Soy and thyroid

I think a lot of docs know about this and just don't tell their patients. It makes me quite angry, and it also brings to mind my other soapbox issue: there are many horrible endocrinologists out there, with no understanding of how a woman's endocrine system works, in my opinion.  I went through three of them until I found the one I have now. I heartily recommend her, but she's down in Mt. Laurel, NJ, so it would be a bit of a trip for you Pennsylvanians (or transplanted Jersey girls!).

Yea...my other issue would be health insurance...can only use LVH folks..sigh

And to be fair...there's "bad apples" in every field...bad lawyers, bad politicians...bad dentists...bad construction workers....

It's difficult regardless.  Hopefully my labs will shed more (and better news) this week

I did know about soy and thyroid meds.  However that being said, what are we supposed to do.  A majority of my protein comes from soy in the shakes, as I am not a dairy person, and most meats don't appeal to me.  I will wait till next test results come back to see how it's doing, I had a test done in Jan, and PCP says all results were good.  So I guess I will wait and see, I am on 150mcg at this point, will be interesting to see what happens.  I guess you have to give to get?

You're right - it's difficult at best to figure out what to do.

Luckily for me, I can do dairy and will do so and cut out the few soy products I do eat (but eat frequently)  For me, it is VERY important for my thyroid labs to be straightened out and soon - because it's interfering with conceiving for hubby and I.  Now, granted, not EVERYONE has problems with soy and thyroid problems.  My stance, right now...is if your labs are good...then you probably don't need to change.  However, if you're seeing changes in your labs...it might be something to consider...

If you DO start having a problem, realize that there are protein sources that do not involve soy... you just have to look for them and read the labels (which we're all getting good at).  There's whey, tvp, and non-tofu plant proteins (beans/lentils other than soybeans, for example, as well as goji berries, hemp seed, and quinoa, and nuts).  You may also need to "force yourself" to develop a taste for more varieties of fish and meats.  Because protein is the major deal-breaker here - you HAVE to get enough of it to maintain your health and your weight loss.

if you look up "non-soy protein sources" online, you'll find a bunch of ideas for what to eat to keep the protein high without relying on soy.

Hope this helps!
Karen

Speaking of  hemp...have you tried it?  I read an interesting article on it months ago - it apparantly can help lower cholesterol, so I told Brian he should eat it, too.  Of course..he had to be the "teenager" mind and say "oh - I've tried it before and all it did was make me sick and hungry" lol

Thanks for the 411 Pam!

I too have hypothyroidism and am currently taking 200 mcg.  I think my thyroid is about shot.  Let the board know if/when you find out any more info on this.  I havent begun to use soy products but was considering it after my pcp told me of some of the benifits.  Now I just might pass.

Thanks
Swede

Pam,

I don't have a thyroid issue, but this is a very interesting read.  I hope more people get to see this post and become aware.

Debbie

I heard about this years ago.  I still eat edamame and tofu and use soy milk on occasion. 

I take my levothyroxine in the morning and my iron pill at night, I guess I am lucky that I am allergic to soy milk so I don't have to worry about that messing with my tsh levels.