The Thyroid Blog

Thyroid Blood Tests in High Normal Range Increase Risk of Miscarriage

 Pregnant women with thyroid function test results in the upper half of the normal range have an increased chance of miscarriage, even when they lack thyroid-harming antibodies, according to a new study. The results, which the authors say show the need to change screening practices for pregnant women, will be presented at The Endocrine Society’s 92nd Annual Meeting, ENDO 2010, in San Diego on June 22 by Alex Stagnaro-Green, M.D., senior author and senior associate dean for education at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Past studies have reported an increased miscarriage rate in women with an underactive thyroid and in women with a positive thyroid peroxidase antibody test, indicating the presence of antibodies directed against the thyroid.

“This study is the first evidence demonstrating that the upper half of the accepted normal range on thyroid function tests is associated with miscarriage in antibody-negative women. This leads us to think that all pregnant women should be screened for thyroid function and any abnormalities treated,” said Dr. Stagnaro-Green.

Thyroid function is measured by the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test, and anything above the upper limit is an underactive thyroid, called hypothyroidism. Since 2007, the recommended upper limit of the normal range of the TSH test for a pregnant woman has been 2.5 milli-international units per liter (mIU/L) in the first trimester and 3 mIU/L in the second and third trimesters. This recommendation was made by an Endocrine Society international guideline committee, of which Dr. Stagnaro-Green was a member. However, he said doctors have not universally accepted this guideline, and some use 4.5 or 5 mIU/L for an upper limit, the same as for nonpregnant women. Also, not every pregnant woman receives thyroid function screening.

To see if TSH on the high end of normal affects pregnancy outcomes, the researchers determined the pregnancy loss and preterm delivery rates of women who had TSH values between 2.5 and 5 mIU/L in their first trimester of pregnancy. They conducted the study at two community hospitals in Italy among pregnant outpatients who had a TSH level at or below 5 mIU/L during their first semester. After excluding patients who had positive thyroid antibody tests, the investigators studied 4,123 women. They divided subjects into two groups based on TSH level (mIU/L): group A: below 2.5, excluding those who had an overactive thyroid, and group B: between 2.5 and 5.

There was no difference in the rate of preterm delivery between the two groups. However, the rate of miscarriage was significantly higher in group B (higher normal TSH) than group A (lower normal TSH): 6.1 percent versus 3.6 percent, respectively.

None of the antibody-negative women in the current study received thyroid hormone treatment. However, Dr. Stagnaro-Green said previous research shows that such treatment lowers the miscarriage rate in antibody-positive women.

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NOTE: If you are a thyroid patient who is planning to get pregnant, or you're pregnant and have just learned that you have some form of thyroid disease, you'll want to read the specialized chapters on fertility and thyroid disease, and pregnancy and thyroid disease, that are featured in the book Thyroid Hormone Breakthrough.

You can find out more at the Thyroid Hormone Breakthrough web site

The Real Secret About "The Secret Cure for Hypothyroidism" -- A Warning

If you've been intrigued by an ad promising "The Secret Cure for Hypothyroidism" -- think again.

The people putting together this guide (hah! -- it's just a handful of pages, actually) have a secret for you, but it has nothing to do with your thyroid, and everything to do with getting YOUR money in THEIR pockets. 

Before you even think about ordering this, save yourself time and trouble, and find out the REAL story.

Thyroid Guide to Hair Loss

Millions of Americans are suffering from hair loss due to undiagnosed thyroid disease. And thyroid patients with continuing hair loss problems need practical solutions to resolve their hair issues. This 100-page Guide, from the nation's leading thyroid patient advocate and best-selling author Mary Shomon, helps hair loss sufferers understand the problem, get proper thyroid diagnosis and treatment, and slow, stop or even reverse thyroid-related hair loss.

If you are losing hair and suspect it may be your thyroid, the guide will help you get properly diagnosed and treated. Thyroid patients suffering from continued hair loss will find that the guide offers many treatment approaches and options that can help you conquer this frustrating condition.

Learn more about the guide now, or download the PDF ebook from Lulu.com

Study Finds High Arsenic Levels in Herbal Kelp Supplements

A study of herbal kelp supplements led by University of California/Davis public health expert Marc Schenker concludes that its medicinal use may cause inadvertent arsenic poisoning and health dangers for consumers, especially when overused. Schenker and two researchers evaluated nine over-the-counter herbal kelp products and found higher than acceptable arsenic levels in eight of them.

Kelp supplements are frequently used by thyroid patients as a source of iodine, and as a nutritional supplement that is supposed to help thyroid function.

FAQ on Saliva and Bloodspot Testing for Hormone Levels

Many readers write to me asking about saliva and blood spot testing for thyroid and other hormones, and why it may be of interest to some patients and practitioners.

Recently, ZRT Laboratories launched its Comprehensive Hormone Profile home test kit, which combines saliva and blood spot testing in a home collection kit.  The kit allows for same-day testing of the three major hormonal symptom areas - reproductive, thyroid and adrenal. 

The Comprehensive Hormone Profile tests:

• Sex/Reproductive Hormones: Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone
  
• Adrenal Hormones: DHEA, Cortisol (AM, noon, evening and PM)
  
  
• Thyroid Hormones: TSH, FreeT3, FreeT4, TPO
  
  

Find out more about this important resource now.

Ten Health Issues That Can Impact Sexual Satisfaction

Here’s the good news, the bad news, and some more good news about Americans’ sexual health: Most (64 percent of Americans, according to one recent study) are satisfied with their sex lives. But many health issues can get in the way of having a good sex life, from prescription medication side effects to depression to sexually transmitted diseases.

Why Is There Even Debate Over Female Thyroid Testing? Patient Advocate Says Pregnant Women -- -- and Their Babies -- Deserve Proper Thyroid Diagnosis and Treatment

The launch of a new clinical trial looking at pregnancy and thyroid disease -- and the implications for babies -- has focused debate on the value of screening and treating pregnant women for thyroid conditions.

The nation's leading thyroid patient advocate, Mary Shomon, urges women to think twice, however, about participating in the study, and to be aware of important guidelines when it comes to thyroid disease and pregnancy, and the birth and health of their babies.

Mary Shomon's Favorite Weight Loss Supplements

Given that it's January, and many of us are turning our thoughts to weight loss for the new year, I thought I'd share some information on the weight loss and diet supplements I recommend -- because I use them myself. (My personal rule is that I never recommend anything that I don't personally believe in, read, take, use or love!

It's no secret that like many people with hypothyroidism, every day is a struggle to get off and keep off extra weight. So whenever I find something I feel is particularly helpful, I am very excited to let you know. I've tried many things in the past, sometimes they're a big bust. Like the "starch-blocker" pills (NOPE), and ephedra... (A BIG NO-NO, PLUS HEART PALPITATIONS!)

But ongoing efforts to continue to lose weight go best for me when I'm following my Thyroid Diet, doing more weight-bearing exercise, and using certain supplements.

First, let me tell you that I have mitral valve prolapse. And so FORGET ephedra, the supplements that have high doses of caffeine, or some of the other stimulating supplements -- they give me awful palpitations and I simply can't take them. But I'm better able to stay on track, reduce my appetite, feel less bloated using certain non-stimulating supplements.

(Keep in mind, I try to eat low-glycemic, low-sugar, try to avoid starchy carbs, focus on protein, veggies, some fruit, so when I'm able to lose weight, it's due to a combination of optimized thyroid, diet, exercise, and good supplements.)

In any case, if you're interested in trying out the products I like and regularly use, here's the info. I buy most of mine from Iherb.com. Those of you know have been reading me for a long time know that this is one of the few companies I always recommend -- they have the absolute best prices, great service -- a trustworthy, excellent online retailer. But you also can get these supplements from most health food stores or natural groceries as well.

Can Your Hypothyroidism be Treated Naturally?

I am often asked if there is a "natural" way to treat hypothyroidism. And the answer really depends on what is meant by "natural." Are you talking about natural prescription drugs, or seeing an herbalist, or going it on your own with supplements and herbs? Take a look at these various "natural" options, and whether they might be the answer for you.