Re: OT: Is Autism Undiagnosed Hypothyroidism?/Dr. JM

[Guest guest]

If a child is dull, low energy, slow moving, overweight, a couch potato,

would rather watch TV than go outside and play, sallow looking, and

particularly if relatives have it (it tends to run in families), I suspect

hypothyroidism, which is by no means rare. I can usually spot it when I see

a child, and always ask for candid photos if I do an evaluation for a child

I can't actually see. How the child acts and looks means much more to me

than any blood test. I have been treating adults with Armour Thyroid based

on their temperatures for years, and have some ASD children on this

medication (compounded for small doses) using temperature readings with

great benefit.

This is in my files: ASK THE EXPERTS:

Can Basal Body Temperature Diagnose a Thyroid Condition?

QUESTION

My doctor is using my Basal Body temperature as a guide to determine

if I've met my optimum thyroid medication level. I take my temperature under

my arm first thing upon waking for 3 days in a row and write it down. I have

read recently that this is much more accurate than the blood tests (target

range being 97.8 to 98.2), so why don't other doctors use this method? I had

never heard of using he basal temperature until I went to this doctor.

As a side note to you, my basal temperature for the 3 days ranged

from 95.8 to 96.8, though my TSH level at my last doctor was in the normal

range (that doctor has been " fired " by me). Since that TSH test my thyroid

meds have been increased by my new doctor, and my BBT is still low.

I would like to hear another doctor's opinion on the BBT method of

testing...

DRS. RICHARD AND KARILEE SHAMES ANSWER

There is considerable evidence that current tests both for the

diagnosis of hypothyroidism and for the management of a case under treatment

are tests that lack sensitivity and accuracy. Faced with this situation, in

my medical practice and in my second opinion telephone coaching sessions

with patients

of other practitioners, I absolutely insist on basal temperatures

being part of the equation.

For people who are wondering if their health problems are due

totally or in part to an underactive thyroid, basal temperature testing is

not the only diagnostic maneuver that I use, but it is one additional piece

of data along with symptoms, family history, related conditions, and signs

of abnormality upon physical examination. For those who have already been

diagnosed with hypothyroidism, the basal temperature test is an additional

piece of observational measurement that helps determine whether a person is

on the right medicine and / or the right dose, along with considering the

response to medication, physical signs ( especially ankle reflexes and skin

temperature), and blood test results.

In other words, the doctor who is suggesting that you use the

thermometer testing maneuver you described in your question is doing what I

would consider a very proper medical maneuver, if indeed that doctor is also

considering the other factors I have mentioned. Your information saying that

basal temperature testing is " much more accurate than the blood tests "

should be taken with a grain of salt. Like many things, the statement is

true for some people, but not true for everyone.

Therefore, a prudent practitioner and a prudent consumer, will use

as many different clues and pieces of information as possible to help make

the sometimes difficult decision about whether or not to treat a health

problem as a low thyroid issue or , if already being treated, whether or not

to add or change medication or supplements.

Here is a good example: I generally find out on a first conversation

with a potential thyroid sufferer what is their present percent of total

optimal function that they currently enjoy. Some people say to me, " Dr.

Shames, I'm glad I can talk to you on the phone from across the country

because I'm only feeling 20% of my prior self, but my doctor says my TSH

test is normal, so they are not going to do anything further. "

This is a person who should be following their basal temperature,

rather than their TSH. Most likely their basal temperature will still be

low, suggesting a need for further medicine, and I endorse people going

along with that suggestion regardless of TSH levels.

You asked why other doctors don't use this method. I believe it's

because many of them have not read the 1970s book, Hypothyroidism: The

Unsuspected Illness, by Broda MD. In this compelling volume, Dr.

, the granddaddy of the thyroid field, put his many decades of

experience into a succinct and easily-digestible form. It was here that the

basal temperature test was first explained in proper detail, with the proper

rationale and research. From your question, it is clear to me that you did

not proceed along the exact lines that Dr. would have most

recommended.

He recommended that you do the morning temperature sampling for ten

days in a row, not just for three. Menstruating women should start this

ten-day period on the third day of their cycle. It is best to use a basal

thermometer, which is more accurate than a regular oral thermometer.

Currently most folks are able to locate non-mercury thermometers, which we

recommend as more friendly to the environment. This kind of basal

thermometer is actually more accurate for this purpose than any digital

electronic thermometer. Dr. also suggests that the thermometer not be

used orally, but instead used under the arm, with the person lying quietly

in bed, and the arm comfortably at the side. The temperature is taken upon

awakening, before rising up out of bed for any reason.

Dr. felt that this test was a check on the most basic

function of the thyroid gland: its ability to regulate the metabolic furnace

of the body, and to control temperature. An average of ten days is a very

useful indication, therefore, of one's overall thyroid status, and in many

people it may well be more accurate than the blood tests. Temperature

testing, however, is not infallable, and - like any other test - should

never be used alone to rule in or rule out a thyroid condition, or to

dictate therapy. This is simply a good piece of information that should be

used wisely. I use it with every one of my patients who will do the test,

and I recommend to other practitioners to do the same. It would be a welcome

addition to many doctor's thyroid management regimen.

* * *

OT: Is Autism Undiagnosed Hypothyroidism?/Dr. JM

Dr. JM,

I came upon this letter and I wonder how you feel about this. My

daughter is now being eval for hypothyroidism by a local MD who says

that many cases of hypothyroidism are overlooked because MDs rely

only on the common blood tests T4, T3, TSH. He has me taking her

basal temp every morning (very low so far, low 96s).

I wonder if this might be a problem for most to consider...

[Guest guest]

That is fascinating! I have been thinking for a while now, " Why are so many

people having hypothyroid problems? " I have been telling hubby and a good friend

of mine for months now that I think that there is a link between the thyroid and

vaccines. It seems to me that the vaccines must be damaging the thyroid, not

only in kids, but also in adults. Could it be that it is the mercury that is at

the root of the thyroid damage????? The problems still starts with the

vaccines, either the mercury, or combination of mercury and other toxins in the

vaccines are damaging the thyroid. ANd the viscous cycle of antibiotics

perpetuates the problems. In children and babies, the damage is great because

of the underdeveloped brain and immune system. IN adults, they can also get very

sick, but are mentally intact because their brains are already developed. Far

too many adults are suffering from hypothyroid symptoms and doctors, like you

say, are not treating it. they are soley going by the blood tests of today.

in Ruston

OT: Is Autism Undiagnosed Hypothyroidism?/Dr. JM

Dr. JM,

I came upon this letter and I wonder how you feel about this. My

daughter is now being eval for hypothyroidism by a local MD who says

that many cases of hypothyroidism are overlooked because MDs rely

only on the common blood tests T4, T3, TSH. He has me taking her

basal temp every morning (very low so far, low 96s).

I wonder if this might be a problem for most to consider...

Dear Dr. Rimland:

Please bear with me but maybe I've stumbled on to one of

the " keys " to autism that has been greatly over-looked.

Actually credit should really go to Dr. Raphael Kellman,

M.D., at The Center for Progressive Medicine in New York and to Dr.

, M.D. (a DAN doctor) in Richland, WA - although

neither of them know it yet.

A must to read is the article in the Alternative

Medicine Magazine - Issue 22 that targets the " thyroid " . On the side

bar there are three more articles...one should read all three of

them too. Please be aware none of these articles

mention " autism " ....but concentrate on only the symptoms as you are

reading. Vicki Westlund recently made me aware of these articles via

the autism listserv.

According to Dr. Kellman the thyroid is one of the most

over-looked organs in the body. The old means of testing were too

cumbersome and time consuming so was abandoned by most physicians -

they opt to do the T4 or TSH. According to Kellman 90% of the

medical problems today result from lack of proper attention and

testing of the thyroid and it's functioning.

We are mainly talking about " hypothyroidism " - an

underfunctioning of the thyroid. There are a variety of causes:

hereditary, environmental, chemo/radiation, excess hormones in

processed meats, mercury (fillings in teeth - immunizations), excess

iodine (table salt), etc.

Once damage to the thyroid takes place it affects all

the other organs....starting with digestion and absorption. Now

toxin's start building in the system. You can have an array of

symptoms: weight gain/weight loss depending on the type of

metabolism you had to begin with. Creating no appetite or binge

eating. Bloating, fluid retention, skin problems (itching, eczema,

psoriasis, acne, hives & other skin eruptions, skin pallor or

yellowing).

The immune system also starts to deteriorate since the

necessary vitamins, minerals, are not being absorbed, also creating

problem's with amino acids. Two more problems are created: (1)

repeated infections and (2)cold's and upper respiratory infections.

Now let's add a bunch of antibiotics...to treat these

two problems...there goes the good bacteria, allowing Candida yeast

to take over which results IgG (delayed food allergies) and also

opening the doors to introduction of viruses and parasites.

Other symptoms of an underfunction thyroid are:

depression, low body temperature, infertility, menstrual disorders,

memory disturbances, concentration difficulties, paranoia,

migraines, over-sleeping and/or the inability to sleep due to

gastrointestinal discomforts or anaemia, " laziness " (no motivation),

muscle aches and or weaknesses (low muscle tone), hearing

disturbances (burning, prickly sensations or noises in the head),

slow reaction time and mental sluggishness, laboured breathing,

hoarseness, speech problems, brittle nails and poor vision and/or

light sensitivity.

All of Dr. Kellman's patient's have a wide variety of

symptoms but all have malabsorption, deficiencies in vitamins and

minerals, this creates chemical imbalances resulting in

neurotransmitting problems.

If the above should take place in a non-verbal child,

let's say before they acquire speech - you would get the diagnosis

of a " mute " autistic child.

Let's say the child had begun to talk...but due to the

thyroid problem...lost speech - they would get the diagnosis or

label of PDD/Autism.

A child affected later might be considered high

functioning.

Children with Candida, food allergies, immune system

dysfunctions, viruses that go undetected might show degrees of

improvement with the various treatments whether it be IV therapy,

anti-viral, nutritional intervention, or maybe a change in

environment...but all continue to deteriorate if these treatment's

are stopped. WHY????? Because one thing is being over-

looked...a " thyroid dysfunction " ...and the standard test are so

inaccurate.

Dr. Kellman says that the normal means of testing that

most physician's use T3, T4, and TSH all may result in a normal

reading....but it does not reflect the actual functioning level of

the thyroid.

Dr. Kellman says the only reliable test is the TRH, but

due to the fast paced assembly line of modern medicine...it was a

cumbersome and time consuming test so Dr.'s abandoned it opting to

use the TSH in it's place. The TRH test has since been greatly

improved over the old technique.

First a pre-TSH is taken.

An injection of Tyrel(Protirelin)TRH is given directly

into the vein via a butterfly.

A post-TSH is taken in exactly 25 minutes.

There are no adverse or dangerous side effects. Everyone

experiences a " 30 second " wave of nausea and/or the feeling they

have to urinate...they do neither.. it is just a feeling. They may

also experience a slight drop or rise in their blood pressure...but

that is very temporary.

If the second (or post-TSH) reading is 10...that

indicates a low functioning thyroid, if it's 15 a moderate low

functioning of the thyroid, and if 20 a severe low functioning

thyroid.

Dr. Kellman primarily deals with teenager's or adults.

Dr. test the thyroid by NAET (muscle testing) but

is finding hypothyroidism in 100% of the autistic children he deal's

with.

None of the research I've seen so far mentions...or

target's the " thyroid " ...not one word in the DAN or Goldberg's

reports...or any of the autism research I've seen.

In our case for example...my husband had a benign nodule

(½ his thyroid) removed in 1992...which was only detected when the

nodule got so enlarged he could actual see and feel it and had

discomfort when swallowing...it was not detected by his normal

thyroid testing which did not include the TRH...they always came

back normal...these test were done yearly due to his work physical

requirements. We have no ideal how long the condition existed prior

to it's detection.

My daughter, Angie, was born December 13, 1988, she had

4 out of 5 reactions to DPT..the lot being pulled 4 times, but

nothing ever recorded by Dr. or reported by him. She was a very

normal baby until 18 months of age...then almost changed over night.

By this time she had had 15 doses of " mercury " in immunizations and

multiple upper respiratory infections, ear infections, etc. These

were treated with truck loads of antibiotics...constantly for about

6 years.

She went through as I remember various problems with the

intestinal track - spastic colon (little balls), clay colored mushy

stuff, then severe constipation. Stool softeners didn't work,

mineral oils made her vomit and for the next 3 years she had to have

enemas on a daily basis..and then the bowels barely moved. The

paediatrician called it " psychological constipation " ....normal

for " kid's like this " ...we would just have to live with it. She also

lost all speech.

She totally refused food, lived solely on ProSobee Baby

formula for 3 ½ years...would projectile if food came within three

feet of her.

Also, during this period was constantly sick...ear

infections, sore throats, viruses, bronchitis, chicken pox

twice..the second time so severe she had to have IV's for 27 hours,

she had hives, itched all the time (still does), had eczema on

scalp, yeast rash on bottom several times, seasonal allergy symptoms

95% of the time, thin hair, white skin (which is now very yellow),

thin hair, thin peeling finger nails. She plugged her ears until

they bled, gagged and projectile vomited a lot, and her eyes were

very sensitive to light and she rubbed them constantly.

She lived on antibiotics from 18 months until October of

1996.

In 1995 she was diagnosed by Carl Pfeiffer as severe

zinc deficient with a very high zinc/copper ratio, and had many

vitamin/mineral imbalances and chemical imbalances.

She was on their program 1 year...gained 5 lbs..but not

a lot of improvement. She still had lot's of upper respiratory and

ear infections, did start saying a word or two, and did starting a

little food. I informed Dr. Glabb about the DAN protocol...she was

not a DAN doctor at that time.

In October of 1996, we had her allergy tested at Immuno

Labs...the results were: no immediate allergies, 29 out of 209 IgG

delayed food allergies which included casein and gluten..no Candida

at that time but has since acquired it. I put her on a rotation

diet...she acquired an appetite for the first time in her life. I

also at the same time put her on an array of

supplements..vitamins/minerals, extra zinc, herb's....everything I

could possibly find to boost the immune system. She gained 10

lbs...but still had burping, belching, gas and sluggish bowels.

About the same time we got a computer and internet

access and I jointed the autism listserve where I encountered Vicki

Westlund. She talked me into another hair analysis in August of

1997. Angie was low in Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Copper, Zinc and

Germanium and showed absolutely NO iron, manganese, Chromium, Cobalt

or Silica...she also showed traces of " mercury " and " aluminum " ...but

within the normal range. Also she was low in most additional

minerals.

After Vicki's analysis's and with the help of Dr.

Moreno...we switched her supplemental program, also added Olivir,

Piracetam and Soil Based Organisms. Her appetite increased and her

immune system improved and her bowel's started functioning without

enemas, although still sluggish. She also has gone from saying just

a couple of words to eight word sentences.

All the supplement's in the world won't help though if

she is suffering from an underactive thyroid.

We are now on our 4th doctor and after a two week battle

and numerous phone calls to New York and Dr. Kellman's office he

(Dr. Kiel) reluctantly agreed to run a TRH on Angie. (Most doctor's

initial request to a TRH is comparable to asking them to do their

first amputation in the office blindfolded.) They are convinced the

T3, T4 and TSH means of testing are accurate. Dr. Kellman however,

deems them totally inaccurate!

Friday...I just got Angie's result's on the TRH...her

pre-TSH was 2.906ulU/ml the normal range (0.35 - 5.50).....her post-

TSH reading was 44.035ulU/ml the normal range (0.35 - 5.50). The

excess secretion of thyroid hormone indicate that Angie's thyroid is

barely functioning...if it were functioning she would be converting

the thyroid hormone into T3 & T4's.

I called Dr. Kellman and he confirmed that this

definitely indicates she has severe hypothyroidism......!

If we can catch and detect their low functioning thyroid

problems early...we could possible reverse or prevent a lot of the

other problems from even occurring. I believe there is a good chance

that AUTISM is just a hypothyroidism problem that is undiagnosed and

untreated in most children....thereby creating a multitude of chains

of events to occur.

I believe it would be well worth the DAN doctor's time

and effort's to start doing the TRH test on their patients

Please let me know what you think?????

Very truly yours,

Shirley

Parent of a daughter diagnosed PDD at 18 months and diagnosed severe

hypothyroidism at age 9.

625 Northwestern Avenue

ville, Illinois 62568

E-Mail: sadams@...

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[Guest guest]

Very interesting... I was treated for hypothyroidism as a kid, but

stopped the synthroid because it didn't seem to help. My thyroid tests

(TSH) are always very low in the normal range. Both my kids and I have

a very low normal body temp - about 96 typically. Could this really be

the cause of my kids' symptoms? We are about to have my daughter's

thyroid blood work done - T3, T4, TSH, and we had my son's checked

when he was diagnosed with ASD. My kids are both thin and play hard

typically, though 's energy levels were extremely low starting

at the time of regression and continuing for at least 6 months after

his regression.

Thanks,

>

> If a child is dull, low energy, slow moving, overweight, a couch

potato,

> would rather watch TV than go outside and play, sallow looking, and

> particularly if relatives have it (it tends to run in families), I

suspect

> hypothyroidism, which is by no means rare. I can usually spot it

when I see

> a child, and always ask for candid photos if I do an evaluation for

a child

> I can't actually see. How the child acts and looks means much more

to me

> than any blood test. I have been treating adults with Armour

Thyroid based

> on their temperatures for years, and have some ASD children on this

> medication (compounded for small doses) using temperature readings with

> great benefit.

>

> This is in my files: ASK THE EXPERTS:

> Can Basal Body Temperature Diagnose a Thyroid Condition?

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> QUESTION

> My doctor is using my Basal Body temperature as a guide to

determine

> if I've met my optimum thyroid medication level. I take my

temperature under

> my arm first thing upon waking for 3 days in a row and write it

down. I have

> read recently that this is much more accurate than the blood tests

(target

> range being 97.8 to 98.2), so why don't other doctors use this

method? I had

> never heard of using he basal temperature until I went to this doctor.

>

> As a side note to you, my basal temperature for the 3 days

ranged

> from 95.8 to 96.8, though my TSH level at my last doctor was in the

normal

> range (that doctor has been " fired " by me). Since that TSH test my

thyroid

> meds have been increased by my new doctor, and my BBT is still low.

>

> I would like to hear another doctor's opinion on the BBT

method of

> testing...

>

>

> DRS. RICHARD AND KARILEE SHAMES ANSWER

> There is considerable evidence that current tests both

for the

> diagnosis of hypothyroidism and for the management of a case under

treatment

> are tests that lack sensitivity and accuracy. Faced with this

situation, in

> my medical practice and in my second opinion telephone coaching sessions

> with patients

> of other practitioners, I absolutely insist on basal

temperatures

> being part of the equation.

>

> For people who are wondering if their health problems are due

> totally or in part to an underactive thyroid, basal temperature

testing is

> not the only diagnostic maneuver that I use, but it is one

additional piece

> of data along with symptoms, family history, related conditions, and

signs

> of abnormality upon physical examination. For those who have already

been

> diagnosed with hypothyroidism, the basal temperature test is an

additional

> piece of observational measurement that helps determine whether a

person is

> on the right medicine and / or the right dose, along with

considering the

> response to medication, physical signs ( especially ankle reflexes

and skin

> temperature), and blood test results.

>

> In other words, the doctor who is suggesting that you use the

> thermometer testing maneuver you described in your question is doing

what I

> would consider a very proper medical maneuver, if indeed that doctor

is also

> considering the other factors I have mentioned. Your information

saying that

> basal temperature testing is " much more accurate than the blood tests "

> should be taken with a grain of salt. Like many things, the statement is

> true for some people, but not true for everyone.

>

> Therefore, a prudent practitioner and a prudent consumer,

will use

> as many different clues and pieces of information as possible to

help make

> the sometimes difficult decision about whether or not to treat a health

> problem as a low thyroid issue or , if already being treated,

whether or not

> to add or change medication or supplements.

>

> Here is a good example: I generally find out on a first

conversation

> with a potential thyroid sufferer what is their present percent of total

> optimal function that they currently enjoy. Some people say to me, " Dr.

> Shames, I'm glad I can talk to you on the phone from across the country

> because I'm only feeling 20% of my prior self, but my doctor says my TSH

> test is normal, so they are not going to do anything further. "

>

> This is a person who should be following their basal

temperature,

> rather than their TSH. Most likely their basal temperature will still be

> low, suggesting a need for further medicine, and I endorse people going

> along with that suggestion regardless of TSH levels.

>

> You asked why other doctors don't use this method. I believe

it's

> because many of them have not read the 1970s book, Hypothyroidism: The

> Unsuspected Illness, by Broda MD. In this compelling volume, Dr.

> , the granddaddy of the thyroid field, put his many decades of

> experience into a succinct and easily-digestible form. It was here

that the

> basal temperature test was first explained in proper detail, with

the proper

> rationale and research. From your question, it is clear to me that

you did

> not proceed along the exact lines that Dr. would have most

> recommended.

>

> He recommended that you do the morning temperature sampling

for ten

> days in a row, not just for three. Menstruating women should start this

> ten-day period on the third day of their cycle. It is best to use a

basal

> thermometer, which is more accurate than a regular oral thermometer.

> Currently most folks are able to locate non-mercury thermometers,

which we

> recommend as more friendly to the environment. This kind of basal

> thermometer is actually more accurate for this purpose than any digital

> electronic thermometer. Dr. also suggests that the

thermometer not be

> used orally, but instead used under the arm, with the person lying

quietly

> in bed, and the arm comfortably at the side. The temperature is

taken upon

> awakening, before rising up out of bed for any reason.

>

> Dr. felt that this test was a check on the most basic

> function of the thyroid gland: its ability to regulate the metabolic

furnace

> of the body, and to control temperature. An average of ten days is a

very

> useful indication, therefore, of one's overall thyroid status, and

in many

> people it may well be more accurate than the blood tests. Temperature

> testing, however, is not infallable, and - like any other test - should

> never be used alone to rule in or rule out a thyroid condition, or to

> dictate therapy. This is simply a good piece of information that

should be

> used wisely. I use it with every one of my patients who will do the

test,

> and I recommend to other practitioners to do the same. It would be a

welcome

> addition to many doctor's thyroid management regimen.

>

>

> * * *

>

> OT: Is Autism Undiagnosed

Hypothyroidism?/Dr. JM

>

>

>

> Dr. JM,

>

> I came upon this letter and I wonder how you feel about this. My

> daughter is now being eval for hypothyroidism by a local MD who says

> that many cases of hypothyroidism are overlooked because MDs rely

> only on the common blood tests T4, T3, TSH. He has me taking her

> basal temp every morning (very low so far, low 96s).

>

> I wonder if this might be a problem for most to consider...

[Guest guest]

Those 3 tests alone might not reveal hypothyroidism. I just

returned from my (new) MD and he is prescribing a trial of Armour

Thyroid 30mg qam for me to start based on my low basal temps (low

96s) and infertility, mood swings, cold hands and feet, post

menopausal at 41. My T3,T4, TSH came back within normal limits. He

also believes candida plays a role in this and I have been tested

for this also (blood test for candida). He says I also am extremely

estrogen dominant with low progesterone, and the two (progesterone

cream and Thyroid) should make a profound difference.

My PDDNOS daughter's basal temps are extremely low (one was 93.7

left arm, same time 96.2 right arm). She is very low energy, low

tone, still runs like a toddler at 4, can't jump with both feet).

He suspects hypothyroidism in her as well. I am looking forward to

a trial of Thyroid with her, also and will post the results.

BTW, if you were hypothyroid, perhaps you needed the Armour Thyroid

which is T3 and T4 combined, instead of the Synthroid, which is only

T4, I believe. It does make a difference.

I have formed the opinion that MDs are better for us if they are

preventative medicine MDs or holistic practitioners. Most of the

mainstream physicians just prescribe as they are taught by the

pharmaceutical companies who provide most of their continuing

education. (nothing new to this list!)

a

> Very interesting... I was treated for hypothyroidism as a kid, but

> stopped the synthroid because it didn't seem to help. My thyroid

tests

> (TSH) are always very low in the normal range. Both my kids and I

have

> a very low normal body temp - about 96 typically. Could this

really be

> the cause of my kids' symptoms? We are about to have my daughter's

> thyroid blood work done - T3, T4, TSH, and we had my son's checked

> when he was diagnosed with ASD. My kids are both thin and play hard

> typically, though 's energy levels were extremely low

starting

> at the time of regression and continuing for at least 6 months

after

> his regression.

>

> Thanks,

>

>

...