Graves' Disease Support Group

Surprisingly, I know the answer to this one :)

Selenium helps with the conversion of T4 into T3....

Here's a link (I found it 'cuz I knew what to google :)

http://www.orthomolecular.org/libr...

The concept behind the conversion issue evades me though since I never had the problem.

Maybe someone can chime in along those lines.

Here's a good link in "English" :)

http://www.thyrophoenix.com/seleni...

forgot to mention....at the bottom of the "English" link, it is recommended to confirm a selenium deficiency through
testing

Here is a link to a site that explains laboratory testing

http://www.arupconsult.com/index.html

I read a study that showed it cuts the anti tpo's down as much as 60 percent.(these are the antibodies that cause inflammation of the thyroid and which usually prove you have auto immune thyroid disease.) At one point my anti tpo's were 5,000. Sometimes they can multiply like this when you are overdosed. Most docs check these at the beginning, then never check again. Mine were cut in half after 3 months. I started out with about 1500, now they are 2000. My new doc checks these every 6 months or so along with tsi. They don't seem to influence how I feel, I feel fine. A woman on another board had told me her young son's were 7000 at one point. It doesn't mean destruction though. That's the anti-tg's that do that. Most people with Hashi's have counts in the 100's. Mine were in range last time. I still can't figure out the antibody thing really though..

Hi NaomiP...Im a huge believer in Selenium. Ive been adding 200mcg to my diet from the beginning of my Graves TED journey...Im in remission with both. Here is a link to lots of info on Selenium.

http://www.elaine-moore.com/Search...

I hope the link works. Big Hugs...Kathy

Carol, Both of your links have to do with hypothyroidism. How does it relate to us?
Naomi

Kathy, I had read Elaine Moore's information before, and was left scratching my head. I still don't get it! Naomi

Bransnana...I never heard of those before. Do you have further information? Is this a routine check for folks with Graves? Thanks! Naomi

Carol...P.S. Why do we need our T4 converted into T3?

Please realize that hyPOthyroidism is the most common form of thyroid disease.

I know that site has a lot of hyPO stuff but it has great info re hormones and hormone conversion.

It also provided good info re selenium,.

These are universal facts for all thyroid patients.

I take what I can get.

Also, if someone is considering a permanent treatment option or has had one, this place looks to be a good resource.

Here is where the conversion process is explained

http://www.thyrophoenix.com/thyroi...

The conversion process applies to everyone....not just Graves' patients or hyPOthyroid patients.

I honestly don't think a person early in the game should worry about conversion....it could be a non-issue as it is for me.

Get some labs under your belt and if things are "off", look there.

My knowledge about selenium as a supplement is limited to the conversion issue which forum peeps have discussed.

I know Brans mentions the antibody benefits but she doesn't seem to have "regular Graves'....she has Graves'/Hashi's....different scenario. At the time of her Dx, her FT4 was in-range but her FT3 was high....she had lots of cardiac issues.

I believe Kathy aka Dairytech took selenium to help with her TED.

Remember, while there are general "rules" for Graves' patients.....there are subtleties with treatment, etc. We each have to find our "best fit" with it all.

Since there are dangers associated with too much selenium, I would be inclined to confirm a deficiency before taking any more than I get from my usual diet (I eat 2 Brazil nuts each day and they are a great natural source of selenium - I was eating them before my Graves' Dx)