In a message dated 9/26/2007 8:51:42 A.M. US Eastern Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: * 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. >>>>> Far more important than the Lab's opinion on the quantity of a chemical (T4) in your blood is your health. If you are Hypothyroid, you should be treated. If not, there is no treatment for this necessary. <<<<< I have had the same doctor and blood tests about every six months for the past five years, so I am sure that this is a new development. Could this be something that has been undetected for some time? >>>>>> Your question is really, "How bad can lab work and medical care get?" If you poll this List Serve, I think you will find that there may not be a limit. <<<<< I have heard that natural replacement is preferred over synthetic? Does anyone have some experience or advice on this? >>>>> I usually take "Natural" to mean, "naturally present in the human body." And I usually take "Synthetic" to mean "manufactured in a laboratory." So, a given thyroid replacement can be Natural and Synthetic like T3 or T4. Or it can be "Natural" and not Synthetic, like Armour Thyroid. Asking which, if either, is preferred is a lot like asking which tool is preferred: It depends on the job you are trying to do. Or, in this case, it depends on the Diagnosis. <<<<< I hope that you will not mind following up with me on these questions. >>>>> Actually, the whole purpose of this List Serve is for all of us to learn and teach. Asking questions is one of the best way to do those things. Doc Don (AKA D. Michael, MD, PC) ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com ________________________________________________________________ Thyroid messages contain only the opinions of their authors. Opinions expressed on Thyroid do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management, publisher, or our advertisers. Change your own account here http://www.Emissary.Net/Thyroid/index.html If a question isn't answered on Thyroid, check the Thyroid Archives: <http://LISTSERV.ICORS.ORG/archives/thyroid.html> and ask again! ________________________________________________________________