TSH Levels & Iodine
Here is crucially important information about supplementing with iodine products such as IodinePlus-2 and your TSH levels.
When going in for a thyroid panel to check for thyroid function, there is one element that is always tested:
- TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone ) – This tests for hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and is also used to monitor thyroid replacement therapy.
TSH – or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone – is created in the pituitary gland. It functions as the name suggests, to rev up your thyroid into producing the thyroid hormones.
When experiencing hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) the pituitary gland starts pumping out greater levels of TSH. Logical, because it wants the body to increase the amounts of these vital thyroid hormones.
However, in order for the thyroid to produce its hormones, it needs iodine. In fact, thyroid hormones are made up of 90% iodine.
Classical TSH Levels for Hypothyroidism
The classical laboratory confirmation for hypothyroidism is an elevated TSH level. The higher the TSH reading, the more pronounced the thyroid deficiency. But this reading can be misleading.
The common assumption is when treating hypothyroidism, TSH levels should drop. Unfortunately, this assumption may often be wrong.
Treating the Symptoms – Not the Cause
If a physician prescribes thyroid hormones – whether synthetic (Synthroid) or desiccated hormone (Armour, Nature-Throid or Westhroid), they expect TSH levels to drop – and they do.
But this can mask the problem and doesn’t really help the thyroid gland to get back to the job of producing its own natural hormones. Yes, a person often feels better because some circulating thyroid hormone is in the system again. However, many patients are placed on these prescriptions for life.
But a prudent person will want to address the PRIMARY cause of iodine-deficient hypothyroid symptoms. Supplementing with iodine can be the answer. This addresses the root cause of many low thyroid problems, and may actually supplant the need for non-human hormones, coming from laboratory altered creations not found in nature or hormones derived from pigs.
Increasing Iodine Stimulates More TSH
When increasing iodine intake with a supplement like IodinePlus-2, the thyroid now has the raw materials it desperately needs to start working as it should. But remember, the thyroid just doesn’t soak up the iodine like a sponge.
Iodine has to be transported into the thyroid through a hormonal mechanism.
TSH is this mechanism, allowing iodine to be absorbed by the thyroid gland. Since the body is now being supplied with all the iodine it needs, the thyroid is more than willing to take in as much as it can to correct the deficiencies it has been experiencing.
That’s when the TSH levels start to climb. The more iodine the thyroid needs and uses, the higher the level of TSH will be produced.
But here’s the thing… a doctor will probably freak out when he sees these highly exaggerated TSH levels. He’ll recommend stopping any iodine, and may even place a patient on TSH suppressing therapy – just the OPPOSITE of what’s needed.
Higher TSH Levels Aren’t The Problem – They’re The Solution!
These TSH levels will remain elevated until the thyroid is back on track. Since the thyroid works SLOWLY, these levels can remain high for as long as 6 to 12 months.
Dr. A. P. Jones, President
Natural Living, Inc.