I want to alert people that rely on the TSH test to detetermine the correct level of thyroid replacement, that taking statin drugs alters the test to the point that you can’t rely on it, First some background. I am a 71 year old male, having had thyoid completly remove in 2002. My TSH is currently .57, my objective is around 1 since I had thyroid cancer and have to keep TSH low to avoid recurrance. I walk an hour per day on my treadmill at a 9 degree incline. I prefer compounded natural armour thyroid, current dosage 170mg daily. I do much better on armour than the synthetic stuff and I can adjust in 5mg increments by using compounded thyroid. A change of 5 mg alters my TSH by 1.67 point.

Now, my point about statins and the test. For several years I was taking statin drugs prescribed by one doctor and thyroid by another. Although both knew of my medications, neither were aware the statins make the TSH test unreliable. We were constantly going through wild swings of TSH and trying to adjust the thyroid med, creating wars with my endocrinologist, who at times would blame amour thyroid for it. Then I read an article from a doctor that not only was calling statin drugs dangerous, but reported this proplem with the TSH test. I stopped taking statins and altered my diet, eating lean meat and vegetables, reducing carbs, no sugar, etc. I use stevia instead of sugar. I avoid anything with sugar. Anyway, now, I can rely on the test to the point that I can maintain a proper TSH level and feel great. My breakfast consists of omlet made of egg beaters, sausage, rotel tomatos, cheese, cooked in the microwave. A favorite meal would be chicken salad mixed with mayo made of olive oil, no- sugar picke relish, stevia, cabbage ( coleslaw) mix and pepper. I eat mostly protein and vegies, with no bread. I feel great !