herbs for hypothyroidism

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Replies

  • Docmahi
    Docmahi Posts: 1,603 Member
    tigersword wrote: »
    "My doctor says I'm fine, but the INTERNET says I'm not." Who needs medical doctors and exams, when obviously Google is so much more accurate.

    :huh:

    didnt you know? when you sign up for MFP you get to pick up a free MD
  • flabassmcgee
    flabassmcgee Posts: 659 Member
    Docmahi wrote: »
    mamadragon wrote: »
    My doctor will not help me since I'm "within peramaters" but from searching the internet and such, I do have hypothroidism. I'm looking into taking herbs and wonder if anyone else has gone this way. Which herbs worked? Which didn't? I'm currently taking some (started yesterday) so I know it'll take time before I can tell if it works or not.

    thanks

    if you are within parameters you by definition are not hypothyroid - you may have subclinical hypothyroid but that is much different they hypothyroidism

    iodinated foods will make the biggest increase in thyroid function and most foods in the US are so heavily packed with iodinated salt that herbs/green leafs or whatever will not make a difference

    I have subclinical hypothyroid. My doctor said medication is not necessary and to address it with diet and exercise. I'm kind of panicking reading about these people here nearly dying from hypothyroid. Should I be concerned?
  • Danilynn1975
    Danilynn1975 Posts: 294 Member
    Docmahi wrote: »
    mamadragon wrote: »
    My doctor will not help me since I'm "within peramaters" but from searching the internet and such, I do have hypothroidism. I'm looking into taking herbs and wonder if anyone else has gone this way. Which herbs worked? Which didn't? I'm currently taking some (started yesterday) so I know it'll take time before I can tell if it works or not.

    thanks

    if you are within parameters you by definition are not hypothyroid - you may have subclinical hypothyroid but that is much different they hypothyroidism

    iodinated foods will make the biggest increase in thyroid function and most foods in the US are so heavily packed with iodinated salt that herbs/green leafs or whatever will not make a difference

    I have subclinical hypothyroid. My doctor said medication is not necessary and to address it with diet and exercise. I'm kind of panicking reading about these people here nearly dying from hypothyroid. Should I be concerned?

    only if it reaches this:

    Myxoedema coma is the end result of untreated hypothyroidism. The classical features are that of hypothyroidism but with progressive weakness resulting in loss of consciousness. This condition is common in elderly patients and has a number of precipitating factors. The major factors are listed below:
    •Surgery
    •Infection
    •Drugs
    •Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
    •Stroke
    •Hypothermia

    have some "light reading": http://www.pccab.com/services/critical-care-medicine/endocrine-emergencies
  • flabassmcgee
    flabassmcgee Posts: 659 Member
    Docmahi wrote: »
    mamadragon wrote: »
    My doctor will not help me since I'm "within peramaters" but from searching the internet and such, I do have hypothroidism. I'm looking into taking herbs and wonder if anyone else has gone this way. Which herbs worked? Which didn't? I'm currently taking some (started yesterday) so I know it'll take time before I can tell if it works or not.

    thanks

    if you are within parameters you by definition are not hypothyroid - you may have subclinical hypothyroid but that is much different they hypothyroidism

    iodinated foods will make the biggest increase in thyroid function and most foods in the US are so heavily packed with iodinated salt that herbs/green leafs or whatever will not make a difference

    I have subclinical hypothyroid. My doctor said medication is not necessary and to address it with diet and exercise. I'm kind of panicking reading about these people here nearly dying from hypothyroid. Should I be concerned?

    only if it reaches this:

    Myxoedema coma is the end result of untreated hypothyroidism. The classical features are that of hypothyroidism but with progressive weakness resulting in loss of consciousness. This condition is common in elderly patients and has a number of precipitating factors. The major factors are listed below:
    •Surgery
    •Infection
    •Drugs
    •Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
    •Stroke
    •Hypothermia

    have some "light reading": http://www.pccab.com/services/critical-care-medicine/endocrine-emergencies

    Trying not to cry now, jesus christ! Thanks, I guess.
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
    Docmahi wrote: »
    mamadragon wrote: »
    My doctor will not help me since I'm "within peramaters" but from searching the internet and such, I do have hypothroidism. I'm looking into taking herbs and wonder if anyone else has gone this way. Which herbs worked? Which didn't? I'm currently taking some (started yesterday) so I know it'll take time before I can tell if it works or not.

    thanks

    if you are within parameters you by definition are not hypothyroid - you may have subclinical hypothyroid but that is much different they hypothyroidism

    iodinated foods will make the biggest increase in thyroid function and most foods in the US are so heavily packed with iodinated salt that herbs/green leafs or whatever will not make a difference

    I have subclinical hypothyroid. My doctor said medication is not necessary and to address it with diet and exercise. I'm kind of panicking reading about these people here nearly dying from hypothyroid. Should I be concerned?

    only if it reaches this:

    Myxoedema coma is the end result of untreated hypothyroidism. The classical features are that of hypothyroidism but with progressive weakness resulting in loss of consciousness. This condition is common in elderly patients and has a number of precipitating factors. The major factors are listed below:
    •Surgery
    •Infection
    •Drugs
    •Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
    •Stroke
    •Hypothermia

    have some "light reading": http://www.pccab.com/services/critical-care-medicine/endocrine-emergencies

    Trying not to cry now, jesus christ! Thanks, I guess.

    These are extremely rare.
  • poisongirl6485
    poisongirl6485 Posts: 1,487 Member
    Docmahi wrote: »
    mamadragon wrote: »
    My doctor will not help me since I'm "within peramaters" but from searching the internet and such, I do have hypothroidism. I'm looking into taking herbs and wonder if anyone else has gone this way. Which herbs worked? Which didn't? I'm currently taking some (started yesterday) so I know it'll take time before I can tell if it works or not.

    thanks

    if you are within parameters you by definition are not hypothyroid - you may have subclinical hypothyroid but that is much different they hypothyroidism

    iodinated foods will make the biggest increase in thyroid function and most foods in the US are so heavily packed with iodinated salt that herbs/green leafs or whatever will not make a difference

    I have subclinical hypothyroid. My doctor said medication is not necessary and to address it with diet and exercise. I'm kind of panicking reading about these people here nearly dying from hypothyroid. Should I be concerned?

    only if it reaches this:

    Myxoedema coma is the end result of untreated hypothyroidism. The classical features are that of hypothyroidism but with progressive weakness resulting in loss of consciousness. This condition is common in elderly patients and has a number of precipitating factors. The major factors are listed below:
    •Surgery
    •Infection
    •Drugs
    •Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
    •Stroke
    •Hypothermia

    have some "light reading": http://www.pccab.com/services/critical-care-medicine/endocrine-emergencies

    Trying not to cry now, jesus christ! Thanks, I guess.

    Do you see an endocrinologist or just your PCP? I cannot stress enough how important it is to be seen by a specialist for thyroid conditions. I never would have gotten the right treatment and dosage if I hadn't gotten into see an Endocrinologist for a second opinion.
  • flabassmcgee
    flabassmcgee Posts: 659 Member
    elphie754 wrote: »
    Docmahi wrote: »
    mamadragon wrote: »
    My doctor will not help me since I'm "within peramaters" but from searching the internet and such, I do have hypothroidism. I'm looking into taking herbs and wonder if anyone else has gone this way. Which herbs worked? Which didn't? I'm currently taking some (started yesterday) so I know it'll take time before I can tell if it works or not.

    thanks

    if you are within parameters you by definition are not hypothyroid - you may have subclinical hypothyroid but that is much different they hypothyroidism

    iodinated foods will make the biggest increase in thyroid function and most foods in the US are so heavily packed with iodinated salt that herbs/green leafs or whatever will not make a difference

    I have subclinical hypothyroid. My doctor said medication is not necessary and to address it with diet and exercise. I'm kind of panicking reading about these people here nearly dying from hypothyroid. Should I be concerned?

    only if it reaches this:

    Myxoedema coma is the end result of untreated hypothyroidism. The classical features are that of hypothyroidism but with progressive weakness resulting in loss of consciousness. This condition is common in elderly patients and has a number of precipitating factors. The major factors are listed below:
    •Surgery
    •Infection
    •Drugs
    •Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
    •Stroke
    •Hypothermia

    have some "light reading": http://www.pccab.com/services/critical-care-medicine/endocrine-emergencies

    Trying not to cry now, jesus christ! Thanks, I guess.

    These are extremely rare.

    No less terrifying!
  • catecholamine
    catecholamine Posts: 71 Member
    The symptoms of hypothyroidism are super common ones that can come from a thousand different problems. I have hypothyroidism. I found out from labs. If your labs say normal, the cause of your problems is not hypothyroidism so something that causes more thyroid hormones will not help your problem. Have other things tested.
  • flabassmcgee
    flabassmcgee Posts: 659 Member
    Docmahi wrote: »
    mamadragon wrote: »
    My doctor will not help me since I'm "within peramaters" but from searching the internet and such, I do have hypothroidism. I'm looking into taking herbs and wonder if anyone else has gone this way. Which herbs worked? Which didn't? I'm currently taking some (started yesterday) so I know it'll take time before I can tell if it works or not.

    thanks

    if you are within parameters you by definition are not hypothyroid - you may have subclinical hypothyroid but that is much different they hypothyroidism

    iodinated foods will make the biggest increase in thyroid function and most foods in the US are so heavily packed with iodinated salt that herbs/green leafs or whatever will not make a difference

    I have subclinical hypothyroid. My doctor said medication is not necessary and to address it with diet and exercise. I'm kind of panicking reading about these people here nearly dying from hypothyroid. Should I be concerned?

    only if it reaches this:

    Myxoedema coma is the end result of untreated hypothyroidism. The classical features are that of hypothyroidism but with progressive weakness resulting in loss of consciousness. This condition is common in elderly patients and has a number of precipitating factors. The major factors are listed below:
    •Surgery
    •Infection
    •Drugs
    •Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
    •Stroke
    •Hypothermia

    have some "light reading": http://www.pccab.com/services/critical-care-medicine/endocrine-emergencies

    Trying not to cry now, jesus christ! Thanks, I guess.

    Do you see an endocrinologist or just your PCP? I cannot stress enough how important it is to be seen by a specialist for thyroid conditions. I never would have gotten the right treatment and dosage if I hadn't gotten into see an Endocrinologist for a second opinion.

    Just my PCP. I have Stupid Sh*tty Kaiser, so I'm sure my options are critically limited.

    Just made me e-mail my doctor for more questions/asking if I should see a specialist.
  • Docmahi
    Docmahi Posts: 1,603 Member
    Docmahi wrote: »
    mamadragon wrote: »
    My doctor will not help me since I'm "within peramaters" but from searching the internet and such, I do have hypothroidism. I'm looking into taking herbs and wonder if anyone else has gone this way. Which herbs worked? Which didn't? I'm currently taking some (started yesterday) so I know it'll take time before I can tell if it works or not.

    thanks

    if you are within parameters you by definition are not hypothyroid - you may have subclinical hypothyroid but that is much different they hypothyroidism

    iodinated foods will make the biggest increase in thyroid function and most foods in the US are so heavily packed with iodinated salt that herbs/green leafs or whatever will not make a difference

    I have subclinical hypothyroid. My doctor said medication is not necessary and to address it with diet and exercise. I'm kind of panicking reading about these people here nearly dying from hypothyroid. Should I be concerned?

    only if it reaches this:

    Myxoedema coma is the end result of untreated hypothyroidism. The classical features are that of hypothyroidism but with progressive weakness resulting in loss of consciousness. This condition is common in elderly patients and has a number of precipitating factors. The major factors are listed below:
    •Surgery
    •Infection
    •Drugs
    •Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
    •Stroke
    •Hypothermia

    have some "light reading": http://www.pccab.com/services/critical-care-medicine/endocrine-emergencies

    good lord really - you link a myxoedemeatous coma as a possible side effect of subclinical hypothyroidism? seriously?! good lord

    no you shouldn't worry if it progresses to the point where you need levothyroxine then you will be managed by an endocrinologist - dont panic 99% of the people that post in these threads have no idea what they are talking about
  • flabassmcgee
    flabassmcgee Posts: 659 Member
    edited February 2015
    Ugh, sorry for hijacking this thread but this was extremely relevant to my interests.

    I think I've been feeling bad about this since my doctor diagnosed me late October. He seemed to be nonchalant about the whole thing, but it's still very pertinent in my mind. I'm nervous about just "letting things be" until my next visit in 6-12 months.
  • NJGamerChick
    NJGamerChick Posts: 467 Member
    Ugh, sorry for hijacking this thread but this was extremely relevant to my interests.

    I think I've been feeling bad about this since my doctor diagnosed me late October. He seemed to be nonchalant about the whole thing, but it's still very pertinent in my mind. I'm nervous about just "letting things be" until my next visit in 6-12 months.

    WOW. That is lax. Mine would check levels every 2-3 months with PCOS, hypothyroidism, and assorted deficiencies.
  • flabassmcgee
    flabassmcgee Posts: 659 Member
    Ugh, sorry for hijacking this thread but this was extremely relevant to my interests.

    I think I've been feeling bad about this since my doctor diagnosed me late October. He seemed to be nonchalant about the whole thing, but it's still very pertinent in my mind. I'm nervous about just "letting things be" until my next visit in 6-12 months.

    WOW. That is lax. Mine would check levels every 2-3 months with PCOS, hypothyroidism, and assorted deficiencies.

    :neutral_face: Yeah. Thus why I'm nervous.
  • SnuggleSmacks
    SnuggleSmacks Posts: 3,731 Member
    A recent study found that a disturbing number of supplements don't even contain what they're supposed to contain anyway. Going that route is potentially dangerous at worst, and likely a waste of money at best.
  • NJGamerChick
    NJGamerChick Posts: 467 Member
    Ugh, sorry for hijacking this thread but this was extremely relevant to my interests.

    I think I've been feeling bad about this since my doctor diagnosed me late October. He seemed to be nonchalant about the whole thing, but it's still very pertinent in my mind. I'm nervous about just "letting things be" until my next visit in 6-12 months.

    WOW. That is lax. Mine would check levels every 2-3 months with PCOS, hypothyroidism, and assorted deficiencies.

    :neutral_face: Yeah. Thus why I'm nervous.

    Nothing wrong with going in and asking for your levels check and not taking no for an answer. Otherwise, it's time to find a better doctor.
  • flabassmcgee
    flabassmcgee Posts: 659 Member
    Ugh, sorry for hijacking this thread but this was extremely relevant to my interests.

    I think I've been feeling bad about this since my doctor diagnosed me late October. He seemed to be nonchalant about the whole thing, but it's still very pertinent in my mind. I'm nervous about just "letting things be" until my next visit in 6-12 months.

    WOW. That is lax. Mine would check levels every 2-3 months with PCOS, hypothyroidism, and assorted deficiencies.

    :neutral_face: Yeah. Thus why I'm nervous.

    Nothing wrong with going in and asking for your levels check and not taking no for an answer. Otherwise, it's time to find a better doctor.

    This is the problem with Stupid Sh*tty Kaiser...my options for doctors are verrrry limited. You're absolutely right though. I demanded answers in my e-mail and I'll wait for a reply before seeing about a follow up appointment.

    Thanks to everyone.
  • NJGamerChick
    NJGamerChick Posts: 467 Member
    Ugh, sorry for hijacking this thread but this was extremely relevant to my interests.

    I think I've been feeling bad about this since my doctor diagnosed me late October. He seemed to be nonchalant about the whole thing, but it's still very pertinent in my mind. I'm nervous about just "letting things be" until my next visit in 6-12 months.

    WOW. That is lax. Mine would check levels every 2-3 months with PCOS, hypothyroidism, and assorted deficiencies.

    :neutral_face: Yeah. Thus why I'm nervous.

    Nothing wrong with going in and asking for your levels check and not taking no for an answer. Otherwise, it's time to find a better doctor.

    This is the problem with Stupid Sh*tty Kaiser...my options for doctors are verrrry limited. You're absolutely right though. I demanded answers in my e-mail and I'll wait for a reply before seeing about a follow up appointment.

    Thanks to everyone.

    Not just Kaiser, which I'm guessing is your insurance. It's a problem all around. Only way to get stuff done is learning about what you should expect from treatment, and finding the doctors who are aggressive for, and sometimes to, you if you're screwing up. With insurance change, I literally walked into my PCP's office with a list of bloodwork and had him do it, and there were no questions asked. Lots of it was basic, some wasn't. If your doctor isn't taking concern for your complaints, look for a 2nd opinion. You are entitled to a 2nd opinion by law. Google helps in terms of doctor reviews. Insurance must pay for it, and there is always the local hospital's clinic and health centers. Raise hell if they won't listen.
  • Leigh14
    Leigh14 Posts: 871 Member
    You are your best advocate. You know how you feel. If this doctor only tested TSH, find another doctor that will test everything outlined at stopthethyroidmadness.com. Next up? Don't go the synthetic route. Ask your doctor about Armour or NatureThroid.

  • foxlme wrote: »
    Assuming you've had your bloodwork tested from your comment about being in parameters- by chance did your doc include Vitamin D levels? I'd assumed for a long time I was hypothyroid because of my own symptoms and family history, but always got that same "you're fine, you're within normal range" speech. My last bloodwork included Vitamin D and found out I'm WAY below normal there. I was put on vitamin D supplements and felt a big difference.

    Yes, I already take vitamin D and I am in the normal range for that (right in the middle). So I'm good that. Thanks

  • Thank you all for your responses. No I didn't Google (I hate it) , thanks for the spelling correction too (knew I spelled parameters wrong but couldn't figure out where in the word I messed up on), I did check websites that are good ( NIH and mayo just to name a couple), I am taking a few herbs/vitamins now and do feel better. Thank you once again.
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    mamadragon wrote: »
    Thank you all for your responses. No I didn't Google (I hate it) , thanks for the spelling correction too (knew I spelled parameters wrong but couldn't figure out where in the word I messed up on), I did check websites that are good ( NIH and mayo just to name a couple), I am taking a few herbs/vitamins now and do feel better. Thank you once again.

    The trouble isn't the source of the information, it's the fact that you're relying on your opinion over your doctor's much more educated one. I get your frustration as I have a couple of chronic illnesses and it sometimes seems like doctors don't "get it" at all. However it's extremely unwise and unsafe to assume that you know better. A different doctor? Sure. Just self-medicating and assuming you know what you're doing? Dangerous.

    I am glad you feel better, but please ask for a second opinion (from a medical professional). You could easily hurt yourself. For example, I was having these awful muscle cramps for months. People kept telling me (and the internet would confirm!) that I should supplement magnesium. Well, it turns out I have myasthenia gravis. Supplementing with magnesium would make that particularly condition worse, not better. I think there's a tendency to think that supplements and herbs are harmless, but that's not the case. Anything that has the potential to do any good also has the potential to do harm.
  • pollypocket1021
    pollypocket1021 Posts: 533 Member
    1. There are physicians who will treat "euthyroid" patients who are "low-normal."
    2. Everyone knows about primary hypothyroidism. Not every doctor accepts secondary or tertiary hypothyroidism or knows how to treat them.
    3. There are several coexisting methods for both treating and testing thyroid. Not every phycisian is the same or has the same training.
    4. Synthroid increases T4, however T3 is the bioavailable hormone.

    Message me if you are interested in a second opinion -- might be able to help locate a specially trained physician.
  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
    edited February 2015
    elphie754 wrote: »
    Hypothyroidism (real not self diagnosed) is treated with medication, not herbs. Herbs will not help.
    ^This.

    Hypothyroidism means your thyroid gland is not producing enough hormones. Just like diabetes means your pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin. The only treatment is hormone replacement—either synthetic or desiccated pig thyroid glands. Not herbs.

    If you disagree with your GP's diagnosis, ask for a referral to an endocrinologist. Thyroid disease is diagnosed by testing your thyroid levels (T3 & T4) and your pituitary levels (TSH). Hashimoto's (autoimmune thyroid disease) is confirmed by an ultrasound of your throat and the presence of antibodies in your blood.

    MFP has a Hypothyroidism & Hyperthyroidism group: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/753-hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism
This discussion has been closed.