QUESTION:
Are there any natural treatments for hypothyroidism?
When I went to the doctor recently, she told me that my blood tests showed high TSH. No other markers for thyroid disorder were high or low (i.e. my T3 and T4 were normal). My doctor thinks that I'm developing hypothyroidism. I REALLY don't want to have to take supplemental hormones for the rest of my life, so if anyone knows a natural way to balance out my thyroid again, please let me know.

I am a 20 year old female. I eat healthy, most of the time, and I exercise regularly. I am a healthy weight (5' 8", 130lbs). I take a multivitamin every day. I'm on birth control pills, as well.

• ANSWER:
  change your diet avoid goitrogens in foods which blocks/inhibits thyroid hormones (T1, T2, T3, T4) can lead to HYPOthyroid conditions=low thyroid AVOID:
  Cabbage, broccoli, rutabaga, cauliflower, kale,
  Brussels sprouts, watercress, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, millet, turnips, turnip greens,
  cassava root (tapioca), spinach, peach, pear, grape,
  mango, pea, and all soy (the worst) products.
  Peanut butter has had the goitrogens killed off
  because the making of it requires such high heat, BUT
  eating too much leads to the production of oxalic
  kidney stones.
  SOY products elevate T4 without modifying T3=weight
  gain, low ch'i, low fertility=early menopause, PLUS
  the plant based estrogens in soy can inhibit
  absorption of zinc and other essential minerals, cause
  stomach and intestine distress, AND is highly harmful
  for children whose sex organs and immune systems are
  still in the developmental stages.
  MILK: if you are hypothyroid, then avoid milk as the
  protein casein in cow's milk is 300% more potent than
  human breast milk and also disrupts thyroid function,
  try rice milk instead, not soy milk. A nice cup of hot
  milk before bed for calming the nerves is even worse
  than cold raw milk.
  FLUORIDE: avoid toothpaste and water which contain
  fluoride, as well as iodine (table salt and seaweeds)
  as both compounds irritate the thyroid gland=auto
  immune non functioning and it attacks itself. Too much
  iodine can result in hyperthyroid conditions such as
  weight loss, rough skin, acne, mental and emotional
  problems, and a 'spacey' feeling.
  SUGAR: refined sugars burn out the thyroid gland as
  well as the adrenal glands.
  If the thyroid is 'off', so, more than likely will be the parathyroid
  glands that cluster on the thyroid like little grapes,
  everyone has between four and eight of them. If they
  are not working properly, then calcium will not be
  assimilated or distributed properly=weak sagging
  muscles, loss of elasticity, heart attacks, and the
  muscles will then suck calcium from the
  bones=osteoporosis problems of 'aging' women, as
  muscles get calcium first in the food chain within the
  human body. AND if you have Adrenal gland
  insufficiency, it will affect your thyroid. So…treat
  adrenals first, then thyroid, then parathyroids in
  that order for any type of thyroid Rx to work, or your
  own gland without medication, via the foods you eat …

  In terms of Traditional Oriental Medicine, the thyroid
  gland is associated with Heart energy and a
  GallBladder flow imbalance can lead to thyroid
  tumors... working acu-points Stomach 9 (on either side
  of the Adam's Apple), Conception Vessel 22 (base of
  throat dent), Large Intestine 4 (in each hand:
  Forbidden Point during/desiring pregnancy), and
  Bladder 15 (between the shoulder blades)...will all
  help to balance out HYPOthyroid problems and the
  energetic atomic weight gain, associated with thyroid
  disease.
  Blueberries, strawberries and virgin coconut oil rev
  up a slow metabolism, and are great for the desired
  weight loss by fat HYPOthyroid people.
  DEMAND a Reverse T3 blood test, it shows how much T3 your body can use out of what is made FOR use. often a big difference showing you are not normal but clinically hypo. good luck

QUESTION:
Switching from synthyroid to natural desiccated thyroid or just add a T3?
I have hypothyroidism. I've been taking synthyroid for 5 months. Doc. says my TSH is normal. I still have symptoms. I've had a mysterious case of tendinitis (tennis elbow) that has persisted for over a year. It goes from one elbow to another and makes a crunching sound when I bend it palm down. I've read that hypothyroidism can cause inflammation and that treatment should relieve the tendinitis. I am still tired, mood swings, and experience symptoms of hypoglycemia(not sure if it's related) after eating foods high in carbs (palpation's, lose of sight when I stand up, falling asleep and extreme irritability), despite a normal blood glucose after eating. Anyone out there have any insight? Should I use the natural thyroid or try to get a rx for a T3 in addition to my T4? I'm batting my brains out looking for an answer.

• ANSWER:
  Hi James,

  I personally would just continue the Synthroid medicaition,especially if your doctor told you your TSH is normal. I think your other symptoms are absolutely unrelated to hypothyroidism. You should discuss these with your doctor and maybe he/she would like to check some tests to further evaluate.

  In regards to thyroid supplements, Levothyroxine (Synthroid) is the preferred treatment. I don't know if you realize that Levothyroxine is T4 and the body converts it to the active form of T3. T3 supplementation is only used in rare circumstances and is not superior to T4 supplementation in 99.9% of patients. T3 also leads to fluctuating levels during the day. So no, I don't think this is an appropriate option for you. In regards to natural thyroid, I do not know a single doctor that has ever prescribed or recommended this. The problem with natural thyroid is that we don't know the potency or strength of it. Therefore we don't know exactly how much T4 (thyroid hormone) you are actually getting. So basically the best treatment for hypothyroidism is Levothyroxine aka T4 aka Synthroid. I do not think changing your hypothyroid regimen will change your symptoms, because I very much doubt they are related to your thyroid disease. You should of course discuss this with your personal physician. I hope this helps you.

QUESTION:
Is it possible to make thyroid pills?
so this is probably a waste of points. but im a big "survive apocolypse" type person. I'm diagnosed with hypothyroidism... is it possible for me to produce my own natural thyroid meds kinda like Armour.

I read somewhere that thyroid treatment has been available since the 1800's... how did they make it?
On the actual Armour website it basically says this:

they take thyroid glands out of pigs.
they dry the thyroid glands
they crush the thyroid glands into a powder
then they put the crushed glands into a pill format.

seems easy enough. anyone out there who has some knowledge on this??

• ANSWER:
  best resource might be someone like dr lowe (drlowe.com) who makes his own and others who makeit.
  BTW the herbalists already know the herbs you would need, talk to them
  also the vitamins andminerals you would need dearpharmacist.com suzie cohen is a renegade pharmacist telling people what drugs do to them and how to counter them and what vitamins /minerals they need

  best wishes, these thoughts i have had also.

  way to go medicine

QUESTION:
How do i get out of this terrible situation? please help?
I'm 15 and i've had an under active thyroid (hypothyroidism) since March this year. I take tablets called Levothyroxine, and ever since i started them they've given me horrific insomnia, and it's so bad that i only get 10 minutes sleep a night and i cant function normally because of it and i cant even stand up i'm so exhausted. So basically i got told by my doctor that there was no other alternative treatment and so i had to stay on them for all of this time, which meant 8 months of severe insomnia. I even had a sleep study done at hospital and they said it is the tablets causing it but they did nothing about it! Also, the Levothyroxine doesn't even work! I still have all of my symptoms, like hair loss, freezing cold hands and feet,constipation etc.. So i ask myself WHY am i still taking them? But i know there are other brands of thyroxine but they will probably be exactly the same, so i heard of this natural thyroid hormone drug called Armour thyroid, but it's not licensed in the UK and no doctor will prescribe it to me. How can i get it? i don't really want to buy it off the internet its too risky. Please help, this is destroying my life and it will destroy my christmas if it continues.

• ANSWER:
  Have you told the doctor that the tablets gave you insomnia ?

  I would seek a second opinion from another doctor, it sounds like you are getting too much thyroxine if you can't sleep. Ask for a repeat thyroid function test.

QUESTION:
Anyone with thyroid disorder have luck with gluten-free?
I found out a few months ago that I have Hypothyroidism and so I have been trying out some different natural forms of treatments, such as acupressure, adding coconut oil to my diet, and cutting out certain foods from my diet. I've been reading that gluten intolerance/Celiac disease has been "linked" to Thyroid disorders. It's hard to know what to believe these days as far as what is good for you and what is the best treatments for this and that,etc. But I've tried various things and have noticed that cutting the gluten out of my diet seems to help with my thyroid symptoms the most.

Just curious if anyone else out there with thyroid trouble has tried a gluten free diet and what kind of effects did you get?

• ANSWER:
  That is good to know that you are seeing results from it. Thanks for sharing. That could help others out, because this disease can be hard as heck to deal with. I have been considering buying this book on this website I buy my supplements from, because it has a hypothyroidism cookbook that comes with it. I haven't tried it yet but I think I am going to have to give it a go. I'm not sure if it is gluten free of not, but it would be nice to have recipes to follow.

QUESTION:
I need some advice on how to help treat hypothyroidism?
When I first met my fiancee, he was 21, quite a thin guy, healthy though, except for the smoking part. After he quit smoking, he suddenly gained a lot of weight (I mean, like... 30 pounds in a few months). At first I thought it was because he wasn't smoking anymore, but a year goes by and more symptoms appear... after a visit to a doctor, looks like he has an under-active thyroid.

I'm in a holistic health program right now, and I'm just learning, so I don't know much about how to treat this. I have an idea of a homeopathic treatment, I have the idea that a weak liver could cause hypothyroidism... so I'm just wondering, is there any natural ways that I can help him? I don't want to put him on drugs, or have him popping a pill for the rest of his life. Is there something we could do to, maybe, help his thyroid for good? Any diets or anything?

Thanks for any insight!

• ANSWER:
  I think this article might be of some help:
  "...One of the key amino acids involved in the manufacture of the thyroid hormones is tyrosine. This nutrient, by the way, has been used to help cocaine addicts kick the habit by helping them avoid the worst of the withdrawal symptoms, including tiredness, depression, and irritability. It is also one of the active agents in a new formulation called Thyro Boost, which will help too. It includes kelp, which provides iodine (the other nutrient needed to make thyroid hormones) in the form of iodide and energy-boosting Co-Enzyme Q10. Thyro Boost is available by mail order from the Nutri Centre (0800 –587 2290)...."

QUESTION:
Treating Adrenal Exhaustion & Hypothyroidism?
I would like to hear from others who have had to treat Adrenal Exhaustion (& hopefully have hypothyroid as well.)

I esp want to know about which are the most effective, yet most affordable herbs/supplements/combos.

I've been reading a lot of info from stopthemadness.com.

I'm on a low dose of Armour for my thyroid. When I went up a bit on the dosage, had terrible reaction with all the symptoms of Severe Adrenal Exhaustion (which I knew I had a while ago but did not know how to treat.)

I would like to avoid seeing an endocrinologist, simply b/c so many of them don't even believe in Adrenal Exhaustion and IF they do, want to treat it with steroids. I want to go the NATURAL route.

I'm also wondering how long it usually takes to feel a difference (when taking supplements.)

Currently, I am taking The adaptogen herb, Rhodiola (200mg) and Eleuthero (1000mg)--Siberian Gingseng, I believe.

All this came about due to diagnosis to "treatment resistant depression." (And a lot of my own research.)

I really appreciate anyone's help with this! Thank you. (Any links to info or products will also be greatly appreciated.)

• ANSWER:
  I treated mine with isocort.
  http://www.modernherbalist.com/products/isocort.html
  There are plenty of other places you can get it, just shop around for the best price.

QUESTION:
How do i get out of this terrible situation? please help?
I'm 15 and i've had an under active thyroid (hypothyroidism) since March this year. I take tablets called Levothyroxine, and ever since i started them they've given me horrific insomnia, and it's so bad that i only get 10 minutes sleep a night and i cant function normally because of it and i cant even stand up i'm so exhausted. So basically i got told by my doctor that there was no other alternative treatment and so i had to stay on them for all of this time, which meant 8 months of severe insomnia. I even had a sleep study done at hospital and they said it is the tablets causing it but they did nothing about it! Also, the Levothyroxine doesn't even work! I still have all of my symptoms, like hair loss, freezing cold hands and feet,constipation etc.. So i ask myself WHY am i still taking them? But i know there are other brands of thyroxine but they will probably be exactly the same, so i heard of this natural thyroid hormone drug called Armour thyroid, but it's not licensed in the UK and no doctor will prescribe it to me. How can i get it? i don't really want to buy it off the internet its too risky. Please help, this is destroying my life and it will destroy my christmas if it continues.

• ANSWER:
  I would go back and have a tlak with the Dr. - not all thyroid replacement pills have the same side-effects - you may respond better to another one -- as far as the insomnia is concerned - your Dr. should be able to give you something for insomnia - or you could try OTC Sominex or Tyelnol PM for temporary use . If you have been taking the meds for 8 months - you should be accustomed to it by now -
  I would be leary of trying an uregulated drug -- this is a condition that you will have to take meds for the rest of your life -- not something that is going to go away ---
  The symptoms you mentioned are not exclusive to hypothyroidism - and if the meds are not helping - you need to let your Dr. know --
  If your Dr. is no more help - get a second opinion -- or go to an Endocrinologist ---

QUESTION:
How do i get out of this terrible situation? please help?
I'm 15 and i've had an under active thyroid (hypothyroidism) since March this year. I take tablets called Levothyroxine, and ever since i started them they've given me horrific insomnia, and it's so bad that i only get 10 minutes sleep a night and i cant function normally because of it and i cant even stand up i'm so exhausted. So basically i got told by my doctor that there was no other alternative treatment and so i had to stay on them for all of this time, which meant 8 months of severe insomnia. I even had a sleep study done at hospital and they said it is the tablets causing it but they did nothing about it! Also, the Levothyroxine doesn't even work! I still have all of my symptoms, like hair loss, freezing cold hands and feet,constipation etc.. So i ask myself WHY am i still taking them? But i know there are other brands of thyroxine but they will probably be exactly the same, so i heard of this natural thyroid hormone drug called Armour thyroid, but it's not licensed in the UK and no doctor will prescribe it to me. How can i get it? i don't really want to buy it off the internet its too risky. Please help, this is destroying my life and it will destroy my christmas if it continues.

• ANSWER:
  To me sounds like you need a second opinion and a dosage adjustment and a Rx for a sleep medication such as Ambein or Lunesta

QUESTION:
I suspect I have low thyroid, but want to treat it as naturally as possible, not with synthetics drugs. Doctor
I want natural treatment and natural hormones if necessary. Does anyone have knowledge or experience with this, such as if I can still buy a mercury thermometer to measure basal body temp. in the morning under armpit. Also any experience with natural treatment and doctors? I have read Dr. Broda Barnes' book and I feel that many tests that even an endocrinologist would suggest are not really necessary. If basal temperature is low than it seems safe to assume that so is the thyroid, especially when symptoms are present. I want to find a mercury thermometer, then if low temp. is confirmed I want to take armour thyroid and then monitor temp. and any changes in symptoms. If someone has knowledge of natural medicine and treatment which could support me even better than this idea, without costing a fortune, I would most appreciate the info, thanks.

• ANSWER:
  Well, I know how you feel. Being diagnosed or getting on the medicine is scary and overwhelming. I had this and I was just like you. I opposed drugs, medicines, synthetics until I learned that thyroid hormone is an absolute must in our bodies in fact it goes into ALL of our cells to regulate metabolism, temperature, moods, nerves, absorbtion and a whole buntch of many things. Then I had a blood work, and another and saw that not taking the meds making my labwork worse! I recommend you to focus on getting the right diagnosis first instead of trying to find shortcuts or ways that you are not helping your body, yourself and your health. We can not live without thyroid hormone - this is a fact! Also, there are no "natural thyroid hormones" like something that you get from a plant, a tincture, a vitamin, or food. If you are thyroid is not producing enough hormone - you need to supplement it. Think about a diabetic who requires insulin (type 1). Would you think it is smart not to take the synthetic insulin shots to keep your blood sugar in control? Of course not - people dont die of diabetes but its complications like heart disease, organ failure and so many more. Same thing applies to your thyroid - you would be crazy to deny your body of something that it needs! So here is what I recommend. Get a comprehensive thyroid panel blood test and look where you stand. Get checked for: TSH (should be under 2 even though the range lists that up to 5.5 is OK - it is not), T4, T3, FreeT4, FreeT3, T3 Uptake, TPO antibodies. When you get the results in your hand - go to about.thyroid.com and check the ranges again. If you are in range - your symptoms could be due to other factors. If you have an underactive thyroid or possibly an autoimmune underactive thyroid (Hashimotos) you NEED medicine. You can denied this from yourself, but why would you? Without the drug you further deteriorate in your health. An untreated thyroid will leave you miserable along with can lead to coma. You can take synthetic drug called Synthroid (T4 only) - it is ok, but many do better on a combination therapy of synthetic T4 and T3, or take pig thyroid supplement as I do and feel like your old self again. I took synthetics before. Please do not confuse yourself synthetic female hormones (HRT) with thyroid hormones. All the mess you hear on the news about Hormone Replacement are about menapausal women getting synthetic estrogens and progesterones. That is not about thyroid treatments! Thyroid hormone replacement therapy has NO side effects if doses correctly and will help you to live a better and healthier life. It is your work to find out if you do better on the synthetic or animal derived product. I know some people say that eating kelp or doing yoga reversed their underactve thyroid condition which may be true in some cases - if their condition is not severe enough where they can function without symptons. Many of us can do all the yoga we want and we still have to take our meds. I wish you good luck and great health!

QUESTION:
Help! One doctor says low thyroid the other says it's normal?
My GYN did bloodwork to check my thyroid because my hair has been falling out like crazy. It's been coming out in clumps! I did just have a baby in January, so not sure if it could be related to that, but anyway my GYN said the results showed that it was low and to make an appointment with my family doctor to talk about treatment. My family doctor looked at the results and said it was normal and that I do not need any treatment. What's going on here?! Anything natural I can do for the hair loss? Or should I seek a second opinion?

• ANSWER:
  Hi,

  Do you know what your test results were? The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recently changed the upper limit of "normal" TSH from 5.0 down to 3.0. Many doctors are still not aware of this.

  Most people feel best when their TSH is 1.0-2.0. Also, another important test is Free T4 which indicates how well your body is making/using the hormone.

  Best thing for you is to see an endocrinologist. Family doctors don't know too much about thyroids (they are Jack of All Trades, Master of None). Endos are trained specifically in thyroid disease.

  As for the hair falling out, it's very common after having a baby. I've found that eating fish helps a lot. We try to eat fish at least 2-3 days per week. I think it's probably all that omega fatty acids.

  Other signs of an underactive thyroid, in addition to the hair falling out are feeling cold, dry skin, dry hair, feeling tired and lethargic, loss of memory, inability to concentrate, slow metabolism, weight gain, constipation. A lot of these sound like pregnancy/post pregnancy don't they?

  Good luck.

  regards,
  mari

QUESTION:
I was diagnosed with Hoshimoto's thyroiditis, but told there was not any treatment necessary?
I have many of the symptoms, joint pain, unable to stand cold, headaches. The doctor says that all of my thyroid levels are normal, including my t4, so no treatment is necessary. My thyroidglobulin level was 346. That is what caused my diagnosis. She said that my tyroid will be fine.I feel tired all the time. I walk and eat right. Does anyone have a further suggestions as to how I might treat this from home or with natural remedies since I require no thyroid at this time.

• ANSWER:
  Read this article it may help you. It depends on your levels as to whether it needs treatment or not.
  http://www.useless-knowledge.com/1234/may/article378.html

QUESTION:
Are there any natural treatments for hypothyroidism?
When I went to the doctor recently, she told me that my blood tests showed high TSH. No other markers for thyroid disorder were high or low (i.e. my T3 and T4 were normal). My doctor thinks that I'm developing hypothyroidism. I REALLY don't want to have to take supplemental hormones for the rest of my life, so if anyone knows a natural way to balance out my thyroid again, please let me know.

I am a 20 year old female. I eat healthy, most of the time, and I exercise regularly. I am a healthy weight (5' 8", 130lbs). I take a multivitamin every day. I'm on birth control pills, as well.

• ANSWER:
  change your diet avoid goitrogens in foods which blocks/inhibits thyroid hormones (T1, T2, T3, T4) can lead to HYPOthyroid conditions=low thyroid AVOID:
  Cabbage, broccoli, rutabaga, cauliflower, kale,
  Brussels sprouts, watercress, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, millet, turnips, turnip greens,
  cassava root (tapioca), spinach, peach, pear, grape,
  mango, pea, and all soy (the worst) products.
  Peanut butter has had the goitrogens killed off
  because the making of it requires such high heat, BUT
  eating too much leads to the production of oxalic
  kidney stones.
  SOY products elevate T4 without modifying T3=weight
  gain, low ch'i, low fertility=early menopause, PLUS
  the plant based estrogens in soy can inhibit
  absorption of zinc and other essential minerals, cause
  stomach and intestine distress, AND is highly harmful
  for children whose sex organs and immune systems are
  still in the developmental stages.
  MILK: if you are hypothyroid, then avoid milk as the
  protein casein in cow's milk is 300% more potent than
  human breast milk and also disrupts thyroid function,
  try rice milk instead, not soy milk. A nice cup of hot
  milk before bed for calming the nerves is even worse
  than cold raw milk.
  FLUORIDE: avoid toothpaste and water which contain
  fluoride, as well as iodine (table salt and seaweeds)
  as both compounds irritate the thyroid gland=auto
  immune non functioning and it attacks itself. Too much
  iodine can result in hyperthyroid conditions such as
  weight loss, rough skin, acne, mental and emotional
  problems, and a 'spacey' feeling.
  SUGAR: refined sugars burn out the thyroid gland as
  well as the adrenal glands.
  If the thyroid is 'off', so, more than likely will be the parathyroid
  glands that cluster on the thyroid like little grapes,
  everyone has between four and eight of them. If they
  are not working properly, then calcium will not be
  assimilated or distributed properly=weak sagging
  muscles, loss of elasticity, heart attacks, and the
  muscles will then suck calcium from the
  bones=osteoporosis problems of 'aging' women, as
  muscles get calcium first in the food chain within the
  human body. AND if you have Adrenal gland
  insufficiency, it will affect your thyroid. So…treat
  adrenals first, then thyroid, then parathyroids in
  that order for any type of thyroid Rx to work, or your
  own gland without medication, via the foods you eat …

  In terms of Traditional Oriental Medicine, the thyroid
  gland is associated with Heart energy and a
  GallBladder flow imbalance can lead to thyroid
  tumors... working acu-points Stomach 9 (on either side
  of the Adam's Apple), Conception Vessel 22 (base of
  throat dent), Large Intestine 4 (in each hand:
  Forbidden Point during/desiring pregnancy), and
  Bladder 15 (between the shoulder blades)...will all
  help to balance out HYPOthyroid problems and the
  energetic atomic weight gain, associated with thyroid
  disease.
  Blueberries, strawberries and virgin coconut oil rev
  up a slow metabolism, and are great for the desired
  weight loss by fat HYPOthyroid people.
  DEMAND a Reverse T3 blood test, it shows how much T3 your body can use out of what is made FOR use. often a big difference showing you are not normal but clinically hypo. good luck

QUESTION:
Improving thyroid health without medication?
For about two years now I have been seeing a doctor to keep an eye on a nodular thyroid goiter. I am six foot one, age 20, and female. The doctor has found nothing seriously wrong, but has advised me to lose a bit of weight and improve my overall wellness to help my thyroid continue its good, albeit swollen, health. Does anyone have a tip on good food or an exercise program that improved their thyroid function? Thank you so much for your answers. I am looking for a natural solution here, so please try not to recommend pills of any type, etc. I do see the doctor on a regular basis to make sure that there is not a need for any serious treatment.

• ANSWER:
  You need a new doctor.

  If you have goiter, you obviously need treatment. You don't grow a goiter for no reason. And as I understand you statement, your doctor is withholding treatment?

  Have you have the nodule biopsied? Is it hot or cold? Those are very serious questions, and If you doctor has not answered them, you need another doctor who will.

  And lastly, your doctor is quite confused. There is no exercise program in the world that will help a goiter, or any other aspect of thyroid disease. There is no natural way to improve thyroid function.

QUESTION:
What should i do about the side effect of my tablets?
I have an under active thyroid so i have to take Levothyroxine. Ever since i started taking it, it has stopped me sleeping and it gets worse when i increase the dose. I have had this problem for 8 months now and i have not got more than an hours sleep every night for months. I have been to see loads of doctors, a lot of them say it is the thyroxine causing it but i have to stay on it because there is no alternative treatment. I also had a sleep study done at a sleep clinic and they said the thyroxine is keeping my brain awake but all they suggested i do is take melatonin and go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday which i have been doing for 3 months now. The melatonin doesn't really work. I am sick to death of putting up with thi, it's ruining my life! I'm too exhausted to leave the house, it ruined christmas for me as well. Also, i found that the tablets dont even get rid of my other symptoms, despite my blood tests being normal i still have hair loss, cold hands and feet and constipation. No doctors will listen to me. I would like to go on Natural dessicated thyroid hormone but no doctor will prescribe it to me as it is not licsenced in the uk. I dont know what to do!! i cant take it anymore. please help

• ANSWER:
  I'm so sorry to hear this.melotonin didn't work for me either. Eat grapes and oatmeal for the constipation.I lnow that if ypur sysyem gets backed up its it makes things worst.drink lots of water too if you can do some exercise.

QUESTION:
Seeing my doctor again tomorrow because I don't feel any better?
I am a 21 year old woman. I eat extremely healthy (an all organic well balanced diet) with no junk food ever, take vitamins and nutritional supplements, I don't take any prescription or OTC medications at all, I exercise, get about 8 hours of sleep a night, drink plenty of water and don't drink alcohol or do drugs. About a year and a half ago, I suddenly started feeling really run down all the time, started getting acne on my face, chest and back (which I never had before), extremely swollen lymph nodes in my neck (like the size of small eggs swollen), and white firm balls of smelly stuff that comes out of my tonsils. I went to my old GP, couldn't actually see him, then passed off by his rude nurse who gave me some antibiotics and basically told me to go away. So I just delt with it, up until about 3 months ago, when my boss started noticing me falling asleep at work (I have "episodes" that last about 10 minutes where I physically cannot stay awake no matter how hard I try, then I black out, then I come to and feel normal again). I decided rather than go back to my GP's surly nurse, I would see a naturopath instead since I believe in treating things naturally anyways.

My new doctor is a very nice man, he comes highly recommended, and in my opinion takes a very sensible approach to natural medicine (he isn't off in the twilight zone and uses traditional medicine when applicable). In my initial visit, he spent an hour listening to what exactly my issues were, tested me for strep in his office (negative), reviewed all my supplements (and he made some suggestions on what to change and add) gave me a b-vitamin shot, and sent me for some blood tests (thyroid function, white blood cell count, mono, iron and calcium levels). Everything was pretty normal, my iron was a little on the lower end of the normal range. He put me on a light iron supplement every other day and told me to take a different liquid multivitamin to see if that helped, and told me to come back in 2 months to discuss how I feel, and he explained that this may be a very long haul to find out what's wrong, and that he will figure out the problem before giving me any type of treatment (I like that idea). It's been 3 months, I still feel like absolute crap, my acne is worsening, my tonsils still have smelly white crap coming out and my lymph nodes still look like eggs in my throat. My appointment is tomorrow afternoon. What do I say to him? I'm in the same condition I was 3 months ago, and actually feel slightly worse (I will admit the portion of my skin that the acne isn't on, like my belly and legs, looks significantly better after taking the liquid multi so it had some effect). Are there any suggestions you all may have to ask him about? Or ideas what may be wrong so I can ask him to test me for it? I like that my doctor isn't going to treat me before he knows what's actually wrong, but I feel like hell every single day, and the sooner we can figure this out, the sooner I can feel alive again.
I forgot to add, when he did the mono test, he also tested for epstein-bar virus. I was negative for both.
I do not care to use acne creams to cover it up, I want to figure out what is CAUSING the acne. I do not want internal birth control either. I am getting married in October, and we want to have kids in the next few years (yet another reason I'm trying to be healthy and feel better). I think it is unnatural to do that to your body, probably damages your reproductive organs in some way, and I refuse to do so. And I certainly don't want to see any more doctors who pass off my problems with a band-aid prescription without getting to the root cause. My doctor has also told me, if he feels it necessary, he will refer me to a specialist, but he will check in with that specialist to make sure I am getting proper attention, not just shoved pills to treat symptoms without a diagnosis.

• ANSWER:
  Swollen lymph nodes means you are fighting some infection or virus . The tonsils are forming tonsil stones called tonsillith's which are usually very hard stones and when broken really do stink. The can form in anyone with tonsils A friend removed one and I still remember the smell, and it was years ago. I would want to be tested for any STD's or anything that would lower immune system functioning. You may be suffering from a few small conditions and looking to connect them in to one large one that is not there. I am more concerned about the lymph nodes than anything else. They are the one sure sign of something going on that should not be. As nice as you physician is I would want a definitive diagnosis and not a trial and error search. This can be done even if you have to check into a hospital. It has been going on too long and you have real symptoms. There is no point in being alarmed as there are so many things that can cause this so don't jump to conclusions. Even parasites can cause all your symptoms.

QUESTION:
How do i get out of this terrible situation? please help?
I'm 15 and i've had an under active thyroid (hypothyroidism) since March this year. I take tablets called Levothyroxine, and ever since i started them they've given me horrific insomnia, and it's so bad that i only get 10 minutes sleep a night and i cant function normally because of it and i cant even stand up i'm so exhausted. So basically i got told by my doctor that there was no other alternative treatment and so i had to stay on them for all of this time, which meant 8 months of severe insomnia. I even had a sleep study done at hospital and they said it is the tablets causing it but they did nothing about it! Also, the Levothyroxine doesn't even work! I still have all of my symptoms, like hair loss, freezing cold hands and feet,constipation etc.. So i ask myself WHY am i still taking them? But i know there are other brands of thyroxine but they will probably be exactly the same, so i heard of this natural thyroid hormone drug called Armour thyroid, but it's not licensed in the UK and no doctor will prescribe it to me. How can i get it? i don't really want to buy it off the internet its too risky. Please help, this is destroying my life and it will destroy my christmas if it continues.

• ANSWER:
  Have you told the doctor that the tablets gave you insomnia ?

  I would seek a second opinion from another doctor, it sounds like you are getting too much thyroxine if you can't sleep. Ask for a repeat thyroid function test.

QUESTION:
Why do some people with autoimmune diseases have a problem with supplements that strengthen the immune system.?
My husband has Grave's disease. He was put on methimazole (tapazole) to combat the hyperthyroidism. He's been on it for over a year now, starting at 30 mg., then 20, then 10, then 5, back to 10 and then off the medication. The medication controlled his symptoms but the thyroid stimulating hormone level was virtually zero for a long time. Then on the last two blood tests, while taking 10 mg. the hormone level was in the normal range for both the T3 and T4. This gave us hope. Then the doctor told my husband to go off the medication and come back in one month. In just one month the levels changed drastically - zero, and high (showing hyperthyroidism again). When trying to figure out why going off a low dose of the medication would have such a drastic effect, we remembered that we tried a new supplement that is supposed to greatly inhance the immune system. Grave's disease is an autoimmune disease. I heard that the medication (tapazole) actually suppresses the immune system. We are now thinking that the new supplement that my husband was taking messed up my husband's thyroid levels. Why is this so? And is there any other natural treatment for this disease?

• ANSWER:
  Autoimmune disorders are caused by the immune system being hyperactive in a way - instead of attacking germs, they attack the body. Taking something to INCREASE the immune system is the last thing that someone with an autoimmune disorder would typically want to do....especially anything that increases macrophagic*** activity...

  So yes, suppressing the immune response - would be what you want to do...

  Stop taking anything that would increase immunity for 3 months and then follow your doctors suggestion for the hormone titration.

  *** macrophages are part of the immune system that stimulate interleukin-1, it sounds the trumpet for the immune system to be on high alert - and in the case of those with autoimmune disorders, that means a sharp increase in symptom aggravation.

  In case you want to learn more...

  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrophage

  Herbs that would do that include Astragulus, echinecea, guggul, nettle, (and gobs of others), and vitamins A, C and Zinc, and the amino acid arginine - those are just off the top of my head. Sorry about the spelling - its way past my bed time.

QUESTION:
I need help with an alternative treatment to hypothyroid?
Hi,
I'm 28 and have hypothyroid, I've been taking levoxyl per my endrocon and I really am not seeing any results. If anything I feel like I'm getting worse. It's been over a year and I started off taking 25mcg and now I'm at 120mcg.
Lately I've been having chest pain and had two echo's done and both tech's said they saw liquid around my heart.
The first doctor said it wasn't liquid and it was normal and I'm waiting for the results for my second test.
I did some on line research and found that some people who have hypo thyroid and/or take levoxyl can get liquid around their hearts.
I'm concerned and would really love a natural approach for this condition.
To top it off my cholesterol is out of control, nearly 300. My doctor says it's due to my genes and thyroid.
So I try to eat very healthy, dark greens, spinach, salads, whole grains and such, but from more research am finding these foods are bad for a thyroid condition.
I'm really confused and don't know what to do.

• ANSWER:
  There is a natural alternative to your medication, which has been found to be just as effective.
  Sold by prescription only under the name Armour Thyroid®, it's an extract of pig thyroid, and contains both T 4 and T 3.

  Good luck.

QUESTION:
How the heck can I manage HYPERGLYCEMIA and thyroid disease?
I am 12 weeks pregnant with my fourth child and have been diagnosed with thyroiditis a few years back. After going completely loopy on the meds prescribed I weaned myself off and started changing my dieting and exercising as well as taking a liquid "Dulse" supplement.
I discussed my other problems and concerns with my doctor and she thinks I also have hyperglycemia. I have no clue what to do.
I am often tired and blurry can't think or function. Sometimes I cannot breathe and have shortness of breathe.
If I even touch a drop of sugar I crash immediately and could fall asleep standing. I have to lay down until I can reboot. I can't eat carbs either. I have had an ongoing yeast infection that will not go away even will tons of treatment. It has been 3 years now and my last one before that lasted 2 years.
Being pregnant I'm afraid to do a complete cleanse. I want to go all natural if possible and am having trouble.
I exercise 30 minutes a day to get my heart rate up (that's a MUST for me)
I eat only high protein, natural foods with little to no carbs.

If I give up carbs completely I noticed I get extremely unhealthy and was down to 104lbs.
I have no clue how to manage this or erase it, any help would be great.

• ANSWER:
  Hello,

  Hyperglycemia is elevated blood sugar and this can occur in pregnancy related to hormonal changes. If the blood sugar is elevated to a certain point, then it would be gestational diabetes. All pregnant women should be screened for hyperglycemia and gestational diabetes around the 26 week of pregnancy or sooner if warranted. This is usually done with an oral glucose tolerance test, which you should have had in your prior pregnancies. It is important to identify hyperglycemia/gestational diabetes, because it is associated with congenital anomalies, large baby size (macrosomnia) and other issues. Controlling the blood sugar is associated with improved outcomes.

  The treatment for this depends on how high the blood sugars are during the pregnancy. Sometimes dietary modification alone is enough to control the blood sugars. All pregnant women with gestational diabetes should meet with a nutritionist to determine the appropriate caloric intake and allotment. If dietary modification is not enough to lower the blood sugar, then insulin may be needed. Many oral medications for diabetes are not safe in pregnancy. Performing a complete cleanse would not help with this issue. Recurrent yeast infections can occur with Diabetes. Discuss this all with your doctor to determine the appropriate evaluation and treatment. Good luck with your pregnancy.

QUESTION:
My son is going to be evaluated for ADD...?
I was usually the one who always commented on the ADD/ADHD issue with-"I don't believe in ADD, I think it's a diagnosis used for parents who simply have very active kids." Well, I should have done a little more research. According to my son's 1-3rd grade teachers, he needs to be tested for ADD. NOT the hyperactive kind, just the one where they can't focus, can't pay attention, can't stay on task. I see the same problems at home. He forgets things, loses things, has to be re-told almost everything. He has a hard time retaining information. There's just a lot of issues he's having because he just can't focus. He's in 3rd grade, and at the teacher conference, she tells me he's at a 6th grade reading level. And that he's ridiculously smart, but doing independent work is very difficult for him. So, Ok, here's the question: anyone have kids on something OTHER than Ritalin? The side affects seem awful. And my boy is already on a thyroid medication, asthma medication and allergy medication. I want to go to his appointment with something more than the attitude of "Well, the doctor knows best". I want to know about alternative treatments, natural meds, all that.
I guess I should have put this:

My boy is playing in his 3rd season of little league football. He's has 3 practice days a week, plus games on Saturdays. HE IS VERY ACTIVE. Loves to play with toys like Legos, plays "pretend" with wrestlers, little action figures. Quite frankly, I think he enjoys toy play over video games. Yes, occasionally plays the nintendo wii, but I hate video games...so that is limited to 20-30 minutes, when he's done particularly well with his school work. Maybe once a week. Yes, a little tv when he was small, well, more like Baby Einstein videos, but I refuse to believe that that is why he's having so much trouble. Who hasn't grown up watching tv. I know I did!

He is not HYPERactive. This will be testing for the attention deficit only. What I mean by "HE IS VERY ACTIVE" is that he isn't a couch potato that plays video games and watch tv all day.

• ANSWER:
  I work with special needs children... and that term covers a WIDE range of issues including ADD. Several of the children i work with are on medication or special diets for this condition. My own child also has similar issues. I would love to just tell you what he should take but Im afraid it is just not that simple. There are pros and cons to every solution and no matter how good any of them are they will not work for everyone. I will start with the diets. I have seen several of them and as a whole I do not see that they work very well at all. I tried them and I have seen many others try them. They do help some but not nearly enough. As for medication... Ritalin is very rarely given now because of the same concerns you have. It is now mostly reserved for extreme cases or bad doctors. My best advise to you is to go to the doctor and tell them your concerns and insist on trying meds only on a short term trial basis and researching the specific drug as soon as you get it for all the side affects the doctor will not tell you about it. But most importantly remember that no matter what the doctor says YOU are the parent and the cannot made you give your child a medication that you dont want to give them. Good luck!

QUESTION:
What do you think ---- hypothyroid or low progesterone?
First of all - I am trying to find a new dr so I can get some testing --- if anyone knows of a dr in philly who is open to recommending natural treatments AS WELL as conventional/western medicine -- please recommend.

I've gone my entire life with symptoms that point to hypothyroid. Lifelong depression, cold hands/feet, low blood pressure, hormone issues. Everytime they test my thyroid, they tell me I am fine. Twice two different doctors tested my tsh levels and said "nope you are fine" this year. I also had all bloodwork done and tests were all "normal."

Now my periods are late - but very heavy, low libido, angular chelitis, colitis bouts, fatigued all the time, depression and anxiety, and I am putting on weight for what feels like no reason. this can't all be stress?!

I take enzymes (gabba, phenyalanine, 5-htp) for depression, sublingual b-12, multi vitamin, cal/mag/vit d, and probiotics daily. I don't know how much more I can possibly to do help myself. I am so frustrated.

I am adding progesterone creme to the list to attempt to help the low libido.....I don't know what else to do. I quit birth control pills hoping the low libido would regulate --- it didn't. it got worse.

Thoughts?

Any thoughts? recommendations? i know I need bloodwork - I'm working on that...

• ANSWER:
  my mom has what you have (the hypothryroidism). it took FOREVER for the doctors to actually realize what she had! get the blood work done, do some research, and find a doctor that know what they are talking about! good luck!

QUESTION:
my hair has been falling out for a couple years. What can I do?
Please don't tell me that its because I dye my hair because when it started falling out my hair was all natural and it was/is not dry.
I didn't have real thick hair but it was thick now its thin.
The time it started to fall out was before I was prescribed birth control for a treatment use
and I have been taking ammoxicilin or however you spell it for years.
A year later I was put on Lexapro.
I have been to the doctor to check my thyroid and I have a small goiter but it does not grow very fast. They said it isn't harming me in any way (yet) so they are just watching it.

How can I keep it from falling out as much as it does?

• ANSWER:
  Any thyroid condition, including goiter can cause hair loss. Birth control is a common cause of hair loss but it sounds like your hair loss started before using birth control. Long term antibiotic use (that is not countered with probiotic) can make a person more susceptible to certain condition in which hair loss is a symptom. This is especially true if birth control and antibiotics are used together. Candidiasis albicans and low-level systemic inflammation can lead to diffuse hair loss. Both these conditions can be brought about by antibiotic use. I used essential oil scalp treatments very successfully for my own hair loss condition. You can learn more about the types and causes of female hair loss and about using essential oils as a hair loss remedy at the links below.

QUESTION:
How can I stop my hair from thinning?
I'm a 20 year old girl and two years ago my hair started thinning,now I have really thin hair and you can really see the roots.This makes me so depressed because I always liked to do my hair and now I don't even like to look in the mirror:(
What can I do to make my hair healthier and to stop the thinning??I think I'm really careful with my hair,I wash it with cold water,I let it dry naturally and I've been washing it with an more natural shampoo.Right now I'm using a keratine treatment to make my hair stronger but I don't know if it's a good idea.I've already been to a dermatologist and did a three month treatment that didn't worked at all and right now I can't afford a doctor:( I don't have any thyroid problems but I suffer from extreme anxiety which I know can cause hair loss.

• ANSWER:
  Hello there,

  There are many things that can bring upon hair loss from genetics to stress, hormone problems, etc, but the only way to know for sure before spending any more money is to schedule a free consultation with an expert physician, like those at Bosley Medical.

  These physicians are hair loss experts who can diagnose the specific cause of your case & recommend appropriate treatment options. The consults at Bosley Medical are conducted free of charge so at the very least you receive the information you need to move forward in addressing your problem. Best of luck to you

QUESTION:
I need some advice on how to help treat hypothyroidism?
When I first met my fiancee, he was 21, quite a thin guy, healthy though, except for the smoking part. After he quit smoking, he suddenly gained a lot of weight (I mean, like... 30 pounds in a few months). At first I thought it was because he wasn't smoking anymore, but a year goes by and more symptoms appear... after a visit to a doctor, looks like he has an under-active thyroid.

I'm in a holistic health program right now, and I'm just learning, so I don't know much about how to treat this. I have an idea of a homeopathic treatment, I have the idea that a weak liver could cause hypothyroidism... so I'm just wondering, is there any natural ways that I can help him? I don't want to put him on drugs, or have him popping a pill for the rest of his life. Is there something we could do to, maybe, help his thyroid for good? Any diets or anything?

Thanks for any insight!

• ANSWER:
  I think this article might be of some help:
  "...One of the key amino acids involved in the manufacture of the thyroid hormones is tyrosine. This nutrient, by the way, has been used to help cocaine addicts kick the habit by helping them avoid the worst of the withdrawal symptoms, including tiredness, depression, and irritability. It is also one of the active agents in a new formulation called Thyro Boost, which will help too. It includes kelp, which provides iodine (the other nutrient needed to make thyroid hormones) in the form of iodide and energy-boosting Co-Enzyme Q10. Thyro Boost is available by mail order from the Nutri Centre (0800 –587 2290)...."

QUESTION:
How can I stop my excess sweating? Please help!?
I have had it since puberty in my hands, under my arms and in my feet. I can deal with the first two, but the feet thing is really annoying! Winter is espically probablimatic as my feet become quickly wet, cold and they get sores on them from the constant hot/cold changes. I wish I could say it was caused by my thyroid, however it's not so in that case my doctor said there is not a whole lot I can do about it as it, and that botox injections is the only really reliable "treatment," which I have heard is also in painful in the feet area. Has anyone found a treatment that actually works? I think I have tried everything natural so far, and a load of different deoderants. I'm sick of having to pack a suit case of dry clothes, sox and shoes just to go out foe the day!! Thanks very much!
Also, can anyone tell me if there is a medication for excess sweating that does not have weight gain as a side effect? Thanks again!

• ANSWER:
  I found a blog that explains how to stop excessive sweating. There are a few things on the blog that will help you.

  I'll leave a link to the blog below.

  hope this helps...

QUESTION:
Has anyone ever gotten pregnant after not having a period for a year or longer???
I went without a period for 1 1/2 years being only 20 this was not normal for me. My periods have always been irregular and ranged from 1-4 months or so but this was by far NOT NORMAL..So i went to my doctors she tested my prolactin levels, thyroid( found that i had a slight hyperthyroid but not enough for treatment) liver/ kidney function, LH and FSH levels ect and everything was in the normal range if not in perfect working conditions, so she tried progesterone challenge on me 10mg for 7 days to see if it would induce my period and it did, so then she suggested i use a natural progesterone cream for 10 days starting from day 14 of my cycle well I had too regular periods since using the cream, but I am now 1 week late on my period and experiencing slight tender breasts, light cramping here and their, had some very light light brown spotting for about 2 days when my period should have came but that us about it..
have you ever went without, gotten pregnant when you started up again??

• ANSWER:
  I've had irregular periods all my life and one time no period for a year!! I was married for 7 years, never got pregnant, I had a boyfriend with 3 kids, never got pregnant with him either, then I met the man I'm with now and we were together only 5 months and I got pregnant, I'm 37 now with a 2 year old daughter! So there is hope, just keep on having sex daily, don't miss a day and maybe in 5 months you'll get prenant too!! Do it EVERY day thats the key! Becuz there is only one day in the month you can conceive, so do it daily!!

QUESTION:
What should i do about the side effect of my tablets?
I have an under active thyroid so i have to take Levothyroxine. Ever since i started taking it, it has stopped me sleeping and it gets worse when i increase the dose. I have had this problem for 8 months now and i have not got more than an hours sleep every night for months. I have been to see loads of doctors, a lot of them say it is the thyroxine causing it but i have to stay on it because there is no alternative treatment. I also had a sleep study done at a sleep clinic and they said the thyroxine is keeping my brain awake but all they suggested i do is take melatonin and go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday which i have been doing for 3 months now. The melatonin doesn't really work. I am sick to death of putting up with thi, it's ruining my life! I'm too exhausted to leave the house, it ruined christmas for me as well. Also, i found that the tablets dont even get rid of my other symptoms, despite my blood tests being normal i still have hair loss, cold hands and feet and constipation. No doctors will listen to me. I would like to go on Natural dessicated thyroid hormone but no doctor will prescribe it to me as it is not licsenced in the uk. I dont know what to do!! i cant take it anymore. please help

• ANSWER:
  Perhaps you could take a kelp tablet every day instead of Levothyroxine.

QUESTION:
What should i do about the side effect of my tablets?
I have an under active thyroid so i have to take Levothyroxine. Ever since i started taking it, it has stopped me sleeping and it gets worse when i increase the dose. I have had this problem for 8 months now and i have not got more than an hours sleep every night for months. I have been to see loads of doctors, a lot of them say it is the thyroxine causing it but i have to stay on it because there is no alternative treatment. I also had a sleep study done at a sleep clinic and they said the thyroxine is keeping my brain awake but all they suggested i do is take melatonin and go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday which i have been doing for 3 months now. The melatonin doesn't really work. I am sick to death of putting up with thi, it's ruining my life! I'm too exhausted to leave the house, it ruined christmas for me as well. Also, i found that the tablets dont even get rid of my other symptoms, despite my blood tests being normal i still have hair loss, cold hands and feet and constipation. No doctors will listen to me. I would like to go on Natural dessicated thyroid hormone but no doctor will prescribe it to me as it is not licsenced in the uk. I dont know what to do!! i cant take it anymore. please help

• ANSWER:
  Hi Pinkgirl. You are not alone. I have hypothyroidism, and i haven't slept for 3 years. I'm so exhausted every day, i can't function. If i'm lucky, i'll get 3 hours of sleep a night. Some nights, i don't sleep at all. I don't think it's your medication, it's probably more from having a thyroid problem. I take Natural dessicated thyroid medication, and have all the same issues you do. People say it works so much better, well, not always. I've also lost 70% of my hair, and it's never grown back ( another thing that isn't suppose to happen on natural medicine ). I haven't left my house for months because i'm almost bald, and i'm too embarrassed to go out in public. I did not celebrate Christmas this year, i spent the day in bed. it has totally ruined my life also. My husband left me because of this, i'm in debt from going to so many doctors to try to get better ( none of them ever cared that i'm exhausted, or losing my hair ), i'll probably never be able to go out in public again because of the way i look, and i now have severe depression from all of this. I don't even want to live anymore. I wish i had an answer for you, but i don't know how to get better. I've been on 6 different medications, in 3 years, and none of them have helped. I just keep getting sicker. I know how horrible it is to live like this, and i'm really sorry you feel so bad. I hope you find something that will help you feel better. Hang in there <<>>

QUESTION:
How do i get out of this terrible situation? please help?
I'm 15 and i've had an under active thyroid (hypothyroidism) since March this year. I take tablets called Levothyroxine, and ever since i started them they've given me horrific insomnia, and it's so bad that i only get 10 minutes sleep a night and i cant function normally because of it and i cant even stand up i'm so exhausted. So basically i got told by my doctor that there was no other alternative treatment and so i had to stay on them for all of this time, which meant 8 months of severe insomnia. I even had a sleep study done at hospital and they said it is the tablets causing it but they did nothing about it! Also, the Levothyroxine doesn't even work! I still have all of my symptoms, like hair loss, freezing cold hands and feet,constipation etc.. So i ask myself WHY am i still taking them? But i know there are other brands of thyroxine but they will probably be exactly the same, so i heard of this natural thyroid hormone drug called Armour thyroid, but it's not licensed in the UK and no doctor will prescribe it to me. How can i get it? i don't really want to buy it off the internet its too risky. Please help, this is destroying my life and it will destroy my christmas if it continues.

• ANSWER:
  To me sounds like you need a second opinion and a dosage adjustment and a Rx for a sleep medication such as Ambein or Lunesta

QUESTION:
How the heck can I manage HYPERGLYCEMIA and thyroid disease?
I am 12 weeks pregnant with my fourth child and have been diagnosed with thyroiditis a few years back. After going completely loopy on the meds prescribed I weaned myself off and started changing my dieting and exercising as well as taking a liquid "Dulse" supplement.
I discussed my other problems and concerns with my doctor and she thinks I also have hyperglycemia. I have no clue what to do.
I am often tired and blurry can't think or function. Sometimes I cannot breathe and have shortness of breathe.
If I even touch a drop of sugar I crash immediately and could fall asleep standing. I have to lay down until I can reboot. I can't eat carbs either. I have had an ongoing yeast infection that will not go away even will tons of treatment. It has been 3 years now and my last one before that lasted 2 years.
Being pregnant I'm afraid to do a complete cleanse. I want to go all natural if possible and am having trouble.
I exercise 30 minutes a day to get my heart rate up (that's a MUST for me)
I eat only high protein, natural foods with little to no carbs.

If I give up carbs completely I noticed I get extremely unhealthy and was down to 104lbs.
I have no clue how to manage this or erase it, any help would be great.

• ANSWER:
  Hello,

  Hyperglycemia is elevated blood sugar and this can occur in pregnancy related to hormonal changes. If the blood sugar is elevated to a certain point, then it would be gestational diabetes. All pregnant women should be screened for hyperglycemia and gestational diabetes around the 26 week of pregnancy or sooner if warranted. This is usually done with an oral glucose tolerance test, which you should have had in your prior pregnancies. It is important to identify hyperglycemia/gestational diabetes, because it is associated with congenital anomalies, large baby size (macrosomnia) and other issues. Controlling the blood sugar is associated with improved outcomes.

  The treatment for this depends on how high the blood sugars are during the pregnancy. Sometimes dietary modification alone is enough to control the blood sugars. All pregnant women with gestational diabetes should meet with a nutritionist to determine the appropriate caloric intake and allotment. If dietary modification is not enough to lower the blood sugar, then insulin may be needed. Many oral medications for diabetes are not safe in pregnancy. Performing a complete cleanse would not help with this issue. Recurrent yeast infections can occur with Diabetes. Discuss this all with your doctor to determine the appropriate evaluation and treatment. Good luck with your pregnancy.

QUESTION:
How do i get out of this terrible situation? please help?
I'm 15 and i've had an under active thyroid (hypothyroidism) since March this year. I take tablets called Levothyroxine, and ever since i started them they've given me horrific insomnia, and it's so bad that i only get 10 minutes sleep a night and i cant function normally because of it and i cant even stand up i'm so exhausted. So basically i got told by my doctor that there was no other alternative treatment and so i had to stay on them for all of this time, which meant 8 months of severe insomnia. I even had a sleep study done at hospital and they said it is the tablets causing it but they did nothing about it! Also, the Levothyroxine doesn't even work! I still have all of my symptoms, like hair loss, freezing cold hands and feet,constipation etc.. So i ask myself WHY am i still taking them? But i know there are other brands of thyroxine but they will probably be exactly the same, so i heard of this natural thyroid hormone drug called Armour thyroid, but it's not licensed in the UK and no doctor will prescribe it to me. How can i get it? i don't really want to buy it off the internet its too risky. Please help, this is destroying my life and it will destroy my christmas if it continues.

• ANSWER:
  I would go back and have a tlak with the Dr. - not all thyroid replacement pills have the same side-effects - you may respond better to another one -- as far as the insomnia is concerned - your Dr. should be able to give you something for insomnia - or you could try OTC Sominex or Tyelnol PM for temporary use . If you have been taking the meds for 8 months - you should be accustomed to it by now -
  I would be leary of trying an uregulated drug -- this is a condition that you will have to take meds for the rest of your life -- not something that is going to go away ---
  The symptoms you mentioned are not exclusive to hypothyroidism - and if the meds are not helping - you need to let your Dr. know --
  If your Dr. is no more help - get a second opinion -- or go to an Endocrinologist ---

QUESTION:
Has anyone ever gotten pregnant after not having a period for a year or longer???
I went without a period for 1 1/2 years being only 20 this was not normal for me. My periods have always been irregular and ranged from 1-4 months or so but this was by far NOT NORMAL..So i went to my doctors she tested my prolactin levels, thyroid( found that i had a slight hyperthyroid but not enough for treatment) liver/ kidney function, LH and FSH levels ect and everything was in the normal range if not in perfect working conditions, so she tried progesterone challenge on me 10mg for 7 days to see if it would induce my period and it did, so then she suggested i use a natural progesterone cream for 10 days starting from day 14 of my cycle well I had too regular periods since using the cream, but I am now 1 week late on my period and experiencing slight tender breasts, light cramping here and their, had some very light light brown spotting for about 2 days when my period should have came but that us about it..
have you ever went without, gotten pregnant when you started up again??

• ANSWER:
  yes this happened to me i was 2 years without a period and fell pregnant ,she is 25 now,i didnt know i was pregnant just felt really yuk then felt flutters i went to doctor and said i am pregnant and i sure was 15 weeks

QUESTION:
Has anyone ever gotten pregnant after not having a period for a year or longer???
I went without a period for 1 1/2 years being only 20 this was not normal for me. My periods have always been irregular and ranged from 1-4 months or so but this was by far NOT NORMAL..So i went to my doctors she tested my prolactin levels, thyroid( found that i had a slight hyperthyroid but not enough for treatment) liver/ kidney function, LH and FSH levels ect and everything was in the normal range if not in perfect working conditions, so she tried progesterone challenge on me 10mg for 7 days to see if it would induce my period and it did, so then she suggested i use a natural progesterone cream for 10 days starting from day 14 of my cycle well I had too regular periods since using the cream, but I am now 1 week late on my period and experiencing slight tender breasts, light cramping here and their, had some very light light brown spotting for about 2 days when my period should have came but that us about it..
have you ever went without, gotten pregnant when you started up again??

• ANSWER:
  Periods can come anywhere from 21-30 days, so being a few days "late" really isn't late at all. Wait another week. If it doesn't come, get a pregnancy test if you're sexually active.

QUESTION:
Has anyone ever gotten pregnant after not having a period for a year or longer???
I went without a period for 1 1/2 years being only 20 this was not normal for me. My periods have always been irregular and ranged from 1-4 months or so but this was by far NOT NORMAL..So i went to my doctors she tested my prolactin levels, thyroid( found that i had a slight hyperthyroid but not enough for treatment) liver/ kidney function, LH and FSH levels ect and everything was in the normal range if not in perfect working conditions, so she tried progesterone challenge on me 10mg for 7 days to see if it would induce my period and it did, so then she suggested i use a natural progesterone cream for 10 days starting from day 14 of my cycle well I had too regular periods since using the cream, but I am now 1 week late on my period and experiencing slight tender breasts, light cramping here and their, had some very light light brown spotting for about 2 days when my period should have came but that us about it..
have you ever went without, gotten pregnant when you started up again??

• ANSWER:
  With pregnacy, anything is possible..

QUESTION:
What are Some Natural Treatments for Thyroid Disease?
What is the best Form of Iodine?

• ANSWER:
  http://www.naturalways.com/thyroid.htm

QUESTION:
Natural treatment for an overactive thyroid?

• ANSWER:
  Try energy work, it can be done long distance, so you don't even have to leave your home.
  However I always say to follow up with the doctor, and you should have blood levels drawn.

QUESTION:
What are the natural treatments for hypo thyroid?

• ANSWER:
  Well, you need natural iodine from seaweed such as kelp and/or dulse to start. It's also important that you consider a heavy metal cleanse. The following is a product that has been extensively tested and consists of nothing more than brown seaweed from the Ukraine. It removes heavy metals and radiation (it was extensively used on Chernobyl victims) as well as supplying the body with lots of iodine. It's the best single supplement for hypothyroid issues.
  www.modifilan.com

QUESTION:
Overactive thyroid treatment without pills?
My doc has diagnosed myself with having an overactive thyroid however the tablets prescribed (thyroxine) made my heart beat irraticly and made me panic. So I have decided to abandon taking the pills, how else can I control this problem? Any natural remedies? I feel great the day I exercise, it really sorts out my energy levels but then im so low for 2 or 3 days after. Also my dad has this too and takes the same tablets, im 28 so can I ignore it for a while or is it best not to?

Thanks

• ANSWER:
  Something is wrong here Nacho-Nick, Thyroxine, though now always prescribed as levothyroxine, is the management of UNDERACTIVE thyroid! Assuming that this is your correct diagnosis, then in appropriate doses you should get neither panic nor palpitations if the drug dose is correct. If you have just started medication then it is possible that your doctor has started you an too high a dose too quickly and dropping back the dose would allow you to function normally.

  Bad news the condition is manageable, not treatable and there are no alternatives to medication.

QUESTION:
Can acupuncture eliminate nodules in the thyroid gland? Any natural remedies or treatments you can suggest?

• ANSWER:
  KELP IS A VERY GOOD SOURCE OF IODINE WHICH THE THYROID NEEDS TO FUNCTION. TRY IT IT WORKS.

QUESTION:
Tired of taking pills...Any natural treatment for hypothyroid disease?
Been taking meds for 6 years off and on and i am so tired of it. is there any natural treatments that will help regulate my thyroid????
I just prefer natural medicine to popping pills that are full of chemicals. thanks for the comment though.

• ANSWER:
  I have been on hypothyroid meds for decades and that is just the way it is...if it does not work then nothing will fix it...the meds you take force your body to produce the thyroid you need to stay as healthy as possible...

  What is the difference what sort of pill you take and trust me that tiny thyroid pill is nothing compared to the boatload of GIANT casules you will be taking if you go the natural route(been there-done that) to say that natural is better or safer is absurd; IF it works then the action is chemical---whether it is digitalis from foxglove for your heart or phytoestogens from soy or red raspberry for menopause or serotonin solutions like 5-htp or St John's Wort for depression.. IF it does something it DOES it...your body has no clue where it comes from..

QUESTION:
Natural Treatments for Under-active Thyroid?
Hiya guys, just want to know if any people have had any success with treating their thyroids without drugs. I'm trying magnetic therapy at the moment and so far so good, of course if it all fails just wondering what to try next. I don't need people answering me with suggestions they've read about or Dr's telling me natural cures don't exist. I'm only interested in other sufferers, what they have tried and what results they had with it. Thanks for reading : )

P.S I know Iodine is meant to be good I have tried that but no success, I also know I'm not iodine deficient, I don't know if brand makes a difference? Mine was from Holland and Barratt.
Thanks to those who have answered so far with their experiences, to the Dr's and people of the medical profession your ignorance and arrogance astound me. I have all the symptoms of thyroid but my tests come back normal and despite there being substantial evidence that these tests are not reliable many people like myself leave the Dr's suffering all the symptoms that user (Dr Frank) has so kindly listed without any treatment. What are we meant to do? Go through life suffering these symptoms, my life is barely worth living at the moment and I'm just trying to make the best of it by searching out natural remedies. I know that some people have cured themselves using magnets after much scepticism from the Dr's so why can't I try? No one of the medical profession is offering me any better option, I only asked to see what others had tried, if you do not like my question do not answer it, I only hope you wake up with these symptoms and receive no help, see how understanding u are then. Thanks
Well it's been documented that results aren't sensitive enough or reliable all the time and that many people are suffering with an undiagnosed thyroid conditions. I didn't wake up one morning and decide I had skin and hair changes etc and so many other symptoms - I haven't imagined them getting worse - it's just hell, but yes basically when I go to the Dr's I just get the nonsense you're feeding me here that it def isn't! How would you know? You've read yr med book - I posted this question for sufferers who know what it's like to experience this, unless you had you couldn't understand. And Dr Frank it isn't placebo because I've tried numerous things with the same hope and not had any results, it's been a week and a couple of days and the magnetic therapy is working wonders - I hope it will work all the way cz then I can live a drug free, pill free and best of all Dr free life. Unless someone is dying Dr's do not care at all. I also believe God put natural things on this earth to cure.

• ANSWER:
  well said ,,
  study what edgar cayce had to say on this matter --google search
  spiritual healing can help as well
  here is some info
  Glandular imbalances

  Each individual's case may be a little different. Different contributing
  causes, different solutions. However, in Cayce Medicine we might say
  that any illness in the body is created by one or more of these three
  factors:

  1. mental-emotional stress,
  2. pressure upon nerves (often at the spine),
  3. toxicity (localized or systemic).

  Glandular problems are no exception. In the case of the thyroid, we
  might ask if the body is toxic overall, or perhaps just locally. If so,
  what would we do to clear this up?

  Since the thyroid is located at the base of the throat, we might check
  the neck and shoulders to see if they are tense. If so, perhaps the
  tension is disrupting the circulation of blood, lymph, and nerve
  energies to the area - creating the abnormal thyroid activity. Should
  this be the case, it is best for the tension to be relieved.

  Are the mind and emotions being chosen in such a way that they might
  express poorly through the thyroid gland? Are the mind and emotions the
  cause of tension and disrupted circulation in the neck and shoulder
  area? Are other glands possibly involved?

  These sorts of questions can begin to focus us on what has gone wrong
  and what needs to change in order to restore a healthy balance.

  Typical suggestions for addressing hypothyroid issues might include:

  1. Neck and shoulder massage, castor oil pack at neck, and/or
  spinal manipulation,
  2. Atomidine on a 1-2-3-4-5-0-0 drop schedule (which detoxifies
  the glands),
  3. Meditation to change patterns of doubt to belief, worry to
  faith, feeling overwhelmed to dwelling in harmony, wariness to
  peace, and impatience to patience.

  Atomidine can be given in a series this is to balance the glands one drop daily in half a glass of water for five days stop for three days then to two drops daily for five days stop for three days. Then back to one drop daily then a rest and start the regime again.
  A cleansing of the glands was the first priority, a drop of atomidine in half a glass of water in the morning before any meal is taken for 5 days, and then 2 drops for 5 days then leave off entirely

  Cayce found a lack of activity of the thyroid glands, which causes this disturbance in the body where apparently for no cause, there are patches on the body that are bald. These come from circulation and from the lack of certain elements in the diet.

  For the glandular forces give small quantities of Atomidine to purify the glandular system. In the beginning take one drop in half a glass of water before the morning meal, each day for three to five days; leave off five days, then take again for five days. Then leave off.

  At the beginning of the second rest period from the Atomidine, start massaging the body of evenings when ready to go to bed on those areas of scalp and where the baldness appears, using Pure Hog Lard. Massage this thoroughly into the areas and bind up. The next morning bathe off, and then in the evening apply again. Do this for three to four days in succession, then leave off for a week - during which period another series of Atomidine would be taken.

  1904-1 F 52
  Cayce found disturbing conditions This needs attention to stop other problems. The disturbing forces arise from, primarily the glandular system; caused by an unbalancing in the chemical reactions in the system and not sufficient iodides , also pressures upon the nerve system were found - to cause a disturbance in the locomotion of the body at times.

  The blood supply has also become unbalanced, so that there is insufficient vitamins in the blood as assimilated through these glandular disturbances to produce the proper capillary circulation. A cleansing was required , to help the glandular forces .begin first with taking small doses of Atomidine..For the first seven days, take one minim (drop) in half a glass of water each morning before any meal is taken. Then leave same off five days. Then begin taking TWO minims each morning for seven days. Then leave off five days. Then at the third series take THREE minims in half a glass of water (not more than this) each morning for the seven days. Leave off three to five days.

  26
  How can I regain my hair (which I have been losing since my late teens - thought by a doctor to be due to a sickness, which I had for several years with earache, fever and headache)?

  4056-1 M 26
  Cayce found a lack of activity of the glands in the thyroid area. This causes a weakness in the activities to nails and hair over the body.
  Take small doses of Atomidine to purify in the thyroid activity. Take one drop each morning for five days in succession. Then leave off for five days.

QUESTION:
thyroid sufferers?
I am hypothyroid and lost my thyroid from radiation treatments for cancer. I've been on a synthetic replacement, levothyroxine, for almost five years now. I've heard that natural thyroid meds are better than synthetic. Does anyone know the difference? Have any of you taken the natural and had success? (I hear it comes from thyroid glands of pigs.) My synthetic thyroid meds have always given me too many adverse side effects, namely irritability...even when I'm in target range. Could natural thyroid treatments be the better option? (oh, and I do have an appointment to discuss this with my doc in November...just looking for opinions.) Thanks!

• ANSWER:
  I have been on both synthetic and natural. I find the natural to be much better providng it is adjusted correctly by free t4 and free t3, not by TSH. When I switched to Armour thyroid almost all of my symptoms went away. The only symptoms I have now are cold feet at night and ridged fingernails. I had almost every textbook symptom when on Levoxyl. Below are some links that may help with your decision. Keep in mind though its very difficult to get a doctor tp let you try Armour. They have all been told that the synthetics are better by the drig companies that sell them.

QUESTION:
Underactive thyroid, conventional treatment or alternative treatment?
I am thinking of doing an alternative method b/c I mean lets face it, at the end of the day, vitamins and natural aides are better on the body and if I can see/feel improvement w/o meds that might hurt something else then why not? But I figure the conventional method is tried and true, I am not the 1st person to have underactive thyroid and dr's know what has been proven for other patients...what do you think? Go natural or go with conventional?

• ANSWER:
  I have hypothyroid as well. I got blood samples processed about a year ago after my friend who is a doctor thought I might have hypothyroid. When the blood came back, I was within normal ranges although the levels were low. My doctor decided not to do anything about but my friend is a Naturopathic doctor and she gave me an herbal tincture to take. Within a few days I started sleeping through the night, woke up earlier each day, was able to fall asleep at night and stay asleep and I wasn't as cold all the time.

  I haven't been able to afford a refill of my tincture so I decided to take some herbal supplements. I've been taking L-Tyrosine for about four months now and it has the same effect on me that the herbal tincture did.

  I think it works because L-Tyrosine is supposed to help your body synthesize thyroid hormones. If my levels were within normal limits, then its possible my body just wasn't able to use it until the L-Tyrosine.

  But I'm not a doctor and what works for me may not be safe for you. If you want to go natural, which is safer and healthier than harsh synthetic drugs, seek out a Naturopath in your area. But make sure they went to college and not an online college. Some states don't regulate this kind of doctor. My friend calls them Un-D's instead of the proper N.D. for Naturopathic Doctor. To find a legitimate doctor, here's the website for all nationally recognized N.D.'s

  http://www.naturopathic.org/

QUESTION:
What are the best websites on thyroid problems?
What are the best websites that explain the different types of thyroid problems, thyroid tests and appropriate levels, the link between thyroid and mental health problems, and the natural and medical treatments for thyroid?

• ANSWER:
  Stop the Thyroid Madness is the best website on the net for thyroid problems and how to treat them correctly. It's totally a patient site and tells you what works, and what doesn't, based on successful patient experience. http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/

  Here's info on why Synthroid and other T4 meds don't work: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/t4-only-meds-dont-work

  Here's what does work: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/natural-thyroid-101

  Here are labs you should get: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/recommended-labwork

  And there's a lot more so check it all out.

QUESTION:
Freezing,all the time.In the fall and winter.Hands and feet are always cold.Do you no of any natural treatment?
I`m sure

• ANSWER:

  I would like to suggest to try to get as much information as you could before making up your mind,here http://www.healthinsurance-onlinetips.info/health-insurance-for-free.htm is a very resourceful
  one.