LOW THYROID FUNCTION was the topic of a recent blog. I covered how it affects more than 30 million women and 15 million men. So why are we seeing such an epidemic of thyroid problems? Well, chronic thyroid problems can be caused by many factors …
What Causes Hypothyroidism?
One of the most important factors that leads to hypothyroidism is exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides, which act as hormone or endocrine disruptors and interfere with thyroid hormone metabolism and function.
In fact, one study found that as people lost weight they released pesticides from their fat tissue.
This then interfered with their thyroid function and caused hypothyroidism. The toxins created a slow metabolism and prevented them from losing more weight.
This study highlights the importance of overall detoxification. It is quite a significant finding that shows exactly how toxins interfere with thyroid function.
Heavy metals such as mercury can also affect thyroid function. I see many people with chronic hypothyroidism and other thyroid problems because mercury interferes with normal thyroid function.
The other big factor that interferes with thyroid function is chronic stress.
There is an intimate interaction between stress hormones and thyroid function. The more stress you are under, the worse your thyroid functions.
Any approach to correcting poor thyroid function must address the effects of chronic stress and provide support to the adrenal glands.
The next major factor that affects thyroid function is chronic inflammation. The biggest source of this chronic inflammation is gluten, the protein found in wheat, barely, rye, spelt, and oats.
Gluten is a very common allergen that affects about 10 to 20 percent of the population. This reaction occurs mostly because of our damaged guts, poor diet, and stress.
I also think eating so-called Frankenfoods, such as hybridized and genetically modified grains with very strange proteins, makes us sick.
Our bodies say, “What’s this? Must be something foreign. I’d better create antibodies to this, fight it, and get rid of it.”
This chronic inflammatory response interferes with thyroid function — and contributes to the epidemic of inflammatory diseases in the developed world.
Lastly, nutritional deficiencies play a big role in thyroid dysfunction. These include deficiencies of iodine, vitamin D, omega-3 fats, selenium, zinc, vitamin A, and the B vitamins.
Once you have confirmed that a sluggish thyroid is contributing to your symptoms, the good news is that there are many, many, many things you can do to help correct thyroid problems.
There are so many reasons for low thyroid function, yet I have seen lots of patients with this problem who were just ignored by their doctors.
For example, one young female patient of mine had more than 30 percent body fat and was unable to change her body, no matter how hard she worked. She ate perfectly, exercised with a trainer every day — and her body still wouldn’t budge.
She also had a slightly depressed mood and other vague symptoms.
So I treated her with a low dose of Armour Thyroid, which is a natural thyroid replacement.
What happened?
Well, she not only lost 20 pounds and improved her body composition, but her mood improved and all her other symptoms went away.
How did I know she had low thyroid function?
Once I have asked about symptoms, done a physical exam, and considered all the potential causes of thyroid problems, I do the right tests.
Most doctors just check something called the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which doesn’t give a full picture of the thyroid. In fact, even the interpretation of this test is incorrect most of the time.
The newer guidelines of the American College of Endocrinology consider anybody with a TSH level over 3.0 as hypothyroid. Most doctors think that only anything over 5 or 10 is worth treating.
Unfortunately, this leaves millions suffering unnecessarily.
There are also other tests, including free T3 and free T4 and thyroid antibodies, which are essential.
I also look for associated problems such as gluten intolerance, food allergies, and heavy metals, as well as deficiencies of vitamin D, selenium, vitamin A, zinc, and omega-3 fats.
There are many things to consider in a careful approach to hypothyroidism.
It is one of the most common problems I see, and treating it properly makes one of the biggest differences in my patients’ quality of life.
Unfortunately, by using the old guidelines and thinking, conventional medicine misses millions who suffer with hypothyroidism.
In fact, in one study, researchers tested everybody who walked through the gates of a county fair with conventional thyroid testing. They found that according to even conservative conventional standards, half of all the people who had hypothyroidism were undiagnosed, untreated, and suffering.
So what’s the solution?
How You Can Overcome Hypothyroidism
I encourage you to take the following steps to rebalance your thyroid:
- Make a thorough inventory of any of the symptoms that I mentioned in the previous hypothyroidism blog to see if you might suffer from hypothyroidism.
- Get the right thyroid tests including TSH, free T3, free T4, TPO, and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies.
- Check for celiac disease with a celiac panel.
- Consider heavy metal toxicity.
- Check your vitamin D level.
Once you have confirmed that a sluggish thyroid is contributing to your symptoms, the good news is that there are many, many, many things you can do to help correct thyroid problems.
I have developed a seven-step plan to address hypothyroidism:
- Treat the Underlying Causes — Identify and treat the underlying causes of hypothyroidism, like food allergies, gluten, heavy metals, nutritional deficiencies, and stress.
- Optimize Your Nutrition – Support your thyroid with optimal nutrition, including foods that contain iodine, zinc, omega-3 fats, selenium, and more.
- Minimize Stress – Eliminate adrenal exhaustion and minimize stress by engaging in a comprehensive stress management program.
- Exercise – Engage in thyroid stimulating exercise, which boosts thyroid function.
- Supplement – Use supplements to help enhance thyroid function, including all the nutrients needed for proper thyroid metabolism and function.
- Heat Therapy – Use saunas and heat to eliminate stored toxins, which interfere with thyroid function.
- Thyroid Hormones – Use thyroid hormone replacement therapy to help support your thyroid gland.
I believe a comprehensive approach is needed to address chronic thyroid issues and to diagnose them. Unfortunately, most of the options for healing by conventional care are quite limited and only provide a partial solution. But by following my seven-step plan you can achieve lifelong vibrant health.
Now I’d like to hear from you …
If you have low thyroid function, how was it diagnosed?
Did you face any resistance from your doctor?
Which of these steps have you tried to treat it and have they helped?
Please let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment.
I have been researching under active thyroid for a short time its difficult to ask a Doctor here to do test they feel we are telling them their job but i shall ask my nurse her opinion on getting these tests done when i attend the clinic for my next checkup. Look forward to reading your books on how to tackle this problem. Its difficult to get the full picture on the cause and then how to treat UAT. All the help i get is appreciated
many thanks
Marie Mc Cormack
After i gave birth to my daughter I developed Grave’s disease. Which years later turned into hypothyroidism. I am currently taking synthroid 0.125 mg. Although I still feel many of the symptoms, hair loss, premature graying, tiredness, fatigue, sore muscles, puffy face, course voice, sensitive to cold…and I could go on. I was also diagnosed with Narcolepsy so its hard to tell which symptom is for which disease. I was told I could take ashwaganda to help with some of my symptoms. I wanted to ask your opinion on that herb in relation to the thyroid.
Appreciate any help.
Thanks
HI Kimmie,
Thank you for your interest in Dr Hyman’s work. Unfortunately Dr Hyman cannot provide personal medical advice in this forum. If you would like to make an appointment at Dr. Hyman’s UltraWellness Center in Lenox, MA please go to:http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com/becoming-a-patient/ When you are finished reading through the material you may call the office at After you have reviewed this, please contact our office to make an appointment. By phone, (413) 637-9991; by email, office@ultrawellnesscenter.com
In general, adaptogenic herbs are a good fit for hypothyroid and autoimmune conditions as the adrenals tend to be exhausted from the stress and inflammation. To see what support Dr Hyman recommends for your thyroid and adrenals, go to store.bloodsugarsolution.com
For more personalized nutrition advice, Dr Hyman’s nutrition coaching team would be happy to work with you on an individual level to help you reach your goals. To work with the nutrition coaching team please go to:http://www.bloodsugarsolution.com/nutrition-coaching/ OR call (800) 892-1443 to get started.
I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I have Celiac as well and have been gluten free for over 10 years.
Is there a connection between the two?
Hi Brenda,
Inflammation tends to be the link between the two. When you think about how stress on the system can aggravate the balance necessary for health, it becomes easier to understand.
For more personalized nutrition advice, Dr Hyman’s nutrition coaching team would be happy to work with you on an individual level to help you reach your goals. To work with the nutrition coaching team please go to: http://www.bloodsugarsolution.com/nutrition-coaching/ OR call (800) 892-1443 to get started.
I was diagnosed in 1993 with hypothryoidism by a progressive doctor. He used the basal temperature method to test me. It was part of the testing he did for Chronic Fatigue Sydrome, which I have. He put me on Armour thyroid and I lost the 25 lbs I had gained quite quickly. This was after being skinny skinny my whole life. Over the years I’ve put on 60 lbs now and it is VERY hard to get rid of. I have been on 1 grain of Armour for 20 years. I still don’t know what triggered my hypothyroidism, but I think my maternal grandmother had a goiter, I was under maximum stress for years, and I have a mouth full of mercury. What I want to know is, WHAT CAN I SAFELY EAT?!?!?!? I have read that I shouldn’t eat spinach, pears, kale, strawberries, and a myriad of other goitrogenic foods. I take all the right supplements, including D, and have been tested for gluten intolerance (negative, though I don’t believe it….). If I exercise, I am constantly in danger of CFS relapse. I am assuming that perhaps my mercury is no longer outgassing, since all the fillings were put in 50 years ago.
i am in my early 50′s and haven’t had a period over a year. i have been feeling terribly tired, have migraines and poor memory. i got my blood test and though t3, t4 levels are normal my tsh is 8. tpo is 40. my doctor thinks i have menopausal symptoms and prescribed more calcium. i also take iodine tablets. how can i change my diet to feel better?
HI Priya!
Thank you for your interest in Dr Hyman’s work. Unfortunately Dr Hyman cannot provide personal medical advice in this forum. If you would like to make an appointment at Dr. Hyman’s UltraWellness Center in Lenox, MA please go to:http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com/becoming-a-patient/ When you are finished reading through the material you may call the office at After you have reviewed this, please contact our office to make an appointment. By phone, (413) 637-9991; by email, office@ultrawellnesscenter.com
It sounds like you would benefit from the diet suggestions in Dr Hyman’s The Blood Sugar Solution! Go to http://www.bloodsugarsolution.com for more information. Also, to learn more about how to eat to regulate your thyroid, you might interested in looking into these resources:
1. http://store.drhyman.com/Store/Show/UltraThyroid/823/The-Ultra-Thyroid-Solution
2. http://drhyman.com/autoimmune-disease-stop-your-body-from-attacking-itself-80/ If you suspect auto-immune hashimotos
3.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47ChsJuAnSo
For more personalized nutrition advice, Dr Hyman’s nutrition coaching team would be happy to work with you on an individual level to help you reach your goals. To work with the nutrition coaching team please go to:http://www.bloodsugarsolution.com/nutrition-coaching/ OR call (800) 892-1443 to get started.
i believe i have most all the symtems listed as a child i was very attopic and had skin tests done got alergy shots with good results now my asthma is worse lungs are sebsitive to all antagins in the air have not worked for a year i do have all the symtoms u listed i was alergic to tomatoes and chese and nuts as a child i feel tired have cronic fatuge fuzzy head mood swings and low energy. i try but i need to boost my thyroid i believe im 5,8 184 lbs not bad but my quality of life is 20 percent poor help me feel better and loose my depression i used to feel so good and have lots of energy please help truely tim kalsnes 715 613 0925
Hi Timothy,
Thank you for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Dr. Hyman Staff
please help i have all symtoms and need advise im alergic to mold and must and poor air and had lots of food alergies in child hood
Hi Timothy,
Thank you for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Dr. Hyman Staff
thank you for so much information it can be helpful to me family members and friends
I am wondering if you could yell me is there anywhere i could go to get private thyroid blood tests done. I have a partial thyroid ( no meds ) have a goitre ( my first 2 were removed when i was 16 & 26 ) im now 43.. i have had a traumatic experience which has led to alot of stress over the past 9 mths.. i now have another goitre & have all the symptoms of underactive thyroid.. in the space of a month i had 3 blood tests.. one was boreedline under& over ( which makes no sense to me ) one was under & my recent one was NORMAL even though i have the goitre & am suffering terrible related symptoms of underactive thryoid.. ive done so much research over rhe yrs & the one thing that frustrates me is the tests the doctors do NEVR include.. T3 , Free T3 & free T4 pus antibodies & adrenal reserve… if TSH & T4 comes back normal.. they say all is fine & send you off with a depression pill…. So not happy with this , i have asked for the T3 etc to be done only to be told it is not needed.. ALL the research i have done says otherwise…………….. Pls help..up until aug 2012.. i was a figure competitor, Personal trainer & busy mom… Now i am overweight, depressed , fatiguedi sleep all nite & most of my days ,have dry skin, hair loss, chest pain, lack of interest in anything etc etc etc Pls can anyone help me
Hello Gwen,
Thank you for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Dr. Hyman Staff
I have been diagnosed with under active thyroid and possible Grave’s disease was told to start taking Thyroxine 50mg. My stress levels have increased in the last couple of years. I’m also living on a farm, we personally don’t spray with chemicals however around the area who knows who is spraying pesticides. No sure on what path to take.
Thank you
Hello Mary,
Thank you for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Dr. Hyman Staff
Dear mark, My mother has low thyroid diease, she dont know what foods to eat to help her, could you please send me a list of foods for he to buy, and maybe a diet plan for her.I dont have any money tosend you, so could you still send me something in the mail to give her, she has had two heart attacks and now her eating habits arent working for her, thanks, My address is, Dena Burris 35419Dry RD lot 16 Albemarle N.C. 28001 thank you so very much..
Hello Dena,
Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet. Please feel free to review our website for recipes and refer to http://drhyman.com/?s=thyroid&submit=Search for articles on thyroid conditions.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Dr. Hyman Staff
I was tested a month ago for a low thyriod. I am only 24 years old female. Since I have been on the medication at times I feel very depressed. Something as simple as someone asking how are, makes me want to burst into tears. I have always not handled stress that well but lately it seems like anything just consumes me and i stress and worry about it for days. Yesterday I felt depressed but now today I feel okay. It’s weird because I normally I don’t feel like this. My family keeps asking how I am feeling because they too can notice a difference. I am confused if the medication that I am on is making me sick worse and if this will pass and I will feel better again.
Hello Dallas,
Thank you for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Dr. Hyman Staff
My daughter is 19 and was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at the age of 16. Her weight has been a problem since the age of 8. No matter what she did, the weight would not come off. She had other signs of a nonfunctioning thyroid, so I asked the Dr. to test her thyroid. We now go to an Endocrinologist and my daughter is on Synthoid 137mcg. Her weight is still a problem, which might be ok if she lived a normal life, however she is a college athlete and works out at least 2 hours everyday, which she has been doing for the last 8 years. She is now on a last ditch effort and drinking Herbalife shakes for breakfast and lunch, with a normal dinner. In the last 2 weeks she has lost 7 pounds, but I’m sure it will come back once she stops drinking them. There has got to be something else wrong, which is holding her back from losing weight with such an active lifestyle. She is not a junkfood person and for the most part eats healthy, and does not over eat.
I am so happy that so many people with hypothyroidism are taking a stand and spreading awareness! I am a 25 year old female and I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 3 years ago. I too started a blog recently about my experience being “hypo”. This website is full of great information so far…keep up the good work!
Hi– Great article! I do have a question, though. I have Hashimoto’s and Celiac’s, and even though I am on a low-carb diet, I am still unable to lose weight. Aside from my autoimmune diseases, I am very healthy (a former college athlete). I am not over-weight, but the last time I was on a strict low-carb diet, I was able to quickly and easily lose 20 lbs (more for aesthetic/comfort reasons than health ones). I put back on that weight during the holidays and I have been struggling to get it back off over the last few months to no avail.
Even though my thyroid levels are good and my Celiac’s is managed, why can’t I lose weight?
Any response gratefully received!
Hi Brittany,
Thank you for your interest in Dr Hyman’s work. Unfortunately Dr Hyman cannot provide personal medical advice in this forum. If you would like to make an appointment at Dr. Hyman’s UltraWellness Center in Lenox, MA please go to:http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com/becoming-a-patient/ When you are finished reading through the material you may call the office at After you have reviewed this, please contact our office to make an appointment. By phone, (413) 637-9991; by email, office@ultrawellnesscenter.com
In the meantime, please look into these resources to help you boost your metabolism and your immune system so your thyroid responds properly!
1. http://store.drhyman.com/Store/Show/UltraThyroid/823/The-Ultra-Thyroid-Solution
2. http://drhyman.com/autoimmune-disease-stop-your-body-from-attacking-itself-80/ If you suspect auto-immune hashimotos
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47ChsJuAnSo
For more personalized nutrition advice, Dr Hyman’s nutrition coaching team would be happy to work with you on an individual level to help you reach your goals. To work with the nutrition coaching team please go to:http://www.bloodsugarsolution.com/nutrition-coaching/ OR call (800) 892-1443 to get started.
I need information on thyroid stimulating exercise and supplements which enhance thyroid function. Also what is a stress management protocol for hypothyroid sufferers?
Hi Deborah,
Thank you for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Dr. Hyman Staff
I’ve been experiencing hypothyroid lately and have experienced it previously in life. My new doctor recommended that I get a TSH test done. My levels came out to be 4.55 and the normal range is 0.4 – 4.6. So he thinks it’s unnecessary to put me in medication. When I asked him how to lower TSH levels, he told me to try to eat salt with iodine in it.
I’ve experienced weight gain, tiredness, sluggishness, hair loss, changes in my neck, etc.
so now I’m seeking a new doctor who won’t leave my condition untreated. I’m a 20 year old college student and it’s hard being self conscious about my body image because I went from a size 1 to a size 5. And that’s not even my main concern. I just don’t feel good about myself anymore. I’m tired constantly and have no motivation, which isn’t helping my grades.
Reading this article really helped me learn that doctors will ignore this condition and many have to suffer. I will find a good doctor who is willing to help me!
Thank you!
hello there, i was wondering i had all my thyroid levels checked and all is good, but cant seem to lose any weight and I eat like 1300-1400 calories a day, on treadmill for like 3-5 miles a day, drink water, and try to eat as healthy as I can at the time and not even a pound comes off why? is there anything I can eat or do i just want to lose 10 pounds thats it…….my doctor said not to take any diet pills just eat less and excercise more and thats what I have been doing and nothing ;(….thanks much, Pattie
Hello Patricia,
You could look into our Nutrition Coaching for assistance: http://store.drhyman.com/Store/Search?Terms=nutrition+coaching.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Dr. Hyman Staff
Hi Patricia,
Take a look at Nutrition Coaching if you need some guidance: http://store.drhyman.com/Store/Search?Terms=nutrition+coaching.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Dr. Hyman Staff
I have a blood sugar of 130 mg/dl and thyroid problems and my doctor won’t run the tests or deal with it. Please tell me how to find doctors like Dr. Hyman in Mercer County, NJ. Thank you, Claudia Kienzle
Thank you for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. To locate a practitioner of functional medicine in your area see the “Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner” link at the Institute of Functional Medicine website: http://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Dr. Hyman Staff
hi i’m from trinidad i would like to know what is the normal thyroid range. I did a FT 4 test and the result was 0.883 the doctor said it was just a little low and its nothing to be worried about, but reading these symptoms i can see a comparrison plz let me know how to deal with this
Hi Carlene,
Thank you for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. We cannot offer medical advice over the internet, your doctor can advise you on how to proceed.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Dr. Hyman Staff