----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Brown (dbrown)" <[log in to unmask]>


Doc Don and Chuck:


David,

I'm not Doc Don nor Chuck..

<SNIP>
*
If my T4 is in the normal range, why should I supplement it?  I am not 
arguing with you -- just want to understand a bit what is going on.<SNIP>

    Some Drs. try to bring the T4 in the high range of Normal-- some 
slightly higher in order to have an optimal range of T3. These two-- while 
they go up or down proportionately, they do have diferences in magnitude. 
Also, these hormone levels vary even during the day. What is important is 
how one feels at the quality of life one is in at a particular level. If you 
feel you are okay based on your physical daily routine i.e., you are active, 
not feeling cold, not prone to infections, then, you must be 50% okay. If 
other biochemical markers that has to do with a normal thyroid are within 
range for a healthy person-- i.e., cholesterol levels and profile (HDL, LDL, 
Triglycerides), Blood Sugar, then, you must be 75% alright. If you do not 
show signs of the psychological effects of underactive thyroid-- tendency to 
depression, mental sluggishness, early signs of senility, then, you must be 
close to 100% of normal. If not, your Dr. may have a good reason to put you 
on replacement for T4 because he/she may have been looking for the above 
signs as well and couldn't justify not giving you thyroid replacement. 
There's nothing wrong with that. If you search the archives you'd see lots 
of posters literally begging their Drs. for treatment and which is denied to 
them despite their symptoms.

BTW, I've come across one of your previous questions-- recalling it from 
memory. You asked if being physically fit and active affects these hormone 
levels. I've read from older studies which I do not have handy right now--  
that strenous physical activity as seen in athletes brings about a 
"compensatory hypothyroidism" as shown by their slower heart rates and lower 
hormone levels after exercise.

Lastly, as we age the thyroid slows down together with other hormone 
systems. I think this is the way we are programmed and the reason there is 
what is called "retirement". Of course there are ways now to extend onset of 
this through proper hormone(s) replacement.

To your good health..

Greg 



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