[Lotus]

ah thank you.
Yes I had another bad "episode" with pc cream last night so dabbling with that is officially done. I've started on low dose maca for now. When do you think is a good time to take a break assuming no ill effects in the meantime.. like during Menses?

Ps. Missed ya..

Sorry to hear that, (definitely blows) , this is just my opinion, and I can't possibly relate being a dude, but why not (for the gals) skip "all" NBE herbs prior to menses?, (and no, I'm not under the influence lol). Phytoestrogens increase blood flood (nitric oxide), and with uterine fibroids taking phyto's (and pharma bc) could and does make matters worse. Some Phytoestrogens increases triglycerides (aka-fat), so it's no wonder why increased inflammation leading to acne, depression, thyroid issues exist. It stands to reason getting hormones and inflammation in balance first would be the prudent course.

I know our fear is to not lose any gains, but a break might be the thing to right the crazy train, sinking ship etc etc.....

Miss yer too.

Good point 're phytos but would maca fenugreek or fennel come under the phyto umbrella? Fennel maybe? What you think?

Ella, sorry for the late response.

Adaptogens (MACA, Fenugreek) shouldn't, Fennel has an estogenic action, so it's (fennel) possible. It's tough to say, people respond differently, like how some people will lose weight on fenugreek, while others pack on the pounds. In an other example, the fatty acids in Saw Palmetto can add weight too, (cellulite).


Exercise increases metabolism, (thyroid hormone too). I'd rather try exercising to release T3 (a natural way) rather than taking thyroid meds. Here's more info on how PE helps circulate thyroid hormone. (Always consult with your physician prior to a new fitness plan, just to make sure your able too).


Exercise intensity and its effects on thyroid hormones

BACKGROUND: Physical activity influences energy metabolism in human subjects by increasing activity-induced energy expenditure and resting metabolic rate for several hours after exercise. Effects of exercise on circulating thyroid hormone values remain controversial. We have investigated the effect of acute aerobic exercise on thyroid hormone values.

MATERIALS/METHODS: The effect of different intensity levels of acute aerobic exercise on thyroid hormones was investigated in 60 male well-trained athletes by performing bicycle ergometer at 45% (low intensity), 70% (moderate inten- sity), and 90% (high intensity). These intensities were selected according to their maximum heart rate (MHR). At each intensity level, heart rate, blood lactic acid, serum total thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine (fT4), total triiodothyronine (T3), free triiodothyronine (fT3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) values were measured.

RESULTS: The results of this study show that exercise performed at the anaerobic threshold (70% of maximum heart rate, lactate level 4.59 ± 1.75 mmol/l) caused the most prominent changes in the amount of any hormone values. While the rate of T4, fT4, and TSH continued to rise at 90% of maximum heart rate, the rate of T3 and fT3 started to fall.

CONCLUSIONS: Maximal aerobic exercise greatly affects the level of circulating thyroid hormones.
http://www.nel.edu/26-2005_6_pdf/NEL260605A14_Ciloglu.pdf


Thyroid - the correct prescribing of thyroid hormones
http://drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/Thyroid_-_the_correct_prescribing_of_thyroid_hormones

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The following is some exciting stuff, it's about genetic testing, in particular: the cytochrome 450 enzyme. I'll go into later, but basically people use this test when certain medications have no effect, (ordered by endo's in most cases).

Genetic testing for enzymes of drug metabolism: does it have clinical utility for pain medicine at the present time? A structured review.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14996240