Additional tests

[jojoemo]

I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's. My question is...what further or additional testing do I need? Specifically, should I be tested for food sensitivities? Nutrient deficiencies? Are there other tests/levels I need to request?? And who should I see for the testing (i.e., endocrinologist, naturopath, etc.)? Also, should I be taking iodine and, if so, should it be taken in conjunction with iodide?

[bomag]

I also have Hashimoto's, along with Sjogrens and Lupus. I take Levoxyl (a name brand thyroxin supplement; the generic levothyroxin supposedly varies in its effectiveness from time to time). Your primary care physician can prescribe this. There might be some advantage in seeing an endocrinologist. But in my experience, endocrinologists don't really treat Hashi's differently from other forms of hypothyroid.

The advantage of seeing an ND who is trained in thyroid treatment is that they might prescribe a thyroid supplement such as Armour which is animal-derived and contains the various forms of thyroxine the body needs. The downside of NDs is that often insurance doesn't cover the visits or the lab work. I would see an ND if/when I could afford it. The tests a good ND would do include TSH, T3free, T4free, T3total, T4total, and TPO and other thyroid antibodies. This will decide whether you should take T4 only (levothyroxin and its name brands), T3 only, a combo pill (Armour, etc.), or others.

There are lots of ND references on thyroid. Good online sources include blogs by Chris Kresser, Mark Ryan (hashimotoshealing), Izabella Went (thyroidlifestyle) and the guy who wrote the books on it, Dr. Kharrazian. The latter has his own diet which is very similar to AIP. He is shortly (we hope) about to publish his lab study results on the molecular effects of specific foods on thyroid action.

I have read differing opinions on iodine. Here is Chris Kresser's response: chriskresser.com/iodine-for-hypothyroidism-like-gasoline-on-a-fire