Conditions

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is caused by low activity of the thyroid gland, which results in the underproduction of thyroid hormones.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Inability to tolerate cold
• Slow heart rate
• Weight gain
• Painful premenstrual periods
• Milky discharge from the breasts
• Fertility problems
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle cramps
• Dry and scaly skin
• Yellow-orange coloration in the skin (particularly on the palms of the hands)
• Yellow bumps on the eyelids
• Hair loss (including eyebrows)
• Recurrent infections
• Migraines
• Hoarseness
• Respiratory infections
• Constipation
• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Slow speech
• Goiter
• Drooping
• Swollen eyes

Diagnosis:

Blood tests may show decreased levels of thyroid hormone, increased thyroid-stimulating hormone, and the presence of auto antibodies.

Treatment Options:

Providers can prescribe several thyroid hormones as replacement therapy. Typically, condition improves within two to three weeks of the start of daily hormone therapy, and all symptoms disappear within a few months. However, patients must continue this treatment for the rest of their lives.

Traditional Treatments:

• Levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid) is a synthetic copy of the hormone thyroxine (T4), the hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It is then converted by the body to triiodothyronine (T3), which is more active in regulating metabolism.
• If you do not respond to levothyroxine, it may be that your body has difficulty converting T4 to T3. In that case, liothyronine (Cytomel), which is synthetic T3, may be tried. The dosage must be monitored carefully, as over-dosage can cause hyperthyroidism symptoms.
• Natural thyroid hormone is available by prescription, but is rarely used today, as it is harder to tailor the dosage to an individual's needs.
• In severe hypothyroidism leading to coma, a combination of thyroid medications and other drugs may be given intravenously, as fast action is important.
• Hormone therapy must be continued throughout life. Your doctor will likely recommend regular follow-up visits to monitor your blood levels of thyroid hormone.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

Thyroid function can be effectively supported with nutrition and herbs, although concurrent treatment with conventional medicine may be necessary in moderate to severe cases.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• Iodine is required for normal thyroid function. Take 150 mcg daily.
• An alternative to iodine supplementation is kelp, which contains iodine and other important nutrients. Take 2,000 to 3,000 mg daily.
• Thyroid glandular extract has proven effective with hypothyroidism. Take 60 mg daily.
• Tyrosine is an important amino acid that helps stimulate thyroid function. Take 500 mg daily, with breakfast, for up to three weeks at a time.
  Warning: If you are taking an MAO inhibitor drug, do not take supplemental tyrosine, as a sudden and dangerous rise in blood pressure may result.
• The B vitamins are necessary for regulation of the endocrine system, including the thyroid. Take a good B-complex formula supplying 25 to 50 mg of each of the major B vitamins daily.
• If you are a perimenopausal woman with hypothyroidism, hypothalamus/pituitary glandular extract may be helpful, especially if you are feeling depressed and having difficulty with your weight. You may wish to discuss this with you health-care provider.
• Essential fatty acids are necessary for hormone production. It may be wise to avoid flaxseed oil due to high levels of cyanogenic glycosides. A better choice for omega-3 oils for the hypothyroid patient would be cold-water fish oils or borage oil. Follow label directions.
• Calcium and magnesium are cofactors for many metabolic processes. Follow the label directions.

Alternative Therapies:

• Bayberry, black cohosh, and goldenseal can help hypothyroidism.
  Warning: Do not take goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, do not use it during pregnancy, and use it with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.
• Gentian and mugwort extracts are helpful for hypothyroidism.
• Herbal bitters such as Swedish bitters may help alleviate the symptoms associated with thyroid malfunctions.
• American and Siberian ginseng help to reduce fatigue and restore energy. Take 250 mg of American ginseng or 100 to 200 mg of Siberian ginseng extract standardized to contain 0.5 percent eleutheroside E twice daily, one-half hour before breakfast and again on-half hour before lunch.
  Warning: Do not use American ginseng if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or hypoglycemia.
• Mild depression is common among people with underactive thyroids. St. John's wort acts to gently but effectively restore good spirits. Choose a product containing 0.3 percent hypericin and take 200 to 300 mg once or twice daily.
• The homeopathic remedy Calcarea carbonica helps to stimulate the thyroid. Take one dose of Calcarea carbonica 30c or 200x three times a week for three weeks.
• Take homeopathic thyroid 200x or 30c for one week out of every month. Take on each morning for five days. Stop for three weeks, then repeat. Follow this cycle a total of three times.

General Recommendations:

• If you are suffering from hypothyroidism, exercising is the best thing you can do for yourself. Exercise both stimulates and normalizes thyroid function.
• Include in your diet apricots, dates, egg yolks, molasses, parsley, potatoes, prunes, raw seeds, and whole grains. Eat fish or chicken and raw milk and cheese.
• Eat these foods in moderation: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage kale, mustard greens, peaches, pears, radishes, spinach, and turnips. If you have severe symptoms, omit these foods entirely. They may further suppress thyroid function.
• Avoid processed and refined foods, including white four and sugar.
• Do not take sulfa drugs or antihistamines unless specifically directed to do so by a doctor.
• Avoid fluoride and chlorine. Chlorine, fluoride, and iodine are chemically related. Chlorine and fluoride block iodine receptors in the thyroid gland, resulting in reduced iodine-containing hormone production.

Warnings:

• Do not use American ginseng if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or hypoglycemia.
• Do not take goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, do not use it during pregnancy, and use it with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.
• If you are taking an MAO inhibitor drug, do not take supplemental tyrosine, as a sudden and dangerous rise in blood pressure may result.