Soy and thyroid

Hmmm, well, this can explain a LOT to me...and I honestly am a bit concerned and annoyed.

I happened across a comment in an article which led to doing some online research.

Apparantly soy is VERY detrimental to thyroid disease, and thyroids in general.  Of course, there's studies that say it's ok, but a good majority of the studies show that yes, it is not good for thyroid problems, can CAUSE goiters, can CAUSE hypothyroidism, and can WORSEN hypothyroidism.

Now, interestingly enough....I had started eating edamame FREQUENTLY at work at about the time of my "first" dose change of synthroid.  I had been started on 75mcg and my TSH went from 29 to 5 (when normal is under 3)  I was upped to 100mcg (and also coincidentally started eating more soy products) and my TSH went from 5 to 10, the exact OPPOSITE direction I had wanted it to.  Nobody at the time could give me an answer as to why my function got worse with more meds - but it was chalked up to the fact that I may have had "some" thyroid function on initial testing, and then it completely died off. 

I of course, did not mention soy products when I reviewed how I was taking my meds with my doc.  Just the basics...taking on empty stomach, not having any vit c for a min of 2 hours, not eating for an hour after taking it...and due to the absorption issue w/ RNY, I began to crush my synthroid to aid in absorption.

I am by far, NOT an expert on thyroid disease...but did some learnign on the subject w/ my diagnosis.  I had not come across this before now.  But apparantly, Brian knew this.  He, unfortunately, did NOT know that edamame are soy beans (it's green, he doesn't eat it, therefore he doesn't care) but as I started doing my research tonight I told him about it, in shock and disbelief.  And he looked at me and said "You didn't know that.  I could have told you THAT"

Anyone else hear of this?  I'll DEFINATELY be doing some more in depth research.  And just for hoots and giggles, I'm cutting out soy for now

I was reading some blurb about Jillian Michaels criticising Oprah for eating soy for her thyroid issues, and that got mentioned as the WRONG thing to do.  I did find this on an interaction site...we need to watch calcium and iron too!  My chiro had suggested Milk Thistle to me but the encrinologist poo-pooed him (so far the levothyroid has done squat so I'm beginning to wonder who knows what!)

Synthroid® and other thyroid hormone medications (Eltroxin®, Levo-T®, Levothroid®, Levoxyl®, Euthroid®, Thyrolar®, etc.)

Description: Types of thyroid hormone replacement.
Depletion: Calcium.
Interaction: Iron supplements and soy products taken at the same time as Synthroid® may interfere with absorption.
Nutritional Support: Milk thistle extract standardized to contain 70% silymarin. Thyroid preparations are best taken on an empty stomach at the same time every day.

Well, I don't take soy WITH my levothyroxine, or anytime afterwards...it's probably a minimum of about 3-4 hours that I eat edamame at work...not because I knew of it, but just because of timing.  Hmmmm

oh man.. I don't have any thyroid issues now, but if it can CAUSE them I think I may in deep doo doo.  I use soy milk ALL THE TIME.  I switched to that before surgery because of my lactose intolerance.    I eat edamame, too.  I don't eat it that often, but I do have it.

now what?  why is it that all the things that are supposedly good for you end up doing someting bad?

From the limited research I've done...it appears that the "causing" thing happens more in children than it does adults...so I think you'll be ok.

I'm most concerned about the worsening issue.  I get labs pulled next week and if they are worse, or not better, I'm going to an endocrinologist...and will be sure to bring up ALL of these topics with them.

well can we say "screwed"!!!

I only have about 1/4 of my thyroid left and since surgery it has been producing the perfect amount of hormones for my body - BUT - I have also become lactose intolerant and use soy products daily. I had horrible issues with cysts and loss of function. I also have Hashimotos Disease (hardening and loss of function of the thyroid) Guess after baby comes I'll be making an endo appt!

Considering since surgery your levels have been ok...I'm gonna take a stab in the dark about it and say that it's not effecting you like it can some others.  An endo appointment might still be in order - but if your levels are ok...I wouldn't be super concerned about it - maybe just make sure you are not having soy products within 2-4 hours of your meds?

I don't take any meds! That's what concerns me - my thyroid is all on it's itty bitty self... I will definately follow up with labs and an endo after baby.

I actually brought this up at the Barix meeting on Wednesday night, and several other people who are also hypothyroid came up to me and said they had never heard of this.  My endocrinologist was adamant about it, and my own research convinced me to avoid soy, so I do.  I miss edamame but I don't miss it enough to mess with my TSH levels.

Lesley

Thanks, Lesley, I appreciate your imput.  The fact that your endo was adamant about it - and the minimal research I have done - makes me feel "better" about my decision.  I wouldn't have been concerned except for the change in thyroid function with my hind sight 20/20 realization that around the same time I had increased my consumption of soy.  I'll definately be avoiding it and also talking with my docs.....