Know a Good Thyroid Specialist in the SF Bay Area?

I went to see an M.D. Naruropath in Palo Alto, PM me if you want her name. The websites below may help you and the first one has a listing and recommendations for doctors. I was on Syntrhoid and am currently on westthroid. Also, about the iodine, don't start taking it until it's confirmed you need it. I'm hypothyroid and don't need it. They key is getting a doctor or endocrinologist who will work with you. Some GPs are good about this and some feel it's a one size fits all treatment. Best of luck to you and I'll be watching the answers you get. Palo Alto is still a long ways from me.

One last thing, A lot of people are getting into the selling Nutritional products. Some are very qualified but many aren't. I even had a GP refer me to a Massage Therapist for this. Not that the products she was selling aren't good, I just felt she wasn't the best qualified to be advising people. Be careful out there!

http://www.thyroid-info.com/
http://thyroid.about.com/bio/Mary-Shomon-350.htm

I am hypothyroid and yes iodine CAN help, but before you start taking iodine pills, get your iodine levels checked first. Also, do not go to an endo! Go to a homoepathic dr. for your thyroid. I was on synthroid and was having a horrible time and my endo just wouldn't listen to me. I now go to a homeopathic dr. and I am on nature throid and feel 100 times better! Natural meds are much better for you. Also to help me with energy I take a vitamin B complex, a good womens multi, and vitamin C everyday. I also take vitamin D because I am very low. Good luck!

Hypothyroidism is common. 5.86 is indeed low. If you have to go on synthroid, it's no big deal IMO. It's worth the results. Can't refer you to anyone specific, but for something simple like prescribing you a thyroid replacement, most doctors will be fine.

I have the same thing, HAVE for years. I take Levothyroxine... and it seems to be under control. I saw Dr Bruhn at San jose Medical Group. Not sure if thats too far out of the way for you, but he was pretty good. Your doc should be able to recommend someone.

Usually a regular MD or Osteopath can prescribe medication for thyroid. You would only need an endocrinologist if you have something really wacky going on. I'm on Levothroid, there really aren't any side effects that I can tell.

Please be careful about the natural products. They are notoriously unregulated and the dosage can change from batch to batch. Some may be fine, but your thyroid isn't something you want to take a chance on, in my opinion.

Something I hadn't realized is that thyroid meds are one of the only medications where generics are not equivalent to name brands. Speak with your doctor about this, and ask to be prescribed name brand only. (And stick with the same name brand as you get refills, obviously.)