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 suffering with all the symptoms of hypothyroidism for perhaps 20 years.Armour Throid was subscribed but seemed to do nothing to help so I just stopped taking it. I was never over the line so I figured I’d just live with the symptoms. And I have them all! But things have been steadily getting worse. I have gained 50 pounds and cannot get it off, much higher cholesterol, depression, etc. My doctor needed proding but she decided to give me levothyroxin only because of the depression and because my free T3, T4 levels were very low (I pushed for the free T3, T4) but according to her–low normal. From what i’ve read it seems like even being on the medication doesn’t guarantee that I can rid myself of the long list of symptoms. I don’t know what to do. I’ve only been on the medication for 4 weeks. I’m hoping!!! Any advice?Thanks! Mary Beth
It took years of pain, discomfort, weight gain, mood swings, two surgeries to remove my thyroid gland, numerous specialists, etc before I was finally able to find help with my hypothyroid condition. I had a bad spell of symptoms in 2008 which led to the diagnosis of a tumor on my pituitary gland which made me self refer to the Cleveland Clinic for help. I found Dr. Adi Mehta who has been my saving grace. He literally saw me within days of my self referral and, in one appointment with him, was able to determine why I was having so many problems with thyroid replacement absorption. I still have symptoms, but my life is not near in the turmoil it once was. Dr. Mehta believes I may have what is called Hashimoto’s Encephalopathy and he provided me with the contact information of a physician in Florida who may be able to determine for sure. I emailed her, however, I only received one response where she offered to contact Dr. Mehta but have not heard from her since. I hope one day to find out for sure if I do have the other disease but, regardless, I praise the Lord for my Doc every day for helping to return my life to me! I am so glad to have come across your article as it brings joy to my heart to know there are other physician out there who believe in and care about the patients with this type of health issue. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
I’m of a mixed mind when it comes to thyroid replacement therapy. I’m a little concerned about any type of hormone replacement therapy as the postmenopausal hormone replacement therapies went from being the new fountain of youth to being not recommended. On the one hand, taking medication for hypothyroidism gives an immediate lift in mood as opposed to feeling very unwell. On the other hand, when I don’t take thyroid meds, I have trouble growing hair, fingernails and toenails so it feels highly unlikely that I could have a disease involving the overproduction of cells. My other concern is when I’m hypothyroid, there are fewer demands being placed on my heart which leads to deconditioning. I’d feel more comfortable if rather than just being given a prescription, there were also safe guidelines given for improving overall conditioning of muscles that have grown weak from low demands being placed on them.
I am on 4 grains Armour thyroid daily, and have been for several years. I recently found out that I have severe sleep apnea, and believe that this may have caused the stress that upset the thyroid. The sleep apnea is being treated with CPAP. I do feel better, but would guess that I am only about 60% of the way there. I am sure that I have adrenal fatigue as well. I am guessing that I should work on the potential food allergies before I do anything else. I hate to go any higher on the Armour, but indications are that I need to. Do you have a comment on maximum doses of Armour Thyroid? Thank you.
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.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I have to take half of my thyroid after 7pm to avoid breathing problems at night. Although I am currently on compounded synthetics, my dose of ERFA Thyroid (the Canadian version of Armour) has been as high as 330 mg or more recently on 305 mg ERFA plus 35 mcg of compounded levothyroxine for many years. There is no maximum dose. But increases need to be made slowly, in stepwise fashion, and based on labs as well as symptoms.
Any adrenal insuffiiciency needs to be addressed before making any further increases. Serum ferritin and other iron levels should also be optiminzed. I found that I was unable to get from 270 mg to 300 mg until we also optimized all of my s*e*x and adrenal hormones.
I did not do this on my own. I was working with an excellent doctor.
I am not happy with my current thyroid treatment. I am currently taking Synthroid 1.50 mg.
A fast history – started at age 15 / prescribed water pills for edema, normal thyroid test / state job required physical – doctor said I had hypothyroidism despite normal test results / family doctor put me on synthroid and called my condition “thyroiditis” / age 20, moved, referred to specialist and told I didn’t look like I needed treatment – normal test results / age 26, pseudotumor cerebri with advanced papilledema – thought was due to thyroid, but tests were normal, regardless of hypothyroid symptoms (all other causes ruled out) / numerous cases of pseudotumor crebri with papilledema since / advanced tests and scans reveal thyroid problem / on and off of synthroid – depends if doctor believes my thyroid claim (records were available to view, but…) / been on synthroid since age 32 – told I have hashimoto’s disease (nuclear scan showed gland 2x larger than normal and a good portion of it is dead) / over a decade of synthroid adjustments and misery.
I now go through long cycles of being in the normal test range, yet feel the symptoms of a low gland. When my test show hypothyroidism, I am given a higher dosage. Eventually I am then given a lower dosage as the tests show I am hyperthyroid (without those symptoms). It can take a few years for my tests to finally go abnormal, yet by then I have been living with the effects of a low gland for much of that time.
In March 2010, my thyroid test result was at 8, and I was prescribed Synthroid 1.75. And recent tests had it just below the normal range – so I was taken off the meds for a few days,before the doctor prescribed Synthroid 1.50. Three years ago I was on the 1.75 dose and put on the 1.50 dose when the tests went below normal. For several years before then, my test results would be at the low end of normal, or just below it. This cycle has been going on for over a decade.
Why don’t doctors think about why do my test results eventually go hypo when on one dose and swing hyper on the next higher dose. I honestly think there is something wrong with my body not filtering things normally, and perhaps another medication may be better for my system.
Responses of doctors throughout the years: the large thyroid is from having hyperthyroidism in the past – or I should stop playing with or touching the gland, as that makes it larger / there’s not such thing as thyroiditis / thyroid medicine is not a diet aid / who said you have a thyroid problem? / who put you on this dose? / a lot of people think they have a thyroid problem / the symptoms will be considered and not just the test results (so not true) / “I’m just going to treat you for depression.”
I am currently a college student and have had such a hard time concentrating, recalling and retaining my once great GPA (am considering quitting college). I am tired in more than one way. My enlarged tongue was starting to go down, but is starting to feel and look larger. Kind of hard to get out of and stay out of depression. This is so not the quality of life that I want. I would appreciate any suggestions.
I am not happy with my current thyroid treatment. I am currently taking Synthroid 1.50 mg.
In March 2010, my thyroid test result was at 8, and I was prescribed Synthroid 1.75. And recent tests had it just below the normal range – so I was taken off the meds for a few days,before the doctor prescribed Synthroid 1.50. have been on and off both doses for over a decade.
The doctors will not look into why my test results eventually go hypo when on one dose and swing hyper on the next higher dose. I honestly think there is something wrong with my body not filtering things normally, and perhaps another medication may be better for my system.
to Sharon you are the first person I found that has mentioned enlarged tongue. I had the same symptom along with a sore on side of tongue and found it to be related to fillers in Levothyroxine specifically SLS. This went on for 2 years as my doctor said it was probably cancer as it was not related to Hashimoto’s
Dr. Hyman, what do you think about iodine supplementation and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis? I have read that it is not recommended. However, I don’t seem to absorb my thyroid med (nature-throid) very effectively, and I also have pernicious anemia and an inability to absorb iron from food or supplements. I get monthly b12 shots, and recently had a course of venofir IVs that raised my ferritin levels above 3 for the first time in 15 years. So I wonder if I may have trouble absorbing iodine also. I recently increased my thyroid med by one grain, and noticed no difference in my fatigue, though I did stop gaining weight. I have had endoscopy (upper and lower) which showed nothing but some possible reflux (no sign of bowel disease or celiac). I take D3, B complex, omega-3s, probiotics, ubiquinol every day. Any suggestions? I am tempted to try iodine supplements to see if it helps my thyroid function.
Thank you for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Unfortunately, questions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Hello Doctor,
I was diagnosed w/ hypothyroid 12 years ago and I think I have been on every med and combination of meds there are. My general practioner (who referred me to you ) is very thorough and I get tested normally every 3-5 months depending on symptoms or changes in dose. She, treats “ME” not just the labs. After not seeing any positive results I decided to enlist the help of another practioner who is a hollistic cardiologist who “specializes” in low functioning thyroid. In the meantime, my general practioner finally convined me to cut out Gluten and Casin. I am curious to see if this helps. In the above article you mention “thyroid stimulating exercises” ,can you tell me where I can find out more information about them? Its really a catch twenty two as I have such fatigue and lethargy and overall lack of motivation, I dont know that I will be up to doing the exercises but i would still like to hear about them. I am a Firefighetr/Paramedic by profeesion and am astounded by the number of people I run on that are on Synthroid and the like. I have also found Thyroid problems in general to be high amongst my fellow co-workers as well. I appreciate all yor information and will keep up with you site.
Exercise in general stimulates the thyroid. If you are exhausted, start slow–even with just a few minutes of walking per day–and build up over time. Exercise is a critical component of lifelong health, and it is very beneficial for thyroid function.
I am still enduring hypothyroid symptoms. I’ve been trying to get help for these symptoms for over 3 years. My mother has always been hypothyroid, though I only found that out 3 years ago, which led me to doing my own research. I have been to two GP doctors, 2 endocrinologists and a nutritionist. My TSH has always tested in the 2.5 to 3.5 range so no one will help me. I have several small nodules on my thyroid.
My weight seems to be set at 35 pounds too much no matter what I do. I have hair loss, endless fatigue, depression, stress, high cholesterol, low blood pressure, nail ridges, dry skin, early menopause symptoms, and muscle pain. My resting temp averages about 97.4 or so. I’ve tested low for Vitamin D and B12 and now supplement both. Even so, I have neuromas in both feet and occasional tingling in my hands and feet.
I try to eat healthy whole foods, minimize wheat products and de-stress when I can. I exercise in spurts but mostly enjoy walking (when my feet don’t too much) hurt and yoga.
I can’t express how frustrated I am that I can find no doctor willing to help me with this. I went to the Functional Medicine web site and looked up a doctor nearby that is listed there but, frankly, I have my doubts that she will be any help since the listing on the site isn’t really a referral.
Anyways, thanks for your article. It’s good to know that not ALL doctors are stuck in the same rut… even if I can’t find one nearby. Thanks for letting me vent.
I’ve had minor symptoms of hypothyroidism since childhood but somehow they went undetected. Weight gain was the missing symptom but that could be due to an undetected wheat allergy and poor digestion. Recently, I had thyroid tests and the TSH is almost 8 and refered to as sub clinical hypo thyroid. TPO levels are 217 and it could be due to an increase in wheat intake. Nutrition is good though stress levels could improve. Many think I am underweight (and wonder if I have hypo or hyper thyroid). Thanks for your article, it’s a very clear and helpful assessment for those who are uninformed.
You mentioned about a natural thyroid replacement: Armour Thyroid. How is it natural/different from altroxin? And what could be the reason for no weight gain? Thank you.
I feel so good reading this blog…it is like SOMEBODY GETS IT! I eliminated gluten not knowing the connection with the thyroid and it took years for a doctor to finally send me to an endocrinologist…found a nodule on a sonogram which turned out to be a cold spot on a nucelar scan. A biopsy didn’t work out due to no thyroid tissue identified so I have to have another one and then possibly have part of my thryoid removed…I am already on meds for hypothyroidism, but found this information so affirming that eliminating gluten several years ago was the right thing to do…i have a ways to go but my quality of life improved dramatically by eliminating gluten.
Thanks for your dedication to helping sufferers.
If I produce my blood count for thyroid, can it be diagnosed and can dr. Hyman give me a natural treatment according to the blood counts, could amour be prescribed for me ? I am in Arizona and the medical doctors are not really helpful in prescribing natural remedies.
Please could you help me if I get my blood counts done and forward it to you or can you recommend a medical doctor that can help me.
Waiting in anticipation.
Margaret Van Der Merwe
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’s website. Here you will find a place to enter your zip code and look for practitioner’s in your area that have completed the institute’s five-day training course in functional medicine. Understand that not all of the doctors listed here will fit your particular needs. Many different medical professionals complete this training, and you will have to do additional research on your own regarding a particular practitioner’s approach and whether or not it fits your specific medical requirements. This may include calling the practioner’s office, visiting his or her website, and/or scheduling a consultation.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism about four years ago and took the radioactive iodine resulting in hypothyroidism. My endocrinologist has been trying to find the right synthroid dosage for me since. I recently found out that my TSH level is perfect (less than 2.5) as I have been taking one 0.112MG of synthroid daily. My friend has been telling me how gluten can affect the thyroid. I asked my endocrinologist and she said gluten doesn’t affect the thyroid. I will be taking a break from marathon training during the winter, but will continue to exercise. I decided to do an experiment by going gluten free and not taking my synthroid. I will be taking another blood test in a month and a half and will be interested to see what the level will be.
I have Hashimotos Hypothyroidism and am on levothyroxine 50mcg daily. I also take lugols iodine gtts and a thyroid support supplement. I have read that levothyroxine may decrease bone mass. Also , is it true that once you start the thyroid hormones you have to take them for life? Does getting off gluten and taking supplements ever make it possible to get off the hormone? Or is it wiser to stay on it?
Thank you, Judith, 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.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I’m in the hard-to-gain weight group w/dry skin, hair loss, nail ridges, heart fluctuation, anxiety, low energy ( though plug on). With a pop in my solar plexsus, it will go completely away, but haven’t gotta clue on trigger? Feel a “vibration” coming from center when feeling bad. Very difficult to solve and certainly conventional medicine not helpful. I think more concentration needs to.be focused on an area called “Electromedicine.” Too many of us are not getting symptom relief even from modalities suggested here.
After resisting at least three doctor’s recommendations that I begin taking thyroid medication, I finally submitted three years ago starting out on Synthroid, then switching to Armour thryoid, and finally to a compounded form because the Armour became impossible to get consistently. This past year I broke my knee in a freak accident when playing racquetball. I have done weight-bearing exercise, mainly running for the past 30 years and do not fit the profile for someone prone to osteoporosis. A recent bone density test put me in the warning range for my hips which are showing bone thinning- or osteopeonia! I was stunned and horrified. My doctor is now recommending medications such as Fosamax, etc. which I am very afraid of taking. After doing a bit of research I found that thyroid medication can be a cause of bone thinning. I am really angry about not being warned of this in advance and am in a total quandary as to what to do. Do I try to get off of thryoid medication? Will calcium supplementation help at all? Help!
Thank you, Kathy, 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.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Dr. Hyman,I was diagnosed with an overactive thyroid 12 mths ago.I still get teeth chattering sweats,body aches and pains,how can I stop all this,I am on carbinizole 5mg 2 twice a day.also what is the right diet,Thankyou R Rush
Thank you, Ms. R. Rush, 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.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Feeling really generally bad for over a year. Blood tests normal (last TSH 2.4) but I have anxiety/depression, fatigue, insomnia, aches/pains. I always feel cold and have a quite low body temperature – typically in the morning < 97degrees. But am not gaining weigh and have low cholesterols (taking simvastatin). Does seem like my outer eyebrows are very thin. Had a thyroid nodule 12 years ago and it was benign. But you can still see the remains of it. I was on Synthroid for 2+ years back then. Has a whiplash incident two years ago and was on Lyrica for 18months. I just want to figure this out as I feel like crap and have for a long time.
Thank you, Openlcr, 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.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I have been suffering from hypothyroidism and hypoinsulanism all my adult life. Synthroid did not agree with me. Armour Thyroid was little help and necessitated increasing doses. Both would simply take over my thyroid function, which would diminish further. Three courses of T3 therapy a few years ago helped, but now symptoms are worse than ever. Pretty sure I have Hashimotos but unable to locate any doctor who accepts Medicare who would treat it properly with nutrition, detox;and necessary blood, stool and saliva tests, etc. Cannot afford to pay an “alternative practitioner” because they don’t take Medicare and tests and visits are really expensive.
CAN YOU HELP ME LOCATE A DOCTOR IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA OR ANY OF THE SURROUNDING CITIES WHO TAKES MEDICARE AND KNOWS HOW TO TREAT HASHIMOTOS?
I have devoted myself for the past 35 years to anti-aging nutrition, supplements and practices and look physically 20 years younger than my age, but am so fogged out, exhausted, anxious, depressed, etc. (name your symptom, I’ve got it!) that I’m beginning to wonder if its worthwhile to extend a life that seems to be running into the ground!
Thank you, D. Sclar, 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’s website. Here you will find a place to enter your zip code and look for practitioner’s in your area that have completed the institute’s five-day training course in functional medicine. Understand that not all of the doctors listed here will fit your particular needs. Many different medical professionals complete this training, and you will have to do additional research on your own regarding a particular practitioner’s approach and whether or not it fits your specific medical requirements. This may include calling the practioner’s office, visiting his or her website, and/or scheduling a consultation.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
In 1998 got my thyroid removed left 2 parathyroid. Was in my thirties never recommended to take anything for low thyroid, Hell I.didn’t have one now I am asking .feel draggy we got cattle to take care of over 250 head then we have 6 chicken houses and it’s just me and husband and hired hand two days a week got a big pretty house and I don’t feel like cleaning it and I hate dirt and things in disarray just want to work at chicken house a little play decorator and landscape and make my own oasis to never leave have all right here kids wit in 1/4 mile from us .nothing to be upset one big happy family,and facing oral surgery on iupper implants now if you know anybody who could help. Me please call or email me I am 55 but don’t look it gonna be 12 thousand dollars you could bury me cheaper than that ,,,,,,!!!!!!
Thanks for listen g
Thank you, Jsory, 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.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Dr Hyman;
A couple of years ago I was diagnosed by my Naturopath Doctor with Type 2 Hypothyroidism due to my low BBT’s and all the classic symptoms, such us mid afternoon fatigue, memory loss, hair loss, inability to gain weight,etc. I was reluctant at first to start taking Armour thyroid. But I began taking the compound form last year (Armour wasn’t available), last May my TSH was 0.77 and the Free T3 2.9, very good. I switched to Armour thyroid 30 mg in AM right around that time.
I have recently have a TSH done and it came 2.71 ! It’s never been that high. Now Doc says I have type 1 hypothyroidism and he ordered further testing and to increase the Armour to 30 mg in AM and 15 mg at PM.
I’m confused with these results…have you ever seen this happening ?
I would appreciate any input .
Thanks.
Thank you, Sonia, 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.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I have been studying your entries all over my morning holiday, and I will have to admit the entire article has been very enlightening and very well written. I believed I would let you realize that for a few explanation why this blog does now not view smartly in Internet Explorer 8. I desire Microsoft may forestall converting their software. I’ve a question for you. May you mind exchanging weblog roll hyperlinks? That would be in reality neat!
I was diagnosed with Hashimotos thyroiditis in China. I had my Tsh T 3 T 4 first tested in the us because if a goiter. in China they did a complete thyroid profile which i am so happy they did.I am on Armour and it has done wonders for me. I had aches in my legs,restless leg syndrom,and couldn’t sleep. As soon as I started taking Armour it stopped. I will be going back to China ad I will probably incorporate Chinese herbology to my protocol. I reconmend the book Stop the Thyroid Madness.
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto disease 3 years ago. At that time I went from being a healthy full of evergy person to someone who was sick all the time and had no energy. I really didn’t know what was happening to me…by the time I was diagnosed my TSH ws 59 and getting out of bed was a daily struggle for me.
I see my Dr. every 6 months and we keep a close eye on my TSH, T3 and T4 levels. My Dr. is great and is always there to help me when I need it…that is a very important part of getting through this disease.
I have occasional set backs and will have days when I can’t work and I sleep all day. The first thing I do when I feel like this is try and think about what I have done different in the past few days. Each time it’s something new that I have introduced into my diet and it has a very negative affect on me and my condition. A week before Christmas I started drinking green tea due to all the benefits I thought it had. Well when I started getting sick I knew it had to be the tea. There is flouride in tea that is not good for people with thyroid problems and it was making me feel tired, achy and depressed. Once I realized it was the tea I stopped drinking it and felt better the next day. I guess my point I am trying to make to people is when you have a thyroid condition you have to really be careful about everything you take. Some things can really have a bad affect on the way you feel. I went Gluten free months ago and I have noticed a big difference in the way I feel. Sometimes medicine from our Dr. isn’t enough, we need to be careful with our diet and what we introduce to our bodies. I have had several set backs with my health since I was diagnosed with Hashimoto disease and most of them were due to changes I made in my diet or supplements. Be careful..something you think may be helping you may actually be making you feel worse.
What do you mean by thyroid-stimulating exercises?
I’m curious if you have ever experienced a client that has no physical symptoms for hypothyroidism. (No depression, fatigue, weight gain, hair loss or greying, pain…)
In 2004, at age 56 for preventative measures of osteoporosis, I had a blood test to determine hormone levels. My TSH was around 238, the TPO was not tested. I took .5g grains of Armor for 3 months and the TSH reduced to 11, the TPO was over 100. I was asked to take 1.5 grains of Armor and found it very agitating so relied on Supplementations for the next 6 years. The only time the tests reported normal was with saliva tests, so I am not sure of their reliability, since my TPO is 220 and my TSH is 13. The T3 and T4 have remained in the low/normal range. My thyroid now has several nodules. I’m now 64 and still the same weight, hiking, backpacking and basically still symptom free. I have discovered that I am gluten intolerant and have taken supplements for leaky gut, though I have no digestive track symptoms. the supplements or eliminating corn and gluten did drop the TPO to 161. I’m considering going back on Armor or Naturthroid. So, I basically would not know I have Hashimoto’s Hypothyroidism if it were not for the blood tests results.
Thanks for any comments.
Joan
Thank you, Joan, 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.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Thanks to Dr. Hyman, I realized that all things I don’t like about myself physically were not genetic, nor personality quirks but rather straightforward symptoms of hypothyroid. For more than 10 years I’ve been walking around with my puffy eyes (as though I’ve been crying), losing so much hair daily (ever since my teens!), my hands and feet are always freezing cold (I’m afraid to touch anybody), I’ve hated my nails for being detached from their nailbeds near the free edge (apparently that’s called onycholysis), I’ve lost the outer third of one eyebrow (very insymmetrical look), I can’t sense smells (apparently, vitamin D deficiency), I’m so sensitive to cold that I need to sleep fully dressed, I have low temperature (never before even bothered checking) and there’s an inexplainable itch (but I’m not sure that one’s related). How did it come to this? I haven’t had any tests done yet, but I know I barely step into the sunshine (severe vitamin D deficiency ever since a child) and, since I’m a vegetarian, my mother always made me compensate by eating ridiculously HUGE amounts of soy! Daily! I really never would have added all those up to a single diagnoisis it it weren’t for these blogs. Now I’m on to solving this:)
Hello Dr Hyman,
After having a baby I felt tired all the time, stressed, worried and dizzy and tingling in my hands and toes. I also had brain fog. All these symptoms and more were dismissed by doctors and they attributed these to having a baby. I also had developed alopecia and I have lost about 1/2 the hair on my scalp which is totally bald. I was told over and over again that there was nothing that can be done.
I saw a trichologist for my hair who suggested I have a thyroid test which I did and it turned out that I have hypothyroidism. My doctor said “it doesn’t matter why your thyroid is not working – only that it is not working” After reading all the reasons why thyroid may not function properly I decided tha It is infact important why it is not working so that it can be treated according.
Still looking for answers doctor – I would love to be treated by you. I live in Australia but I am happy to travel whereever you are!
Linda
Thank you, Linda, 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’s website. Here you will find a place to enter your zip code and look for practitioner’s in your area that have completed the institute’s five-day training course in functional medicine. Understand that not all of the doctors listed here will fit your particular needs. Many different medical professionals complete this training, and you will have to do additional research on your own regarding a particular practitioner’s approach and whether or not it fits your specific medical requirements. This may include calling the practioner’s office, visiting his or her website, and/or scheduling a consultation.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I was treated with a low dose of Prozac for about 5 years. It wasn’t until I lost my husband that my stress levels and adrenals were completely out of range. The Prozac made me a zombie and I was a mess. I went to a doctor that specialized in women’s health issues. I was entering menopause and thought maybe my weakness in muscles, severe fatigue, night sweats, irritability were all stress and menopause related. I am sure some of it was. I was tested and found that my adrenals were completely flat. No curve in the diagram the doctor showed me. My thyroid was not extreme but enough to give me the symptoms of muscle weakness and brain fog. I started on Armour Thyroid and I felt so much better. I have stopped taking it to see what would happen and I am depressed, low energy, lack of desire and have no joy in my life. I was also perscribed Bioidentical hormones. I can’t seem to get them in balance. So I am sticking just to the Armour Thyroid for now. Should I consider still taking replacement hormones? I am 56 years old. Pretty Healthy….just don’t feel right.
What foods should be avoided if one suspects thyroid insufficiency?
I was diagnosed hypothyroid since 1995. I am on Levothyroxine 175mu for nearly 2 years before that 150mu and no vitamin supplement. It just dose not work. I had got my self back for 14 to 15 months 3 years ago where I had found myself and lost nearly 25kg but all of a sudden it started failing and my GP kept on saying it is all normal there is nothing wrong and now I am worse. At present I seem to have lost my confidence. I had bought your Ultrawellness thyroid book in 2009 but never could understand it to explain to my GP who thinks I have gone depressed. I cannot help it if I do not feel well. I feel so tired and for the past few months I have stopped going to the gym and even small steps matter, I have mood swings and feel defeated by myself. My work is effected by this too. please explain what I should do.
Thank you, A Jariwala, 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.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Two and half years ago I found a nodule on my thyroid. This was an incidental finding that was found after I had a reaction to the IV I was given during my daughter’s C-sec. I followed the nodule with blood work and sonograms and after a year of following what seemed to be “normal” the nodule grew and my dr. decided to biopsy it. As it turns out, I was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid cancer. I had a total thyroidectomy and a treatment of radioactive iodine and then was placed on levothyroxine. All in all, the thyroid meds seemed to regulate me except I was over medicated at times with tsh dropping as low at .1 . My heart seemed to be racing all the time and I couldn’t sleep. (All of this was very difficult for me with a 1 year old running around!) My dr. then backed off the meds but then my tsh was too high. This see-saw effect went on for over a year and became quite frustrating. I then came to my senses and started seeing a holistic “healer”. He wound up being my saving grace and helped me work through a lot of my anxieties and fears which developed after the trauma of going through thyroid cancer (and a very scary delivery which resulted in a hysterectomy. I was 30 at the time). Little by little we began to unfold this thyroid mystery. He put me on a strict gluten free diet as well as eliminating other foods that seem to trigger poor digestion. (Dairy, soy and refined sugar). As long as I can remember I have a stomach issues. Bouts of constipation, followed by diarrhea and extreme bloating. I was told I had IBS (that means, I have absolutely no idea what’s the matter with you)! I had a celiac blood test about 10 years ago, but it came back negative, so I ruled out a gluten allergy. I decided to give the gluten free diet a try and low and behold, I feel an incredible difference in terms of digestion. Switching to a gluten free diet coincided with me switching my meds from levothyroxine to synthroid. (This was about 8 mths ago). Since then, although my stomach feels better, I have not been absorbing my meds. My TSH has consistently risen .8, 1.2, 1.9, 2.2, and now a stunning 7.4!! My dose of synthroid went from 137 to 150 and still my tsh rises. All of this is BAFFELING! Not to mention, I am exhausted and irritable. This is when my big epiphany came…I switched to synthroid the time I went gluten free. Perhaps there is something in my diet that contains gluten that is not allowing me to absorb my meds?? Low and behold, I discovered that SYNTHROID CONTAINS GLUTEN!!! I am praying this is the answer to my long dragged out mystery and going back to the generic brand (which is gluten free) is going to stabilize me. I just switched to levothyroxine and will have my blood tested in a bout 6 weeks. I refuse to be pumped up with higher and higher doses. That can’t be the answer. My heart can’t tolerate it. Being overmedicated actually brought out extra beats in my heart (a condition called PVC). I refuse to develop a secondary issue. This is not the life I signed up for. SO, my plan is to continue to eat a healthy gluten free diet, manage my stress and exercise through yoga (which I love) and find myself an endocrinologist who will look at the BIG picture and inform me of certain details that would be helpful. (Such as, don’t take synthoid if you are gluten free!!)
my thyroid labs were abnormal about 12 yrs ago,i was diagnosed with hashimoto’s. they tried me on a number of synthetic thyroid replacement meds, and armour thyroid (at my request), they all made my symptoms worse. the endocrinologist said it was all in my head. i then went about 4 yrs without any treatment, slugging through, but feeling better than with the meds. i found a new doctor when i moved to another state and she started me on cytomel. it’s made a huge difference, though doctors don’t seem to like to prescribe it. my antibodies are still sky high, but i’m now, finally, on my own, learning about the gluten connection, and other food sensitivities. on the cytomel, my weight and energy are stable, but i still have trouble with insomnia and constipation…….which i’m sure are related to garbage that i eat!
Thank you for you insightful article. I have recently been diagnosed with an extreme case of hypothyroidism with levels over 150 (*Yes…you’re reading that right…150) and have been scheduled for more testing as to why I display most of the symptoms (i.e. fatigue, extreme weight gain, headaches, muscle weakness, low libido) but none of the others,( i.e. an enlarged/swollen gland or depression). After reading several responses, I can understand why I ignored majority of the signs due to several incidences that were occurring in my life last year that could have “hidden” the underlying problem of hypothyroidism. I look forward to trying the 7 Steps outlined in addressing my issue to see if it will be my first line of defense in countering the hypothyroidism and seeing what form of treatment will work to help me manage it. I will comment at a later time to share my progress and look forward to a healthy future, now that I know what alternatives are available.
Dr. Hyman
I have been following you for several years. I changed my eating habits and followed your advice in Ultrametabolism book. I lost 65 lbs. ( was 286) at a rate of 1/2 to 1 lb per day. I reached a plateau, lost my job after 4 years and had 2 back surgeries in 1 year. I gained back 40 lbs. and have not been able to lose again. Now I have a 6cm goiter on my thyroid. I will have surgery on 2/8/11 and I am afraid they will take my entire thyroid. I dont want to take synthetic thyroid replacement for the rest of my life. Can I take Armour Thyroid and who can I get to prescribe it? Thank you for all you do!
Good luck finding a doctor that will even treat hypothyroidism. I have most if not all these symptoms and asked my doctor specifically for a TSH test after gaining more than 50 pounds in 4 years. My levels came back at 4.15 but he doesn’t treat for hypothyroidism unless it is over 6.0. Now what am I suppose to do?
Thank you, Denise, 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’s website. Here you will find a place to enter your zip code and look for practitioner’s in your area that have completed the institute’s five-day training course in functional medicine. Understand that not all of the doctors listed here will fit your particular needs. Many different medical professionals complete this training, and you will have to do additional research on your own regarding a particular practitioner’s approach and whether or not it fits your specific medical requirements. This may include calling the practioner’s office, visiting his or her website, and/or scheduling a consultation.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
i have been exhausted since the first of 3 joint replacements. I was hit by a car as a pedestrian in 04, developed severe traumatic arthritis or so i was told in 1 shoulder , and 2 knees ,including the one the car hit. I feel like i have been inGuantanamo.
The aftercare left much to be desired, paincontrol haphazard. i have taken no narcotics, have daytime drowsiness, 2 Advil is for the pain, i hate being drowzy.
the lastsurgery was Oct 5 2010. Now i want to find other ways to be treated. Not sure whatto ask the internist. Hegave me melatoninfor sleep. Last night i slept 12 hours. i am in Illinois wish i could come see you. Muriel
PS i take the supplements and eat fruits and veggies ,lean meat and fish, etc.
Thank you, Muriel, 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.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I had my thyroid removed in 2002. I was diagnosted with hyperthyroidism with two nodules. After surgery I was put on synthroid 1.25. Later I had problems balancing the harmonne level. Every 3 1/2 month I have the test for thyroid level. After several changes on the medication I am now on straigh 1.50 mg.
I take natural vitamins containing calcium, iodine, magnesium citrate, zinc citrate, copper, manganese, chromium, boron, silicon, selenium, ultra trace minerals. I do not feel well most of the time.after starting on the 1.50 mg. Some lightheaded. Had fainted episode. What are the side effects of the 1.50mg? I need your opinion on this illness and how to control so I feel better. Any specific diet I should follow? Please advise!
Before Armour thyroid was removed from market it was the best of the best, now that is has returned it seems that it was modified and somehow it does not work as well, it is nothing more than the synthetic thing they prescribe, my question is why did they have to mess with the original, if it wasn’t broken why fix it, thyroid problem is nothing to mess around with, many years back it was on the list of most physicians, instead they go with this overhyped cholesterol levels, even then they miss the whole picture, I would recommend most Drs to get back to medicine 101 and learn how to treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom, it is fine to do this, but the previous should have priority.
Dear Dr. Hyman>
Thank you so much for your info. on thyroid, I do agreed with you 100% of a good Dr. need to find the root causes of any illnes.
And I do beleave, that’s the problen with many drs. today, many just want to mach medicine with the problem. Too bad………
We need many Drs. like you, to take the time to find the causes of the problem.
I have suffered for so many years, and still get abset with my drs. they just want to have an answer wit a pill. I need to come to see you! Thank yoy again!
Thank you, Marina, 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.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I have multiple thyroid nodules. The doctor checked my TSH level and said it is good but the nodules are still there. I will be going back to the doctor again soon for him to check the thyroid and I am afraid he is going to suggest radiation to shrink the nodules. I don’t want to do this treatment. What do you think about this?
Thank you for this e’mail and a possible answer.
Thank you, Norma, 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.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I have been reading lately about Hashimots’s and gluten. I have 4 children and 3 have hashimoto’s plus my husband and I also have hashimoto’s. Even being on levoxyl our thyroid antibodies are elevated. Do the antibodies always stay elevated or is there a way to get these back to normal. I have a lot of muscle pain and fatigue. My oldest daughter also has lupus, my youngest has dairy and gluten sensitivites and I just had my middle daughter tested to see if she was normal and her antibody tests were elevated. This is overwhelming and I just want my children to feel good each day. My mind is very tired.
Thank you, Amy, 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.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Hello, doc!
So glad to know you are there. It seems I’m not alone w/my hypothyroidism. i have been battling over a year now. Went from hyper thyroid at 113 lbs to hypothyroid just recently and now at 138 lbs. My T3 level last drawn was March 15, 2011 and it was 95.25! ugh! My doc took me off the PTU of 300 mg daily that were taken for 4 months, during which I had a thyroid ablation because it was still not being supressed enough. This was around Thanksgiving of 2010. Anyway, I am so hypo now. All of my muscles ache and I am feeling terribly fatigued, and very unable to concentrate well. But, I appreciate your website and ideas. I am going to implement all of them in my life. I hope to feel better. Doc’s prognosis is that I wait 4-6 weeks without anything to see where I level out, then put me on something like sinthroid to alleviate hyponess, so to speak. Is there anything I can do, diet wise, ie., iodine levels, etc, to promote a faster healing? I pray it doesn’t get worse. Again, thank you for your wonderul comments. I will read on. Please reply doc. Gloria
Thank you, Gloria, 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.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Another issue that on the surface would appear to be thyroid related is low and/or erratic temperature. My temperature has been 1-2 degrees low for several years. All Doctors whom I questioned regarding this indicated it was nothing to be concerned about. The first thing done when I go to the doctor is to take my temperature. The second thing done is to discount the low readings.
I had a thyroid blood test done and it come back normal. I have been searching for years for something to support my suspicion that this could be a problem, and finally discovered it. It is called WilsonsSyndrome, after the Dr. who became aware of the many symptoms that can be caused by low body temperature. I have recently (two weeks) started the treatment for this condition, which is taking slow release T3 in a prescribed fashion until the issue is resolved. It is too early to say if this is the underlying cause of my issues, but the chances are high that it is.
An online book can be read at http://www.wilsonssyndrome.com regarding this issue. Dr. Wilson has been treating this condition for over 25 years so it’s not a new discovery.
I am so excited about Dr. Hyman’s books and blogs, everything I have learned has helped me. Recently I was diagnosed with high cholesterol and low thyroid. I’m taking iodine supplements and went dairy and gluten free for 6 weeks. I felt great and when I had cheese I felt bloated and when I had pasta my thyroid swelled up. I see the connection so clearly now it proves to me the dietary connection. Thanks to Dr. Hyman, I’m going to get better by eliminating foods that are causing my problems and continue the iodine. Thank you! Alene Davis in Oklahoma
I was born With out a thyroid.. i was on Synthroid 0.75 for 1st 15yrs of life not the dose that my body needed. i had high b.pressure h.cholesterol. poor school grades,depression spells, asthma & etc. i then got a new doc that put dose to 1.50 i now have gd b.pressure & cholesterol. i have switched from Synthroid to Levothyroxine & @ 2.0mcg & feel the best i have ever felt
I just love all your articles. They are so helpful, more than I have ever heard from my own dr. I try to ask questions of which I never get answered. I was diagnosed with Hashimotos about 1 1/2 ago. They started with 25mg, and then doubled it. And now I’m up to 75mg of Levothyroxine. It seems to help for short time, then I’m back to the tired, can’t keep my eyes open. Lethargic and blah. My DR keeps saying thyroid levels are fine. That including t3 t4′ etc… I noticed on all my labs my ferrintin is only 27. I asked again today and he says well that is normal for someone menstrating. I am not, I’ve had hysterectomy. Also my blood count is low. I think maybe my iron is low as well? I don’t know but I am a mess. I also cannot lose weight just keep gaining. I workout 3 days week with trainer and 3 days hard on my own. This is the fatest I’ve ever been. I cannot lose a pound. And that is with 1400 calorie diet. I can’t go lower I workout too much to eat less. My DR says your getting older (I’m 43)maybe I should try 1200 or 1000. Rally? Those are very unhealthy levels. Frustrated. Diet? Do I eat different?? My DR says that doesn’t matter….
I was recenly diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I dont have a family hisory of it. I believe my condition is due to the very stressful job I have and undernutrition. i dont have 3 proper meals..a vegetarian..hardly eat fat…weigh 51kg and am 5’6…I dont think my diet supplements me with enough nutrients..I hardly eat complex carbs..just fruit and veg..My Dr. seems to think I should go on levothyroxine. 12 months ago I took a multivitamin,L-tyrosine and sea kelp..this i believe improved my t4…I relaxed afterwards and stopped taking multivits an my t4 levels went up…Its been 4 days since i took levothyroxine..I feel like my body is going to shut down!Is this normal?I want to concentrate on proper nutrition and mulitivits and reduce stress..should i still carry on taking my levothyroxine tablets?thank you!
Thank you, Kiran, 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.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I just googled Armour Thyroid and boy, there seems to be a lot of problems with it. Can these thyroid problems be managed without the medicine?
Hi there. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism a couple years ago but only after I saw literature about it quite accidentally at my sister’s. She and my mom are both hypothyroid and my doctor was amazed I hadn’t sought help earlier. I really just didn’t know that my symptoms were at all related to each other until I read some of my sister’s material on it. For her, she was extremely fatigued, and it seemed due to a combination of a very highly soy-based diet as she was vegan at the time, and soy impacts the thyroid quite a bit, and stress from work. For me, I had some fatigue that I had attributed to work stress, but also, for years, very dry hair and skin (i could put olive oil on my face to moisturize and not break out in pimples), thin hair, severe menstrual cramps, I was constantly very cold-everyone in my life noticed this-and had excema and difficulty losing weight, even though I jogged and went to the gym regularly and ate a very healthy veggie based diet. Oh yeah, and an anxiety disorder that I was on regular medication for.
Until I saw the pamphlets related to hypothyroidism that my sister happened to have laying around, I never would have thought that all of those things were rooted in my thyroid disfunction. I thought I was just one of those women who had bad cramps, weird dry skin and was a bit high strung, yet tired from work. Looking back, I can’t believe I functioned as well as I did. I remember getting home from teaching at 4pm and going right to bed, feeling like I had gotten hit by a truck, that tired.
Turns out once I was diagnosed (and I did have to see an endocrinologist because regular gp’s didn’t have the up to date research on how TSH can be quite low but still problematic–I knew about this problem because my sister had faced doubts from her doctors as well), I started taking thyroid medication and holy moly, what a difference. I have normal skin that I can’t put oil on without breaking out; I do not have excema anywhere ever, I am NO LONGER COLD when everybody else is warm, I have nowhere near as much anxiety (someone explained that your cells literally take in more adrenalin when you go into fight or flight mode-stress-if youre thyroid isn’t functioning properly? not sure about the cause but thyroid hormone certainly makes a difference). Anyway I don’t have to take medication for anxiety anymore as taking Whole Thyroid medication seems to balance me out.
I was turned on to Whole Thyroid by a “holistic medicine” oriented doctor, after a year or so on levothroid, and I like it just fine. I would love to be off meds completely and have been told by him that heavy iodine use over a long period will help a lot. I may try it….
Anyway thanks for the articles; it is one of those things that impacts a ton of people but gets very little attention.
Dear Dr. Hyman,
Just reading your article makes me feel better knowing there is a doctor who understands thyroid problems and wants to help!
I was diagnosed years ago with hypothyroid with the TSH test & treated with Armour. A couple years ago I was switched to Levothyroxine and told that Armour was no longer available. I specifically asked for the other tests you mentioned in your article and was told they aren’t neccessary to measure my thyroid function, only the TSH. I finally convinced my Dr. to test my Vit. D level 2 years ago and I was deficient. I am now on 2000 IU daily. After 6 weeks I raised it 10 points but she wouldn’t test it this year…? I get frustrated that if I’m paying for the tests I should be able to get the ones I want. I eat organic, healthy food and exercise daily but want to learn & do more for my condition. Thanks for your help.
I have hypothyrodism for over 20 years. Since having this problem I have done my own reseach on the correct testing that needs to be done. All the doctors I have seen only do the basics. I know I needed to have Free T3,Free T4, TSH, Antiobodies testing, D3, Iron levels as well. The Antiobodies testing levels were exremely high – around 725. I have been taking supplements and Armour Thyroid. Latest test showed the antiobodies dropped to 525. That total is still to high. What do the doctors recommend?? NOthing–They are clueless.
About 4 year ago, I learned about Iodoral and the Iodine Spot Loading Test along with Bromide Testing. These test proved to me my body was lacking iodine even though I was taking Armour Thyroid. I did the urine testng and was told I needed to supplement with Iodoral 50mg daily. The bromide testing was normal.
I also use Unrefined Celtic salt. Sometimes I take 1/2 teaspoon of Salt in a glass of water. By doing that, I was able to remove bromide toxins.
Daily vitamins are taken along with Amino Acid, L-Lysine, Selenium, L-Tyrosine, Curcumin, TMG, B12 Methyl, R-Alpic Acid, Milk Thistle, Mena Q7-K2, Ubiquinol, Fish Oil, Nattokinese and few others.
Still, I have problems loosing weight. Nothing seems to work. I need to loose at 15 lbs. I have been trying for the past 4 years. Since the thyroid problem, I have food sensitivity to gluten, wheat and am lactose intolerrant.
Any suggestions for me?
Thank you for your time,
Coleen
Hi Coleen, thank you for your interest in Dr. Hyman’s website and for your comment. We suggest you read the articles on the website that have to do with thyroid issues to see if there is an answer in one of them to assist with your issue, we cannot responsibly offer medical advise over the Internet. If you have not yet looked at the UltraMetabolism book there could be some answers for you there as well, please see http://store.drhyman.com/Store/Show/Books/758/UltraMetabolism-The-Simple-Plan-for-Automatic-Weight-Loss-Hard-Cover.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Hi -sounds like you have tried much. Have you tried Dr. Hyman’s simple diet? It is the one diet that helped me lose 20 pounds even though I had been trying everything for several years. I had been plagued with thyroid problems as well.
Most docs even Endo’s don’t check for all those test nor do they believe in t3 supplementation! It’s so frustrating – it’s great to know that there are docs practicing functional medicine but we have a long way to go before this is thhe norm. Lots of scripts written s an example for depression but never getting to the core of why someone may have this situation. Keep educating!
I am writing about my 36 year-old daughter, as she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer back in March & had her thyroid removed in two separate surgeries back in April (first it was a tumor that while she was under was not given a full pathology causing her to need to have the entire thyroid removed when evidence of papillary thyroid cancer was found). She is pending radioiodine therapy as a precaution to ensure that all the cancer is gone. Meanwhile, she is on synthroid, but 100mg was providing no level of functionality so the dose has been doubled. It is evidently a regulating process. My concern for her is to be able to do other things, like supplements and, perhaps, the gluten issue tested, to enhance her hypothyroidism that is the result of having NO thyroid. Are there specific tests she should be having done to help regulate the synthroid dose, even though she has no thyroid gland? HELP!
Hello Otto, thank you for writing to us and for your interest in Dr. Hyman’s website. Dr. Hyman can’t offer medical advise over the Internet, but if you are interested in making an appointment with him or visiting a functional medicine physician please contact The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991 or check the website http://www.functionalmedicine.org for a practitioner near you.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
It’s pleasant to see someone really caring about the why. I had gotten very sick suddenly, had lots of pain, my brain wasn’t working and suddenly Put on about 25 pounds without eating. Went to a dr and got brushed off. Went back and all they want to do is medicate. Even when you push for the reason so you can try to avoid it or fix it they just brush you off with “it happens”. Even when they dint “fix it” they are not that concerned. And they wonder why people don’t go to them.
Thank you for the article
I am pretty sure I have thyroid problems…here is my story.
I have studied herbs, nutrition, reflexology, hypnotherapy, and vitamin therapy along with the spiritual studies of Depok Chopra, Eckhart Tolle, Caroline Myss, and countless others for 30+ years.
I currently am in a financial position that prohibits me from going to a medical doctor to get any kind of testing done; it is simply out of the question. I have once again delved into studying this past year with a desire to get my health back on track.
Over the past year I have been determined to get to the bottom of my health concerns. I have read Ultra Mind Solution (twice) along with several spiritual and health books.
I am 53 years old and have gone through menopause. I stopped having periods two years ago. I have had some hot flashes and anxiety, but for the most part I have had very few problems.
I have struggled with headaches, deep in my sinuses, for years. I use to keep them at bay with 1capsule per day of Dr Christopher’s Hay fever, Allergy, Sinus until natural ephedra was taken off the market. Nothing seemed to help after that.
I have also have had trouble with a raspy voice for over 10 years. The first several years I thought it was related to the company I worked for (I worked in a memory chip factory—very toxic) but I have been working in a credit union the past 7 years and it still is raspy most of the time.
The past two years have been extremely stressful both at work and at home. The issues have brought me and my husband to a place of bankruptcy, and near emotional breakdown. (Thank heavens for the tools I have acquired over the past 30 years—I put them all to the test)
I have employed the Ultra Mind diet and have found that without gluten in my diet my headaches have gone away. Without excessive dairy in my diet my body aches have gone away (I thought the body aches were caused from age, stress and lack of exercise…I’m sure that contributed to the problems also).
I have become relatively convinced that my raspy voice is thyroid due to the fact that I also have several other symptoms that point to my thyroid such as: cold hands and feet, fatigue, swollen eyes and feet and an increase in hair loss along with anxiety and depression.
I have studied what I can find on thyroid and I have found some natural raw thyroid that I am taking. When I don’t take it I find I struggle with anxiety and depression. I have experimented several times with not taking it for several days and the results are always the same. I am concerned about playing with hormones because I know how delicate the balance is and I do not desire to cause a problem that is not there, but I also know that if my thyroid is not functioning properly it will play havoc with many organs, as well as the endocrine system.
What I am currently taking is:
1. Raw Thyroid—Natural Sources –Synergistic Complex: 390 mgs. Thyroid Tissue, Adrenal Tissue, Pituitary Tissue, Thymus Tissue, Spleen Tissue, Kelp, Rice Bran.
2. Lugol’s Solution–J. Crow’s 4 drops in the morning of 2% solution.
3. Alive Liquid Vitamin—Natures’ Way
4. Liquid Calcium 700 mg w/350 magnesium—Nature’s Life
5. Folate 800mcg—Solgar As metafolin (sublingual)
6. B-12 5000 mg as Methylcobalamin (sublingual)
7. Coenzymated B6 Pyridozal-5’- Phosphate—Source Naturals 25 mg (sublingual)
8. Carlson’s Liquid Omega 3 Fish Oil 1600 mg
9. D3—5000mg I have reduced this to 2 or 3 times a week (I am in the sun doing gardening so I have not taken this for the past month.)
* I have taken 10 mg DHEA in the past for extended periods of time, but I currently do not take any DHEA.
–I eat omega 3 rich eggs, organic veggies whenever possible (especially leafy veggies), organic apples and berries, gluten free bread, almond butter, some red meat, chicken (I try to get only organic due to the problems with the care of chicken farms—or should I say lack thereof) I eat Sardines and Haring quite often and I also eat wild caught fish whenever I can.
My question to you is…Is there a way to safely find and take care of thyroid deficiencies without medical intervention, if so, would you please point me in a direction so I can study it and find some answers. I would not ask you to advise me beyond pointing me in a direction, I know that would put you at risk and I would not do that. I see so many that have no access to medical going without help. I know there are answers out there if we just keep looking…I’m just hoping to find a shortcut on this one I guess.
Thank you for all you do, you are an inspiration to many,
Hello Cyndi, thank you for your interest in Dr. Hyman’s website and for your comments. It sounds like you are aware of many different avenues of heath management. We can only suggest that you read the website, search by topic on what you would like direction with and continue to take good care. We cannot offer medical advise on the Internet, but will post your comments and you may find an answer within this forum.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I am on levothyroxine, and my doc tests for TSH, T3, T4. I STILL cannot lose weight, have muscle/joint pain and fatigue, and my hair loss has not gotten better.
Suggestions? More levothyroxine? I don’t know what my TSH tested at, I am due for another blood test.
Thanks.
Hi BeccaWA, thank you for your email and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s website. You might follow the suggestions in the 7-Step Plan that you reference on your email and get tested to track your levels.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I have been hypo for 8 years. When I hit menopause my symptoms started big time. I have tried to stay healthy with excercise, supplements and do not take medications. However, I still get cold hands and feet and lots of hot flashes and low blood sugars. My weight is still over what I am comfortable with and it is difficult to keep the pounds off. I get tired a lot but am a pretty active person. I run 2 miles about 5 times a week and waitrress. I would love to feel better. I also avoid gluten but not all the time. I use very little alchohol and in the summer I love to have icecream a few nights a week. is there hope for me? I also took armour for a few years but did not think it helped much.
Hi Susan, thank you for your email and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s website. You might consider reading some of the articles on inflammation in the website to see if there is something in them that addresses your questions. Eating a good diet such as the one in the UltraMetabolism Solution could identify food allergies that could be bothering you, please take a look at: http://drhyman.com/blog/conditions/dairy-6-reasons-you-should-avoid-it-at-all-costs/.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
My hypo was diagnosed after 2nd child (22 years ago) – had heatburn and constipation that didn’t go away after baby. Put on synthroid. I have moved around country several times and have asked all my doctors but have yet to find a doctor that is comfortable with natural thyroid replacement. After menopause cholesterol numbers climbed, liver function etc. All my doctors want to throw a pill to cure. Through diet I got chol #s down and after researching I finally corrected liver function results by reducing sugar in cereals, yogurt etc.
I now have nodules on thyroid that are “monitored”. Had a biopsy- nodules too small for results. Interested in what you termed “thyroid stimulating exercises”.
Wish I could find doctor practicing functional medicine. Thank you for all you information- newsletter, TedMed etc.
Live in NH now and I do hope to get to your clinic at some time, hopefully when Tanglewood in session.
I was diagnosed with hypothroidism when I lived in Germany but cannot get my doctor here to test me. I believe I am pegged as a hypochrondriac. How can I get the tests done?
Thank you, Brenda, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. If you are seeking a practitioner of functional medicine in your area, see the “Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner” link at the Institute of Functional Medicine’s website, http://www.functionalmedicine.org.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I am 68 years old. I have most of the symptoms you have listed. My TSH (3rd generation) test came back as 1.9667. I have had treatment about 35 years ago from a naturalist doctor with thyroid, but it had given me a lot of side effects,so I stopped them. Haven’t had any treatment since then. I have AFib and can’t seem to loose weight, about 100 pounds overweight. I have arthritis in the knee and lower back, which stops me from doing any real exercise. I do use the stationary bike. I really need to find out some health questions.
Thank You
My husband scored on all of your points and symptoms for thyroid problems. He also has some other chronic symptoms involving balance and vision. One hour after he gets up from bed each day his eyes begin to flutter (his eyeballs only) This stays this way until evening. His balance is affected also. It leaves him unable to function. It helps if he rests his eyes, or lays flat for a time. He has been through a million tests……..he was told it was genetic. He did not have any genetic testing done…(very costly we were told). Doctor philosophy…when in doubt just blame it on genetics. Biggest mistake…..telling doctors that my husbands father also suffers from balance problems. Could his thyroid be the culprit.
Thank you for your article about low thyroid. I have had many of the symptoms (low body temp, reduced libido, minor depression) you described for several years but this potential deficiency never showed up in blood tests done by several naturopaths. After completing my own research and discussing it with my NP, I have started taking 15 mg of thyroid hormone per day as well as iodine and vitamin D. I have been taking most of the other supplements you recommended for years. I should know if this makes a difference in three weeks or so. I’ll let know.
This is Really agravating… Has Anyone Ever Heard of FLUORIDE???????
It is Obvious That 90% of Americans are BRAIN DEAD. Thyroid problems are Just Another Symptom of an Over Fluoridated Nation…
Brain Death is The Other…. Obviously!
Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa…..
I’ve been on thyroid replacement therapy – levothyroxi (generic of Synthroid) for about 30 years. It helps, but I’m always a bit worried that I should be on natural Armour Thyroid. Problem: it’s not available via insured medical routes. I’m about to go on Medicare. Will it be covered at all by Medicare? do have have to see a naturopath? Kaiser will not prescribe or provide it. How do I get on it, safely? And what does it cost?
I believe the throid can be restored to health without the meds. I did it myself, but then when I started taking flax seed oil, it went to being underactive. Now, I’m more concious about the foods I eat, avoiding goitergens, and I’m taking all those supplements. It makes a big difference.
Dear Dr. Hyman,
I would like to answer your questions:
If you have low thyroid function, how was it diagnosed?
it was never diagnosed. Based on my symptoms I recognized the problem.
My sysmptoms:
- course and thining hair
- receding eyebrows
- cold feet and hands
- very low body temperature (35 C)
- bags under my eyes
- dry skin
- depression
- low blood pressure
- fatigue, no energy
- memory problems
Did you face any resistance from your doctor?
Yes, I did. He said my test results were normal.
Which of these steps have you tried to treat it and have they helped?
I did the following (probably I won’t remember everything)
- sauna (far infrared)
- remove amalgam fillings
- decrease gluten in my diet
- yoga
- avoid goitrogen foods
- take iodine (sometimes)
- balance body ph
- strengthen immune system (lots of garlic and ginger)
- turmeric (for internal inflammation)
- brazil nuts for selenium
- eat organic
- regular liver cleansing and colonics (twice a year, after a series of 15)
- stopped using commercial body care and household products with harmful ingredients.
- ACIM (A Course in Miracles)
All the above helped me, but probably I should try the Armour Thyroid as well.
Sincerely,
Edith Harmat
I attended your seminar on the thyroid a while back and had to leave a little early but every thing you spoke about is so true. I had been researching my thyroid because i dont believe my doctor has taken me seriously about any concerns i have and he never changes my dose. I am always tired, no matter what i do. I have gained 80 pounds and i go to the gym every other day now for a little over a year and have not been able to lose a pound. My body temperature is always wacky, my skin is getting drier and drier and i am depressed. The depression worsens being that i cant lose a pound and am so fat compared to how i was.At that seminar you said something about being able to do those tests for $125.00?
Hi Faith, thank you for your message and for your interest in Dr. Hyman’s website and seminar. Here is the video from that seminar: http://drhyman.com/blog/conditions/thyroid-disease-are-you-sick-tired-overweight/.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Had a physical in spring, 2009. TSH went from 1.7 2 years earlier to 3.1, but of course I was told it was normal. I had read Mary Shimon’s book and knew something was wrong. Thankfully, I found an Asian chiropractor. Between applied kinesiology and looking at blood work, he diagnosed thyroid problem, converting T3 to T4 (or vice versa). He put me on some supplements, including iodine. I have only lost about 10 lbs, still have work to do. I had also gone to a plant-based diet, which it turns out is too many carbs for me. I had my own blood work done again, and TSH was back up and triglycerides too high. I am working with blood type diet (I am type O) and need more animal protein. People need to understand that conventional medicine does not have all the answers. How much high cholesterol is caused by thyroid problems? But we mask the problem with statin drugs, which are potentially very harmful. We need to get educated and take some responsibility for our health. I am still a work in progress, but hopeful that I am getting on the right track.
I have been diagnosed by an endocrinologist as having Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. However, since my T4 test was within the normal range, my doctor did not recommend medication. I do, however, have some of the symptoms of hypothyroiditis that you mentioned, so I’m not sure what to do next.
Hi Ander, thank you for your interest in Dr. Hyman’s website and for your comment. You could read the other articles on thyroid disease on the website, type in thyroid under the search function. There are also videos you can view in the video archive section.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Great article. Missing very important point about gluten – you cannot just check someone for Celiac. You must also test for gluten sensitivity as many more suffer from Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance. Go to Enterolab.com for direct to patient testing.
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 3 years ago. The test used by my MD was the TSH only. The Dr. wrote a prescription for Synthroid.
Before I filled the RX, I went online and found out that I DO NOT WANT TO TAKE SYNTHROID OR THE LIKES.
I insisted on getting a prescription for ARMOUR instead. It was a struggle, but I got it done. After that I found an MD here in San Diego, who believed in Integrative Medicine. He ordered the tests I needed, namely besides the TSH,
Free T3 / Free T4 / Reverse T3
the 2 antibodies TPO and anti-thyroglobulin
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s.
Gluten sensitivity was discovered next .
The problem is—-I cannot afford the Integrative doctor. My struggle with the medical establishment ( Scripps system in San Diego) has been comical as well as downright tragic for me. I believe that I need the adrenals checked. I need some specific tests. I have health insurance. I cannot get these pinheads to give me the tests I need, mainly the 24 hrs adrenal saliva test and the iodine loading urine test. I cannot interest a doctor in ordering them for me.
I have become a persona non grata at Scripps Endocrinology, walked out on an endocrinologist who told me she will take me off Armour and put me on a low dose of Synthroid and that I need only the TSH test once in a while. She was young and so stupid, I did not say those words to her, but I let her know that she needs to hit the books after my departure.
I cannot get them to test for antibodies. I was told that those tests are not important. They will not get involved in dosing the Armour. I am on my own, I read everything I can get my hands on. The latest help I received was in the form of a book, “stop the thyroid madness”
I am not overweight, I am guessing that I fluctuate between hypo and hyper due to the Hashimoto issue.
I will read everything you print dear doctor.
AND—if you know of a doctor (in the San Diego area) who accepts Medicare/HMO insurance and knows how to treat the Thyroid patient , PLEASE let me have that information. As soon as I can I will switch to a Medicare/PPO insurance and THAT might end my struggle.
I assume that you get many, many comments like mine. Patients with thyroid issues have a real fight on their hands. It would be so easy to make us feel better, to give us our life back. Is that not what doctors are supposed to try for?
thank you for making the Comment page available for me to vent in. I feel better already, ha!
Thank you for being an enlightened doctor and bringing your knowledge to us, who are willing to take charge of our health.
Sincerely,
Ilse Krinsky
PS: I listened to your “5 Forces f Wellness” and re-visit those CDs occasionally.
I am 51 year old female that had thyroid cancer 22 years ago. Had a radical neck disection, total thyroidectomy, and was treated with liquid iodine radiation. Have been clear of cancer for 20 years now. About 8 months ago my endocrinologist had me on Synthroid .375 and was “needing” to raise it again due to test results, but I was so emotional, lethargic, and just felt awful overall (partly due to menopause). Frustrated, I sought out a specialist in another city and he has me on Synthroid .2 as well as a compounded thyroid medication – Armour? I don’t know. I was doing extremely well – better than ever – when about a month ago I suddenly became pretty depressed and very anxious. I take a lot of Advocare products and recentely added flax to my daily meal replacement shake. But I see where one poster here commented that flax affected her thyroid. Is this true? I have no other explanation for what happened. I am doing better now and am still adding flax to my shakes. Just curious if I should stop that. Thank you.
Hi M Garner, thank you for your interest in Dr. Hyman’s website and your email. We cannot offer medical advice on this website, but we do have articles you can read about flax and the properties it affords such as the one below:
http://drhyman.com/blog/2010/05/20/flax-flash/
Wishing You the Best of Health!
my thyroid level is at 16 right now what should i do?
Hi Dana, thank you for your interest in Dr. Hyman’s website and your comments. If you would like to see a practitioner of functional medicine in your area please go to http://www.functionalmedicine.org. Questions regarding medical conditions cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
This link does not work — as many of us cannot travel to see Dr Hyman, it would be a great service to have access to a list of functional medicine doctors. I recently moved from NC to San Francisco and have been surprised to see how difficult it is to find a good integrative medicine or functional medicine physician.
Can you please provide a working link to a list of physicians? Thank you!
Hi There TMS,
To locate a doctor near you who practices functional medicine like Dr. Hyman, go to http://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117 and scroll down to where it says “locate a practitioner” and enter your zip. Progress accordingly from there.
In good health and best of luck with your move out West.
In good health!
Lizzy
Nutrition Coaching Team
Awesome work over again. Thanks a lot:)
After consulting at least 10 providers from general practice to endocrinologists to psychiatrists over the past 20+ years I finally met with a holistic doctor who advised me to read and follow Dr. Hyman’s Ultra-Metabolisim plan. Started reading a few days ago, and have already learned tons more than all previous providers combined! As I suspected, it’s all related to low thyroid function…
Some providers confirmed hypothyroidism with labs and some didn’t, but none effectively treated the problem or improved my symptoms (fatigue, depression, memory and concentration problems, high cholesterol, hair loss, allergies, cold feet/hands, weight gain (40 lbs in 8 months), PCOS and miscarriages among others). 50 mcg of synthroid/day for the past 5 years has not improved one symptom. Inconclusive biopsy of a thyroid nodule last week: the surgeon suggested removing my thyroid!? Whoa there doc, I’m not so sure yet…
I am 48 years old and it’s been one long and miserable journey but I am very thankful to find new hope in Dr. Hyman’s knowledge and advice.
To all fellow “Patients” out there: do not continue to suffer from symptoms if your doctor does not help you get better. Educate yourself and find a provider that will help you.
Looking forward to taking better care of myself, improved health and a decent quality of life with Dr. Hyman’s Ultra-Metabolism plan.
Dr. Hyman, I was diagnosed with hypothroidism 30 years ago and have taken synthroid all these years. I am over weight and the pounds just don’t come off with exercise. I don’t eat alot and see a chiropractor regular for many uncomfortable aches and pains. I am always tired and sluggish. I have asked about the armour thyroid but the pharmacy can’t supply it her in little america in the mid west. I believe alot in the natural well being and take some supplements but don’t know for sure what I should be taking. My daughter was diagnosed with the same hypothyroidism when she was an 8th grader and still is taking medicine. The doctor was treating her for mono and she just wasn’t getting better so I suggested a test and guess what that her level was sky high. Would like some direction on what I and my daughter can do to feel better. Seen a show on PBS the other evening with you and some other DRs and it caught my attention. Thanks
Hi Peg, thank you for your message. We cannot offer medical advise online but if you would like information on becoming a patient at please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Hello Dr. Hyman,
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism almost a year ago, my tyroid test was 6.23.
What I’d like to know is if I would be able to do the 1st 6 of your seven-step plan to address hypothyroidism without taking step #7 Thyroid Hormones.
Can my thyroid return to normal by taking the natural supplements mentioned above without taking the synthetic drug Synthroid or another prescription drug.?
Thank you,
JoAnn
Hi JoAnn, thank you for your message. Sure you can do the first 6 steps of the plan, see if that makes a difference. If not you might consider number 7.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I have been quite fatigued for several months and had my iron levels checked. It was found that my Ferritin was at a 8, yet my doctor says it was in “range” so it was fine. After doing research, I found that this can be low with hypothyroid, so I had this checked as well. My TSh is a 4.06, my free T4 is 1.1, and my free t3 is 2.5. I was told that my thyroid was sluggish, but that is in “range” so o treatment is necessary. I argued that I am having many symptoms of low thyroid such as fatigue, unrefreshed sleep, depression/anxiety, and joint pains. I am waiting for a call back to see if I can try a very low dose of medication, but I am going to check my thryoid antibodues first because I want to rule out hashimotos before trying armour. I am taking a supplement for now to support my thyroid fxn.
great article.
Hi Dr. Hyman,
Thank you for these tips on dealing with hypothyroid problem. I have been diagnosed with this for over 12 years and have tested for antibodies which came out positive. I was put on levoxyl, which I have taken on and off, mainly because I have heard from many that if you take these hormones, then your thyroid becomes lazy and you just need to keep increasing the dosage. So, about 8 months ago, I consulted a homeopathic doctor in India, who gave me two types of remedies and told me to stop taking my medicine. After 7 months, I had my TSH tested and it was 7.1. I don’t have the traditional symptoms as weight gain or sluggishness. Actually, I am underweight. But some of the changes I saw during my last physical was that my blood pressure was higher than my previous norm and the cholesterol was also higher then previously. Some of the symptoms that I have been experiencing are rapid heartbeats, headache – especially at the top of the head and sometimes at back.
Are these normal symptoms of low thyroid? What type of further testing would you recommend?
Hello MS, we cannot advise you over the Internet as to what tests you should take without a physical examination. Please ask your local physician to assist you in this for the best results.
Wishing you good health,
Dr. Hyman Staff
I am very interested in the topic of low thyroid function. I took myself off levoxyl 7 years ago,changed my diet, changed my life, stopped seeing the doctor, have thrived. I follow some wellness rules, don’t follow others, have no health insurance, and hope to ride the wave of wellness until it hits shore and i fall off.
Hi Dr Hyman, I had a partial thyroidectomy 4 years ago following removal of a goitre. My TFTs were normal. I am currently 41 yrs of age.
I have recently been treated for depression and was taking citalopram 20mg OD. I have put on 1 stone, feel very weepy, unwell, spaced out and fatigued. I have recently had my TFTs re-taken and await the results.
Can patients will only half a functioning thyroid go onto being hypothryoid, as I read some research that they normally are ok.
I know this depends upon the patient etc. I do smoke will this also cause my thyroid to not function?. Could it be that Im also be entering the early menopause, I have never had children.
Any comments or help would be much appreciated.
Hi Julia, thank you for your comment. Your symptoms indicate a complex medical condition and we cannot answer your questions responsibly online. If you would like to see a practitioner of functional medicine in your area please see http://www.functionalmedicine.org.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I absolutely believe that I have a problem with food allergy to yeasts and molds. I also have been diagnosed with subacute thyroiditis and am currently labeled as being in a “hypothyroid mode”; however, I have repeatedly told my endocrinologist that I feel like I have hyperthyroidism every time I consume foods with yeast or mold in it. I try to avoid it as best as I can. I absolutely agree that food allergies can lead to inflammation that destroys the thyroid gland amidst causing other body processes in the body to go haywire. The issue I battle is how to avoid yeast and mold. It’s virtually everywhere in foods. Any ideas about how to avoid this? How can I find an endocriniologist or other physician who understands this connection?
Hi Amy, thank you for your comment. It can be difficult to find the best physician for your particular situation. While we can’t recommend anyone to you online we will post your comment and perhaps someone in your area can offer a suggestion for you.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
i was diagnosed hypothyroidism at age 34 n i am 60 now…..i take 75mcg synthroid …i dont know why i am putting on weight for last 2 years…..i gained 35 lbs…please help???? what shall i do???
Hi Pam, we can’t offer advice to you online about your hypothyroidism. It would be best for you to find a physician to treat you in your area, please take a look at http://www.functionalmedicine.org if you would like to see someone who practices functional medicine.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I am approaching 60, and have an underactive thyroid
I’m on 100mcg of thyroxin. I have had this since I was approx 50yrs of age.
I recently stayed in hospital where they gave me their thyroxin, and the leaflet read you should not be on thyroxin after your 60yrs old? yet it does not say this on the leaflets I get with my regular monthly tablets from my pharmacy
I am also very stressed and wondered if there was a supplement that would help me, I am only on thyroxin medication. I don’t sleep well, my skin is very dry, and my hair has become very very fine over the last few years.
Thank you, Marina, 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.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Hi.
So, more than four women in my family have hypothyroidism. I have been told by many doctors that I have all the symptoms, but when they test me, they ignore my results. They come back “low but not low enough for medication”. The doctors never give me any advice, in fact they never listen at all. Most tell me all of my problems are due to being a woman–that it’s all my hormones. So they put me on the pill when I was 13! Well, it’s 6 years later and I have given up on feeling better. I deal with feeling lethargic, moody, my hair growing at a snails pace, and living in a constant fog. However, it’s growing harder to ignore. I’m a premed student. I have lots of class and a ton of assignments that I find hard to complete when I’m not functioning like a normal human being. It’s terrible. I’m way too tired of bring ignored, though. Any ideas? Oh did I mention I’m allergic to iodine and therefore can’t consume any? I’m sure that doesn’t help…
Hi Audie, thank you for your comment. You might want to try a Functional Medicine doctor, take a look at “Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner” link at the Institute of Functional Medicine’s website.
Wishing you good health,
Dr. Hyman Staff
Hi Dr. Hyman’
One year ago our 19 year old daughter was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after experiencing 18 months of weird symptoms:
-massive hair loss
-extreme fatigue
-memory and concentration issure
-cold hands & feet
-weight gain of 30 lbs in about 4 months( gluten/dairy free & daily exersizing)
- insomnia
-tingly/burning toe feeling
Her levels were tested:
FT4 – 0.70
FT3 – 2,89
TSH – 2.99
She was put on 12.5 daily Levothyroxine and every 3 months after labs were taken her dosage increased. She is currently taking 100 daily Levo and as of this past June her Dr added 12 daily Cytomel.
We as a family have undergone a dramatic change in how we eat & use daily.
However, even though our daughter has faithfully followed her doctors instruction and her meds have increased, her labs HAVE NOT changed and more important her symptoms are still bothering her.
Her FT4 is still under 0.75; FT3 still at 2.89- 2.93; TSH is at 1.99
Had antiboties tested and they are okay and we are on a good supplement program to make sure she has a good base for support including:
Omega 3
Multi vit
Vit c
Vit B12 methyl sub lingual
Vit d3
Pro biotics
What else can we do to help our daughter and are we even on the right track with Levothyroxine. We are considering changing over to Amour during her Christmas break if her labs and symptoms are not improving, since it has been a year.
Thank you for hearing me out. I have learned alot for reading your web site and from others.
PJ
Hi PJ, thank you for your post. We can’t recommend medical treatment over the Internet. If you would be interested in see a practitioner of Functional Medicine please check out “Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner” link at the Institute of Functional Medicine’s website.
Wishing you good health,
Dr. Hyman Staff
dr. hyman ,i have allergies from when i was a kid on foods like egg, eggplantetc. now i worsening dust allergies and my tonsils are swelling because of allergies. i have not done any blood test but is it low thyroid that is causing allergies or allergies might cause low thyroid?
Hi Tahmia,
Thank you for writing in re: allergies. Doesnt sound fun… It is hard to say which is causing which but usually the body is functioning normally until too many assaults happen which trigger this breakdown we experience as allergies. So good news is there is much you can do to help yourself and take back some control over how you feel! Get started- check out these links:
1. http://store.ultrasimplediet.com/
2. http://drhyman.com/blog/conditions/is-there-a-cure-for-autoimmune-disease/
It might be a good idea for you to get checked out by a functional med practitioner locally. To locate a practitioner of functional medicine in your area see the “Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner” link at the Institute of Functional Medicine’s website. Here you will find a place to enter your zip code and look for practitioner’s in your area that have completed the institute’s five-day training course in functional medicine. Understand that not all of the doctors listed here will fit your particular needs. Many different medical professionals complete this training, and you will have to do additional research on your own regarding a particular practitioner’s approach and whether or not it fits your specific medical requirements. This may include calling the practioner’s office, visiting his or her website, and/or scheduling a consultation
In good health
Why is it that doctors, even some who specialize in thyroid issues, still don’t know that much about it? I went to two doctors, a General Practitioner, and a thyroid specialist. The first only took the TSH test, which I told him would come back normal. It did. (He told me I was depressed and wanted me to go on antidepressants. I’ve been through depression and I know what that feels like. This isn’t it.) The specialist only took T-3 and T-4, both which came back normal. When in fact, I’ve had so many symptoms, including temps averaging a little above 96.0, but I couldn’t get them to listen to me. Without the insurance, I cannot afford to keep going to doctors. Like nutrition, is this something that doctors just don’t keep up on? Very frustrating. I finally went to the health store and got some iodide/iodine drops and am taking the recommended three drops per day. I can now sleep at night (before I had insomnia), but haven’t really noticed any other improvements in symptoms. Thank you for informing us with the latest and healthiest!
Hi, I’m 15 and was diagnosed with hypothyroid about 4-5 years ago. The minute i started to hit adolescence, I started getting a large amount of back pain, weight gain, hair loss, and I’m almost never happy. I have an over controlling mother when it comes to eating and exercising, so it’s not like I’m eating lots of junk food or not getting a good amount of activity. I’m currently on 100 mg synthroid that was prescribed to me by a doctor. I was wondering if you had any advice on how to get rid of some of these symptoms.
Thanks!
Hi Alec,
Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. we are glad you wrote in and can offer some ideas on how to seek better care. Synthroid only contains one of the 2 hormones necessary to proper thyroid function. We want you to check this article out and see what works for you: http://drhyman.com/blog/2010/03/11/how-a-canary-can-help-you-lose-weight/
It is suggested to eliminate gluten with low functioning thyroid? Have you? How is it going for you? The best you can do to eliminate gluten from your diet is all we can ask! You also might benefit from taking Vit D supplement, omega 3 fish oil, and a comprehensive multivitamin. Eat foods with selenium (brazil nuts and halibut are great!) and work on maintaining healthy stress reducers and relaxing activities.
It is probably best that you are under the care of trained Functional medicine practitioners who can monitor you. To locate a practitioner of functional medicine in your area see the “Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner” link at the Institute of Functional Medicine’s website. Here you will find a place to enter your zip code and look for practitioner’s in your area that have completed the institute’s five-day training course in functional medicine. Understand that not all of the doctors listed here will fit your particular needs. Many different medical professionals complete this training, and you will have to do additional research on your own regarding a particular practitioner’s approach and whether or not it fits your specific medical requirements. This may include calling the practioner’s office, visiting his or her website, and/or scheduling a consultation
In good health
I went to my ob/gyn for routine check up and was told that I had hypothyroidism and was asked if I had any symptoms. My TSH was 5.22, ST3 1.84 and ST4 0.64. I am a little tired but not like I need to take a mid day nap. I am 117lbs and 5.1 height, my cholesterol is excellent and I have low blood pressure. I have been on zoloft for the past few weeks but I have lost weight. In the past my TSH as been on the high normal range but now it is 5.22. Should I go on medicine to regulate or wait until I have more side effects. My doctor said to recheck in 6 month if I do not have any symptoms.
Hi Suzanne, thank you for your comment. We cannot offer medical advice over the Internet.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Hi Dr. Hyman,
Thank you for the information you share and explain so well.
I have a few questions.
1. I’ve started taking Armour which is helpful, will I have to take it forever?
2. I’ve tested neg for celiac and food allergies but show a high lead level, anything you recommend other than Vit C?
3. fatigue has been part of my life for a while, my most concerning symptom is hair loss and even though I’m feeling better it continues to fall out, any thoughts?
Hi Jill, thank you for your comment. We cannot answer your questions about medications over the Internet. This article may answer some of your other questions: http://drhyman.com/blog/conditions/how-to-rid-your-body-of-mercury-and-other-heavy-metals-a-3-step-plan-to-recover-your-health/.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I was exhausted for 20 years…Was never diagnosed. Even told my doctors…”I think I have a thyroid problem”…(or lyme disease or lupus) Ha to me!Developed a lump on right side of neck. they said brachial cleft cyst. take it out or leave it in..no matter. after 3 years of check-ups with Dr. Jindle I decided to change Drs. After a fnb the thing got angry and doubled in size and I wanted it out! After removal it was decided that it was papillary thyroid cancer(stage 3-4) so 2nd surgery to remove thyroid. I am less tired at 50 than I was in my 20′s. I tell my doctors My meds need adjustment (even tho I eat great and exercise more than ever, my weight is an issue) My doctors say my numbers are ok. Is there anything I can do for myself to boost thyroid function for weight loss and not cause cancer recurance, heart problems, diabetes? Every piece of literiture that I come across seems to be for people that still have thyroid gland. I would like to know what I can do to help my self.
Hi Deb,
It is so wonderful to hear you advocated for yourself. Yes, of course there is so much you can do. The best way to reframe your understanding is to see your body as a defender. You want to bolster your immune system and detoxifcation system so that your body is as protected as possible. When you are loaded with toxins, bacteria, yeast, hormones etc. the body is confused and messages about weight and wellness get mangled so much so that try as hard as you may you wont lose an inch if you’re toxic and stressed! We advocate a high immune diet. Read more here: http://drhyman.com/blog/2010/11/18/supporting-your-immune-system/
In good health
This link also does not work. Can you please provide a working link? Thanks!!
Dear Dr Hyman,I did the detox box and it was really great. I live outside the US now, and the levels of vitamins in Europe are so low. I have never reached the level of energy I used to have in the US. I really would love to have my energy back. Can you please help me?
Hi Annemarie. We cannot offer medical advise over the internet, but if you would like to find a practitioner of functional medicine in your area see the “Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner” link at the Institute of Functional Medicine’s website. Here you will find a place to enter your zip code and look for practitioner’s in your area that have completed the institute’s five-day training course in functional medicine. Understand that not all of the doctors listed here will fit your particular needs. Many different medical professionals complete this training, and you will have to do additional research on your own regarding a particular practitioner’s approach and whether or not it fits your specific medical requirements. This may include calling the practioner’s office, visiting his or her website, and/or scheduling a consultation.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
What about using oil pulling to help remove toxins like mercury from the body?
Hi Nancy, we are not familiar with what you are referring to.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Dr. Hyman,
I am 26 years old, and had been having symptoms for several months: blurry vision, “mushy body”, hives, depressed, tired, unmotivated. I felt like my body was falling apart. I went to my 3 dr’s, who all had no idea what was wrong with me. And I suggested that they test my blood. They found my TSH was 12.5, t3 and t4 were normal, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low potassium. Glad I demanded the blood test! I am now on Synthroid, and its working, but my dr’s havent given me any other direction. What do u think is the most effective way to boost your thyroid? Thanks! Also, have you heard any good things about laser treatment??
Hi T,
This is great that you began to get information about your thyroid. Unfortunately a lot of conventional docs do not use a highly specific test range to diagnose thyroid issues but at least you are starting to get some help. We would suggest you follow the protocol listed in this article! Where do you think you could begin? A great start might be with your diet- have you tried removing gluten? Sometimes this helps remove a lot of those unwanted symptoms. Have you heard of the UltraSimple Diet? Check it out here: http://www.ultrasimplediet.com It might be very useful for you! Regardless of where you start do not put a lot of pressure on yourself- go slow and be committed.
In good health
Dr. Hyman and Staff,
Do you treat symptoms of hypothyroidim raising Armour Thyroid medication dosage until the symptoms decrease or go away, or do you go by ranges from lab tests? I switched from synthroid a year ago and had tremendous results, however, I continue to have muscle and joint pain along with fatigue, hair loss, bumpy skin, and weight that doesn’t budge. I have read that some functional medicine doctors will raise the dosage of Armour until the symptoms are gone and I would like your thoughts on this topic.
Thank you, Tei, for your message. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Hi there,
I have a couple questions. First of all is it possible to have a fluctuating thyroid issue where you go back and forth between hyper and hypo? And secondly does gluten free work for hyper?
My symptoms are: muscle/joint aches, telogen effluvium hair loss on head and now patchy on legs, trouble regulating temperature, digestive sluggishness, foggy brain and palpitations but all of these come and go.
My most recent TSH was 0.7. But it has been tested about 12 times. Even after a 14 day loop recorder for my heart they said “check her thyroid” and everyone says its normal.
Who do I ask to see?? I am in Canada.
Thank you!
Hi Jan,
For local practitioners of functional medicine in your area see the “Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner” link at the Institute of Functional Medicine’s website. Click under Canada. Here you will find a place to enter your zip code and look for practitioner’s in your area that have completed the institute’s five-day training course in functional medicine. Understand that not all of the doctors listed here will fit your particular needs. Many different medical professionals complete this training, and you will have to do additional research on your own regarding a particular practitioner’s approach and whether or not it fits your specific medical requirements. This may include calling the practioner’s office, visiting his or her website, and/or scheduling a consultation
In good health
Great article, thanks! Especially useful to me is the info regarding the connection to gluten and hypothyroidism. I am curious to know what your thoughts are on maca for hypothyroidism?
Hi Jay,
While Maca has been used by people for energy enhancement at this time we do not suggest that maca will directly impact an underactive thyroid. However anecdotedly people have reported improved wellbeing with Maca in proper dosages.
In good health!
I have had hypothyroidism since my son was born roughly 3 years ago although I suspect there were warning signs of it happening for over 12 months beforehand – I still believe to this day that a nasty bout of influenza knocked my thyroid gland out and it never bounced back completely and the birth of my son tipped the balance. Now, every time I catch a virus, my levels drop – sometimes temporarily and sometimes permanently.
My most recent problem happened when I had viral stomach bug – my thyroid levels dropped horrendously and I was told to increase my dose of replacement hormone and have a subsequent blood test a few weeks afterwards. I received the results at my appointment today with my GP and they are now HIGH even though the symptoms are presenting as LOW. My GP explained that as I had taken too much levothyroxine, my thyroid had ceased to produce its own essential T3, T4 etc… which paradoxically made me LOW and HIGH at the same time.
I have now been instructed to reduce my dose by 25micrograms per mth until my thyroid gland starts to produce the right amount of its own hormone rather than the artificial one. In the meantime, I am likely to end up feeling really shabby and low until I find the right balance again. I am using seasalt and taking a seakelp supplement as well as the regular vitamins and omegas (I have opted for flax as the fish oils can have high amounts of toxic metals). I have also limited my consumption of tea/coffee to 2 cups a day.
The only bit I am really struggling with is finding something to replace soya products: I am lactose intolerant so I use soy yoghurts, I am also vegetarian and rely a lot on soya mince/pieces/sausages/tofu etc… I am not sure how to reduce something that I rely on so heavily.
Hi Josie,
Thank you for writing in about your soy concerns and thyroid. Have you considered rice, hemp, almond or coconut milk- unseetened of course? They are delicious, hypoallergenic and easy to find nowadays in most stores!
In good health,
Lizzy
I was diagnosed with Hashimotos Thyroiditis in 2003. Endocrinologist put me on Synthroid. Symptoms kept getting worse and the weight just piled on in spite of my impeccable diet and exercise . In 2009 I started a gluten, dairy, grain, soy, and sugar free diet. Still cant seem to get rid of the weight and the depression is setting in quite hard! Would Armour Thyroid help? My doctor does not seem to know anything about it!
Hello Kelly, thank you for your comment. This article references Armour Thyroid in the treatment of a patient under the care of Dr. Hyman. You could ask your physician about this in your case and perhaps show them the article as well. We cannot advise you over the internet whether this would be appropriate in your situation.
Best of health!
My doctor did several test: TSH, FT4 and FT3 , TPO and Antithyroidglobulin. Only the TSH was high. It was 9.6. I feel good most of the time, but my doc seemed to have a problem not only with the TSH, but the TPO. My TPO lab normal was less than 10. Mine was less than 10 at 2. He seemed to think something was wrong. He then proceeded to prescribe a synthetic T3 and T4 combo. I took it for 3 days, and my throat swelled up! I stopped taking it. What is going on?
In addition, I eat organic mostly raw foods and take good vits. I do not want to be on any prescription drugs. Winter is here, so it is hard to exercise outdoors like I enjoy in the summer. Can you help?
Hi There,
First we recommend you get under the care of a trained functional med practitioner who can make the right diagnosis and trat your thyroid properly: http://www.functionalmedicine.org, scroll down to locate a practitioner and enter your zip code. Choose the practitioner who best suits your needs. And second, if you have low functioning thyroid (and it sounds like you do!) you might have Hashimotos which is an autoimmune process. Check out these articles for more info:
http://drhyman.com/blog/conditions/autoimmune-disease-stop-your-body-from-attacking-itself/
http://drhyman.com/a-7-step-plan-to-boost-your-low-thyroid-and-metabolis-776/
In good health!
I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism in March 2011. I am only 20 and one of my biggest issues is my weight and energy level. I am currently taking 100 MCG of Levothyroxin and my doctor keeps telling me my levels are in range. However, I continue to feel tired and drained. I am still gaining weight and it feel like nobody around me understands how I feel. One of my toughest struggles is accepting the fact I have to take medicine everyday for the rest of my life. I just want to be thin and full of energy yet i feel like that is so far away and my doctor does not explain things with me. He has not told me to change the way I eat or anything. I feel defeated. I feel like i will always be overweight and exhausted. What advice could you give me?
Hello Courtney, thank you for reaching out to find other solutions for your recovery. While we cannot offer medical advice over the internet we can offer avenues for you to explore, please check out “Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner” link at the Institute of Functional Medicine’s website for another opinion if you desire. Or if you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. You may also call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Wishing you good health!
Thank you!
Hello i just recently had my thyroid checked out and all my numbers look like thier in the right range, the tsh3.340 and the limits are 0,450-to 4.500 . i am really confused for my doctor sent me the test results plus a precription, he says it low thyroid, i have been having thinning hair i thought it was my b/p pills, any way im not too happy for the other numbers are ok , is the tsh consider a problem???????? any help would be appreciated! sincerly Brenda
Hi Brenda,
Thank you for writiing in with your concerns about your thyroid. Dr. Hyman likes to see TSH between 1-2. A lot of functional med docs and endocrinologists currently hold the value at <3 for healthy functioning thyroid. Your doc probably made this diagnosis after seeing your lab in conjunction with your symptoms. If the med is Armour Thyroid, it might not be a bad idea to try it out and see how you feel. However, you can always try a diet to help boost your thryoid function first (and if you do the thyroid med, you should try the diet too of course! remember do not eat within 30 mins of taking the pill!). Dr Hyman gives excellent clear advice on nutrients to incorporate in your diet in this article. Reread for sure! Or you can also check out: http://store.drhyman.com/Store/List/UltraThyroid
In good health!
I plan to research, test, and rule out celiac disease before trying other supplements or potential remedies, as Dr. Hyman has mentioned a number of possible causes. Here’s to your good health!
Hi;
My mother is 72 years old and she has being diagnose of producing extra calcium, so they have to operate her. There are tretment for that?.
Hi Jazmin,
Thank you for sharing your concern about your mother and hypercalcemia. Due to the complexity of hypercalcemia we cannot say over the internet what the best treatment is for her. However, if there is surgery it might be due to her parathyroid gland. The best thing to do nutrition-wise is keep her on a whole foods based diet and watch her levels of vitamin D and calcium. If you would like her to be seen in person by a function medicine provider who practices the same style of medicine as Dr. Hyman- go towww.functionalmedicine.org, scroll down to locate a provider and enter your zip code. We truly hope your mother recieves the care she needs.
In good health!
Lizzy
What is Armor Thyroid? I have been on the same meds for years and I wonder how effective it really is since I continue to have symptoms. I often wonder if meds simply lose their effectivness after a while, that perhaps there may need to be a switch to something else every couple of years? Thanks!
Hi Maria A few years ago I was in a similar situation; the synthetic thyroid supplement didn’t help my low energy or general ill feeling. I applaud your questing mind; after all you want to feel better – really well! So did I, a few years ago. Then I tried Armor’s natural thyroid, along with other natural health boosters like plenty of fresh, raw organic greens & other good veggies & whole foods, less dairy, junk foods less often… Also more sunshine, fresh air & regular moderate exercise; which was easier when in late winter I started walking or biking to & from work a mile each way on a quiet country road several days a week…Anyway, to make a long story short (I posted the rest of my personal story last night here in the comments section) after some months at the end of summer, feeling quite a lot better and more energetic and happy with the lifestyle changes I’d made (many of which are free for the doing) suddenly Armor brand and the other natural thyroid supplement suppliers all experienced a big upset to their supply and for months it wasn’t available, in my area at least. Soooo, I made the decision to go without the medicine, and instead to continue to eat better, manage stress with healthy new habits like biking & walking in the fresh rural air, studying nutrition and starting an organic garden (dig it!) in the yard, to name a few. After six or so months I felt great and didn’t miss the drugs at all, especially after having getting back the new test reports, all normal, and the dr recommended that I go ahead without thyroid supplements. It’s been 2 years now and I’m still doing well. I get a blood test once a year and so far so good. There’s still a lot I have to learn on my personal path to wellness and I’m having a good time exploring life as I walk, work, sit and dig it. Best wishes on your path to renewed vigor!
P.S. Maria As I understand it, Armor natural thyroid supplement is made from extracts of the thyroid gland of animals. It’s a more wholistic form of medicine that is thought to contain more elements that our bodies needs than synthetic specific elements might. They’ve been using animal thyroid glands to make thyroid medicine for people for quite a while I guess. In my humble opinion, making diet and lifestyle adjustments is more likely to have a dramatic effect on your energy and other symptoms. Can’t hurt, anyway, can it?
Happy Trails, Nancy
Hi Maria As I understand it, Armor natural thyroid supplement is made from extracts of the thyroid gland of animals. It’s a more wholistic form of medicine that is thought to contain more elements that our bodies needs than synthetic specific elements might. They’ve been using animal thyroid glands to make thyroid medicine for people for quite a while I guess. In my humble opinion, making diet and lifestyle adjustments is more likely to have a dramatic effect on your energy and other symptoms. Can’t hurt, anyway, can it? Happy Trails, Nancy
I am 48 years old and have had hypothyroidism since I was in high school. It took five doctors and 10 years before a specialist finally diagnosed me. He did this through a TRH test, which they no longer do. I was on Synthroid for many years until a doctor told me I had too much medicine in me and we stopped my medication. I finally got pregnant – there is six years between siblings. I was off of meds for 8 years, even though my symptoms had returned. No doctor would put me back on medicine, even with my history. A dermatologist noticed my goiter so I went to an internist. I had pinpoint nodules all over my thyroid gland and was sent to a specialist. That endocrinologist told me I was normal and prescribed me phentermine and Optifast Slim shakes so that I could “lose weight”. My symptoms were constipation, weight gain, poor, poor memory and concentration, hair loss, etc. Blood tests never show that I have a problem, or rather, they show me in the normal range. Why is is that someone with a 3 on their test can be normal but then another person who is a 1 can also be normal? Perhaps my normal is a 1 instead of a 3. I have lost faith in doctors over this problem and of course could tell a multitude of horror stories when it comes to finding someone who will listen. The biggest problem I have with doctors is: They rarely believe what I tell them.
I have symptoms but my Free T3 was 2.8 PG/ML and Free T4 was.99 within the lab ranges. Do you consider this normal? TSH was never tested.I’ve been taking Lugol’s 2% Solution and am not quite as tired if sleeping well! What else do you recommend? I’m taking supplements, but what if you have too much calcium?
I went to my physician because I am cold all the time, my temperature ranges from 96.8 to 97.4, my eyebrows are falling out, I am tired, have not energy, constipation and joint pain. We did blood tests and my TSH is 5.91, T4 is normal. He says that my problem is sleep apnea! What the hell?
Hi Brenda,
Thank you for sharing your concerns with your thyroid fucntion. It sounds like you have an underactive thyroid but obviously we cannot diagnose over the net! Our recommendation is to start implementing the diet and lifestyle tips outlined in this article right away. If you need assistance, we can help you: http://store.drhyman.com/Store/List/Coaching-Programs
You might also be interested in this program:http://store.drhyman.com/Store/List/UltraThyroid
In good health
Lizzy
I was diagnosed with hypothyroid condition at the end of my eighth pregnancy and was told it would not necessarily mean that I would have the condition forever. Four years later I am still on the synthetic hormone and my doctor has not told me anything else that I can do to help my thyroid. He is really a good doctor but I just feel as if he could be doing more by telling me about other possibilities to try besides medication. Thank you for making this website to let people like me know exactly what we are dealing with and ways we can try and fix it. I do have one question… Is it possible for that the amount of pregnancies I have had to have stressed the thyroid too much and caused this condition?
Hi K,
In some women it is feasible to say that pregnancy can lead to a postpartum thyroiditis but most of the time it would only be in certain cases where the woman is predisposed to an immune condition already. There is so much you can do and we hope yo start to look at some of the tips in this article!
In good health
Lizzy
Hello,
I had got sick back in september, and felt very exhausted at the same time, I thought this can’t be right took a long time to get over the sickness, once I was over the sickness I still felt fatigue, so went got blood work done and my iron was low, now from reading your list to watch out for, my hair is thining out , I was stressed and still is, weight gain, no energy want to sleep. And is having problems going to the bathroom. I did get my thyroid test done about two weeks ago and no responses back yet, so what should I watch out for and also what other question should I ask my doctor. Thanks
Hi Shannon,
Sorry to hear you have been feeling so poorly. You definetly should seek some help with a qualified practitioner, preferably one well versed in functional medicine. In order to provide you the proper care you need we hope you will seek the attention of a local qualified Functional Med practitioner soon. To locate a doctor who practices functional medicine like Dr. Hyman, go to http://www.functionalmedicine.org and scroll down to where it says “locate a practitioner” and enter your zip. Progress accordingly from there.
Meanwhile, check this program out, it should offer you a lot of information and comfort: http://store.drhyman.com/Store/List/UltraThyroid
In good health,
Lizzy
My T3 is 1.91 T4 is 122.3 TSH is 0.98. What can you say about these results taken only a few days ago. I am 55 years old menopaused at 50, seem to be feeling low all the time, can’t do the usual chores that I used to do, but eating healthily, do juicing every morning, no meat. I just cant seem to figure out what I feel, but one thing is sure, there must be something wrong elzewhere. Is there something wrong with my adrenal? Do I have to check my cortisol level? What other lab tests do I have to take in order to find out whats wrong with me? Thank you very much & God bless!
Hi Baby,
In order to provide you the proper care you need we hope you will seek the attention of a local qualified Functional Med practitioner soon. To locate a doctor who practices functional medicine like Dr. Hyman, go to http://www.functionalmedicine.org and scroll down to where it says “locate a practitioner” and enter your zip. Progress accordingly from there.
In good health
Lizzy
I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and have been told to avoid iodine at all costs – including kelp seasoning etc. Can you tell me why you suggest supplementing with iodine and the impact/relationship to hypothyroidism? How much iodine do you recommend and can you obtain the suggested amount from foods alone? Thank you!
Hi Jody,
Thank you for your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work related to thyroid. Generally speaking about low functioning thyoid, it is usually helpful to supplement with iodine, selenium and ohter nutrients which support the thyroid gland. Iodine is a special component of both T4 and T3 and if there is insufficient amounts of this mineral than the thyoid might not function properly which is often the case. Depending on the severity of dysfunction idone may or may not be used in a patients plan. As an adult we encourage you to get at least 150 mcg/day up to 1100mcg at the absolute most. This would be found in kelp and sea veggies as you noted. However, when people have severe functioning thyroid the added iodine might irritate the thyroid and cause more trouble, exhausting and depleting it further. This is probably why you were encouraged to stay away. Howeevr, we cannot diagnose or prescribe over the internet. In order to provide you the proper care you need we hope you will seek the attention of a local qualified Functional Med practitioner soon. To locate a doctor who practices functional medicine like Dr. Hyman, go to http://www.functionalmedicine.org and scroll down to where it says “locate a practitioner” and enter your zip. Progress accordingly from there.
In good health
Lizzy
I have been struggling with weight gain and inability to lose it no matter how much I exercise and eat right. I do exercise a lot I was tired and had lots of stomach issues. My doctor has been great. We have fixed low vitamin d, low dhea. My iodine is still low and my cortisol and sugar is high. I have a small nodule on my thyroid. My tsh is 3.9, t4 is .8 and t3 is 25. My doctor has recommended a 15mg prescription of Armour to boost a sluggish thyroid . I am a little concerned about taking it. Can it further slow down my thyroid or stop producing naturally once I start to take the Armour? Should I just deal with the weight struggle and bit of tiredness? This is a do doctor. I did see an endocrinologist who told me I had no thyroid problems
Hey Chris,
Thank you for sharing your story with thyroid. It sounds like your doc is doing a good job of testing and diagnosing. We suggest you try the Armour and see how it works for you!
In good health
Lizzy
Your pointing out that many GPs rely on just a TSH test is right on! That happened to me, but the number was so high that he did realize that I had a thyroid problem. After going through several “thyroid doctors” I’ve found one that does all the tests. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s hypothroiditis in my mid 50′s after having gone through menopause. I still have some antibodies, but the number slowly is decreasing. I take Synthroid 88 plus 2 5mcg Cytomel in the morning and 1 tablet of the Cytomel 5mcg about 5 hours later. I also take supplements for adrenal support. Fortunately I never felt bad; my only symptom was weight gain–60 pounds. I have been told by an “expert” that thyroid disease prevents losing all the weight back down to where I was before I became hypothyroid. In fact, it is “normal” to hold on to 15 or 20 pounds. That’s about where I am right now, having lost 40 pounds. Is this information true? Must I be satisfied with a new normal?
HI Gail,
Thank you for sharing your story with thyroid matters. We are excited to hear you got a diagnosis and were able to get some appropriate help. Yes, there is more you can do. For starters, begin exercising the tips listed by Dr. Hyman in this article as they are very important to maintaining your thyroid health. Secondly, it is very important to try and eliminate gluten 100% from the diet. Medicine alone will only take you so far and diet will act as a messenger to your genes and hormones to send the appropriate message of health to your thyroid and cells so that your stress response goes down as well as hormone stabalization. Eating the appropriate types of complex carbs and in the correct portions will benefit you as well. There are supplements you might find advantagious too! Check this out: http://store.drhyman.com/Store/Show/UltraThyroid/823/The-Ultra-Thyroid-Solution
For more nutrition help, please see:http://store.drhyman.com/Store/List/Coaching-Programs
In good health,
Lizzy
Hi
I was told I had hypothyroidism after having my first child. I could not lose weight now matter what I tried. After about three months, my doctor ran those test for TSH T4 and sent me to a specialist who explained that before I was pregnant I was probably overactive and after my pregnancy my thyroid was under active. They put me on medication at that time .1mg of synthroid and I got check every 3 months for a couple of years. I am now on .88mg and still get checked once a year however I still have trouble losing weight. I feel it is hard enough to maintain my current weight and I do exercise and always have but it does not budge. It takes a lot of time for me to get a few pounds off and keep it off. I am glad I read your article.
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 3 months ago. I had been to the doctor many times in about a year and a half span because I knew something had to be wrong. I could not find the energy to do even the easiest of things, my hair was falling out by handfuls, and I felt depressed all the time. My doctor ran about 5 thyroid tests during that period and all came back fine. He told me I had a D3 deficiency. I starting taking D3 right away. He had me taking 20,000 IUs a week to get my level up. Finally, after a year and a half he did yet another test and it came back that I had hypothyroidism. He explained then about how my levels were gradually getting worse everytime that he tested them. Aparently I had to wait until they were bad enough. I agree that many people suffer from this without having it treated by doctors because of it not being at a certain level. It seems unfair that people have to suffer with this and not get the medicine they need. Since getting my thyroid under control, I have lost 13 pounds so far and feel soooo much better. Thank you so very much for the info…. will definately know what to get the doctor to check next time… and things to do to help with it
In February of last year I suffered a devastating break up after a tumultuous four year relationship. I experienced extreme stress at this time, rarely slept, and my previously low-carb diet turned to m&ms and yogurt. In addition, I was taking adderall to help me focus on my work as a contract occupational therapist, and too much of it, while still consuming lots of coffee throughout the day. Despite this m&m diet, I still lost 5-7 pounds from simply not consuming enough food and I was running almost daily. At the beginning of May I suddenly gained 10 pounds. Within one week my clothes didn’t fit. But it just didn’t seem right. By this point my diet was mostly back to normal, but I looked so bloated. I freaked out and tried desperately to lose the 10 pounds I had suddenly put on, but the weight kept climbing. In July I went to the doctor weighing 130, up from my previous 115, and she checked my thyroid only to tell me it was normal. I returned in January after eventually reaching 145+ pounds and they said my TSH was “creeping up a little” and to come back in six months to check it again. In less than one year I went from 115 pounds and 9% body fat to 145 pounds and 18% body fat, despite doing all the right things. In that time though, my appetite was often insatiable, and I would eat far too much of the right thing, even to the point of over stuffing myself so much that I actually threw up due to lack of space. Dissatisfied with the answer I received from the nurse when I asked why my levels were creeping up (“It just happens to some people.”), I made another appointment with my doctor. My levels had gone up from 2.4 to 4.5 between July and January, and I had already been gaining weight in July! He put me on synthroid, which I have been taking for almost two months now, but still couldn’t give me a reason behind the sudden hypothyroidism. My question is this, could the Adderall have played a role in this and should I not be taking it now? (I have actually switched to the lowest dose of Ritalin, as I do not like taking the medications at all.) I’m 29 and have been on and off the Adderall/Ritalin since college. As for my weight now, I have lost a few pounds, but I am still unhappy with this unfamiliar body.
Hi Kerry,
Thank you for sharing your story re: hypothyroidism and Adderall Rx. Typically it is hyperthyroid which is the most concerning re: adderall or amphetamines. However, sometimes thyroid issues swing back and forth between hypo and hyper,especially if the adrenals are taxed which it sounds like your went through a lot last year! Have you thought about getting your thyroid antibodies tested? To locate a doctor near you who practices functional medicine like Dr. Hyman, go to http://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117 and scroll down to where it says “locate a practitioner” and enter your zip. Progress accordingly from there.
Nonetheless you might consider trying a complete elimination of gluten from your diet for at least 2 weeks. Observe any changes in symptoms-digestive, mental acuity, memory, energy and weight. Here is some info you might enjoy learning:http://drhyman.com/blog/2012/02/22/how-hidden-food-sensitivities-make-you-fat/
If Dr. Hyman’s thyroid therapy appeals to you, perhaps you might like to work with this program to boost you along. Here is a terrific resource for you- http://store.drhyman.com/Store/Show/UltraThyroid/823/The-Ultra-Thyroid-Solution
Please let us know how you are doing and how we can continue to serve you. Also, if you are interested in a personalized nutrition plan for managing hypothyroid, please see:http://store.drhyman.com/Store/List/Coaching-Programs
In good health,
Lizzy
I saw an endocrinologist for 3 years. He only tested for TSH and would only prescribe synthroid. It wasn’t helping my blood levels or my symptoms. He just kept increasing my medication dosage till it was eventually at 200 mcg. My gynecologist asked me if he only tested for TSH. When I told him yes that was the only test the other dr said I needed, he ordered T3, T4, Free T3, Free T4. My T3 levels and Free T3 levels were low. The gynecologist said I needed to be on natural thyroid, not synthroid, which only supplemented T4. I did not know that. He said I needed to supplement the other thyroid hormones as well. When the endocrinologist said he wouldn’t prescribe anything but synthroid, I stopped seeing him and had my gynecologist take over my thyroid care. He prescribed nature-throid and within a few weeks I felt the best I had in years. My symptoms improved. My T3, T4, Free T3, Free T4 all came into normal range within 6 months. But my TSH levels did not improve. So he tested my antibodies both TPO and anti thyroglobulin antibody in Dec. They were off the charts high: TPO was almost 2,500 and anti thyroglobulin antibody was almost 500. So he ordered a thyroid ultrasound which showed a couple of nodules on each lobe and a cyst on one of my lymph nodes. I had a biopsy and a neck ct scan. It came back positive for papillary thyroid carcinoma and I had a total thyroidectomy and neck dissection last week. I was staged at T1B, N1B. Since I am under 45 it is considered because of the lymph node involvement stage 2 cancer. If I didn’t change the doctor who treated my thyroid condition I am pretty sure they wouldn’t have caught this. I sent a thank you card to my gynecologist for being such a great dr. and being thorough and testing until he found out what was going on with my thyroid. When I got the cancer diagnosis I had started a gluten free diet the day before. I put it on hold for now. I need to go on a low iodine diet before I have radioactive iodine treatment. Once I am through with that I will try gluten free diet for my hashimoto’s disease (an autoimmune thyroid disease. After surgery I was put on levothyroxine and taken off nature-throid. I know the endocrinologist I was refered to after surgery will not prescribe natural desicated thyroid replacement. I am a little nervous about this. I know how well the natural thyroid works for me. I am going to try to get her to Rx a synthetic T3 supplement to see if that helps. I don’t feel as well on the synthetic T4 supplements.
Hi Tammy,
Thank you for sharing your story with your thyroid condition. My, you have been through a lot! We wanted to let you about some resources to help you with your recovery and wellness maintenance.
1.http://store.ultramind.com/ This program will explain the connection between harnessing your mind to balance your hormones and calm the stress response within the body, often related to thyroid dysfunction. There are plenty of recipes, gluten free!
2.http://store.drhyman.com/Store/Show/UltraMetabolism/763/The-UltraMetabolismreg-Cookbook-200-Delicious-Recipes-That-Will-Turn-on-Your-Fat-Burning-DNA This is a hypoallergenic cookbook which might suit your needs very nicely! Easy, healthy and tasty recipes from front to back!
3. To locate a doctor near you who practices functional medicine like Dr. Hyman, go to http://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117 and scroll down to where it says “locate a practitioner” and enter your zip. Progress accordingly from there.
4. http://store.drhyman.com/Store/List/UltraThyroid
In good health!
Lizzy
Nutrition Coaching Team
After years of suffering with low thyroid numbers, I took Dr. Hyman’s article with me to my doctor. She put me on Armour Thyroid and now I feel better than I have in 25 years. I also discovered 2 years ago my gluten intolerance. I am sure that has lead to many of my auto-immune symptoms with the chronic inflammation and decreased thyroid function. I am avoiding gluten, taking the Armour thyroid, supplementing with kelp capsules and I feel soooooo much better.
I am also a Certified Health Coach and use Dr. Hyman’s informative articles to help my clients. He is my go-to source for alternative health. In my practice, I stress optimal nutrition along with taking a few supplements which I choose based on the client’s history.
Thanks for all the wonderful books and newsletters.
Hi Beth,
Thank you for your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. We value your support and enjoy hearing how you are using it in your own practice. Keep up the great service in your work with others!
In good health!
Lizzy
Nutrition Coaching team
I am in my 40s and I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism post-pardum 9 years ago. My doctor put me on Synthroid 75mcgms (after several months of trialing other doses). I NEVER felt different.
I started the Ultra Simple Diet in Nov, 2010 and I began feeling better in DAYS. It was the energy that kept me compliant with the cleanse. I lost 20 lbs in 3-4 weeks and was back to my high school weight. I kept the wt off for 9 months while following Dr. Hyman’s plan. Then, life got busy, I was traveling a lot and I gained 15 lbs FAST in under 2 months. I still eat better, but I’m trying to determine if it’s lack of sleep, hotel food (which I choose carefully) or gluten (which I try to avoid) that is causing all of this belly fat and lack of energy. I’m taking all the recommended supplements and drinking my shake every morning My blood levels show that I’m on the right dose of Synthroid.
How do I find our about metal in my diet/environment? I’m a HUGE fan of Dr. Hyman and recommend his books to dozens of people!
Hi Beth,
Thank you for sharing a bit about your health concerns related to toxicity. Here are some articles you might helpful:
1.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/autism-mercury-toxicity_b_497047.html
2.http://drhyman.com/blog/2012/02/20/how-toxins-make-you-fat-4-steps-to-get-rid-of-toxic-weight/
3. http://drhyman.com/blog/conditions/mercury-get-this-poison-out-of-your-body/
Also, you might be interested in learning more about how to work with your Doctor to test for heavy metal toxicity. You can learn more how to do this by going to http://www.bloodsugarsolution.com
These steps can be taken prior to beginning any detox program. Dr Hyman suggests the following:
Optimize your nutritional status for detoxification using healthy fats (omega-3 fats, olive oil, and flax oil); amino acids (which boost your liver’s detoxification capacity); and minerals, particularly zinc and selenium (which help your body detoxify metals). Enhance your liver’s detoxification pathways—especially the sulfation and methylation pathways—by taking folate, B12, and B6; eating foods that contain sulfur, such as broccoli, collards, kale, daikon radish, garlic, onions, and omega-3 eggs; and supplements such as alpha lipoic acid and N-acetylcysteine. Use herbal support for heavy-metal detoxification, including alginate, cilantro, garlic, and milk thistle. Start sauna therapy and make sure that you take adequate electrolyte and mineral replacements to prevent dehydration and mineral loss from the perspiration. Optimize elimination routes for metals through your urine, stool, and perspiration by drinking plenty of clean pure water, eating a diet high in plant fibers, and taking daily saunas for 30 minutes.
Finally, a note on thyroid. Perhaps you might be interested in learning more about Dr. Hyman’s comprehensive approach? If so, please see:http://store.drhyman.com/Store/Show/UltraThyroid/823/The-Ultra-Thyroid-Solution
For a personalized nutrition plan uniting all of this together, please see:http://store.drhyman.com/Store/List/Coaching-Programs
In good health!
Lizzy
Nutrition Coaching program
After feeling unwell for several years I finally went to get a check-up, with diagnosis of low-thyroid. I was eager for an easy answer, so accepted a prescription for Levothyroxin, a synthetic thyroid supplement. Doing my research on the best way to take the drug, I took it every morning on an empty stomach, etc. After a while, my blood test came back improved, and I was told to keep taking it, and also that I’d need to keep taking the drug for the rest of my life. Only thing was that I really didn’t feel much better. After a year, I asked to be switched to Armor brand natural thyroid supplement. I’d been doing more internet research and implemented my own health regimen, including more exercise, fresh air and sunshine, managing stress better, eating junk less often, and most important: making and consuming leafy green smoothies on a regular basis. And I restarted feeling better and more energetic! After about 8 months on natural thyroid supplements and leafy green smoothies, it became impossible to get my medicine as the manufacturer was having some sort of troubles… My doctor just wrote another prescription for the synthetic drug that I hadn’t felt helped me. So I decided to skip the drugs and really get into my leafy green smoothies and other natural methods for boosting health and energy. After about eight months I went back to the clinic and saw a different dr, and I explained what I’d been up to, asking to be tested again for thyroid function. With the test results in the mail came the original doctor’s updated instructions to continue without the drugs, as TSH, T3 & T4 all tested normal, as I had hoped and expected based on how I felt. Diet & other lifestyle factors should be addressed first to try to boost thyroid function before prescribing drugs, in my humble opinion. Thank you for the great website and article about a cure for autoimmune diseases, and thanks for offering the opportunity to share my story of healing.
P.S. Leafy Green Smoothies are fantastic! Here’s one of my favorite recipes: I start by pouring 2.5 cups of water into my blender, then add 1 cup of frozen organic blueberries and an organic fresh banana. Next add about 2 cups of rinsed, fresh organic leafy greens and blend till pretty smooth. (Organic Leafy Green Choices such as kale, parsley, spinach, romaine & baby spring mix lettuce, collards, early spring stinging nettles, dandelions, mints, celery & broccoli leaves, rainbow chard) One of the great things about blending is it breaks down many of the cell walls in the greens, so the body can access more of the nutrients and more of that wonderful chlorophyl greenness! Drink slowly and mindfully, “chewing” each mouthful to mix in saliva and get digestion off to a great start. Refrigerate leftovers, in covered jars, for up to two days. Best wishes to improved health!
3 months ago my thyroid seemed to have broken. I knew i had problems but my Dr. put me on the back burner even thought the ultra sound showed that I have 2 nodes on my thyroid. I slipped into a depression and then i had a persistent cough, cravings for sugar, sugar and more sugar gained in total 25lbs, my jaw was hurting, my neck was swelling, and i slipped into a very serious depression.. and my right would bulge and hurt Once i started eliminating things like it was not my tmj, and i take so many health products for energy, etc i thought something is not right, I went to a health food store asked to see what they had for thyroid and decided to buy Thyroid plus, after the first 2 gel caps, my persistent cough stopped I am almost back to my old self. I would say 95% energetic, And when i wake up now i don’t mind that it is another day.The sugar cravings have stopped. the swelling in my neck is gone. But before Thyroid plus I did not want to get out of my bed and when i did nothing got done. I told my Dr. about Thyroid plus and I gave her the information on it. I also told my sister who owns a health food store and she brought the product in and she is now using it as well.
I broke my wrist had surgical rod implant, within 6 months: hormones tanked, went psycho on natural HRT, started having seizures, could not sleep at all. 5 neurologists later – I went to my OB/Gyn. He took me off estrogen (I am estrogen sensitive), put me on progesterone drops, and armour thyroid. Seizures have been reduced dramatically. I added cuprum homeopathic and they are almost gone depending on stress level. Melatonin for sleep.
I cannot miss the armour thyroid by an hour. I start having preseizure aura, headache, reflux, nausea. I had no idea that my worry, anxiety and panic were related to my thyroid which tested low normal. With the armour I do not stay in bed all day totally sick. My blood pressure is very low and I feel sick standing up for any length of time. My blood pressure is still really low, but i NEED to get out of bed. This medicine has given me back my life! I can exercise now – I have some energy! My asthma is a nonissue.