Yes, totally agree with you that individual needs can vary according to our specific body chemistry and metabolism - we actually see this in the ICU environment every day (people respond differently to life sustaining drugs and can sometimes fall far outside the normal dosing range.)

I really believe in finding a good naturopathic doctor - they are very thorough, test extensively and see the body as an integrated unit (which is how intensive care docs and nurses see it.) If you can find a medical doctor and naturopath that are willing to work together, then you really do have the best of all worlds! I have yet to find a family physician willing to work with a naturopath, but I know they are out there. Unfortunately, naturopaths are not covered under Canada's national health care plan, but what price can you put on good health?

On a side note, my hubby called me today looking for an endocrinologist referral for his colleague. She wants to take Armour Thyroid, but her endo refuses and basically said they would have to part ways. Luckily I know of a couple of endocrinologists willing to treat patients wishing to take dessicated thyroid.

Here they do, but that's not the norm. But I'm in a state that licenses ND's. That is a big difference-they can function as PCP's, order labs and even prescribe *some* things. So MD's are happy to work with them. It's more of a level playing field and the schooling in things like biochem that ND's get trumps most MD's. So when ND's can talk circles around them and they have to go back and look stuff up they are willing to take notice.

Not that they're "smarter" or "better, " they just each have their areas of expertise. Integrated practices are fairly common and ND's are covered by insurance-even state insurance. It's a good thing.

Is there a vegan version of fish oil? I was doing borage oil for a little while but stopped and haven't even tried looking for it again.

I don't eat any meat or fish. I eat dairy very rarely. <-- I've been a vegetarian pretty much my entire life.

And I am actually hyperthyroid. I just started taking medication to lower my thyroid level and I started it about 5 months ago. I went from weighing 100lbs to 135lbs with 2 months. It's been NUTS!! I'm now down to 130lbs and I can't seem to shake the weight no matter how healthy/little/amount of exercise I do. I think I'm taking too much thyroid blocking meds. I went from 6pills to 4pills to 2pills to 1pill to now I'm taking 1/2pill. My thyroid levels all look great, but I feel hypo now.

Eating more raw foods and exercising has had a minimal effect on my energy level / fatigue. I've been forcing myself to do things to get them done, but I really am forcing myself to live life. It's not like me at all. like at all at all.

My Endo says that it takes your body a long time to adjust. He said while my levels are right where they should be, my body is still adjusting. This kinda makes sense, but it kinda doesn't to me.

If my levels are just right, shouldn't I be just right now also? Seems weird that I would feel so unmotivated and tired all the time still.

Sorry Lorrissey, I don't know enough about borage oil. I do know that it has anti-inflammatory properties. Perhaps E.Taylor has more knowledge.

It is very frustrating not feeling like yourself - I know from personal experience. I really do feel that doctors can sometimes focus too much on "the numbers" and not on how the patient feels. It may be that you feel best with lower TSH numbers (if that is what your MD is following.) Is it possible for you to see a naturopath? E.Taylor is very right when she states that their training vis-a-vis biochemistry is superior to medical doctors, not to mention that their focus is the whole body vs a disease. A good naturopath will work with you and your MD to achieve optimal results for you.

there are 3 types of omega 3 fatty acids. EPA, DHA and ALA. The vegetarian source would be ALA, but similarly to things like carotenoids being converted to vitamin A, they aren't super efficiently converted to DHA and EPA. It will depend on your unique biochemistry as well as liver function.

DHA and EPA supplementation seem to be superior to ALA. The best you can do as a vegetarian if direct supplementation is out of the question is rely heavily on food sources. Borage is heavier in Omega 6 fatty acids. Flax has a good amount of ALA, but is problematic because of how quickly it goes rancid. Walnuts can also be a great source.

Again the problem is that some people need a dizzying amount of ALA to create the correct amounts of DHA and EPA. I only say that because it's important to understand that consumption doesn't necessarily dictate use. In other words, just because you ingest it doesn't mean your body is using it.

My understanding of the research is that Omega 3 from flax seed is poorly absorbed by the bulk of people. I had another thought - chia seeds. E.Taylor any info on chia seed (or sprouted chia?)

nope, you're 100% correct. It's the case for most plant based sources, unfortunately. I love love LOVE chia seeds and that is another good source.

I do eat a lot of chia seeds. I add them to my juices and smoothies and salads and veggie burgers and everything really.

Lorissey, I'm merely browsing this thread, and don't have hypo or hyperthyroidism, but I just saw your question about a vegan alternative to fish oil and thought I throw out Dr. Fuhrman's vegan DHA+EPA, which can be found on this page (scroll down until you see it). He does mention that it may not be sufficient for people with certain conditions, so check the additional link he gives to another EPA source.

/end random comment, lol

Thanks, slammerkin! I will definitely check this out.

So I did get some B12 and D this weekend. My dosage was also adjusted to half a pill of the thyroid blocking stuff, and I'm happy to report that I feel great!

I have my energy levels back!! I am quite happy!

Thank you to everyone here for all your suggestions. I feel like such an old person though. I now I have one of those pill boxes and an alarm set on my phone to take my meds/vitamins. When did 30 become the new 50?