG levels may result in symptoms of testosterone and oestrogen deficiency.
In the long line of essential nutrients for optimal thyroid function, the importance of Selenium is only shaded by Iron and Iodine. Several thyroid enzymes are Selenium-dependant to the creation of thyroid hormone. Unlike copper and zinc, Selenium and Iodine are agonists to each other - with optimal levels of both (in balance) essential for a healthy thyroid gland. Selenium also has an integral role in anti-oxidant and immunity defence mechanisms.
There remain some differing opinions on the most reliable form of Selenium testing. Some advocate blood serum; others support hair mineral analysis (HTMA) - still others suggest toe nail clippings.
The B-vitamins are essential co-enzymes to maintaining mitochondrial ATP production. Compromised mitochondrial function leads to low metabolic (thyroid) activity. Thiamine (Vitamin B1), B12, Vitamin D and folic acid are synergistic to copper. Supplementing these nutrients where required helps restore body copper balance. Vitamin D metabolism is enhanced by copper.
The Thyroid Hormones:
It's not my intention to detail or even outline the anatomy and physiology of the thyroid-related endocrine system and the hormones involved. There are many excellent thyroid texts written by better educated and more qualified folk than me. I simply wish to convey to the lay reader what thyroid hormones they might request tested - and why:
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): produced by the (anterior) Pituitary Gland - TSH regulates thyroid hormone production from the thyroid gland. TSH has long been regarded as the most reliable and sensitive indicator of thyroid function, however its limitations are these:
TSH does not reflect low metabolic activity; cell mitochondrial energy output and the necessary nutrients to furnace the body.
TSH does not reflect sufficient and quality conversion of the inactive thyroid hormone Thyroxine (T4) to the active, cell-influencing Triiodothyronine (T3).
TSH does not reflect deficiency of any of the numerous nutrients crucial to T4 - T3 synthesis, conversion, and activation.
TSH does not reflect T3 interaction with its mitochondrial or DNA receptors within the cell itself. If this interface fails - T3 cannot influence cell activity in any meaningful way.
TSH does not reflect elevated Reverse Triiodothyronine (rT3) levels which interfere with T4 - T3 conversion and T3's activation of its intra-cell receptors.
TSH does not immediately reflect increasing thyroid antibodies in autoimmune thyroiditis.
Difficulties with any of the above has been termed 'Euthyroid Sick Syndrome' - patient's exhibit symptoms of an under functioning thyroid but their TSH and T4 results are "normal".
Thyroxine (T4): T4 is secreted by the thyroid gland in response to hypothalamic-pituitary stimulation (TRH/TSH). This secreted T4 then circulates in the blood - bound to a carrier protein - until synthesised (in the liver and kidneys) to T3. T4 possesses no interfacing receptors of its own, but is the inactive precursor of T3.
Triiodothyronine (T3): although some T3 is produced by the thyroid gland, greater than 80% results from T4 conversion. T3 is our active thyroid hormone which profoundly regulates body metabolism.
Reverse Triiodothyronine (rT3): rT3 is an adapted non-active form of Triiodothyronine. In times of protracted physiological and emotional stress or illness, T4's normal conversion to T3 is corrupted - and rT3 results. Lee (2005) found forty percent of the synthetic thyroid hormone replacement Thyroxine sodium (Oroxine et al) is altered to rT3.
In healthy, minimally-stressed people rT3 is quickly purged from the body. When rT3 levels are allowed to become excessive, it inhibits and distorts T4 - T3 conversion - thus producing further rT3.
Elevated levels of rT3 are commonly detected in Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia sufferers. Arem (1999) proposes these two debilitating illnesses are manifestations of thyroid dysfunction. A characteristic of 'Wilson's Thyroid Syndrome' is patients' exhibit high rT3 levels because T4 is continually corrupted to rT3 at the expense of T3.
rT3 disrupts thyroid homeostasis by inhibiting the production and function of T3. rT3 binds to - but does not activate - T3 intra-cell receptors; effectively blocking T3 interface and activation.
Dr. John Lee was the first practitioner to facilitate the testing of rT3 in Australia.
Thyroid antibodies: thyroid antibodies are detectable indicators within the circulatory system that our immunity is primed against our thyroid gland. The presence of thyroid antibodies is sometimes discounted by medicos because a percentage of the population shows low levels of antibodies without any discernable thyroid disease.
Elevated levels typically signify autoimmune thyroiditis - 'Hashimotos' if the patient exhibits an under active thyroid state, and 'Graves' Disease' if their symptoms/pathology suggest the thyroid is over active.
The usual thyroid antibodies tested in Australia are:
Thyroglobulin Antibodies
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO Ab) - the more sensitive test.
Researchers suggest a strong association between autoimmune thyroiditis and Coeliac Disease. Patients exhibiting both conditions were able to eliminate thyroid antibodies by adopting a Gluten-free diet (Baratosy:2005). An Italian study of female nursing home geriatrics with hypothyroidism, found that by eliminating gluten from the diet, the hypothyroid symptoms in these patients greatly diminished or disappeared.
The crucial roles sex and steroid hormones play in thyroid homeostasis - particularly Cortisol, Progesterone, and DHEA - have not been discussed here. Suffice to say the thyroid-adrenal relationship is mutually dependant, and a Saliva Hormone Assay of these and other relevant hormones is an integral part of the complete investigative process.
Toxic heavy metals - principally Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Aluminum and Arsenic block the function of Vitamins and Minerals necessary for thyroid homeostasis. Where patients relate long-standing illness, toxic heavy metals should be an early assessment priority. Accurate and convenient testing is achieved by HTMA.
The thyroid hormone cascade is incredibly involved and complex. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, trace elements, essential fatty acids (DHA/EPA), sex and steroid hormones, as well as the immune system must all be adequately available - and harmonious to each other - for T3 to accomplish its task. If any one of these vital components are lacking the process will stall - and optimal body functioning diminished.
In all this - hair is the expendable extravagance; usually the first tissue to suffer a withdrawal of metabolic and nutrient support.
It should now be appreciated that "gimmicky" single treatments such as laser combs, commercial hair loss programs etc can do nothing to influence nutritional, metabolic or hormonal disturbance. These areas must be individually tested for - but reviewed and treated as part of the total picture.
*the onset of menstruation in a young female
Orthodox Hair-sciences & Hair-specialisms - The Trichological Society0 -
Again...hi Mary...and here is the link for the article
http://www.hairlossclinic.com.au/articles/vitamins-minerals-thyroid.html
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Wow, MBJ, I love that article. I'm starting a new file called "Thyroid Problems". I just had an MRI to take a closer look at something on my adrenal gland - they say it is a benign adrenal adenoma. Which I looked up, of course, and something will have to be done about it - probably surgery. My onc was going over the results of the MRI and mentioned this was benign, and I said "But even though it's benign, doesn't it act up and spew adrenaline and/or throw the other adrenal gland off balance?" She acknowledged that and said she would probably send me to an endocrinologist after I'm through with the radiation. For YEARS, I've been trying to find out what is wrong with my thyroid - all the classic symptoms, but all measurements are okay. Finally, about 2 years ago, one doctor almost got it right: he said my thyroid is working properly, but my adrenal glands are shot so it's like my you've got one foot on the gas (thyroid) and the other foot on the brakes (adrenal). I've been dying to take Armour or Iodoral to prevent a recurrence (well, actually, years ago I had almost reached the point of just giving this to myself in spite of the doctors' tests), but I can't until this malfunctioning adrenal gland is taken care of. Weird - breast cancer got me the tests to find this adrenal adenoma, and this adrenal adenoma is probably related to the cause of the breast cancer.
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Samsue -- Haven't posted in a while and am getting caought up. Just read your post from Oct 30. I too have noticed that I feel exhaused when I take DIM (my thyroid was totally removed and I am on Armour). So, it finally dawned on me, to take it at night when I go to bed. Pam
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