Scott’s Comments (group member since Jan 30, 2013)

Scott’s comments from the Ask Dr. Scott Isaacs group.

Angela, I am sure your doctor is not ignorant. In fact, the ignorant thing to do would be to blindly prescribe thyroid medication without careful consideration of other possible causes of your symptoms. In my book Hormonal Balance, I describe the many hormonal conditions that have similar symptoms. I hope my book can help you work with your doctor to find a diagnosis for your problem. Perhaps getting a second opinion will help restore your faith in the medical profession. If you think your doctor is ignorant, there is no way you can have an effective doctor patient relationship.

I wouldn't say that your doctors are ignorant. Severe symptoms in the settng of borderline tests suggests a different diagnosis. I recommend that you work with an endocrinologist to get diagnosed and treated.

Angela, The study of hunger hormones in malnourished states (including famine) helps us understand the hormone in broader terms as it applies to weight loss and appetite control. Beat Overeating Now! details many hunger hormones and how you can outsmart them to lose weight and keep it off.

Untreated thyroid disease has a strong association with depression. However, if the thyroid is treated properly it is not usually a contributing factor. I discuss the details of this in my book Hormonal Balance.

Thanks Shannon, I hope my book is helpful for you.

Shannon, I understand your point. Sometimes thyroid disorders can occur with normal tests, sometimes other medical conditions mimic the symptoms of hypothyroidism. If you are taking thyroid medications and still don't feel well, there is a lot you can do to feel better. Here is an article I wrote on the subject.
http://www.outsmarthormones.com/2012/...

There has been a lot of research with leptin and anorexia. Leptin levels correlate highly with weight, percent body fat suggesting that the physiological regulation of leptin is maintained in relation to nutritional status even at an extreme of low weight and body fat. There is also a possible existence of ghrelin resistance in malnourished states such as caused by eating disorders.
http://jcem.endojournals.org/content/...

Are you eating healthy and exercising regularly but still can't lose weight? Your hunger hormones may be working against you.

Many people complain of symptoms of low thyroid even though tests are normal. Have you had this experience?