Thyroid treatment without meds?

Doomfrog

Yesterday I went to my doctor to follow up on some blood work I had done and she diagnosed me with a hypoactive thyroid. She tested my thyroid because she tests it in all women. I never complained of any symptoms, however the more I read about it, the more it makes sense. My hair has been falling out, my skin is irritating, weight loss is stalled, I'm cold all the time and I'm constipated. I just kind of blamed the fact that my diet for the past several months had resembled that of Will Ferrel in Elf and the Cookie Monster. Anyway, she whipped out that prescription pad pretty fast. After asking a bunch of questions and not getting many answers, I asked if I could do some research on my own and see if I could regulate with diet/supplements. She looked at me like I was crazy and said, "Most women are dying to get this diagnosis and get on the meds." I can see where it would be exciting to have a magic pill that will fix all of my issues. However, I'm reluctant to make the decision to take medication for the rest of my life without doing some research. Also, as mentioned above, I'm woe to blame all my issues on my thyroid due to the above mentioned Elf/Cookie Monster diet. Especially now that I have done some research and it seems that sugar intake can make the issue worse. At any rate, she gave me 4 weeks and then I test again.

Even all of my go-to holistic treatment websites have indicated that "taking medication and being tested regularly" are the surefire way to keep this in check along with a balanced diet. Has anyone out there had any success treating their thyroid with diet/exercise/supplements or am I kidding myself? I searched the forums and all of them seem to revolve around getting med levels right...which should tell me something. But I just feel like I should do my due dilligence to self correct. Is this a lost cause?

LittleMissDover

Personally I take meds, losing weight and eating healthily help alongside the meds but not on their own IME.

sarahmoo12

My auntie has always been Holistic in the head!! She tried for over a year this way with an over active thyroid n looked like a puffer fish!! You couldnt even tell it was her and in the end she gave up n took her meds and they worked so I would do what the doc says based on what happened to her

Scoochie1

The medication they give is just a hormone (same idea as HRT treatment) It replaces the hormones your thyroid isn't making/not making enough of.
Very common for women, pill is very safe, its just iodine basically as far as I know.
It doesn't do anything else, it just acts the same as the stuff your body should be making

momar74

Agree with MissDov. I have been on meds for >7 years. We have a hormone deficiency which regulates metabolism, I am not aware of any other treatments (supplements, etc) except prescription meds that will replace the hormone.

You may want to check out other forums on mfp for support and counseling as there is an active hypothyroidism community.

sarafil

I completely understand where you are coming from, because I don't like to take medications either. I think the issue with hypothyroidism is if a person is symptomatic or not. And then coupled with that is what your TSH level was (ie, how far outside of normal range). Do you know what your level was? I do not know of any suplement or special diet that will help thyroid levels, I do believe that takes proper medication. If you were very borderline in your TSH level, it is common that people wait to begin to take medication until one more blood test, usually 4-8 weeks after the first abnormal. If this test is still elevated, and if you are having symptoms, it would probably be best to take medication. Medication can be tricky, it can sometimes take a long time to arrive at the correct dosage, so be prepared for a few months of labs. If you are not having symptoms of hypothyroidism (although it sounds like you are) you could certainly postpone meds for awhile and see if weight loss/healthy diet does anything for you. Good luck!

Kristiina67

I have had underactive thyroid for nearly 20 years. Along the way I tried going off meds and trying more natural ways. They did not work. Go on the meds and see how it makes you feel. -- I feel great on meds and lousy without.

1swlg1948

Believe me there is HOPE! I have suffered from hypothyroidism for years. Endocrinologists, specialists in this field have told me straight to my face that this is the drug the company tells me to give you and walk out of the office never to return. I got cancer. Just a week ago I paid $125.00 to get a better test done in a lab in NC on my thyroid. There is a reason our thyroids aren't working properly and taking a drug isn't the answer. It has to do with a lack of iodine/iodine in the thyroid, and the endocrine system isn't just the thyroid, it involves other hormones. I am a researcher as I cannot take prescription drugs without such horrible side affects. I see an ND and she put me on something to boost my thyroid and the pituitary gland and boy I lost 20lbs. quickly. So, if you don't mind, I will wait until I speak with the Dr. this evening about my tests results and see what he is going to do. I am so excited to finally find someone who knows what they are talking about. Our bodies are wonderfully made by the good Lord above and if we take care of them, they will treat us good and we can have normalcy of life. As we age, we do become deficient in some vitamins/minerals, but your ND should be able to help you there. Do you do muscle testing or have you heard about it? I also go to an acupuncturist at times to get my energy levels up. I had cancer last year, early stage and caught it quickly. Getting my energy levels up has a lot to do with my thyroid issues. I am coming along, but just starting a journey of weight loss again after all of that cancer issue. I am out of having a gastric bypass for 13 years and saw a Nutritionist yesterday and am confident we are on the right track. I will get back to you later or tomorrow. Keep a positive out look. Judy in Virginia

Doomfrog

Thanks everyone. I really don't have any issue with finer living through pharmacuticals, in general. I'm just kind of wigged out about having to take something for the rest of my life. However, it certainly does make me feel better to know that people don't have any adverse reactions to the meds.

Doomfrog

Believe me there is HOPE! I have suffered from hypothyroidism for years. Endocrinologists, specialists in this field have told me straight to my face that this is the drug the company tells me to give you and walk out of the office never to return. I got cancer. Just a week ago I paid $125.00 to get a better test done in a lab in NC on my thyroid. There is a reason our thyroids aren't working properly and taking a drug isn't the answer. It has to do with a lack of iodine/iodine in the thyroid, and the endocrine system isn't just the thyroid, it involves other hormones. I am a researcher as I cannot take prescription drugs without such horrible side affects. I see an ND and she put me on something to boost my thyroid and the pituitary gland and boy I lost 20lbs. quickly. So, if you don't mind, I will wait until I speak with the Dr. this evening about my tests results and see what he is going to do. I am so excited to finally find someone who knows what they are talking about. Our bodies are wonderfully made by the good Lord above and if we take care of them, they will treat us good and we can have normalcy of life. As we age, we do become deficient in some vitamins/minerals, but your ND should be able to help you there. Do you do muscle testing or have you heard about it? I also go to an acupuncturist at times to get my energy levels up. I had cancer last year, early stage and caught it quickly. Getting my energy levels up has a lot to do with my thyroid issues. I am coming along, but just starting a journey of weight loss again after all of that cancer issue. I am out of having a gastric bypass for 13 years and saw a Nutritionist yesterday and am confident we are on the right track. I will get back to you later or tomorrow. Keep a positive out look. Judy in Virginia

Judy - thanks! Looking forward to hearing what your doctor has to say. I'm concerned about just treating with iodine as well, because I know an overdose there can have negative side effects. My multi has iodine in it, but I didn't pick up an extra supplement until I do some more research. I have not had a muscle test. What will that tell me?

Doomfrog

Oh my levels were 7.2. So, seems to be pretty high from what I'm reading.

MommaKit79

I was having the same symptoms as you. So, I got diligent with my food and my daily routine. Well, tried anyway. I started taking a multivitamin and watching my "unnecessary" sugar intake. I also read something about a Gluten Free diet would help but, I cant see trying that unless I absolutely HAVE to! I found a huge bald spot in the back of my hair the size of almost a baseball in December and decided to go thru testing with the Dr's and such...and had to wait 5 months to get in to see her. After those few months, the blood tests came back normal, eventhough my thryoid was inlarged. So, she held off on meds for a few months and told me to come back in 3 months. In July, I got re-tested and my numbers were borderline and, while my symptoms were getting a LITTLE better, they werent completely subsided.So, she started me on a super low dose of meds 5 days a week to see how that works. I am also still taking my multi-vitamin and Biotin (all natural supplement) to help with my hair and skin.

My levels range between 3.0-4.0...Yours being 7.2, that is quite high.

If you want to try it, watch your sugar intake, eat clean, and take a multivitamin and see how that works. It may not let you NOT take meds but, it may minimixe how much you take.

GOOD LUCK with yours!!!

lois4468

I have been on pills since 1985. They are the only pill I take and I am over 60 now. They don't cause any problems and getting my Thyroid fixed was the best thing I did. Mine was 100% over active in the beginning and I had so many symtoms that no one could fix. Finally found a Dr. that caught it. Back then they gave you radio active iodine to "fix" it. It wiped it out basically so now I take pills as a replacement. I hate pills and won't take anything else the Drs. would like me too, calcium, etc. Don't believe the side effects of most drugs are any better than not taking them. But Thryoid pills are a must. Can't imagine getting by without them. It may take a few tests to get your levels right but I have been on the same one since the beginning. Very small and easy to take. Good luck to you!

tuulia10

You should definitely take the meds. Although there have been studies that people who have an underactive thyroid can benefit from a clean, paleo type of diet, it can't make your thyroid produce more hormone. Not taking your meds will just stop your from losing weight and your symptoms might even get worse, so I don't think it's really optional. Diabetes and high blood pressure can be almost cured to some extent by fixing your diet but hypothyroidism can't be. I have it too and I've done lots and lots of reading but unfortunately it's something you just need to do! Keeping your body from getting the hormones it needs to regulate EVERYTHING wouldn't be very wise.

JenniBaby85

I was thrilled when I got put on my prescription for thyroid medicine . Give non medical treatment a try and see if it works for you, but if you don't start seeing results within a month or two I'd recommend going with the medicine. It's just a small pill to be taken everyday and it starts working fast. Now if only my levels can get regulated so we can find the perfect dosage of it for me :sad:

anniecrisis

Taking thyroid replacement therapy isn't like taking a medicine which is trying to fix a "gone wrong" bit of you- it's just replacing what you're not managing to make yourself. Yes, we use iodine to make thyroid hormone, and in some areas there isn't enough dietary iodine available, but in general, those with underactive thyroid glands are more likely to be needing thyroid hormone replacement.
Low thyroid levels make people feel rotten - you've already described the hair and skin changes: it also leads to feeling cold all the time, slowed up, sleepy, hoarse voice and weight gain. It's also not good to leave it untreated, and if it were me, I'd take the replacement without qualms, It also isn't going to cause allergies or other drug reactions, again because it is replacing something your body isn't making for itself.

PaleoPath4Lyfe

Ask her for Armour Thyroid along with a holistic eating approach. Eating foods that are found in their natural state helps to heal the body. Moderate fat, moderate protein and lower to moderate carb levels (coming from fruits and vegetables and I have consistently lowered my Thyroid medication over the years. I take only a half a pill these days.

If you want to heal, take the natural thyroid meds and drastically change your eating lifestyle. That is the only way and it needs to be maintained for life. Eating foods that can cause inflammation and can disrupt your metabolic function are only going to mess with your thyroid function again in the future.

Eating foods naturally high in Iodine (shrimp and other shell fish).
Stay away from the Iodized salt (table salt).
Stay away from pre-packaged foods as the majority of them have soy in them which is known to be goitergenic.
Eat a LOT of green leafy vegetables, coconut oil and high quality proteins (beef, chicken, pork and fish). Find grass fed meats and buy wild caught fish.

Here are some things for you to check out:

http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/treat19.php

http://www.guidinginstincts.com/2011/03/healing-my-thyroid.html

Yesterday I went to my doctor to follow up on some blood work I had done and she diagnosed me with a hypoactive thyroid. She tested my thyroid because she tests it in all women. I never complained of any symptoms, however the more I read about it, the more it makes sense. My hair has been falling out, my skin is irritating, weight loss is stalled, I'm cold all the time and I'm constipated. I just kind of blamed the fact that my diet for the past several months had resembled that of Will Ferrel in Elf and the Cookie Monster. Anyway, she whipped out that prescription pad pretty fast. After asking a bunch of questions and not getting many answers, I asked if I could do some research on my own and see if I could regulate with diet/supplements. She looked at me like I was crazy and said, "Most women are dying to get this diagnosis and get on the meds." I can see where it would be exciting to have a magic pill that will fix all of my issues. However, I'm reluctant to make the decision to take medication for the rest of my life without doing some research. Also, as mentioned above, I'm woe to blame all my issues on my thyroid due to the above mentioned Elf/Cookie Monster diet. Especially now that I have done some research and it seems that sugar intake can make the issue worse. At any rate, she gave me 4 weeks and then I test again.

Even all of my go-to holistic treatment websites have indicated that "taking medication and being tested regularly" are the surefire way to keep this in check along with a balanced diet. Has anyone out there had any success treating their thyroid with diet/exercise/supplements or am I kidding myself? I searched the forums and all of them seem to revolve around getting med levels right...which should tell me something. But I just feel like I should do my due dilligence to self correct. Is this a lost cause?

anniecrisis

You should definitely take the meds. Although there have been studies that people who have an underactive thyroid can benefit from a clean, paleo type of diet, it can't make your thyroid produce more hormone. Not taking your meds will just stop your from losing weight and your symptoms might even get worse, so I don't think it's really optional. Diabetes and high blood pressure can be almost cured to some extent by fixing your diet but hypothyroidism can't be. I have it too and I've done lots and lots of reading but unfortunately it's something you just need to do! Keeping your body from getting the hormones it needs to regulate EVERYTHING wouldn't be very wise.

Please qualify the term "diabetes" - it's misleading to say diabetes can be cured with dietary adjustment - it's true that insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes) will improve with weight control and dietary adjustment, but the autoimmune sort, the one needing insulin immediately at diagnosis, can't be, and it's dangerous to imply it could be.

PaleoPath4Lyfe

This poster is very correct.

The thyroid issue is only 1 small portion of the issue. Doctors need to focus on finding the root cause of the issue, not just masking symptoms with a pill, even if it only 1 small pill.

I also see a ND.

Most times there are other metabolic issues going on and everything comes down to the Pituitary gland. My Hypo-thyroid, T2 Diabetes, PCOS and adrenal issues all were from an issue with my Pituitary gland.

Believe me there is HOPE! I have suffered from hypothyroidism for years. Endocrinologists, specialists in this field have told me straight to my face that this is the drug the company tells me to give you and walk out of the office never to return. I got cancer. Just a week ago I paid $125.00 to get a better test done in a lab in NC on my thyroid. There is a reason our thyroids aren't working properly and taking a drug isn't the answer. It has to do with a lack of iodine/iodine in the thyroid, and the endocrine system isn't just the thyroid, it involves other hormones. I am a researcher as I cannot take prescription drugs without such horrible side affects. I see an ND and she put me on something to boost my thyroid and the pituitary gland and boy I lost 20lbs. quickly. So, if you don't mind, I will wait until I speak with the Dr. this evening about my tests results and see what he is going to do. I am so excited to finally find someone who knows what they are talking about. Our bodies are wonderfully made by the good Lord above and if we take care of them, they will treat us good and we can have normalcy of life. As we age, we do become deficient in some vitamins/minerals, but your ND should be able to help you there. Do you do muscle testing or have you heard about it? I also go to an acupuncturist at times to get my energy levels up. I had cancer last year, early stage and caught it quickly. Getting my energy levels up has a lot to do with my thyroid issues. I am coming along, but just starting a journey of weight loss again after all of that cancer issue. I am out of having a gastric bypass for 13 years and saw a Nutritionist yesterday and am confident we are on the right track. I will get back to you later or tomorrow. Keep a positive out look. Judy in Virginia

tuulia10

Please qualify the term "diabetes" - it's misleading to say diabetes can be cured with dietary adjustment - it's true that insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes) will improve with weight control and dietary adjustment, but the autoimmune sort, the one needing insulin immediately at diagnosis, can't be, and it's dangerous to imply it could be.

You're right, I should've been more specific! I'm aware that there are different kinds of diabetes. Hopefully no one's stupid enough to take medical advice online seriously, which sort of proves my point, I guess. OP, your doctor prescribed you a medicine, why are you asking a bunch of strangers online what you should do? If you have doubts about it, ask another doctor.

PaleoPath4Lyfe

Taking thyroid replacement therapy isn't like taking a medicine which is trying to fix a "gone wrong" bit of you- it's just replacing what you're not managing to make yourself. Yes, we use iodine to make thyroid hormone, and in some areas there isn't enough dietary iodine available, but in general, those with underactive thyroid glands are more likely to be needing thyroid hormone replacement.
Low thyroid levels make people feel rotten - you've already described the hair and skin changes: it also leads to feeling cold all the time, slowed up, sleepy, hoarse voice and weight gain. It's also not good to leave it untreated, and if it were me, I'd take the replacement without qualms, It also isn't going to cause allergies or other drug reactions, again because it is replacing something your body isn't making for itself.

Why would someone choose to take a medicine that is just masking a larger issue when changing the way and what you eat can heal the body where a person won't need to take meds for the rest of their life.

Dr's are so quick to whip out their prescription pad and get to writing so they can take their free vacations at the expense of the Big Pharma companies. Frankly, it makes me sick.

My ND told me to go on the Armour thyroid because it is natural and we would then work on getting the dosage down as my body healed, which is what I have been doing. I went from taking 2 grains of Armour Thyroid down to 1/2 grain.

Doomfrog

I'm very, very happy that there appears to be hope. I'm also glad to hear that there isn't necessarily anything I've done to cause this. That is the part that I really wanted to research. If I did something to cause it, I would think I can do something to undo it. I'm amazed at how much this can affect.

I used to eat relatively clean. But I got so lazy over the past couple of months! I could barely keep my eyes open after my workouts, let alone cook. It occurs to me now, that maybe I wasn't being lazy but really was just tired. I've also been just feeling really complacent which in turn made me feel depressed. I was frustrated that I couldn't just "snap out of it." Relieved to know that this could be PART of the cause. Still convinced that a cleaner diet will help me feel better overall.

Anyone out there who regulates with their meds combined with diet, feel free to friend me! It would be nice to be "pals" with people in a similar situation.

Doomfrog

Please qualify the term "diabetes" - it's misleading to say diabetes can be cured with dietary adjustment - it's true that insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes) will improve with weight control and dietary adjustment, but the autoimmune sort, the one needing insulin immediately at diagnosis, can't be, and it's dangerous to imply it could be.

You're right, I should've been more specific! I'm aware that there are different kinds of diabetes. Hopefully no one's stupid enough to take medical advice online seriously, which sort of proves my point, I guess. OP, your doctor prescribed you a medicine, why are you asking a bunch of strangers online what you should do? If you have doubts about it, ask another doctor.

I just wanted to see if anyone else had any success in treating themselves without meds. I'm not asking for medical advice. Just wanting to get an idea of what other people's experience has been. I'm not "stupid" enough to take medical advice from an online forum. I really don't think there is anything wrong with doing a little research, and sometimes that means getting anecdotal evidence based on other's experience. I don't feel like that is a stupid thing to do.

Doomfrog

Also, she didn't prescribe me the meds yet. I asked for 4 weeks to do my research and then I go get tested again.

jadesign19

Hi. I'm probably repeating information already given to you. I am sorry that you are going through this. I have hypothyroidism due to hashimotos. It took ten years of living through depression, putting on over 50 lbs and all the symptoms you described to get a handle on the situation. I'm now on .137 mcg synthroid.
However, I want you to know that taking this "magic" pill will not be enough for some people. To lose weight, it will take more work and more time. To figure out the right dosage it will take time and experiments on your body. Some women advocate the "natural hormone" which is a form of a pig thyroid. It works well for them, it didn't for me.

On the bright side...yes there is one.... You know now and can make decisions to change the cycle. I'm sure your doctor told you the long term effects of not getting the thyroid hormones in your system. From my own experience, there was no way to get that hormone except through a pill.

When I finally got stabilized and started focusing on losing the extra weight. I plateaued for almost 6 months. I went to the endocrinologist thinking they just up my dosage and the weight will start to disappear. Nope. It was a kick inthe *kitten* for me to change my diet. This "magic pill" wasn't enough. It will never be enough. Diet and exercise is the only way to get your body back to "health". Stick with support from MFP. It has been a great source of information and support. You'll find what works for you by keeping the log on MFP and analyzing it. Good luck to you.:flowerforyou:

P.s. check out the Metabolism Miracle book. It has helped me get a handle on diet. Hope this helps.

xxjacqueline

I have had Hypothyrodism for over 13 years. The only way I have found that works is the medicine. Once you start taking the medicine in a few weeks all of that stuff gets better...I have a few things that linger but for the most part you will feel much, much better. You will feel like a different person afterwards. If you wanna send me a message with some questions feel free to, as someone who has lived with this for years it can be a kind of scary diagnosis. Do you know what your actual TSH number was?

boneill514

thyroid hormone is in every single cell of your body. it governs metabolism on a cellular level - which means it is necessary inside of each cell for it to work properly. I also tried iodine, herbs, armour thyroid, and finally succombed to levothyroxine - which turns out to be the only thing that works for me everyday. there are no side effects. it is very important to have blood levels checked to maintain the correct amounts in your system - for obvious reasons.
Bonnie, RN

Doomfrog

I have had Hypothyrodism for over 13 years. The only way I have found that works is the medicine. Once you start taking the medicine in a few weeks all of that stuff gets better...I have a few things that linger but for the most part you will feel much, much better. You will feel like a different person afterwards. If you wanna send me a message with some questions feel free to, as someone who has lived with this for years it can be a kind of scary diagnosis. Do you know what your actual TSH number was?

It was 7.2. Unless there is some other level that I haven't educated myself on yet.

Doomfrog

P.s. check out the Metabolism Miracle book. It has helped me get a handle on diet. Hope this helps.

Thank you! Purchased and loaded onto my Kindle. Will peruse this evening.

PaleoPath4Lyfe

Also, she didn't prescribe me the meds yet. I asked for 4 weeks to do my research and then I go get tested again.

4 weeks is NOT enough time to even begin healing the body to make a difference in your TSH or other Thyroid hormone levels.

My advice (coming from someone that had a TSH of 12.4 ) is to ask for Armour Thyroid (it is ALL natural pig thyroid, so you get all components and not just the T4 hormone like Synthroid, which is also synthetic).

Ask for Armour Thyroid and get back to clean eating. Cut out the gluten containing grains. Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables, stay away from all soy (soy is in almost ALL packaged foods now days in some form or another).

Get plenty of sleep, exercise and eat well. It has taken me almost 4 years to go from 2 grains of Armour Thyroid down to half grain. It is a slow healing process, but one that can be done if the person is willing to put in the work.

Ge0rgiana

Sweetheart, if you find it please let me know. I'm looking at hormone replacement (and fighting with doctors over it) for the rest of my life because my body just isn't really making it much anymore.