Volume 3 Issue 2
Summer 2008 Thyroid Disease
Thyroid disease is very common, especially in women. Many people who have symptoms of low thyroid function have been tested and told that their thyroid was “normal”. Most physicians use a screening blood test called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) to evaluate thyroid function. This is an indirect test of thyroid function and does not actually measure the hormone levels. Actual measurement of thyroxine (T4), triiodithyronine (T3), free levels of T4 and T3, thyroid binding globulin (TBG), and antibodies to thyroid tissue can be very helpful in determining if a person could benefit from a trial of thyroid hormone replacement. A variety of factors can alter normal thyroid function. These include chronic stress, goitrogens (foods that block thyroid function), certain medications (aspirin, NSAID drugs, Dilantin, Valium, amiodarone), lack or excess of iodine, certain organic molecule toxins and heavy metal toxicity (especially mercury).
Holistic physicians commonly will give a trial of thyroid hormone replacement in patients with signs or symptoms of low thyroid function and normal blood tests. When this is done carefully, it is safe and often very helpful to the patient. Periodic monitoring of thyroid hormone blood levels and watching for symptoms of excessive dosing usually allows avoidance of toxic doses. Treatment of the person, not just the lab tests, is the art of clinical medicine. If you have been told you have “normal” thyroid tests despite numerous symptoms of low thyroid function, consult a holistic physician who will consider this issue. For a 7 step program to address low thyroid issues, consider Dr. Mark Hyman’s www.ultrawellness.com website. He has an e-book that can be downloaded for $20 that has useful information on testing and treatment of low thyroid conditions.
Gardasil is a newly licensed vaccine from Merck that is FDA approved to immunize young women against 4 strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV). These viral strains cause an estimated 70% of cervical cancers. The HPV virus causes all cases of venereal warts, which are often precursors to the cancerous changes in the cervix of women. The series of 3 shots is recommended to girls age 11 or 12 or any older female up to the age of 26. The vaccine does not protect against any other sexually transmitted diseases. The vaccine does not treat or cure established cases of venereal warts or cervical cancer. The Food and Drug Administration and Merck are claiming that the vaccine is safe and effective. Preliminary information has shown that serious adverse events, including deaths, have been associated with administration of the vaccine.
Due to the fact that cervical cancer can be diagnosed and effectively treated in the precancerous stage by routine Pap smears and gynecological exams, a conservative approach towards introducing a new recombinant vaccine into young women should be applied. I advise against the vaccine. The length and thoroughness of safety studies is inadequate. The period of immunity against infection from the virus is unknown since the vaccine studies do not cover an extended period of years after administration.
On A Personal Note
Summertime is time for expansion, travel, new experiences, gardening, star gazing, sunbathing, swimming, water sports, family outings, weddings, and other fun activities. I urge you to take time off to recharge your enthusiasm and physical energy. Although the sagging economy, housing slump and rising gas prices may seem to put a damper on things, choose to celebrate the daily small things that make life worthwhile. Hug your loved ones, smile at coworkers, play with your pets, and be grateful for every day of life. Life is constantly changing and nobody can predict what will happen tomorrow.
Daniel Blodgett MD