Thyroid/Iron Help!

[bergenxctcoach]

I need help with a junior girl who has both an iron deficiency and thyroid deficiency. We've got the serum ferritin up to low 30's, but thryoid levels continue to be very low, despite steadily increasing doses of Synthroid.

Any experience out there? Docs/physiologists to contact?

She ran 5:09 as a soph indoor, was on a training plan to run 4:50 outdoor before she blew up and we discovered both problems. Prior to this, no health and/or training issues.

Any help would be much appreciated!

[tuquer]

I need help with a junior girl who has both an iron deficiency and thyroid deficiency. We've go the serum ferritin up to low 30's, but thryoid levels continue to be very low, despite steadily increasing doses of Synthroid.

Any experience out there? Docs/physiologists to contact?

She ran 5:09 as a soph indoor, was on a training plan to run 4:50 outdoor before she blew up and we discovered both problems. Prior to this, no health and/or training issues.

Any help would be much appreciated!

first check the free T4 to free T3 ratio
most likely if synthroid is being used but the TSH (assume is high, say greater than 5.0) then there most likely is a conversion problem from T4 to T3.
possible causes:
a.) diet rich in bad fats such as peanut oil, corn oil, soybean oil, canola

good fats: olive oil and almond oil.

b.) get here progesterone level checked along with pregnenolone - these are typically done via saliva.

possible solution:
lets say we can rule out diet, say its ok, and lets rule out hormone issues
this leaves us with a conversion issue.
the script to solve this problem is Armour Thyroid which is a natural thyroid that has both T4 and T3.

fyi: in europe TSH should be below 2.0 in the USA it is below 5.0

food for thought:
the iron issue may indicate a dietary issue, is she eating three squares? lack of protein and balanced fats could be a significant contributor in hormone systhesis. if her cholesterol drops off so goes her pregnenolone and then then whole system "tanks". check her HDL/LDL/TG

as for her own body fat - - - should be 12 to 15% minimum, if lower - - - watch out. as a HS lady you do not want a six pack for abs.

report back

good luck

[bergenxctcoach]

I'll have to do a more complete diet analysis, but she's very good about the 3 square and understands carb/protein/fat ratio. Calories are sufficient as is her body fat. While slim, she's not emaciated. Only problem, like many girls, she doesn't like red meat and while she consumes some, it's not enough IMO.

She's on liquid iron supplement w/vit C, timed correctly. Local doc has been told about our concerns with Synthroid to no avail.

Will forward you info and see what happens.

Many, many thanks!

[tuquer]

I'll have to do a more complete diet analysis, but she's very good about the 3 square and understands carb/protein/fat ratio. Calories are sufficient as is her body fat. While slim, she's not emaciated. Only problem, like many girls, she doesn't like red meat and while she consumes some, it's not enough IMO.

She's on liquid iron supplement w/vit C, timed correctly. Local doc has been told about our concerns with Synthroid to no avail.

Will forward you info and see what happens.

Many, many thanks!

keep me posted, will do some more digging on my end

[tuquer]

keep me posted, will do some more digging on my end

ithyroid.com

antibodyassay.com

unsystem.org

good luck :cool: