Estrogen and Iodine

[Guest guest]

I know this topic has been discussed many times, but I feel that I need to raise

it again because I'm starting to see a pattern in my blood work that I can't

ignore.

Most of the literature / blogs / commentry talk about how good iodine is for

dealing with estrogen dominance, which is assumed to be a frequently occuring

issue for the majority of women.

I am not estrogen dominant, nor have I ever been, despite being large breasted.

Results of a hormone urine panel earlier this year showed that I am low in

estradiol and this has also shown up in my blood work.

I started on iodine to help with chelation from bromide and heavy metals, and to

improve the health of my thyroid (currently on Nature-throid 1.75grains for

hypothyroidism).

There has been a lot of discussion about the effects of iodine on progesterone

on another group I belong to (hormones and health - naturally), where it

is suggested that progesterone levels be monitored closely when starting on the

iodine protocol.

This made me wonder, since progesterone and estrogen are closely linked, is

iodine having an affect on my estrogen levels to the point it could be

negatively affecting my fertility? My cycles are generally regular, although I

have noticed that in the last 2-3 months my follicular phase has been shorter

(11days instead of the usual 14).

Here are my lab results from the last few months (all were taken Cycle Day 2):

13 July 2010 30 Sept 2010 1 Nov 2010 23 Nov 2010

TSH 0.76(0.40 - 3.5) 0.82 1.28 1.09

FT4 12.4 (9.0 - 19.0) 12.0 11.7 13.0

FT3 4.7 (2.6 - 6.0) 5.0 4.2 5.1

FSH 8.0 (2.0 - 13.0) 17.1 10.5 28.6

LH 2.8 (2.5 - 13.0) 2.9 3.7 8.8

E2 346 ( <400) 92 182 67

Besides vitamins / minerals, I was taking Lugol's 100mg. I increased the Lugol's

to 150mg on Nov 18 to increase my detox of bromide (55mg in June) - I am

retesting today.

Is it possible that the Lugol's is causing my estradiol to drop so significantly

(which in turn, is causing my FSH to rise)?

Ziggy

[Guest guest]

Bumping... Anyone have any thoughts on this? I think it's an important topic

since it seems that taking iodine is throwing my hormones out of balance. I have

since dropped my Lugol's down to 12.5 mg / day on spec that it is having a

negative affect.

Ziggy

>

> I know this topic has been discussed many times, but I feel that I need to

raise it again because I'm starting to see a pattern in my blood work that I

can't ignore.

>

> Most of the literature / blogs / commentry talk about how good iodine is for

dealing with estrogen dominance, which is assumed to be a frequently occuring

issue for the majority of women.

>

> I am not estrogen dominant, nor have I ever been, despite being large

breasted. Results of a hormone urine panel earlier this year showed that I am

low in estradiol and this has also shown up in my blood work.

>

> I started on iodine to help with chelation from bromide and heavy metals, and

to improve the health of my thyroid (currently on Nature-throid 1.75grains for

hypothyroidism).

>

> There has been a lot of discussion about the effects of iodine on progesterone

on another group I belong to (hormones and health - naturally), where it

is suggested that progesterone levels be monitored closely when starting on the

iodine protocol.

>

> This made me wonder, since progesterone and estrogen are closely linked, is

iodine having an affect on my estrogen levels to the point it could be

negatively affecting my fertility? My cycles are generally regular, although I

have noticed that in the last 2-3 months my follicular phase has been shorter

(11days instead of the usual 14).

>

> Here are my lab results from the last few months (all were taken Cycle Day 2):

>

> 13 July 2010 30 Sept 2010 1 Nov 2010 23 Nov 2010

> TSH 0.76(0.40 - 3.5) 0.82 1.28 1.09

> FT4 12.4 (9.0 - 19.0) 12.0 11.7 13.0

> FT3 4.7 (2.6 - 6.0) 5.0 4.2 5.1

> FSH 8.0 (2.0 - 13.0) 17.1 10.5 28.6

> LH 2.8 (2.5 - 13.0) 2.9 3.7 8.8

> E2 346 ( <400) 92 182 67

>

> Besides vitamins / minerals, I was taking Lugol's 100mg. I increased the

Lugol's to 150mg on Nov 18 to increase my detox of bromide (55mg in June) - I am

retesting today.

>

> Is it possible that the Lugol's is causing my estradiol to drop so

significantly (which in turn, is causing my FSH to rise)?

>

> Ziggy

>

[Guest guest]

corrtisol is very important hormone,and if you get stressed from the iodine because of detox,then all the other hormones can be influenced.look that you detox without stress

On Wed, Dec 1, 2010 at 12:48 PM, Ziggy <sweflen@...> wrote:

 

Bumping... Anyone have any thoughts on this? I think it's an important topic since it seems that taking iodine is throwing my hormones out of balance. I have since dropped my Lugol's down to 12.5 mg / day on spec that it is having a negative affect.

Ziggy>> I know this topic has been discussed many times, but I feel that I need to raise it again because I'm starting to see a pattern in my blood work that I can't ignore.

> > Most of the literature / blogs / commentry talk about how good iodine is for dealing with estrogen dominance, which is assumed to be a frequently occuring issue for the majority of women. > > I am not estrogen dominant, nor have I ever been, despite being large breasted. Results of a hormone urine panel earlier this year showed that I am low in estradiol and this has also shown up in my blood work.

> > I started on iodine to help with chelation from bromide and heavy metals, and to improve the health of my thyroid (currently on Nature-throid 1.75grains for hypothyroidism). > > There has been a lot of discussion about the effects of iodine on progesterone on another group I belong to (hormones and health - naturally), where it is suggested that progesterone levels be monitored closely when starting on the iodine protocol.

> > This made me wonder, since progesterone and estrogen are closely linked, is iodine having an affect on my estrogen levels to the point it could be negatively affecting my fertility? My cycles are generally regular, although I have noticed that in the last 2-3 months my follicular phase has been shorter (11days instead of the usual 14).

> > Here are my lab results from the last few months (all were taken Cycle Day 2):> > 13 July 2010 30 Sept 2010 1 Nov 2010 23 Nov 2010> TSH 0.76(0.40 - 3.5) 0.82 1.28 1.09> FT4 12.4 (9.0 - 19.0) 12.0 11.7 13.0

> FT3 4.7 (2.6 - 6.0) 5.0 4.2 5.1> FSH 8.0 (2.0 - 13.0) 17.1 10.5 28.6> LH 2.8 (2.5 - 13.0) 2.9 3.7 8.8> E2 346 ( <400) 92 182 67> > Besides vitamins / minerals, I was taking Lugol's 100mg. I increased the Lugol's to 150mg on Nov 18 to increase my detox of bromide (55mg in June) - I am retesting today.

> > Is it possible that the Lugol's is causing my estradiol to drop so significantly (which in turn, is causing my FSH to rise)?> > Ziggy>

[Guest guest]

Are you 35 or older? You may be entering perimenopause. If I am reading your results correctly you tested November 1 and November 23 and your number went from 10.5 to 28.6.

Maybe this will help you http://www.justmommies.com/articles/high_fsh_level.shtml

I have not heard of Iodine doing this. It balances hormones like this if anything. There has been some discussion on progesterone issues but there has been no definitive proof that it is an issue or that iodine causes a problem.

Steph

Re: Estrogen and Iodine

Bumping... Anyone have any thoughts on this? I think it's an important topic since it seems that taking iodine is throwing my hormones out of balance. I have since dropped my Lugol's down to 12.5 mg / day on spec that it is having a negative affect.Ziggy>> I know this topic has been discussed many times, but I feel that I need to raise it again because I'm starting to see a pattern in my blood work that I can't ignore. > > Most of the literature / blogs / commentry talk about how good iodine is for dealing with estrogen dominance, which is assumed to be a frequently occuring issue for the majority of women. > > I am not estrogen dominant, nor have I ever been, despite being large breasted. Results of a hormone urine panel earlier this year showed that I am low in estradiol and this has also shown up in my blood work. > > I started on iodine to help with chelation from bromide and heavy metals, and to improve the health of my thyroid (currently on Nature-throid 1.75grains for hypothyroidism). > > There has been a lot of discussion about the effects of iodine on progesterone on another group I belong to (hormones and health - naturally), where it is suggested that progesterone levels be monitored closely when starting on the iodine protocol. > > This made me wonder, since progesterone and estrogen are closely linked, is iodine having an affect on my estrogen levels to the point it could be negatively affecting my fertility? My cycles are generally regular, although I have noticed that in the last 2-3 months my follicular phase has been shorter (11days instead of the usual 14). > > Here are my lab results from the last few months (all were taken Cycle Day 2):> > 13 July 2010 30 Sept 2010 1 Nov 2010 23 Nov 2010> TSH 0.76(0.40 - 3.5) 0.82 1.28 1.09> FT4 12.4 (9.0 - 19.0) 12.0 11.7 13.0> FT3 4.7 (2.6 - 6.0) 5.0 4.2 5.1> FSH 8.0 (2.0 - 13.0) 17.1 10.5 28.6> LH 2.8 (2.5 - 13.0) 2.9 3.7 8.8> E2 346 ( <400) 92 182 67> > Besides vitamins / minerals, I was taking Lugol's 100mg. I increased the Lugol's to 150mg on Nov 18 to increase my detox of bromide (55mg in June) - I am retesting today. > > Is it possible that the Lugol's is causing my estradiol to drop so significantly (which in turn, is causing my FSH to rise)?> > Ziggy>

[Guest guest]

Three times now I've started to write a response, but I realize that no matter

what I write, I risk being labelled as someone in denial because of the

perimenopausal comment (despite the fact that I have no other symptoms of

perimenopause).

I find this a disturbing jump to make, and it distracts from the possible lesson

here that there is a definitive link between iodine use and estrogen levels. And

sending a link about high FSH with a suggestion to use donor eggs is not

helpful. To be quite honest, I found it a little insensitive.

I think the lesson to be learned here is that better monitoring / saliva testing

needs to be done to assess the affect of iodine on hormone levels, which is what

the owner of the hormones and health - naturally group suggested.

She also provided two data sources that specifically speak to the link between

progesterone and iodine use which I was not aware of, but think others may be

interested:

2 books by Ray Peat PhD:

a.) PROGESTERONE IN ORTHOMOLECULAR MEDICINE (1993)

b.) PMS TO MENOPAUSE: FEMALE HORMONES IN CONTEXT (1997)

I believe we need iodine, but I'm starting to believe that a person taking it

needs to closely monitor their hormone levels, and as the other group owner

pointed out, blood results for hormone levels are useless.

I'm a little disturbed by the blanket statement to say iodine balances hormones

like this (ie ? estrogen). From my reading, it balances estrogen dominance. I

haven't read anything saying it works the same way for a person with estrogen

deficiency / progesterone dominance. Yet estrogen / progesterone / FSH / thyroid

hormones are intimately linked.

Ziggy

> >

> > I know this topic has been discussed many times, but I feel that I need to

raise it again because I'm starting to see a pattern in my blood work that I

can't ignore.

> >

> > Most of the literature / blogs / commentry talk about how good iodine is

for dealing with estrogen dominance, which is assumed to be a frequently

occuring issue for the majority of women.

> >

> > I am not estrogen dominant, nor have I ever been, despite being large

breasted. Results of a hormone urine panel earlier this year showed that I am

low in estradiol and this has also shown up in my blood work.

> >

> > I started on iodine to help with chelation from bromide and heavy metals,

and to improve the health of my thyroid (currently on Nature-throid 1.75grains

for hypothyroidism).

> >

> > There has been a lot of discussion about the effects of iodine on

progesterone on another group I belong to (hormones and health -

naturally), where it is suggested that progesterone levels be monitored closely

when starting on the iodine protocol.

> >

> > This made me wonder, since progesterone and estrogen are closely linked,

is iodine having an affect on my estrogen levels to the point it could be

negatively affecting my fertility? My cycles are generally regular, although I

have noticed that in the last 2-3 months my follicular phase has been shorter

(11days instead of the usual 14).

> >

> > Here are my lab results from the last few months (all were taken Cycle Day

2):

> >

> > 13 July 2010 30 Sept 2010 1 Nov 2010 23 Nov 2010

> > TSH 0.76(0.40 - 3.5) 0.82 1.28 1.09

> > FT4 12.4 (9.0 - 19.0) 12.0 11.7 13.0

> > FT3 4.7 (2.6 - 6.0) 5.0 4.2 5.1

> > FSH 8.0 (2.0 - 13.0) 17.1 10.5 28.6

> > LH 2.8 (2.5 - 13.0) 2.9 3.7 8.8

> > E2 346 ( <400) 92 182 67

> >

> > Besides vitamins / minerals, I was taking Lugol's 100mg. I increased the

Lugol's to 150mg on Nov 18 to increase my detox of bromide (55mg in June) - I am

retesting today.

> >

> > Is it possible that the Lugol's is causing my estradiol to drop so

significantly (which in turn, is causing my FSH to rise)?

> >

> > Ziggy

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I missed the donor egg comment - sorry just recovering from a very bad flu. I was using it for the explanation as to why FSH would be increasing.

The issue is that not many (if any) have complained of what you are. It doesn't make it invalid but rare if there is a connection. You don't get answers because we have none.

As for Ray Peat. I am not a fan.

I am sorry you were disturbed by my comment. Again I have been flat on my back for 3 days and am trying to finish my ND practicum as well as school work for another school. I perhaps should have ignored your message once again. It seems I did not help.

Re: Estrogen and Iodine

Three times now I've started to write a response, but I realize that no matter what I write, I risk being labelled as someone in denial because of the perimenopausal comment (despite the fact that I have no other symptoms of perimenopause). I find this a disturbing jump to make, and it distracts from the possible lesson here that there is a definitive link between iodine use and estrogen levels. And sending a link about high FSH with a suggestion to use donor eggs is not helpful. To be quite honest, I found it a little insensitive. I think the lesson to be learned here is that better monitoring / saliva testing needs to be done to assess the affect of iodine on hormone levels, which is what the owner of the hormones and health - naturally group suggested.She also provided two data sources that specifically speak to the link between progesterone and iodine use which I was not aware of, but think others may be interested: 2 books by Ray Peat PhD:a.) PROGESTERONE IN ORTHOMOLECULAR MEDICINE (1993)b.) PMS TO MENOPAUSE: FEMALE HORMONES IN CONTEXT (1997)I believe we need iodine, but I'm starting to believe that a person taking it needs to closely monitor their hormone levels, and as the other group owner pointed out, blood results for hormone levels are useless. I'm a little disturbed by the blanket statement to say iodine balances hormones like this (ie ? estrogen). From my reading, it balances estrogen dominance. I haven't read anything saying it works the same way for a person with estrogen deficiency / progesterone dominance. Yet estrogen / progesterone / FSH / thyroid hormones are intimately linked. Ziggy> >> > I know this topic has been discussed many times, but I feel that I need to raise it again because I'm starting to see a pattern in my blood work that I can't ignore. > > > > Most of the literature / blogs / commentry talk about how good iodine is for dealing with estrogen dominance, which is assumed to be a frequently occuring issue for the majority of women. > > > > I am not estrogen dominant, nor have I ever been, despite being large breasted. Results of a hormone urine panel earlier this year showed that I am low in estradiol and this has also shown up in my blood work. > > > > I started on iodine to help with chelation from bromide and heavy metals, and to improve the health of my thyroid (currently on Nature-throid 1.75grains for hypothyroidism). > > > > There has been a lot of discussion about the effects of iodine on progesterone on another group I belong to (hormones and health - naturally), where it is suggested that progesterone levels be monitored closely when starting on the iodine protocol. > > > > This made me wonder, since progesterone and estrogen are closely linked, is iodine having an affect on my estrogen levels to the point it could be negatively affecting my fertility? My cycles are generally regular, although I have noticed that in the last 2-3 months my follicular phase has been shorter (11days instead of the usual 14). > > > > Here are my lab results from the last few months (all were taken Cycle Day 2):> > > > 13 July 2010 30 Sept 2010 1 Nov 2010 23 Nov 2010> > TSH 0.76(0.40 - 3.5) 0.82 1.28 1.09> > FT4 12.4 (9.0 - 19.0) 12.0 11.7 13.0> > FT3 4.7 (2.6 - 6.0) 5.0 4.2 5.1> > FSH 8.0 (2.0 - 13.0) 17.1 10.5 28.6> > LH 2.8 (2.5 - 13.0) 2.9 3.7 8.8> > E2 346 ( <400) 92 182 67> > > > Besides vitamins / minerals, I was taking Lugol's 100mg. I increased the Lugol's to 150mg on Nov 18 to increase my detox of bromide (55mg in June) - I am retesting today. > > > > Is it possible that the Lugol's is causing my estradiol to drop so significantly (which in turn, is causing my FSH to rise)?> > > > Ziggy> >>

[Guest guest]

Hi Ziggy,I probably can’t remember some of your past posts, but am wondering why you are testing so often? What is a follicular phase? How are you feeling with your iodine level at the higher amount? Healing always seems to put your body in readjustment, so maybe your body is just doing that, and will balance out after awhile. Are you taking magnesium? It is needed for your body to make progesterone, so having adequate amounts of mag helps in the estrogen/progesterone balance. Donna in IL Three times now I've started to write a response, but I realize that no matter what I write, I risk being labelled as someone in denial because of the perimenopausal comment (despite the fact that I have no other symptoms of perimenopause). I find this a disturbing jump to make, and it distracts from the possible lesson here that there is a definitive link between iodine use and estrogen levels. And sending a link about high FSH with a suggestion to use donor eggs is not helpful. To be quite honest, I found it a little insensitive. I think the lesson to be learned here is that better monitoring / saliva testing needs to be done to assess the affect of iodine on hormone levels, which is what the owner of the hormones and health - naturally group suggested.She also provided two data sources that specifically speak to the link between progesterone and iodine use which I was not aware of, but think others may be interested: 2 books by Ray Peat PhD:a.) PROGESTERONE IN ORTHOMOLECULAR MEDICINE (1993)b.) PMS TO MENOPAUSE: FEMALE HORMONES IN CONTEXT (1997)I believe we need iodine, but I'm starting to believe that a person taking it needs to closely monitor their hormone levels, and as the other group owner pointed out, blood results for hormone levels are useless. I'm a little disturbed by the blanket statement to say iodine balances hormones like this (ie ? estrogen). From my reading, it balances estrogen dominance. I haven't read anything saying it works the same way for a person with estrogen deficiency / progesterone dominance. Yet estrogen / progesterone / FSH / thyroid hormones are intimately linked. Ziggy> >> > I know this topic has been discussed many times, but I feel that I need to raise it again because I'm starting to see a pattern in my blood work that I can't ignore. > > > > Most of the literature / blogs / commentry talk about how good iodine is for dealing with estrogen dominance, which is assumed to be a frequently occuring issue for the majority of women. > > > > I am not estrogen dominant, nor have I ever been, despite being large breasted. Results of a hormone urine panel earlier this year showed that I am low in estradiol and this has also shown up in my blood work. > > > > I started on iodine to help with chelation from bromide and heavy metals, and to improve the health of my thyroid (currently on Nature-throid 1.75grains for hypothyroidism). > > > > There has been a lot of discussion about the effects of iodine on progesterone on another group I belong to (hormones and health - naturally), where it is suggested that progesterone levels be monitored closely when starting on the iodine protocol. > > > > This made me wonder, since progesterone and estrogen are closely linked, is iodine having an affect on my estrogen levels to the point it could be negatively affecting my fertility? My cycles are generally regular, although I have noticed that in the last 2-3 months my follicular phase has been shorter (11days instead of the usual 14). > > > > Here are my lab results from the last few months (all were taken Cycle Day 2):> > > > 13 July 2010 30 Sept 2010 1 Nov 2010 23 Nov 2010> > TSH 0.76(0.40 - 3.5) 0.82 1.28 1.09> > FT4 12.4 (9.0 - 19.0) 12.0 11.7 13.0> > FT3 4.7 (2.6 - 6.0) 5.0 4.2 5.1> > FSH 8.0 (2.0 - 13.0) 17.1 10.5 28.6> > LH 2.8 (2.5 - 13.0) 2.9 3.7 8.8> > E2 346 ( <400) 92 182 67> > > > Besides vitamins / minerals, I was taking Lugol's 100mg. I increased the Lugol's to 150mg on Nov 18 to increase my detox of bromide (55mg in June) - I am retesting today. > > > > Is it possible that the Lugol's is causing my estradiol to drop so significantly (which in turn, is causing my FSH to rise)?> > > > Ziggy> >>

[Guest guest]

I have never seen iodine alone balance all the hormones. I'm not going to

say it can never happen, but I have never seen it happen clinically. The

endocrine system is very intricate and there is no magic bullet.

You are right in that estrogen and progesterone are a " pigeon " pair. We

must remember that we are not just thryoids or ovaries, etc. Everything

must be looked at as a whole. Performing frequent saliva testing is also a

good idea. However, many do not have the funds or for whatever reason

decide that it's not important. While I also believe it is important to go

by how one feels as well as symptoms, saliva testing, especially when one

has a baseline, can give very important information and can actually help to

speed-up the healing process because it takes out a lot of guess-work.

I have found (clinically) that if hormones are not in balance that a

combination of iodine and bioidentical progesterone can work well together.

Keeping the liver clean by using protocols and supplements that support

liver health is important. Diet is important. Adrenal health is VERY

important.

One can be low in estrogen and still be estrogen dominant. It is the

" ratio " between estrogen and progesterone that is important. While 35 is a

bit young to be entering peri-menopause, I do see it more often than I would

like.

As good as iodine is, we still must consider the body as a whole. Sometimes

I think this gets lost on many groups that only talk about a specific health

concern or supplement. No one on this list is just a " thyroid " and what you

eat and take as supplements will have an effect on the entire body.

Achieving balance can be difficult -- think of trying to walk on a balance

beam in terms of how difficult it can be to get the endrocrine system in

balance. Certainly it can be done but there are a lot of things that

factor-in along the way. It takes a lot of focus and determination.

Be Well

Dr.L

Re: Estrogen and Iodine

Three times now I've started to write a response, but I realize that no

matter what I write, I risk being labelled as someone in denial because of

the perimenopausal comment (despite the fact that I have no other symptoms

of perimenopause).

I find this a disturbing jump to make, and it distracts from the possible

lesson here that there is a definitive link between iodine use and estrogen

levels. And sending a link about high FSH with a suggestion to use donor

eggs is not helpful. To be quite honest, I found it a little insensitive.

I think the lesson to be learned here is that better monitoring / saliva

testing needs to be done to assess the affect of iodine on hormone levels,

which is what the owner of the hormones and health - naturally group

suggested.

She also provided two data sources that specifically speak to the link

between progesterone and iodine use which I was not aware of, but think

others may be interested:

2 books by Ray Peat PhD:

a.) PROGESTERONE IN ORTHOMOLECULAR MEDICINE (1993)

b.) PMS TO MENOPAUSE: FEMALE HORMONES IN CONTEXT (1997)

I believe we need iodine, but I'm starting to believe that a person taking

it needs to closely monitor their hormone levels, and as the other group

owner pointed out, blood results for hormone levels are useless.

I'm a little disturbed by the blanket statement to say iodine balances

hormones like this (ie ? estrogen). From my reading, it balances estrogen

dominance. I haven't read anything saying it works the same way for a person

with estrogen deficiency / progesterone dominance. Yet estrogen /

progesterone / FSH / thyroid hormones are intimately linked.

Ziggy

> >

> > I know this topic has been discussed many times, but I feel that I

need to raise it again because I'm starting to see a pattern in my blood

work that I can't ignore.

> >

> > Most of the literature / blogs / commentry talk about how good iodine

is for dealing with estrogen dominance, which is assumed to be a frequently

occuring issue for the majority of women.

> >

> > I am not estrogen dominant, nor have I ever been, despite being large

breasted. Results of a hormone urine panel earlier this year showed that I

am low in estradiol and this has also shown up in my blood work.

> >

> > I started on iodine to help with chelation from bromide and heavy

metals, and to improve the health of my thyroid (currently on Nature-throid

1.75grains for hypothyroidism).

> >

> > There has been a lot of discussion about the effects of iodine on

progesterone on another group I belong to (hormones and health -

naturally), where it is suggested that progesterone levels be monitored

closely when starting on the iodine protocol.

> >

> > This made me wonder, since progesterone and estrogen are closely

linked, is iodine having an affect on my estrogen levels to the point it

could be negatively affecting my fertility? My cycles are generally regular,

although I have noticed that in the last 2-3 months my follicular phase has

been shorter (11days instead of the usual 14).

> >

> > Here are my lab results from the last few months (all were taken Cycle

Day 2):

> >

> > 13 July 2010 30 Sept 2010 1 Nov 2010 23 Nov 2010

> > TSH 0.76(0.40 - 3.5) 0.82 1.28 1.09

> > FT4 12.4 (9.0 - 19.0) 12.0 11.7 13.0

> > FT3 4.7 (2.6 - 6.0) 5.0 4.2 5.1

> > FSH 8.0 (2.0 - 13.0) 17.1 10.5 28.6

> > LH 2.8 (2.5 - 13.0) 2.9 3.7 8.8

> > E2 346 ( <400) 92 182 67

> >

> > Besides vitamins / minerals, I was taking Lugol's 100mg. I increased

the Lugol's to 150mg on Nov 18 to increase my detox of bromide (55mg in

June) - I am retesting today.

> >

> > Is it possible that the Lugol's is causing my estradiol to drop so

significantly (which in turn, is causing my FSH to rise)?

> >

> > Ziggy

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I have taken high doses of sex hormones and 100mg Iodoral a day for

several years. I still need the sex hormones. I have never

found the testing to be very accurate, so I "closely monitior" by

how I feel. I recently tried again to lower progesterone and

couldn't do it.

Gracia

On 12/2/2010 10:52 AM, Donna Iler wrote:

Hi Ziggy,

I probably can’t remember some of

your past posts, but am wondering why you are testing

so often? What is a follicular phase?

How are you feeling with your

iodine level at the higher amount?

Healing always seems to put your

body in readjustment, so maybe your body is just doing

that, and will balance out after awhile.

Are you taking magnesium? It is

needed for your body to make progesterone, so having

adequate amounts of mag helps in the

estrogen/progesterone balance.

Donna in IL

Three times now I've started to write a response,

but I realize that no matter what I write, I risk

being labelled as someone in denial because of the

perimenopausal comment (despite the fact that I

have no other symptoms of perimenopause).

I find this a disturbing jump to make, and it

distracts from the possible lesson here that there

is a definitive link between iodine use and

estrogen levels. And sending a link about high FSH

with a suggestion to use donor eggs is not

helpful. To be quite honest, I found it a little

insensitive.

I think the lesson to be learned here is that

better monito ring / saliva testing needs to be

done to assess the affect of iodine on hormone

levels, which is what the owner of the hormones

and health - naturally group suggested.

She also provided two data sources that

specifically speak to the link between

progesterone and iodine use which I was not aware

of, but think others may be interested:

2 books by Ray Peat PhD:

a.) PROGESTERONE IN ORTHOMOLECULAR MEDICINE (1993)

b.) PMS TO MENOPAUSE: FEMALE HORMONES IN CONTEXT

(1997)

I believe we need iodine, but I'm starting to

believe that a person taking it needs to closely

monitor their hormone levels, and as the other

group owner pointed out, blood results for hormone

levels are useless.

I'm a little disturbed by the blanket statement to

say iodine balances hormones like this (ie ?

estrogen). From my reading, it balances estrogen

dominance. I haven't read anything saying it works

the same way for a person with estrogen deficiency

/ progesteron e dominance. Yet estrogen /

progesterone / FSH / thyroid hormones are

intimately linked.

Ziggy

>

> Are you 35 or older? You may be entering

perimenopause. If I am reading your results

correctly you tested November 1 and November 23

and your number went from 10.5 to 28.6.

>

> Maybe this will help you http://www.justmommies.com/articles/high_fsh_level.shtml

>

> I have not heard of Iodine doing this. It

balances hormones like this if anything. There has

been some discussion on progesterone issues but

there has been no definitive proof that it is an

issue or that iodine causes a problem.

>

> Steph

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you Dr. L - That was a great summary of what to look for. You are right. Too often things get simplified. Both in saying that one thing will fix all things as well as one thing is "breaking" other things. Your body isn't that easy to understand and takes intricate balancing.

RE: Re: Estrogen and Iodine

I have never seen iodine alone balance all the hormones. I'm not going tosay it can never happen, but I have never seen it happen clinically. Theendocrine system is very intricate and there is no magic bullet.You are right in that estrogen and progesterone are a "pigeon" pair. Wemust remember that we are not just thryoids or ovaries, etc. Everythingmust be looked at as a whole. Performing frequent saliva testing is also agood idea. However, many do not have the funds or for whatever reasondecide that it's not important. While I also believe it is important to goby how one feels as well as symptoms, saliva testing, especially when onehas a baseline, can give very important information and can actually help tospeed-up the healing process because it takes out a lot of guess-work.I have found (clinically) that if hormones are not in balance that acombination of iodine and bioidentical progesterone can work well together.Keeping the liver clean by using protocols and supplements that supportliver health is important. Diet is important. Adrenal health is VERYimportant. One can be low in estrogen and still be estrogen dominant. It is the"ratio" between estrogen and progesterone that is important. While 35 is abit young to be entering peri-menopause, I do see it more often than I wouldlike. As good as iodine is, we still must consider the body as a whole. SometimesI think this gets lost on many groups that only talk about a specific healthconcern or supplement. No one on this list is just a "thyroid" and what youeat and take as supplements will have an effect on the entire body.Achieving balance can be difficult -- think of trying to walk on a balancebeam in terms of how difficult it can be to get the endrocrine system inbalance. Certainly it can be done but there are a lot of things thatfactor-in along the way. It takes a lot of focus and determination.Be WellDr.L-----Original Message-----From: iodine [mailto:iodine ] On Behalf OfZiggySent: Thursday, December 02, 2010 5:59 AMiodine Subject: Re: Estrogen and IodineThree times now I've started to write a response, but I realize that nomatter what I write, I risk being labelled as someone in denial because ofthe perimenopausal comment (despite the fact that I have no other symptomsof perimenopause). I find this a disturbing jump to make, and it distracts from the possiblelesson here that there is a definitive link between iodine use and estrogenlevels. And sending a link about high FSH with a suggestion to use donoreggs is not helpful. To be quite honest, I found it a little insensitive. I think the lesson to be learned here is that better monitoring / salivatesting needs to be done to assess the affect of iodine on hormone levels,which is what the owner of the hormones and health - naturally uggested.She also provided two data sources that specifically speak to the linkbetween progesterone and iodine use which I was not aware of, but thinkothers may be interested: 2 books by Ray Peat PhD:a.) PROGESTERONE IN ORTHOMOLECULAR MEDICINE (1993)b.) PMS TO MENOPAUSE: FEMALE HORMONES IN CONTEXT (1997)I believe we need iodine, but I'm starting to believe that a person takingit needs to closely monitor their hormone levels, and as the other groupowner pointed out, blood results for hormone levels are useless. I'm a little disturbed by the blanket statement to say iodine balanceshormones like this (ie ? estrogen). From my reading, it balances estrogendominance. I haven't read anything saying it works the same way for a personwith estrogen deficiency / progesterone dominance. Yet estrogen /progesterone / FSH / thyroid hormones are intimately linked. Ziggy> >> > I know this topic has been discussed many times, but I feel that Ineed to raise it again because I'm starting to see a pattern in my bloodwork that I can't ignore. > > > > Most of the literature / blogs / commentry talk about how good iodineis for dealing with estrogen dominance, which is assumed to be a frequentlyoccuring issue for the majority of women. > > > > I am not estrogen dominant, nor have I ever been, despite being largebreasted. Results of a hormone urine panel earlier this year showed that Iam low in estradiol and this has also shown up in my blood work. > > > > I started on iodine to help with chelation from bromide and heavymetals, and to improve the health of my thyroid (currently on Nature-throid1.75grains for hypothyroidism). > > > > There has been a lot of discussion about the effects of iodine onprogesterone on another group I belong to (hormones and health -naturally), where it is suggested that progesterone levels be monitoredclosely when starting on the iodine protocol. > > > > This made me wonder, since progesterone and estrogen are closelylinked, is iodine having an affect on my estrogen levels to the point itcould be negatively affecting my fertility? My cycles are generally regular,although I have noticed that in the last 2-3 months my follicular phase hasbeen shorter (11days instead of the usual 14). > > > > Here are my lab results from the last few months (all were taken CycleDay 2):> > > > 13 July 2010 30 Sept 2010 1 Nov 2010 23 Nov 2010> > TSH 0.76(0.40 - 3.5) 0.82 1.28 1.09> > FT4 12.4 (9.0 - 19.0) 12.0 11.7 13.0> > FT3 4.7 (2.6 - 6.0) 5.0 4.2 5.1> > FSH 8.0 (2.0 - 13.0) 17.1 10.5 28.6> > LH 2.8 (2.5 - 13.0) 2.9 3.7 8.8> > E2 346 ( <400) 92 182 67> > > > Besides vitamins / minerals, I was taking Lugol's 100mg. I increasedthe Lugol's to 150mg on Nov 18 to increase my detox of bromide (55mg inJune) - I am retesting today. > > > > Is it possible that the Lugol's is causing my estradiol to drop sosignificantly (which in turn, is causing my FSH to rise)?> > > > Ziggy> >>

[Guest guest]

Hi! I am new to using this group and don't quite get how the format works (I

seem to get long emails repeating the same messages over and over again, and I

have trouble making sense of the order of the messages). Anyways, please

forgive me if I am posting this in the wrong place.

I am trying to respond to the lady who feels that Lugols is throwing her

hormonal balance off (Ziggy?). I just wanted to say that I have had the same

problem with Lugols. I have had low thyroid for a long time (very typical

symptoms of being tired and cold all the time, with bloodwork in the low to

low-normal range). Anyways, I started taking 50 mg per day as described in the

literature, and I felt that my symptoms improved a lot. However, my menstrual

cycle, which has always been extremely regular, became more irregular. I was

late often (pretty much every month), which was giving me pregnancy scares all

the time (we don't want more kids!), and now, I seem to have a very long time

where my breasts are swollen and sore...basically the entire 2 weeks after

ovulating (or longer, since I seem to ovulate earlier), I have swollen breasts,

whereas previously they would only swell for the last 6 or 7 days of the cycle.

I actually wouldn't mind them being swollen since they look nice to me that way,

but I know that breast swelling and tenderness is associated with Fibrocystic

breasts and even breast cancer! This is ironic to me because I have read that

is one of the things iodine cures!

So I am not really sure what is going on here, but what I did was to cut way

back on the iodine. I am now taking just a couple of drops of the 2% solution

per day, probably providing about 10mg or so of iodine. I figure that

approximates what the Japanese get in their diet, so at least I will be getting

some iodine and not be totally deficient like I probably was before.

An important side note here is that when I had my blood work re-tested a few

months ago, my thyroid numbers were a little worse than before I started the

iodine! I posted about this at Curezone and the folks there thought it was

because I had slacked off on the companion nutrients, especially the

Selenium...(My naturopath, on the other hand, thought that 50mg of iodine was

way too much and that I was basically burning out my thyroid!)

So to make a long story a little shorter, between my numbers going down and the

hormonal symptoms, I decided to take a much smaller dose of Lugols, and I am

careful to take Selenium with it every time. I am feeling better with regard to

being cold and fatigued, but still have the breast swelling and tenderness. I

have not re-tested my blood yet, but will do that in the next month or so.

I hope my story adds a little bit of insight into your own situation!

> > >

> > > I know this topic has been discussed many times, but I feel that I need

to raise it again because I'm starting to see a pattern in my blood work that I

can't ignore.

> > >

> > > Most of the literature / blogs / commentry talk about how good iodine is

for dealing with estrogen dominance, which is assumed to be a frequently

occuring issue for the majority of women.

> > >

> > > I am not estrogen dominant, nor have I ever been, despite being large

breasted. Results of a hormone urine panel earlier this year showed that I am

low in estradiol and this has also shown up in my blood work.

> > >

> > > I started on iodine to help with chelation from bromide and heavy

metals, and to improve the health of my thyroid (currently on Nature-throid

1.75grains for hypothyroidism).

> > >

> > > There has been a lot of discussion about the effects of iodine on

progesterone on another group I belong to (hormones and health -

naturally), where it is suggested that progesterone levels be monitored closely

when starting on the iodine protocol.

> > >

> > > This made me wonder, since progesterone and estrogen are closely linked,

is iodine having an affect on my estrogen levels to the point it could be

negatively affecting my fertility? My cycles are generally regular, although I

have noticed that in the last 2-3 months my follicular phase has been shorter

(11days instead of the usual 14).

> > >

> > > Here are my lab results from the last few months (all were taken Cycle

Day 2):

> > >

> > > 13 July 2010 30 Sept 2010 1 Nov 2010 23 Nov 2010

> > > TSH 0.76(0.40 - 3.5) 0.82 1.28 1.09

> > > FT4 12.4 (9.0 - 19.0) 12.0 11.7 13.0

> > > FT3 4.7 (2.6 - 6.0) 5.0 4.2 5.1

> > > FSH 8.0 (2.0 - 13.0) 17.1 10.5 28.6

> > > LH 2.8 (2.5 - 13.0) 2.9 3.7 8.8

> > > E2 346 ( <400) 92 182 67

> > >

> > > Besides vitamins / minerals, I was taking Lugol's 100mg. I increased the

Lugol's to 150mg on Nov 18 to increase my detox of bromide (55mg in June) - I am

retesting today.

> > >

> > > Is it possible that the Lugol's is causing my estradiol to drop so

significantly (which in turn, is causing my FSH to rise)?

> > >

> > > Ziggy

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

from your symptoms ,you have progesterone shortage.

On Thu, Dec 2, 2010 at 8:09 PM, coracushman <coracush@...> wrote:

 

Hi! I am new to using this group and don't quite get how the format works (I seem to get long emails repeating the same messages over and over again, and I have trouble making sense of the order of the messages). Anyways, please forgive me if I am posting this in the wrong place.

I am trying to respond to the lady who feels that Lugols is throwing her hormonal balance off (Ziggy?). I just wanted to say that I have had the same problem with Lugols. I have had low thyroid for a long time (very typical symptoms of being tired and cold all the time, with bloodwork in the low to low-normal range). Anyways, I started taking 50 mg per day as described in the literature, and I felt that my symptoms improved a lot. However, my menstrual cycle, which has always been extremely regular, became more irregular. I was late often (pretty much every month), which was giving me pregnancy scares all the time (we don't want more kids!), and now, I seem to have a very long time where my breasts are swollen and sore...basically the entire 2 weeks after ovulating (or longer, since I seem to ovulate earlier), I have swollen breasts, whereas previously they would only swell for the last 6 or 7 days of the cycle. I actually wouldn't mind them being swollen since they look nice to me that way, but I know that breast swelling and tenderness is associated with Fibrocystic breasts and even breast cancer! This is ironic to me because I have read that is one of the things iodine cures!

So I am not really sure what is going on here, but what I did was to cut way back on the iodine. I am now taking just a couple of drops of the 2% solution per day, probably providing about 10mg or so of iodine. I figure that approximates what the Japanese get in their diet, so at least I will be getting some iodine and not be totally deficient like I probably was before.

An important side note here is that when I had my blood work re-tested a few months ago, my thyroid numbers were a little worse than before I started the iodine! I posted about this at Curezone and the folks there thought it was because I had slacked off on the companion nutrients, especially the Selenium...(My naturopath, on the other hand, thought that 50mg of iodine was way too much and that I was basically burning out my thyroid!)

So to make a long story a little shorter, between my numbers going down and the hormonal symptoms, I decided to take a much smaller dose of Lugols, and I am careful to take Selenium with it every time. I am feeling better with regard to being cold and fatigued, but still have the breast swelling and tenderness. I have not re-tested my blood yet, but will do that in the next month or so.

I hope my story adds a little bit of insight into your own situation!> > >> > > I know this topic has been discussed many times, but I feel that I need to raise it again because I'm starting to see a pattern in my blood work that I can't ignore.

> > > > > > Most of the literature / blogs / commentry talk about how good iodine is for dealing with estrogen dominance, which is assumed to be a frequently occuring issue for the majority of women.

> > > > > > I am not estrogen dominant, nor have I ever been, despite being large breasted. Results of a hormone urine panel earlier this year showed that I am low in estradiol and this has also shown up in my blood work.

> > > > > > I started on iodine to help with chelation from bromide and heavy metals, and to improve the health of my thyroid (currently on Nature-throid 1.75grains for hypothyroidism). > > >

> > > There has been a lot of discussion about the effects of iodine on progesterone on another group I belong to (hormones and health - naturally), where it is suggested that progesterone levels be monitored closely when starting on the iodine protocol.

> > > > > > This made me wonder, since progesterone and estrogen are closely linked, is iodine having an affect on my estrogen levels to the point it could be negatively affecting my fertility? My cycles are generally regular, although I have noticed that in the last 2-3 months my follicular phase has been shorter (11days instead of the usual 14).

> > > > > > Here are my lab results from the last few months (all were taken Cycle Day 2):> > > > > > 13 July 2010 30 Sept 2010 1 Nov 2010 23 Nov 2010> > > TSH 0.76(0.40 - 3.5) 0.82 1.28 1.09

> > > FT4 12.4 (9.0 - 19.0) 12.0 11.7 13.0> > > FT3 4.7 (2.6 - 6.0) 5.0 4.2 5.1> > > FSH 8.0 (2.0 - 13.0) 17.1 10.5 28.6> > > LH 2.8 (2.5 - 13.0) 2.9 3.7 8.8> > > E2 346 ( <400) 92 182 67

> > > > > > Besides vitamins / minerals, I was taking Lugol's 100mg. I increased the Lugol's to 150mg on Nov 18 to increase my detox of bromide (55mg in June) - I am retesting today. > > >

> > > Is it possible that the Lugol's is causing my estradiol to drop so significantly (which in turn, is causing my FSH to rise)?> > > > > > Ziggy> > >> >

>

[Guest guest]

Well, I don't consider myself much of an expert, but one of the most important

companion nutrients is selenium. Part of your reaction may well have been from

that (or lack of it). In addition, with regard to your thyroid numbers being a

little worse, not sure what numbers exactly, but I know an increase in TSH is

normal during the initial stages of supplementing with iodine. I think you'll

find it discussed a number of times if you search the archives.

> > > >

> > > > I know this topic has been discussed many times, but I feel that I

need to raise it again because I'm starting to see a pattern in my blood work

that I can't ignore.

> > > >

> > > > Most of the literature / blogs / commentry talk about how good iodine

is for dealing with estrogen dominance, which is assumed to be a frequently

occuring issue for the majority of women.

> > > >

> > > > I am not estrogen dominant, nor have I ever been, despite being large

breasted. Results of a hormone urine panel earlier this year showed that I am

low in estradiol and this has also shown up in my blood work.

> > > >

> > > > I started on iodine to help with chelation from bromide and heavy

metals, and to improve the health of my thyroid (currently on Nature-throid

1.75grains for hypothyroidism).

> > > >

> > > > There has been a lot of discussion about the effects of iodine on

progesterone on another group I belong to (hormones and health -

naturally), where it is suggested that progesterone levels be monitored closely

when starting on the iodine protocol.

> > > >

> > > > This made me wonder, since progesterone and estrogen are closely

linked, is iodine having an affect on my estrogen levels to the point it could

be negatively affecting my fertility? My cycles are generally regular, although

I have noticed that in the last 2-3 months my follicular phase has been shorter

(11days instead of the usual 14).

> > > >

> > > > Here are my lab results from the last few months (all were taken Cycle

Day 2):

> > > >

> > > > 13 July 2010 30 Sept 2010 1 Nov 2010 23 Nov 2010

> > > > TSH 0.76(0.40 - 3.5) 0.82 1.28 1.09

> > > > FT4 12.4 (9.0 - 19.0) 12.0 11.7 13.0

> > > > FT3 4.7 (2.6 - 6.0) 5.0 4.2 5.1

> > > > FSH 8.0 (2.0 - 13.0) 17.1 10.5 28.6

> > > > LH 2.8 (2.5 - 13.0) 2.9 3.7 8.8

> > > > E2 346 ( <400) 92 182 67

> > > >

> > > > Besides vitamins / minerals, I was taking Lugol's 100mg. I increased

the Lugol's to 150mg on Nov 18 to increase my detox of bromide (55mg in June) -

I am retesting today.

> > > >

> > > > Is it possible that the Lugol's is causing my estradiol to drop so

significantly (which in turn, is causing my FSH to rise)?

> > > >

> > > > Ziggy

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Dr L. I agree we should be considering the whole picture rather than a

part in isolation. I believe that's what kept me blind to the changes going on

while I've been at the higher dose of Lugol's.

Steph, I hope I didn't come across as too grumpy. I really respect the advice

you and others give, but the reference to perimenopause and the reference to

donor eggs seemed to come out of left field. I hope you're on the mend now.

I do believe we can learn from others / share knowledge and that's why I bring

up the related information I've learned from Pat, the owner of the hormones and

health - naturally group. She is also a practicing clinician who treats

people for hormone imbalances and strongly advocates for the use of saliva

testing over serum (blood).

Pat is an advocate for iodine use, but said she has seen many females patients

have a change in their progesterone levels (positive and negative) while taking

iodine, so it sounds like it can cause an individualized reaction.

She suggested that my serum lab results are likely not reflective of the true

picture of what is going on with my hormones, which I agree with, but even on

the surface, it indicates a pattern of change which concerns me.

On the subjective side, my follicular phase shortened from 14 to 11 days since I

increased my iodine intake to 100mg / day, from 50mg.

And thanks for the reminder about the adrenals. I have been working on them

lately with extra salt loading, energy work and acupuncture, which seems to be

making a difference.

I recently did 3 liver cleanses which I believe made a good difference in my

overall health, but was cautioned by my naturopath that it may have resulted in

some of the estrogen to be washed out of my liver / system. My acupuncturist is

not a fan of liver cleanses because she views them to be too draining on the

liver (d/t the emptying of the bowels). Instead she uses liver points and herbs.

I have been taking all of the companion supps for 2 years, including

methyselenium.

I have dropped back on my iodine. I am trying to arrange saliva testing. I'm in

Australia where it is not as readily available, but Diagnos-Techs is quite open

to having my naturopath sign up for an account which is great news.

The other piece of news I have is that my recent bromide test result was 68.9mg!

I spoke with at Hakala and he said while it's rare to have such a high

result, being on such a high dose of iodine (150mg) until recently may have

acted as a catalyst for me to detox, even though I had stopped taking it 72

hours in advance of the test.

Ziggy

> > >

> > > I know this topic has been discussed many times, but I feel that I

> need to raise it again because I'm starting to see a pattern in my blood

> work that I can't ignore.

> > >

> > > Most of the literature / blogs / commentry talk about how good iodine

> is for dealing with estrogen dominance, which is assumed to be a frequently

> occuring issue for the majority of women.

> > >

> > > I am not estrogen dominant, nor have I ever been, despite being large

> breasted. Results of a hormone urine panel earlier this year showed that I

> am low in estradiol and this has also shown up in my blood work.

> > >

> > > I started on iodine to help with chelation from bromide and heavy

> metals, and to improve the health of my thyroid (currently on Nature-throid

> 1.75grains for hypothyroidism).

> > >

> > > There has been a lot of discussion about the effects of iodine on

> progesterone on another group I belong to (hormones and health -

> naturally), where it is suggested that progesterone levels be monitored

> closely when starting on the iodine protocol.

> > >

> > > This made me wonder, since progesterone and estrogen are closely

> linked, is iodine having an affect on my estrogen levels to the point it

> could be negatively affecting my fertility? My cycles are generally regular,

> although I have noticed that in the last 2-3 months my follicular phase has

> been shorter (11days instead of the usual 14).

> > >

> > > Here are my lab results from the last few months (all were taken Cycle

> Day 2):

> > >

> > > 13 July 2010 30 Sept 2010 1 Nov 2010 23 Nov 2010

> > > TSH 0.76(0.40 - 3.5) 0.82 1.28 1.09

> > > FT4 12.4 (9.0 - 19.0) 12.0 11.7 13.0

> > > FT3 4.7 (2.6 - 6.0) 5.0 4.2 5.1

> > > FSH 8.0 (2.0 - 13.0) 17.1 10.5 28.6

> > > LH 2.8 (2.5 - 13.0) 2.9 3.7 8.8

> > > E2 346 ( <400) 92 182 67

> > >

> > > Besides vitamins / minerals, I was taking Lugol's 100mg. I increased

> the Lugol's to 150mg on Nov 18 to increase my detox of bromide (55mg in

> June) - I am retesting today.

> > >

> > > Is it possible that the Lugol's is causing my estradiol to drop so

> significantly (which in turn, is causing my FSH to rise)?

> > >

> > > Ziggy

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna,

I'm testing my day 2 hormones because I've been having problems with fertility

and we will be trying to conceive again next month. My naturopath has me on

herbs to balance my hormones, so she wants to monitor their effect closely since

my FSH and estrogen have been so up and down lately.

I would of course prefer to do saliva testing and finally called Diagnos-Techs

this morning to see if they would support a clinician in Australia, which they

will. So I will get that underway shortly.

Physically I felt fine at the higher dose of iodine. In fact, I loved the boost

in energy. At every incremental increase of Lugol's, I do break out in a funny

acne, usually on my face, but when I raised my daily dose from 100mg to 150mg, I

broke out in the same type of acne over my shoulders. It's started to clear up

now that I've cut back on my dose. I also noticed some more brain fog at 150mg,

however increasing my salt loading took care of that.

I take a total of 500mg magnesium chelate / glycine daily, 150mg zinc (I have a

deficiency according to the taste test) and all of the companion supps,

including ATP cofactors and SE-methyl-selenocysteine (selenium).

Well, my hormones were in balance before I started taking Lugol's. I started

taking it to detox bromide, but obviously such a high dose may just not be for

me.

Ziggy

> > >

> > > I know this topic has been discussed many times, but I feel that I need to

raise it again because I'm starting to see a pattern in my blood work that I

can't ignore.

> > >

> > > Most of the literature / blogs / commentry talk about how good iodine is

for dealing with estrogen dominance, which is assumed to be a frequently

occuring issue for the majority of women.

> > >

> > > I am not estrogen dominant, nor have I ever been, despite being large

breasted. Results of a hormone urine panel earlier this year showed that I am

low in estradiol and this has also shown up in my blood work.

> > >

> > > I started on iodine to help with chelation from bromide and heavy metals,

and to improve the health of my thyroid (currently on Nature-throid 1.75grains

for hypothyroidism).

> > >

> > > There has been a lot of discussion about the effects of iodine on

progesterone on another group I belong to (hormones and health -

naturally), where it is suggested that progesterone levels be monitored closely

when starting on the iodine protocol.

> > >

> > > This made me wonder, since progesterone and estrogen are closely linked,

is iodine having an affect on my estrogen levels to the point it could be

negatively affecting my fertility? My cycles are generally regular, although I

have noticed that in the last 2-3 months my follicular phase has been shorter

(11days instead of the usual 14).

> > >

> > > Here are my lab results from the last few months (all were taken Cycle Day

2):

> > >

> > > 13 July 2010 30 Sept 2010 1 Nov 2010 23 Nov 2010

> > > TSH 0.76(0.40 - 3.5) 0.82 1.28 1.09

> > > FT4 12.4 (9.0 - 19.0) 12.0 11.7 13.0

> > > FT3 4.7 (2.6 - 6.0) 5.0 4.2 5.1

> > > FSH 8.0 (2.0 - 13.0) 17.1 10.5 28.6

> > > LH 2.8 (2.5 - 13.0) 2.9 3.7 8.8

> > > E2 346 ( <400) 92 182 67

> > >

> > > Besides vitamins / minerals, I was taking Lugol's 100mg. I increased the

Lugol's to 150mg on Nov 18 to increase my detox of bromide (55mg in June) - I am

retesting today.

> > >

> > > Is it possible that the Lugol's is causing my estradiol to drop so

significantly (which in turn, is causing my FSH to rise)?

> > >

> > > Ziggy

> > >

> >

>

> ________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Coracushman,

Thanks for sharing your story. There are definitely some similarities between

our experiences.

Two of the naturopaths I have seen cautioned me about the use of iodine over

50mg / daily. At the time, I considered their responses to be cautious and

perhaps naive, but now I'm starting to believe they were being cautious for a

good reason.

Pat over at hormones and health - naturally group says she has her female

patients on iodine do saliva testing because they tend to have a wide range of

reactions to taking iodine, mainly progesterone related.

I haven't been checking my progesterone levels, but I do have a requisition to

have my serum levels checked this month. I wouldn't be surprised to find they

are out of range.

Ziggy

> > > >

> > > > I know this topic has been discussed many times, but I feel that I

need to raise it again because I'm starting to see a pattern in my blood work

that I can't ignore.

> > > >

> > > > Most of the literature / blogs / commentry talk about how good iodine

is for dealing with estrogen dominance, which is assumed to be a frequently

occuring issue for the majority of women.

> > > >

> > > > I am not estrogen dominant, nor have I ever been, despite being large

breasted. Results of a hormone urine panel earlier this year showed that I am

low in estradiol and this has also shown up in my blood work.

> > > >

> > > > I started on iodine to help with chelation from bromide and heavy

metals, and to improve the health of my thyroid (currently on Nature-throid

1.75grains for hypothyroidism).

> > > >

> > > > There has been a lot of discussion about the effects of iodine on

progesterone on another group I belong to (hormones and health -

naturally), where it is suggested that progesterone levels be monitored closely

when starting on the iodine protocol.

> > > >

> > > > This made me wonder, since progesterone and estrogen are closely

linked, is iodine having an affect on my estrogen levels to the point it could

be negatively affecting my fertility? My cycles are generally regular, although

I have noticed that in the last 2-3 months my follicular phase has been shorter

(11days instead of the usual 14).

> > > >

> > > > Here are my lab results from the last few months (all were taken Cycle

Day 2):

> > > >

> > > > 13 July 2010 30 Sept 2010 1 Nov 2010 23 Nov 2010

> > > > TSH 0.76(0.40 - 3.5) 0.82 1.28 1.09

> > > > FT4 12.4 (9.0 - 19.0) 12.0 11.7 13.0

> > > > FT3 4.7 (2.6 - 6.0) 5.0 4.2 5.1

> > > > FSH 8.0 (2.0 - 13.0) 17.1 10.5 28.6

> > > > LH 2.8 (2.5 - 13.0) 2.9 3.7 8.8

> > > > E2 346 ( <400) 92 182 67

> > > >

> > > > Besides vitamins / minerals, I was taking Lugol's 100mg. I increased

the Lugol's to 150mg on Nov 18 to increase my detox of bromide (55mg in June) -

I am retesting today.

> > > >

> > > > Is it possible that the Lugol's is causing my estradiol to drop so

significantly (which in turn, is causing my FSH to rise)?

> > > >

> > > > Ziggy

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

i do not know if you are aware ,but when pregnant you are advised not to have more then 12.5 mg lugol.

 

for the liver the best treatment is of dr berkson.

 

a good alpha lipoic acid 1-2 x300mg on empty stomach from a good brand.

b-complex in capsule,milk thistle and selenomethionine

 

Alpha Lipoic Acid Breakthrough: The Superb Antioxidant That May Slow Aging, Repair Liver Damage, and Reduce the Risk of Cancer, Heart Disease, and Diabetes

 

low dose naltrexone up to 3 mg can help ,also with the nmost difficult cases of pregnancy.

search dr boyla and low dose naltrexone

On Fri, Dec 3, 2010 at 1:35 PM, Ziggy <sweflen@...> wrote:

 

Hi Coracushman, Thanks for sharing your story. There are definitely some similarities between our experiences. Two of the naturopaths I have seen cautioned me about the use of iodine over 50mg / daily. At the time, I considered their responses to be cautious and perhaps naive, but now I'm starting to believe they were being cautious for a good reason.

Pat over at hormones and health - naturally group says she has her female patients on iodine do saliva testing because they tend to have a wide range of reactions to taking iodine, mainly progesterone related.

I haven't been checking my progesterone levels, but I do have a requisition to have my serum levels checked this month. I wouldn't be surprised to find they are out of range. Ziggy> > > >> > > > I know this topic has been discussed many times, but I feel that I need to raise it again because I'm starting to see a pattern in my blood work that I can't ignore.

> > > > > > > > Most of the literature / blogs / commentry talk about how good iodine is for dealing with estrogen dominance, which is assumed to be a frequently occuring issue for the majority of women.

> > > > > > > > I am not estrogen dominant, nor have I ever been, despite being large breasted. Results of a hormone urine panel earlier this year showed that I am low in estradiol and this has also shown up in my blood work.

> > > > > > > > I started on iodine to help with chelation from bromide and heavy metals, and to improve the health of my thyroid (currently on Nature-throid 1.75grains for hypothyroidism).

> > > > > > > > There has been a lot of discussion about the effects of iodine on progesterone on another group I belong to (hormones and health - naturally), where it is suggested that progesterone levels be monitored closely when starting on the iodine protocol.

> > > > > > > > This made me wonder, since progesterone and estrogen are closely linked, is iodine having an affect on my estrogen levels to the point it could be negatively affecting my fertility? My cycles are generally regular, although I have noticed that in the last 2-3 months my follicular phase has been shorter (11days instead of the usual 14).

> > > > > > > > Here are my lab results from the last few months (all were taken Cycle Day 2):> > > > > > > > 13 July 2010 30 Sept 2010 1 Nov 2010 23 Nov 2010

> > > > TSH 0.76(0.40 - 3.5) 0.82 1.28 1.09> > > > FT4 12.4 (9.0 - 19.0) 12.0 11.7 13.0> > > > FT3 4.7 (2.6 - 6.0) 5.0 4.2 5.1> > > > FSH 8.0 (2.0 - 13.0) 17.1 10.5 28.6

> > > > LH 2.8 (2.5 - 13.0) 2.9 3.7 8.8> > > > E2 346 ( <400) 92 182 67> > > > > > > > Besides vitamins / minerals, I was taking Lugol's 100mg. I increased the Lugol's to 150mg on Nov 18 to increase my detox of bromide (55mg in June) - I am retesting today.

> > > > > > > > Is it possible that the Lugol's is causing my estradiol to drop so significantly (which in turn, is causing my FSH to rise)?> > > > > > > > Ziggy

> > > >> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

I am on the mend and trying to finish up the final process of my practicum this weekend which will allow me more time to focus on other things.

I noticed that your bromide level is 68.9 - if that was recent I would be VERY concerned about trying to conceive at this time. Bromide is dangerous to not only adults but to a child in the womb it can have some tragic results. Since this toxin messes with the body's ability to absorb and use iodine issues like low/non functioning thyroid, low IQ and abnormal cell formations (a whole host of issues from cancer to deformities) can result.

I do not want to sound harsh as I have been in your shoes wanting to get pregnant and not having it happen. But then I did get pregnant and I was not in a healthy state. It resulted in a cancer diagnosis for me 4 mos after my son's birth and a child that has had health conditions that have been expensive to find and address. Thank God he did not have something that we have not been able to address with supplements, diet and medication but I feel as though it was a Russian Roulette that was going on.

As someone already noted you should not be high dosing Iodine while trying to conceive. You are pumping out some major toxins and that is not safe. 12.5 mgs is considered the highest safe level for pregnancy as not to invoke a high detox. A child takes what it needs from your body and leaves you with whatever is left. It sounds like with your liver, adrenals, bromide toxicity and more than likely thyroid (don't remember if you mentioned that) you have an unhealthy "stew" going on. Again I am not trying to be cruel but so many children are suffering from asthma, allergies, hypothyroidism, add/adhd and on the far end Autism. It breaks my heart and there are no easy answers in such a toxic world.

Steph

Re: Estrogen and Iodine

Thanks, Dr L. I agree we should be considering the whole picture rather than a part in isolation. I believe that's what kept me blind to the changes going on while I've been at the higher dose of Lugol's. Steph, I hope I didn't come across as too grumpy. I really respect the advice you and others give, but the reference to perimenopause and the reference to donor eggs seemed to come out of left field. I hope you're on the mend now. I do believe we can learn from others / share knowledge and that's why I bring up the related information I've learned from Pat, the owner of the hormones and health - naturally group. She is also a practicing clinician who treats people for hormone imbalances and strongly advocates for the use of saliva testing over serum (blood). Pat is an advocate for iodine use, but said she has seen many females patients have a change in their progesterone levels (positive and negative) while taking iodine, so it sounds like it can cause an individualized reaction. She suggested that my serum lab results are likely not reflective of the true picture of what is going on with my hormones, which I agree with, but even on the surface, it indicates a pattern of change which concerns me. On the subjective side, my follicular phase shortened from 14 to 11 days since I increased my iodine intake to 100mg / day, from 50mg. And thanks for the reminder about the adrenals. I have been working on them lately with extra salt loading, energy work and acupuncture, which seems to be making a difference. I recently did 3 liver cleanses which I believe made a good difference in my overall health, but was cautioned by my naturopath that it may have resulted in some of the estrogen to be washed out of my liver / system. My acupuncturist is not a fan of liver cleanses because she views them to be too draining on the liver (d/t the emptying of the bowels). Instead she uses liver points and herbs. I have been taking all of the companion supps for 2 years, including methyselenium. I have dropped back on my iodine. I am trying to arrange saliva testing. I'm in Australia where it is not as readily available, but Diagnos-Techs is quite open to having my naturopath sign up for an account which is great news. The other piece of news I have is that my recent bromide test result was 68.9mg! I spoke with at Hakala and he said while it's rare to have such a high result, being on such a high dose of iodine (150mg) until recently may have acted as a catalyst for me to detox, even though I had stopped taking it 72 hours in advance of the test. Ziggy> > >> > > I know this topic has been discussed many times, but I feel that I> need to raise it again because I'm starting to see a pattern in my blood> work that I can't ignore. > > > > > > Most of the literature / blogs / commentry talk about how good iodine> is for dealing with estrogen dominance, which is assumed to be a frequently> occuring issue for the majority of women. > > > > > > I am not estrogen dominant, nor have I ever been, despite being large> breasted. Results of a hormone urine panel earlier this year showed that I> am low in estradiol and this has also shown up in my blood work. > > > > > > I started on iodine to help with chelation from bromide and heavy> metals, and to improve the health of my thyroid (currently on Nature-throid> 1.75grains for hypothyroidism). > > > > > > There has been a lot of discussion about the effects of iodine on> progesterone on another group I belong to (hormones and health -> naturally), where it is suggested that progesterone levels be monitored> closely when starting on the iodine protocol. > > > > > > This made me wonder, since progesterone and estrogen are closely> linked, is iodine having an affect on my estrogen levels to the point it> could be negatively affecting my fertility? My cycles are generally regular,> although I have noticed that in the last 2-3 months my follicular phase has> been shorter (11days instead of the usual 14). > > > > > > Here are my lab results from the last few months (all were taken Cycle> Day 2):> > > > > > 13 July 2010 30 Sept 2010 1 Nov 2010 23 Nov 2010> > > TSH 0.76(0.40 - 3.5) 0.82 1.28 1.09> > > FT4 12.4 (9.0 - 19.0) 12.0 11.7 13.0> > > FT3 4.7 (2.6 - 6.0) 5.0 4.2 5.1> > > FSH 8.0 (2.0 - 13.0) 17.1 10.5 28.6> > > LH 2.8 (2.5 - 13.0) 2.9 3.7 8.8> > > E2 346 ( <400) 92 182 67> > > > > > Besides vitamins / minerals, I was taking Lugol's 100mg. I increased> the Lugol's to 150mg on Nov 18 to increase my detox of bromide (55mg in> June) - I am retesting today. > > > > > > Is it possible that the Lugol's is causing my estradiol to drop so> significantly (which in turn, is causing my FSH to rise)?> > > > > > Ziggy> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

http://www.low dose naltrexone.org/http://ldn.proboards.com/index.cgi

many take it as a general immune system/health booster/preventativesomeone, I am sorry I cannot recall the doctor's name, uses it for fertility issues with good success, since that is not an issue for me I didn't pay that much attention

On Fri, Dec 3, 2010 at 5:38 PM, Ziggy <sweflen@...> wrote:

Hi Ido,

Thanks for the reminder. I am not trying to conceive this cycle, but have already dropped down to 12.5mg because of the havic with my hormones.

I have been taking r-alpha lipoic acid for the last year, as well as high dose methyl B`s, se-methyl-selenomethionine for 2 years.

I haven`t tried LDN. From what I read, it seems to calm the immune system through various mechanisms, including blocking opiod receptors. I don`t have autoimmune disease, cancer, HIV, cardiac problems, or an opiod addiction, so I`m not clear on what benefit it would be for me. Could you explain a little more or provide a link.

Thanks,

Ziggy

>

> i do not know if you are aware ,but when pregnant you are advised not to

> have more then 12.5 mg lugol.

>

> for the liver the best treatment is of dr berkson.

>

> a good alpha lipoic acid 1-2 x300mg on empty stomach from a good brand.

> b-complex in capsule,milk thistle and selenomethionine

>

> Alpha Lipoic Acid Breakthrough: The Superb Antioxidant That May Slow Aging,

> Repair Liver Damage, and Reduce the Risk of Cancer, Heart Disease, and

> Diabetes<http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761514570?ie=UTF8 & tag=hormondisbal-20 & linkCode=as2 & camp=1789 & creative=9325 & creativeASIN=0761514570>

>

> low dose naltrexone up to 3 mg can help ,also with the nmost difficult cases

> of pregnancy.

> search dr boyla and low dose naltrexone

------------------------------------

All off topic posts should go to the IodineOT group  IodineOT/

Commonly asked questions:   http://tinyurl.com/yhnds5e

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the links. I understand now it would work for someone who needs liver

support, which may help them with detox and conception. I am already taking ALA

and herbs for liver support, and cautious about adding yet another drug /

supplement into the mix.

I'm starting to believe my naturopath, who warned me about stirring too many

toxins up in the months leading up to conception, knew what she was talking

about esp since I have spent 2 years detoxing which is more than the average

person. The fertility clinic she practices at has an 80% success rate using a 4

month detox / preconception program.

Ziggy

> > >

> > > i do not know if you are aware ,but when pregnant you are advised not to

> > > have more then 12.5 mg lugol.

> > >

> > > for the liver the best treatment is of dr berkson.

> > >

> > > a good alpha lipoic acid 1-2 x300mg on empty stomach from a good brand.

> > > b-complex in capsule,milk thistle and selenomethionine

> > >

> > > Alpha Lipoic Acid Breakthrough: The Superb Antioxidant That May Slow

> > Aging,

> > > Repair Liver Damage, and Reduce the Risk of Cancer, Heart Disease, and

> > > Diabetes<

> >

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761514570?ie=UTF8 & tag=hormondisbal-20 & linkCode\

=as2 & camp=1789 & creative=9325 & creativeASIN=0761514570

> > >

> > >

> > > low dose naltrexone up to 3 mg can help ,also with the nmost difficult

> > cases

> > > of pregnancy.

> > > search dr boyla and low dose naltrexone

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > ------------------------------------

> >

> > All off topic posts should go to the IodineOT group

> > IodineOT/

> >

> >

> > Commonly asked questions: http://tinyurl.com/yhnds5e

[Guest guest]

I'm with you on that one, Ziggy. I would try not to take any drugs during pregnancy.AnneOn Dec 3, 2010, at 5:59 PM, Ziggy wrote: Thanks for the links. I understand now it would work for someone who needs liver support, which may help them with detox and conception. I am already taking ALA and herbs for liver support, and cautious about adding yet another drug / supplement into the mix. I'm starting to believe my naturopath, who warned me about stirring too many toxins up in the months leading up to conception, knew what she was talking about esp since I have spent 2 years detoxing which is more than the average person. The fertility clinic she practices at has an 80% success rate using a 4 month detox / preconception program. Ziggy > > > > > > i do not know if you are aware ,but when pregnant you are advised not to > > > have more then 12.5 mg lugol. > > > > > > for the liver the best treatment is of dr berkson. > > > > > > a good alpha lipoic acid 1-2 x300mg on empty stomach from a good brand. > > > b-complex in capsule,milk thistle and selenomethionine > > > > > > Alpha Lipoic Acid Breakthrough: The Superb Antioxidant That May Slow > > Aging, > > > Repair Liver Damage, and Reduce the Risk of Cancer, Heart Disease, and > > > Diabetes< > > http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761514570?ie=UTF8 & tag=hormondisbal-20 & linkCode=as2 & camp=1789 & creative=9325 & creativeASIN=0761514570 > > > > > > > > > low dose naltrexone up to 3 mg can help ,also with the nmost difficult > > cases > > > of pregnancy. > > > search dr boyla and low dose naltrexone > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > All off topic posts should go to the IodineOT group > > IodineOT/ > > > > > > Commonly asked questions: http://tinyurl.com/yhnds5e

[Guest guest]

Hi Ziggy

I wonder about this question, too. I am actually someone who tends to do poorly

on progesterone therapy of any kind. I feel like progesterone gets pushed a lot

onto women as part of a larger health trend but it might not be the right

treatment for everyone. I am not estrogen dominant either. My estradiol levels

have become lower with cytomel (T3) treatment because my SHBG was raised. I have

no idea if iodine raises SHBG, but you might want to check your SHBG to see if

that might be pushing your estrogen levels down.

I only take 1-2 lugols 5% per day. I tried taking more, and it made me feel bad,

even after I had already detoxed. Maybe higher levels simply make the thyriod

stop working in some people earlier than it would in others (at lower doses, I

mean).

Liz

[Guest guest]

dr boylefrom this interview ,get amazing results in fertility with women,especially if they have pms longer then 4 days.

ldn is less dangerous the tylnol

 

http://glasgowldn2009.com/2009/04/conference-video-interviews-dr-phil-boyle-fertility-specialist/

On Sat, Dec 4, 2010 at 7:32 AM, Liz <other70@...> wrote:

 

Hi ZiggyI wonder about this question, too. I am actually someone who tends to do poorly on progesterone therapy of any kind. I feel like progesterone gets pushed a lot onto women as part of a larger health trend but it might not be the right treatment for everyone. I am not estrogen dominant either. My estradiol levels have become lower with cytomel (T3) treatment because my SHBG was raised. I have no idea if iodine raises SHBG, but you might want to check your SHBG to see if that might be pushing your estrogen levels down.

I only take 1-2 lugols 5% per day. I tried taking more, and it made me feel bad, even after I had already detoxed. Maybe higher levels simply make the thyriod stop working in some people earlier than it would in others (at lower doses, I mean).

Liz

[Guest guest]

by the way dr berkson the expert of ALA says that all R-ALA is contaminated.use onlt good ALA with german ingredients like metabolic maintenance plus caps B-complex

Alpha Lipoic Acid Breakthrough: The Superb Antioxidant That May Slow Aging, Repair Liver Damage, and Reduce the Risk of Cancer, Heart Disease, and Diabetes

ALA and purity; Asian products vs European - ALA discussion - Epstein-Barr Virus -6) Dr Berkson Q & A Part One

On Sat, Dec 4, 2010 at 7:32 AM, Liz <other70@...> wrote:

 

Hi ZiggyI wonder about this question, too. I am actually someone who tends to do poorly on progesterone therapy of any kind. I feel like progesterone gets pushed a lot onto women as part of a larger health trend but it might not be the right treatment for everyone. I am not estrogen dominant either. My estradiol levels have become lower with cytomel (T3) treatment because my SHBG was raised. I have no idea if iodine raises SHBG, but you might want to check your SHBG to see if that might be pushing your estrogen levels down.

I only take 1-2 lugols 5% per day. I tried taking more, and it made me feel bad, even after I had already detoxed. Maybe higher levels simply make the thyriod stop working in some people earlier than it would in others (at lower doses, I mean).

Liz

[Guest guest]

i hope you lnow all the things they do the ger pregnant today

 

On Sat, Dec 4, 2010 at 8:09 AM, Anne Seals <anneseals@...> wrote:

 

Tylenol is extremely toxic to the liver, & I wouldn't take that during pregnancy either, if I could help it. (In fact, I no longer have Tylenol in the house.)

As my dentist pointed out to me, early in pregnancy, even one cell going wrong can doom the pregnancy. Risks that I would freely take for myself, as an adult, I would avoid taking for a fetus that is growing & changing so quickly.

Anne

On Dec 3, 2010, at 10:50 PM, ido zahavi wrote:

 

dr boylefrom this interview ,get amazing results in fertility with women,especially if they have pms longer then 4 days.

ldn is less dangerous the tylnol

 

http://glasgowldn2009.com/2009/04/conference-video-interviews-dr-phil-boyle-fertility-specialist/

On Sat, Dec 4, 2010 at 7:32 AM, Liz <other70@...> wrote:

 

Hi ZiggyI wonder about this question, too. I am actually someone who tends to do poorly on progesterone therapy of any kind. I feel like progesterone gets pushed a lot onto women as part of a larger health trend but it might not be the right treatment for everyone. I am not estrogen dominant either. My estradiol levels have become lower with cytomel (T3) treatment because my SHBG was raised. I have no idea if iodine raises SHBG, but you might want to check your SHBG to see if that might be pushing your estrogen levels down.

I only take 1-2 lugols 5% per day. I tried taking more, and it made me feel bad, even after I had already detoxed. Maybe higher levels simply make the thyriod stop working in some people earlier than it would in others (at lower doses, I mean).

Liz