New and Confused

rapmccardle

Hello... I have recently been diagnosed with a hypoactive thyroid and an iodine deficiency. I was also diagnosed with PCOS. I have never had significant weight problems and was always super active. However, in the past two years, my health has taken a "nose dive" and my weight has skyrocketed. I have always been around a 2-6 in women's clothing. Now, I am... not comfortable disclosing that information. I am constantly tired. My once thick hair is rapidly leaving me. My skin texture has changed. I am NOT me and I don't like it one bit! One doctor told me I was getting older. Nice? Another doctor suggested diet and exercise. DUH! I have been doing that, moron. Finally, my OB-Gyn did blood work and an ultrasound. BINGO! I now have a diagnosis that is scaring the heck out of me. With her advice, I have started a series of supplements to support my "situation" and am trying to stay off any additional medication. I am on a high dose birth control and that helps the PCOS... I think. I am currently taking a multivitamin, a biotin supplement for my hair and skin, and 300 mcg of kelp which is being gradually increased to help my thyroid. I am iodine deficient. I have read so many differing opinions online all by supposed experts in the field. I don't really know where to begin this journey to wellness. Anyone with suggestions for natural therapy and diet would be greatly appreciated.

brenda5476

I understand, I have been diagnosed this past year and have been on Synthroid - it helps but I am still not happy with it.

Seeing an endocronologist and metabolism Dr. next Wed. to see about going on a natural thyroid med.

I also take a multi, selenium, zinc, copper and D3 (5,000).

There are foods you should be avoiding (cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts) - just google this and get a list of the foods to avoid. I found this very helpful.

Hope this helps

editorgrrl

There are foods you should be avoiding (cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts) - just google this and get a list of the foods to avoid. I found this very helpful.

My endocrinologist says there is no reason to avoid any foods.

Everybody's different, so it will take trial & error to find what works for you. I don't understand your feelings about medication. If you were diagnosed with diabetes, would you take supplements instead of insulin?

rapmccardle

Editorgrrl, I don't mean to sound as if I am anti-medication; however, I wanted to try to use supplements and dietary changes before I agreed to add a medication that will likely be on my shelf until I check-out. This may not work, but after suffering for two years and being told that I was getting old, taking supplements and adjusting my diet at least feel productive. In three months, I may be taking T-3 and happy as a lark with that decision, but I want to try... Who knows? My changes might work for me for a bit....

editorgrrl

I have Hashimoto's, and Synthroid changed my life.

But everybody's different, and you'll have to figure out what works for you.

jaz141

Check out Root Cause by Izabella Wentz. It's a good starting place for hypothyroidism info, and she's all about trying diet and lifestyle modifications (along with meds when necessary) to try and fix the underlying cause of Hashimotos.