Hypothyroidism

[kirpan]

What's your take -patient has normal T3 and T4 levels, no symptoms and a TSH elevated at 4.8 on a
.358-3.8 range

[Barb135]

If you are in the United States, it's illegal for thyroid supplements to contain any measurable thyroid hormones, though there are other supplements that may support thyroid health.

I've taken selenium for years and my TPOab only lowered when my thyroid "died" i.e. no healthy tissue left.  Selenium has been shown to help in the conversion of FT4 to FT3, though, so it's still a good supplement to consider.

[Red_Star]

You can find thyroid supplements on the market that contain various nutrients to help support thyroid health.

It's possible your subclinical hypothyroidism is due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis as Barb has mentioned. Thyroid antibodies to check for this disease are thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb).

Selenium may lower TPOAb levels.  If you take selenium as a separate supplement look for the L-Selenomethionine form.  Dietary sources of selenium include brazil nuts (highest source of selenium at around 50 - 90 mcg per nut depending on the soil), crab, salmon, brown rice, chicken, pork, beef, walnuts.  

[Barb135]

Have thyroid antibodies been tested?  It's possible that the patient has Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and there just hasn't been enough damage done to the thyroid yet to reduce production of T3 and T4.  Is Free T3 and Free T4 being tested or is it Total T3 and Total T4?

Hashimoto's is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the developed world.

[kirpan]

Thanks so much Red Star
Whats the best natural approach ?
In addition to dietary changes? supplements
Greatly appreciative for your help.

[Red_Star]

The most common reason for raised TSH and normal T4/T3 is subclinical hypothyroidism.  Subclinical hypothyroidism is also referred to as mild thyroid failure.  There may be no symptoms or mild symptoms of hypothyroidism.  This risk of progression to overt hypothyroidism is 2 - 5% per year.