Dr. Denis Wilson has trained Dr. Allen in the treatment of Wilson’s thyroid syndrome (WTS). WTS appears to be due to a dysfunction of the thyroid system due to impaired conversion of T4 (thyroid hormone stored in the thyroid gland) to T3 (active form found and used in the cells). This conversion is dependent upon the function of an enzyme that changes the thyroid hormone molecule to the active form. This enzyme requires normal body temperature to perform well, hence the other name often used of Wilson's Temperature Syndrome.
Under periods of stress (such as childbirth, divorce, or death of a loved one), the metabolism can slow down as a coping mechanism. That’s a normal response the body uses to conserve energy. After the stress has passed, the metabolism is supposed to return to normal but sometimes it doesn’t. When the metabolism slows down it can adversely affect many bodily functions, and especially causes stress on the thyroid and other hormone systems.
The medicine used in the T3 therapy is a synthetic thyroid hormone formulated with a sustained release additive. It is made at a compounding pharmacy in doses ranging from 3.75 micrograms to 90 micrograms. The protocal involves purchasing different levels of the hormone so that you can increase up to your target dose and then back off slowly to allow your body to hold the improvements made. The treatment consists of a rigorous sequence of “cycles” of increasing then decreasing the dose while monitoring symptoms and temperature. When patients are given pure T3 directly, their cells get an easily available source of active hormone, used to generate energy production and lots of other crucial processes. The thyroid gland gets a bit of a rest, while the ability to use thyroid hormone all over the body improves. The effect that thyroid hormone has on so many body systems makes this rebalancing a profoundly healing process. This can often enable the thyroid system to function well on its own again.
Wilson’s T3 therapy does not need to be taken for life, rather usually only a few weeks or months, depending on the severity of the illness and the condition of the thyroid gland before treatment begins. You will need to work hard to record your progress and to communicate with Dr. Allen, so adjustments in your program can be tailored to your unique situation. You will need to have several visits with the doctor, and frequent communication between visits (via fax, mail, email or phone reports). Some insurance plans cover the costs of the treatment and for the medicines. For patients paying out of pocket, count on at least $200 for medicines unless you are a lucky "quick fix" person.
Dr. Allen has been treating people with this method since 1994. For more information, check out the website www.wilsonsthyroidsyndrome.com