I have hypothyroidism is there any alternative or treatments?

Question

I can use besides are along side thyroxine to help the symtoms I have? i.e trouble loosing weight normally, dry skin etc. The doctors say my th levels are within the normal range but I still am tired etc

Answer 1

Hypothyroidism

Alternative Medicine

The following information is specific for alternative and complementary medicine. For additional evidence-based information on diseases, conditions, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and wellness issues, continue searching the Healthwise Knowledgebase.  

Overview

What you need to know

Get a handle on hypothyroidism. When the thyroid gland fails to function adequately the result is reduced hormone levels. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful:

Find the cause

See your healthcare provider to consider underlying health issues that may be causing your hypothyroidism

Check your iodine intake

Consult with a nutritionist to learn whether you are getting too little or too much iodine from food, medications, and supplements

These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading the full hypothyroidism article for more in-depth, fully-referenced information on medicines, vitamins, herbs, and dietary and lifestyle changes that may be helpful.

About hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to function adequately, resulting in reduced levels of thyroid hormone in the body. Cretinism is a type of hypothyroidism that occurs at birth and results in stunted physical growth and mental development. Severe hypothyroidism is called myxedema.

There are many causes of hypothyroidism. One common cause is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland. Another common cause of hypothyroidism is medical treatment, such as surgery or radiation to the thyroid gland, to treat hyperthyroidism (over-activity of the thyroid gland). Some drugs, such as lithium and phenylbutazone, may also induce hypothyroidism. Extreme iodine deficiency, which is rare in the United States, is another possible cause. Failure of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus to stimulate the thyroid gland properly can cause a condition known as secondary hypothyroidism.

Some people with goiter (an enlargement of the thyroid gland) also have hypothyroidism. Goiter can be caused by an iodine deficiency, by eating foods that contain goitrogens (goiter-causing substances), or by other disorders that interfere with thyroid hormone production. In many cases the cause of goiter cannot be determined. While natural therapies may help to some extent, thyroid hormone replacement is necessary for most people with hypothyroidism.

Check list

Product ratings for hypothyroidism

Rating Nutritional Supplements Herbs

Iodine  

Selenium (if deficient)

Thyroid extract

Vitamin A

Vitamin B3 (niacin)

Zinc Bladderwrack

Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.  

Symptoms

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of hypothyroidism vary from person to person, but commonly include several of the following: fatigue, lethargy, intolerance to cold, constipation, weight gain, depression, excessive menstruation, dry skin, hair loss, and hoarseness. The onset of these symptoms may be so gradual as to evade detection by patient or physician.

Diet

Dietary changes that may be helpful

Some foods, such as rapeseed (used to make canola oil) and Brassica vegetables (cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower), contain natural goitrogens, chemicals that cause the thyroid gland to enlarge by interfering with thyroid hormone synthesis.1 Cooking has been reported to inactivate this effect in Brussels sprouts.2 Cassava, a starchy root that is the source of tapioca, has also been identified as a goitrogenic food.3 Other goitrogens include maize, sweet potatoes, lima beans, soy, and pearl millet.4 While some practitioners recommend that people with hypothyroidism avoid these foods, none has been proven to cause hypothyroidism in humans.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle changes that may be helpful

Preliminary studies have found an association between multiple chemical sensitivities and hypothyroidism.5 One study found a correlation between high blood levels of lead, a toxic heavy metal, and low thyroid hormone levels in people working in a brass foundry.6 Many of these people also complained of depression, fatigue, constipation, and poor memory (symptoms of hypothyroidism).

Occupational exposure to polybrominated biphenyls and carbon disulfide has also been associated with decreased thyroid function.

Supplements

Vitamins that may be helpful

The relationship between iodine and thyroid function is complex. Iodine is required by the body to form thyroid hormone, and iodine deficiency can lead to goiter and hypothyroidism.7 Severe and prolonged iodine deficiency can potentially lead to serious types of hypothyroidism, such as myxedema or cretinism. It is estimated that one and a half billion people living in 118 countries around the world are at risk for developing iodine deficiency.8

Today, most cases of iodine deficiency occur in developing nations. In industrialized countries where iodized salt is used, iodine deficiency has become extremely rare. On the other hand, iodine toxicity has become a concern in some of these countries.9 Excessive iodine intake can result in either hypothyroidism10 or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).11 Sources of iodine include foods (iodized salt, milk, water, seaweed, ground beef), dietary supplements (multiple vitamin-mineral formulas, seaweed extracts), drugs (potassium iodide, amiodarone, topical antiseptics), and iodine-containing solutions used in certain laboratory tests. Many nutritional supplements contain 150 mcg of iodine. While that amount of iodine should prevent a deficiency, it is not clear whether supplementing with iodine is necessary or desirable for most people. Those wishing to take a nutritional supplement containing iodine should consult a doctor.

Laboratory animals with severe, experimentally induced zinc deficiency developed hypothyroidism, whereas moderate zinc deficiency did not affect thyroid function.12 In a small study of healthy people, thyroid hormone (thyroxine) levels tended to be lower in those with lower blood levels of zinc. In people with low zinc, supplementing with zinc increased thyroxine levels.13 One case has been reported of a woman with severe zinc deficiency (caused by the combination of alcoholism and malabsorption) who developed hypothyroidism that was corrected by supplementing with zinc.14 Although the typical Western diet is marginally low in zinc,15 additional research is needed to determine whether zinc supplementation would be effective for preventing or correcting hypothyroidism.

Selenium plays a role in thyroid hormone metabolism. Severe selenium deficiency has been implicated as a possible cause of goiter.16 Two months of selenium supplementation in people who were deficient in both selenium and iodine was shown to induce a dramatic fall of the already impaired thyroid function in clinically hypothyroid subjects.17 Researchers have suggested that people who are deficient in both selenium and iodine should not take selenium supplements without first receiving iodine or thyroid hormone supplementation.18 There is no research demonstrating that selenium supplementation helps people with hypothyroidism who are not selenium-deficient.

Preliminary data indicate that vitamin B3 (niacin) supplementation may decrease thyroid hormone levels. In one small study, 2.6 grams of niacin per day helped lower blood fat levels.19 After a year or more, thyroid hormone levels had fallen significantly in each person, although none experienced symptoms of hypothyroidism. In another case report, thyroid hormone levels decreased in two people who were taking niacin for high cholesterol and triglycerides; one of these two was diagnosed with hypothyroidism.20 When the niacin was discontinued for one month, thyroid hormone levels returned to normal.

Desiccated thyroid, also called thyroid extract (e.g., Armour Thyroid), is used by some doctors as an alternative to synthetic thyroid hormones (such as thyroxine [Synthroid® or other brand names]) for people with hypothyroidism. Thyroid extract contains two biologically active hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine), whereas the most commonly prescribed thyroid-hormone preparations contain only thyroxine. One study has shown that the combination of the two hormones contained in desiccated thyroid is more effective than thyroxine alone for those with hypothyroidism.21 One doctor reported that thyroid extract worked better than standard thyroid preparations for many of his patients with hypothyroidism.22 Glandular thyroid products, which are available from health food stores, have had most of the thyroid hormone removed and would therefore not be expected to be effective for people with hypothyroidism. Intact desiccated thyroid is available only by prescription. Hypothyroidism sufferers who want to use desiccated thyroid must first consult with a physician.

People with hypothyroidism have been shown to have an impaired ability to convert beta-carotene to vitamin A.23, 24 For this reason, some doctors suggest taking supplemental vitamin A (approximately 5,000-10,000 IU per day) if they are not consuming adequate amounts in their diet.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.

Herbs

Herbs that may be helpful

Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is a type of brown seaweed that contains variable amounts of iodine.25 Hypothyroidism due to insufficient intake of iodine may possibly improve with bladderwrack supplementation,

Answer 2

dry skin is not a prob natual olive oil in bath, go to chinese herbal shop they will give you good advice

Answer 3

dont drink no more tap water ...start only drinking spring water for the rest of your life....u will b blessed trust me

Answer 4

There is a documented condition (sorry can't remember who wrote about it) that is in effect sub acute hypothyroidism & does respond to thyroxine treatment. depends if your Doc believes in this or subscibes to this view as thyroxine is a serious medication.

Aromatherapy (Rose & geranium oils ) are good for hormonal problems. An aromatherapist may treat you for fatigue first so you can rest & then concentrate on raising your levels of activity. Try reflexology too.

Answer 5

I was told that doctors must prescribe the doze of  thyroxine which is dictated by  your blood levels, they don't treat the symptoms. There was an article in the newspaper some time ago, about a doctor who prescribed a higher doze than was indicated by the blood levels. He was questioned by the medical council and there was a possibility of him being struck off. Thankfully there were dozens of his patients who came forward, they had been very ill and the higher doze resolved this. He was allowed to continue treat his patients in a manner which most specialists consider to be  unconventional.

I HAD an under active thyroid, I was so lethargic that I had problems walking around the bed to straighten my duvet. I also needed to support myself with the furniture to walk around the house. My specialist said that I would never improve and there was no suggestion of giving me a higher doze.

I contacted a man who is an unconventional homeopath, he puts dozens of remedies into one tablet. I took his remedies for several months, however after three weeks I felt MUCH BETTER.  I used to start taking the remedy if I was stressed, because I could tell that this was affecting my thyroid. Now when I feel stressed, I take St John's Wort and this sorts things out. This homeopath does not see his patients, he does telephone consultation. I have addional details including his phone number. Yesterday I experimented with my profile and you should be able to email me if you want furthur  information.