Nestof3 Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 Over a year ago, my thyroid tests indicated I was hypothyroid. My periods have been only 19 days apart many times since then, so I saw my OBGYN. She did a thyroid panel (more than just th levels). Results came back abnormal. I don't have the actual numbers yet, but I see my general physician on Monday, so we'll discuss the levels then. (OBGYN referred me back to my GP for this). I have met people with medicine issues, and I have read that it is not always the best course of action. I do know that it is the course of action my GP will want me to go on. So, I'd like to hear from people on the board who have managed this issue naturally without medicine. Thanks! I am currently cleaning up my diet and walking daily. (as a side note) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookfiend Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 :bigear: I would be extremely grateful to anyone who cared to share about this as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quad Shot Academy Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 I cured my thyroid problems by going gluten free, either that or it was a coincidence. ;) I also take kelp. I will warn you that one time I was trying to treat my hypothyroid with herbs and animal thyroid, given by my midwives and I ended up getting very ill. I could not remember anything and got lost driving in my own neighborhood, several times. I finally gave in and took the prescription meds for 2 years. I took Armour though, the pig kind. I went gluten free after the first year, got off the thyroid meds a year later and have not had any problems since, for the past 5 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HiddenJewel Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 I cured my thyroid problems by going gluten free, either that or it was a coincidence. ;) I also take kelp. I will warn you that one time I was trying to treat my hypothyroid with herbs and animal thyroid, given by my midwives and I ended up getting very ill. I could not remember anything and got lost driving in my own neighborhood, several times. I finally gave in and took the prescription meds for 2 years. I took Armour though, the pig kind. I went gluten free after the first year, got off the thyroid meds a year later and have not had any problems since, for the past 5 years. Gluten can play a part is you are having thyroid issues due to an autoimmune disease. So it would make sense that going off it could help. The iodine in the kelp probably helped as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 my family has been gf since before I was dx hypothyroid. So, being gf doesn't cure everyone, but I'm sure it helps some and is worth a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 Selenium (a mineral) can help to support the thyroid. I take it in conjunction with natural thyroid pills but people do take it on it's own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lara in Colo Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 (edited) I cured my hypothyroid by treating my bloodsugar issues. I basically went on a low glycemic or a diabetic diet. If you want I can give more details, but through lots of regular feeding intervals (think every 2-4 hours, even at night) I lowered raised my bloodsugar to where my body stoped being in a starvation mode and my thyroid kicked in and my metabolism raised. Things cured: nails better hair better pain before, during and after monthly time --gone pain during and after TeA --- gone B**chyness---mostly gone:D belive it or not: I used to have a real problem with warts (the horrible plantars warts), they wouldn't go away-I tried freezing and cutting them out--they always grew back--now gone. I guess my immune system is better able to fight stuff now. BTW if I mess up my sugar levels for an extended time (like a full week or two--think holidays or skipped meals from extended stress or working on a project) --- The pain returns, and some skin issues return. I forgo to add: my life would stop ( I literally would not get out of bed) if I missed my synthoid for more than 5 days--I haven't have any in two years!! I also couldn't wear my contact lenses (without synthoid) my eyes would dry out so badly it felt like sand was in them. Lara Edited March 25, 2011 by Lara in Colo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymilkies Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 There are several studies linking gluten and/or Celiacs with hypothyroidism. My dd is on synthroid, she has a very profound case so I'm not messing with natural fixes for her. It's not Celiacs for her. I would keep a close eye on it while trying to fix this without medicines. It can get very bad and it can be serious enough that I would not take that risk myself. Especially with the exremely low cost and risk of synthroid. But that's just IMO. And I'm very wary of medicines in general and avoid conventional medicine if I can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nestof3 Posted March 25, 2011 Author Share Posted March 25, 2011 Thanks all! I have no diabetic issues, and I was already tested for celiac. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HiddenJewel Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 If you decide to go the medicine route I would investigate the non-synthetic forms available to see if they are a better fit for your system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peela Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 I am working on this right now too since getting back a positive antibody test- my immune system is attacking my thyroid- the most common cause of hypothyroidism (hashimotos). It is my understanding that YES, it is DEFINTIELY curable in many cases. I downloaded this book as a Kindle: Why do I Still HAve Thyroid Symptoms? and have read it and am implementing what i have read, even though I havent got all the vairous blood tests- over there in the U.S. though you will have access to physicians he has trained. There are forums at this website which I have found useful. Basically I am going gluten free and soy free. I do not take iodine for reasons stated in the book, though it is not going to be harmful to everyone- it can apparently fuel an attack on the thyroid. I also want to know if going gluten free is enough, when I go back for blood tests in May. Basically he is saying that if your hypothyroidism is auto-immune, it is actually an immune system issue rather than a thyroid issue, and that is where it should be treated. Treating the thyroid itself is just treating a symptom. That makes sense to me. Auto immune issues tend to cluster- you have one, chances are you will get others along the track- so it is important to treat that rather than the end results. So he talks about two different immune system pathways and how one is usually dominant and one is usually weak, in most people. By supporting the weak one it apparently can really help the immune system to come back into balance. You balance the weak one with a supplement of herbs- I am familiar with the herbs he uses and have found equivalent supplements here in Australia- not the same as his brand. Also, low iron/ferritin is extremely important to fix, as is a blood sugar issue, as are exhausted adrenals. Basically, all the endocrine systems work together and when when one is affected it is often all affected- from PCOS to diabetes to thyroid to pituitary to adrenals etc. It is a very wholistic approach that is very scientifically based. He and physicians he has trained have cured many hashimotos cases. There are probably other approaches too, which also work- I am going with this one for now (in my own way at home, without access to his labs or physicians) because it makes sense to me and the guy has certainly done his research, as well as worked with many, many cases. But yes- I do find it sad that hypothyroidism is so, so common and so many people just end up on tablets for the rest of their lives as if that is normal for your thyroid to stop working. It isn't normal at all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Over a year ago, my thyroid tests indicated I was hypothyroid. My periods have been only 19 days apart many times since then, so I saw my OBGYN. She did a thyroid panel (more than just th levels). Results came back abnormal. I don't have the actual numbers yet, but I see my general physician on Monday, so we'll discuss the levels then. (OBGYN referred me back to my GP for this). I have met people with medicine issues, and I have read that it is not always the best course of action. I do know that it is the course of action my GP will want me to go on. So, I'd like to hear from people on the board who have managed this issue naturally without medicine. Thanks! I am currently cleaning up my diet and walking daily. (as a side note) I would find out WHY you are hypothyroid. Is it Hashimoto's? That can be checked by a blood test to find the anti-body. I had Hashimoto's which went untreated for at least 10 years....I was finally diagnosed at 29. I can not even begin to tell you the problems that Hashi's has caused for me.... Please find out if that is the issue...do your research. I have never been able to find a doctor willing to prescribe Armour Thyroid....sigh....and since I have been on synthroid for 18 years now, I don't think I can swap it out now. Gluten free helps lo carbs help Kelp helps BUT, I think the first step is what is causing your thyroid to under-produce. Faithe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 I am working on this right now too since getting back a positive antibody test- my immune system is attacking my thyroid- the most common cause of hypothyroidism (hashimotos). It is my understanding that YES, it is DEFINTIELY curable in many cases. I downloaded this book as a Kindle: Why do I Still HAve Thyroid Symptoms? and have read it and am implementing what i have read, even though I havent got all the vairous blood tests- over there in the U.S. though you will have access to physicians he has trained. There are forums at this website which I have found useful. Basically I am going gluten free and soy free. I do not take iodine for reasons stated in the book, though it is not going to be harmful to everyone- it can apparently fuel an attack on the thyroid. I also want to know if going gluten free is enough, when I go back for blood tests in May. Basically he is saying that if your hypothyroidism is auto-immune, it is actually an immune system issue rather than a thyroid issue, and that is where it should be treated. Treating the thyroid itself is just treating a symptom. That makes sense to me. Auto immune issues tend to cluster- you have one, chances are you will get others along the track- so it is important to treat that rather than the end results. So he talks about two different immune system pathways and how one is usually dominant and one is usually weak, in most people. By supporting the weak one it apparently can really help the immune system to come back into balance. You balance the weak one with a supplement of herbs- I am familiar with the herbs he uses and have found equivalent supplements here in Australia- not the same as his brand. Also, low iron/ferritin is extremely important to fix, as is a blood sugar issue, as are exhausted adrenals. Basically, all the endocrine systems work together and when when one is affected it is often all affected- from PCOS to diabetes to thyroid to pituitary to adrenals etc. It is a very wholistic approach that is very scientifically based. He and physicians he has trained have cured many hashimotos cases. There are probably other approaches too, which also work- I am going with this one for now (in my own way at home, without access to his labs or physicians) because it makes sense to me and the guy has certainly done his research, as well as worked with many, many cases. But yes- I do find it sad that hypothyroidism is so, so common and so many people just end up on tablets for the rest of their lives as if that is normal for your thyroid to stop working. It isn't normal at all! :iagree::iagree: I have been dealing with this beast for 18 years. Basically, back then I was told to take the little pill and I would be fine....well...I am not fine. I didn't do my research as well as I should have. Obviously, none of the doctors around here have either. Hashimoto's is serious....so my condition was allowed to degenerate to almost debilatating me. Again, PLEASE do your research. Faithe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RahRah Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 You'll need to know your test results to understand what is causing the hypothyroid state - is it Hasimoto's (auto-immune), a pituitary issue (central) originiating from the gland (primary), a hypothalmus issue (tertiary), or is it a temporary issue caused by some drugs or exposure to something like iodine? You need your test results - the full-panel with antibodies - before you can decide if a naturopathic approach is worth pursuing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrogMom5 Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 How do you know if you have blood sugar issues? Is it that you have slumps after eating? Shaky if you wait too long to eat? Or is that just normal anyway? Can you have the blood sugar problems and low iron together? I guess now I have to buy the book! It will be worth it if it finally gives me energy and helps me think straight. Denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Hypothyroidism can be a primary condition or it can be a secondary condition. For a celiac or diabetic who corrects their diet and the thyroid is also corrected, hypothyroidism was a secondary condition. For some, like myself, hypothyroidism is a primary condition and the hormone itself (or lack of) must be dealt with. I tried many, many natural alternatives to medication and they failed. Ultimately, Synthroid (one of the rare cases where the name brand really makes a difference) has been the answer for me. It is a very safe medication. It is one of the few that an OB is not the least bit concerned about during pregnancy (only to make sure you are on enough meds). I don't know what I would do without it. Finding a good Dr who listens to you and knows where your levels should be (for you, not for a lab range) is HUGE. My Dr. knows that my lab results can be normal and I will still have symptoms. As soon as my TSH gets in the upper 1's or higher, I gain weight, start losing hair, and my menstrual cycles go crazy. All this to say, don't be afraid of meds if that is what you need. I tried one alternative medication that had a cancer risk linked to it, even though it was more "natural", whereas my Synthroid does not have such a risk. All of this is coming from an organic, all natural gal, who doen't take Tylenol unless I just can't stand it another minute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nestof3 Posted March 25, 2011 Author Share Posted March 25, 2011 Thanks so much so far. I will definitely get more details on Monday. My iron levels are very good. My OBGYN was concerned about this because I was bleeding more frequently, but she said all was fine there. I have begun intentionally eating low-carb substituting fruits and vegetables for breads, pastas, etc. Instead of a large potato, I'll have half of a small potato. I have just a little pasta with lots of salad instead. I rarely eat bread anymore. I've been eating LOTS of raw veggies. I eat almost everything from scratch and don't intentionally add any soy. I've been substituting coconut oil for butter. I have low blood pressure, great cholesterol levels, and no diabetic issues. My periods are neither painful nor long. They just come often, but not all the time. No hair loss. Annoying symptoms/facts: rosacea cannot stand being hot overweight -- need to lose 15 pounds and firm up undiagnosed pain in left wrist (pretty severe) high-strung/OCD-ish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flobee76 Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 I would look into the GAPS diet. I know I have recommended this before for other ailments, but I have read that this works quite will for a myriad of auto-immune disorders (in addition to other intestinal issues, allergies, candida, etc).:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovinmyboys Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 My SIL thought she treated her thyroid naturally-went gf, took selinium, took a natural thyroid from her ND. A couple of years of this treatment and regularly seeing her ND, she gets pg and goes to an OB. Her thyroid was at a 55. The OB said it was the 2nd highest she had ever seen. My SIL is now on Synthroid and her life is dramatically better. I am sure some people have had success with natural paths, but if you decide to try one, get a blood workup done again to make sure it is actually working. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HiddenJewel Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 You'll need to know your test results to understand what is causing the hypothyroid state - is it Hasimoto's (auto-immune), a pituitary issue (central) originiating from the gland (primary), a hypothalmus issue (tertiary), or is it a temporary issue caused by some drugs or exposure to something like iodine? You need your test results - the full-panel with antibodies - before you can decide if a naturopathic approach is worth pursuing. This is an interesting statement to me about the iodine because for me iodine is a huge help in my thyroid function, not a detriment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peela Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 You'll need to know your test results to understand what is causing the hypothyroid state - is it Hasimoto's (auto-immune), a pituitary issue (central) originiating from the gland (primary), a hypothalmus issue (tertiary), or is it a temporary issue caused by some drugs or exposure to something like iodine? You need your test results - the full-panel with antibodies - before you can decide if a naturopathic approach is worth pursuing. :iagree: but the problem is most doctors don't really have a clue about this stuff. I found one who specialises in nutritional medicine who gave me the thyroid antibodies test- I actually didn't know about it until after that- and am only now learning all this stuff. I honestly don't think my doctor knows about these other tests. I will probably end up educating her. How do you know if you have blood sugar issues? Is it that you have slumps after eating? Shaky if you wait too long to eat? Or is that just normal anyway? Can you have the blood sugar problems and low iron together? I guess now I have to buy the book! It will be worth it if it finally gives me energy and helps me think straight. Denise Yes, you can certainly have low iron and blood sugar issues. I would go so far as to say unless you specifically eat a low carb diet and are very conscious of eating low GI- you probably do have some sort of blood sugar issues if you have eaten a typical western diet in your childhood or adulthood. It may not be a primary issue though- for me I am leaving that issue which is not so bad for me, on the back burner, while I work on my low iron/ferritin levels. No, it is NOT "normal" to get a slump after meals (the author of the book I recommended says that a sign that you ate too much carbs during a meal, for YOUR body, is a slump after meals)- or to get shaky if you miss a meal- but it IS so common that is seems normal. I would look into the GAPS diet. I know I have recommended this before for other ailments, but I have read that this works quite will for a myriad of auto-immune disorders (in addition to other intestinal issues, allergies, candida, etc).:) Yes I think this diet probably works very well because auto immune issues are very related to the gut. I think I had better have another look at it. My SIL thought she treated her thyroid naturally-went gf, took selinium, took a natural thyroid from her ND. A couple of years of this treatment and regularly seeing her ND, she gets pg and goes to an OB. Her thyroid was at a 55. The OB said it was the 2nd highest she had ever seen. My SIL is now on Synthroid and her life is dramatically better. I am sure some people have had success with natural paths, but if you decide to try one, get a blood workup done again to make sure it is actually working. Yes, but treating yourself naturally can be a very hit and miss thing- just because she tried something, even recommended by a naturopath, doesn't mean she was really treating the issue, the cause- the thyroid research is really relatively new and not all naturopaths will be up on it- particularly if they don't have access to blood tests. Taking some selenium, iodine, even porcine thyroid - is a hit and miss thing. It may work, it may not- because it may or may not be dealing with the cause of the issue. In which case synthroid will at least deal with the problematic symptoms- to some extent. But I just wanted to make a point that just because you see a naturopath for thyroid issues doesn't mean they really know how to fix it- and doesn't make all other alternative treatments void. I would personally not give up so easy. However of course pregnancy is a major trigger for hypothyroid issues so if you haven't got a handle on it by then, its not surprising to need to take synthroid at that point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peela Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Yes, with help from a nutritionist. My case was very mild, however, and it took about a year. Also changed my diet. I had been gluten and dairy free during hypothyroidism, but continued that and changed some other things. Good luck. Would you be wiling to share what else you changed? I know it might be personal to you, but I am gathering information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peela Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 This is an interesting statement to me about the iodine because for me iodine is a huge help in my thyroid function, not a detriment. And if your thyroid condition is related to a lack of iodine, it will help. I know in Australia iodine is lacking in the soils- and in western countries our diets do tend to be low in iodine compared to, say, Japan. But I have been reading that iodine can actually fuel an attack on the thyroid if it is an auto immune system condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn. Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 I cured my hypothyroid by treating my bloodsugar issues. I basically went on a low glycemic or a diabetic diet. If you want I can give more details, but through lots of regular feeding intervals (think every 2-4 hours, even at night) I lowered raised my bloodsugar to where my body stoped being in a starvation mode and my thyroid kicked in and my metabolism raised. Lara Would you care to share a bit of your diet? What you eat and when. I think eating this way is healthier, but being raised on 3 squares a day, I haven't quite figured out how to make it work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natalija Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 I always avoid medication and look for natural healing or alternatives. Kelp tablets have really helped me!!! I am due for blood tests to confirm my thyroid levels but taking kelp tablets...150 mcg tablets at breakfast and one at dinner...it has helped me so much! I lost about 8-10 pounds and have much more energy. I had none before. I also had to make other changes due to some diagnosed conditions ..these other conditions are what affected my thyroid in the first place. I am now gluten and soy-free (huge difference as I am gluten and soy intolerant as well as can't eat many grains...hard for a vegan but what can ya do?!) Thankfully, I tested negative for Hashimoto's. I was taking Iodoral for the thyroid per my previous naturopath but I felt worse. It was too much so my new naturopath suggested kelp tablets. Natural, cheap and a huge difference! I saw fabulous reviews for NOW brand kelp tablets on iherb.com and that's what I tried. Works great for me! Hope you find something that works for you! Best wishes! :001_smile: Natalija Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymilkies Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 There is conflicting research on iodine. It helps some but not others. I would have your iodine levels tested before supplementing. Also, consult an actual endocrinologist, not just a GP. My 6 yo's TSH was 617. Yes, that is the actual number. The highest they had ever seen. 6 weeks on synthroid and she's growing and her TSH is normalizing. So you'll see it's one drug that I approve of. Finding the underlying autoimmune issue is important. We've done blood tests for every antibody you can imagine. My poor kid is like a pincushion. But until we can treat the underlying cause, synthroid can be invaluable. Her thyroid is so ravaged at this point she may be on medicine for life. She has fine ferritin but low Hgb, Hct, and rbc. She also had a cholesterol level higher than I am comfortable with. This is all due to the thyroid. We're trying to get this all under control. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quad Shot Academy Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 My natropath doesn't like the iodine added to salt, but likes the iodine in kelp, so it might be an issue of the type of iodine. Taking the B-vit PABA is supposed to help if you are making an antibody to your thyroid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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