Are there any natural solutions to hypothyroidism? I am on medication but would like to know if there is something I can do to improve my thyroid function without taking a hormone.

I personally never noticed side effects from Levothyroxine. I do notice if the level is off. It's rather easy to know when it is too high. I don't even know if most pharmacies still stock the brand name pill. I've been on it 30 years. I wasn't told much back then. I wish I had known ways to restore rather than take a pill that further shut down my thyroid. I have other, more pressing health concerns at the moment, and since the thyroid pill is relatively benign I am not particularly concerned. I know people who have restored, but I'm not sure it can be done after all this time. One thing I notice if it is too low is that I feel cold easily.

The ideal thing is to see a real Naturopath, ND who can guide you to optimize health in your WHOLE body. Start with drbarrytaylor and read his informative and little book, Love Your Body. Or read Dr. Axe online: tons of great info.
For hip problems might consider Pain Free by Peter Egoscue.
Hip and posture problems throw off the organs too! Have to deal with everything wholistically for lasting changes. Your lifestyle and diet, thoughts, and even spiritual wellness all effect your body.

Consider what is stressing you out beyond coping ability. How are you dealing with that? Do you exercise at all? What helps you feel your best? and also you can read, Dr. Fuhrman's books. So much online!
By the way there are so many things that influence the thyroid and other organs. A Functional Medicine doctor can identify all your issues at once and suggest diet and lifestyle changes to reach your goals.

Although you may have to pay out of pocket for an ND, it will be effective, life changing, and cheaper than hip replacements and drugs that don't do a thing other than enrich insurance companies and the top 1% in the Pharmaceutical industries.

I am considering iodine measured by the dropper, 155 mcg, as a way to move the fat from my thighs and stomach. Reduced calories cause metabolism imbalance and exercise has cause hip damage. A combo of the two in reduced levels is my aim but want to include something to stimulate the thyroid too. Any replies?

Thanks so much for that information, Gridprice. Her symptoms certainly sound like vocal cord paralysis. She was trying to sing in bed last night and it sounded so agonizing. It's said because she liked to sing and had a good voice. However, this condition seemed to come on within the past couple of years (she's 92), but her thyroid surgery was performed when she was in her 70's. Nonetheless, I do think there is vocal chord paralysis now.

Mom saw the geriatric specialist a few weeks ago and she was concerned about her level of confusion, and ordered a CT scan to see if the meningioma had spread. I just worry about the excessive radiation of a CT scan and dyes which the previous x-ray technician said would be dangerous because of her reduced kidney functioning. It does seem that she is preparing to leave this world, albeit at a slower rate.

Globetrotter50, your mother may have vocal fold paralysis as a result of her thyroid surgery. All the symptoms you describe are typical of that condition. Sadly, if she didn't recover full use of her voice within a year of her surgery, she never will. VFP is permanent nerve damage.

If you are able to correct a thyroid imbalance using naturopathy, that's fantastic and you are very fortunate. If, however you have nodules that develop into a goiter, get it seen to before it does irreversible harm. Don't let it go, hoping it will eventually get better. I speak from personal experience; I would have handled my own situation much differently if I had even an inkling of how much physical damage my Hashimoto's would cause.

One note: the article seems to imply that thyroid hormone imbalance may lead to thyroid cancer, when actually, it may be an INDICATOR of cancer. That's another reason to get TSH levels checked if you're at all suspicious that you may have a thyroid issue.

Thanks for the article; it's great to get the word out about thyroid health.

Anita, it's interesting you mentioned iodine. I did some research for a client who developed thyroid cancer at the age of 18, and discovered that besides radiation (which is extremely damaging to the thyroid) chlorine, fluorine or bromine are chemically reactive and disrupt iodine molecules. How many people go to swimming pools which are loaded with chlorine? How many people live in areas where there is underground nuclear testing (not something the government is going to let you know about) or near a nuclear reactor? Quite often, the problem is not a lack of iodine but the interaction of toxic chemicals with the iodine, rendering it ineffective.

A few years ago I had 19 of 20 symptoms of hypothyroidism, including: weight gain/inability to lose weight, disappearing eyebrows, exhaustion, muscle aches (felt like I was beaten in my sleep!), lumpy breasts, brain fog/early onset Alzheimers?, inability to focus, etc etc. Since I have little confidence in the US's profit-focused, drug-oriented "healthcare" system,

The latter promotes the value of IODINE and the critical LACK of it in our current food supply. I cured myself in 5 - 6 weeks using 2 strategies:
1) I changed my diet. Gave up soy milk and most soy products, and greatly reduced consumption of other vegetable "goitragens" - foods that block iodine absorption (all my favorites!): broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, brussels sprouts.
2) Bought (on Amazon) and began taking iodoral (an iodine supplement) according to the breastcancerchoices' website's recommended protocol.

A 45-day supply (180 pills) of iodine supplement (4 pills = 50 mg/day) costs about $35-$40 on Amazon. Haha! NO Big Pharma SOBs are making $$$ on such a treatment - which is why your Dr. never HEARD of this or knows anything about it - unless/he/she is a naturopath.

Anyway - as I said, that was about 3 years ago. Since I began taking iodine almost daily, I've had no recurrence of the problems. I also lost 12 lbs with NO effort whatsoever and have kept them off - also with little/no effort.

I prefer and put my trust in peer-to-peer research/information. If you want a physician's input, check Dr. David Brownstein - he's written a book on the subject as well.

Juddabuddhaboo and Crystal791, I am so pleased to be reading your posts. I am so in agreement with all that you have said. I realize this next couple of sentences has nothing to do with thyroid but it does remark about seeing a Naturopath or finding good sites on the web to refer to when needing natural healing. Along with taking Armour Thyroid, I'm an advocate for health intestines. People do not want to hear about that yet if the colon is not kept in balance, as the thyroid, there clearly are more health problems building within the body. Constipation seems to be the worst issue, on an increase and part of another chronic illness suffered by the unhealthy population in our country called IBS. This IBS is something doctors do not know much about either. They immediately take one to a gluten free or lactose intolerant trials. A ND would not do that. They help cleanse then rebuild and are not afraid to address parasites. Too much info? Sorry but Juddabuddhaboo knows what I'm saying.

I had borderline hypothyroidism as a teenager; I was put on thyroid meds for about a year, and I was OK. Now, I think I may have hyperthyroidism so I gotta see my doctor

You did not mention seeing a Naturopath or how natural forms of thyroid pills both vegan or animal based glandulars have helped people too.

I am concerned about the ineffectiveness and side effects of Synthroid. Mom had her thyroid removed in the 90's in England. It took the doctors a while and many tests were taken before they found out why she was so sick. Then I think about a year or so many months later they did radioactive iodine therapy because a "dot" of cancer was found in the throat tissue, so they didn't want to take any chances. Mom's potassium levels were low after the surgery. She never felt right again, especially after the radioactive iodine treatment. Now her throat is raspy and she cannot sing anymore, and I'm wondering if it has to do with that "dot of cancer" or no thyroid or just plain aging. I find she often clears her throat and feels she can't get phlegm up, but the doctor says her airways are clear. Mom takes her Synthroid at breakfast, which I know is not the best time to take them, but blood levels at the odd time the doctor does order a test shows that it is within normal range. Interesting that she should develop Alzheimer's if thyroid affects brain function.

Hi Crystal. Absolutely, "health insurance" should include real choices that include plans to cover NDs, supplements, herbs,and anything that you have to do extra besides eat, drink and exercise. But there are political obstacles: the $$ elite running Drugs, Big Pharma, Big Agriculture, the FDA, The ADA, and so on are making money off of us being sick and stupid and they intend to keep us there.

Once upon a time there was talk of a Single Payer aspect to the "health care" or Obama care. But that got kicked under the bus. Now we are on our own. But going the natural route feels better, heals you, and in the end is cheaper and will give you a better life style. Maybe we should make our own saving account where we save for our own preferred treatment. I resent the fact that I have to pay for "health insurance" and really I can't even find a regular doctor in their "network" that even knows the basics about nutrition. NDs are a lot more educated.

Anyway, to your health.

crystal791 - I for one would not take them. I defer to juddabuddhaboo but know that different labs can even be a factor in finished product. It is important to deal with reputable pharmacists who are knowledgeable with compounding as well.

Jumping on my pedestal I want to go on record that those choosing to supplement should be covered by insurances, who premiums are being paid to, or at least to get reimbursements from their own health savings/investment accounts. For far too many folks, having to pay out of pocket is not possible. Juddabuddhaboo, do you agree?

I also have learned so much from the 2 NDs I have worked for and been a patient with. The biggest lesson is that your hormones aren't just about your sexual organs.
Thyroid and in fact the whole endocrine system is as important to your body as your heart and brain, and in fact influences those organs too. We have to stop thinking as the body as our enemy with parts that need to be attacked and conquered by drugs (that do NOT heal you).This thinking is what makes money for the medical industry and keeps the rest of us poor and sick.

Instead think of the body as a whole entity (directly affected by others and the planet we live on) that has built in healers that fix things that get out of wack. As we age, of course, keeping healthy is harder because we have built up more toxins than the body can handle, and, at the same time, we lose the elements that replenish the younger body. But Nature knows what She is doing.

I plan on helping my Mother Nature in my entity body to stay healthy until she surely has had enough of me!

A Naturopath (ND) has rigorous years of medical training and knows far more than your MD about "functional" health and how your body works. They also have a small machine, about the size of an ipad, which measures frequencies and gives scads of accurate information which can pinpoint whatever your body's strengths and weaknesses are. It's like a miniature Catscan with no side effects and more accuarate and versatile. That is how my ND knew I needed T3 and T4. He gave me some supplements and I feel as if my life has been reset! Taking that and juicing, I am reclaiming my life. So I recommend looking into finding a Naturopath.
http://www.naturopathic.org/AF_MemberDirectory.asp?version=2
Here is a link to a ND directory.

What is the difference in generic and other thyroid meds?

LearningCurve T3 alone is not accurate; you are correct. Perhaps a better test to request is one with T4Free, T3Free, Reverse T3, Thyroid Antibodies, TPO, TSH and Sedimentation Rate. Synthroid only adds T3. Armour adds T3 and T4 (storehouse for T3). Folks on Synthroid, under stress may have a problem making appropriate amounts of T3. A good book to get explaining this is "Textbook of Bio-Identical Homones" by Edward M. Lichten.

Thank you.
Also to be noted is that blood work T3 levels is not very accurate and a misdiagnosis often accompanies this test.
A more accurate test is needed.

I'm a firm believer in helping the body heal itself through natural means if possible. At the very least, give that a try before taking pharmaceuticals which all have many side effects. Working with a doctor who also practices naturopathic medicine is, in my opinion a good way to approach many illnesses.

I thought it to be very helpful. I have had the left side of my thyroid removed and the other side is on vacation. The information that you shared is all true. I've been there

Thank you for posting!!! juddabuddhaboo I agree with you. Armour does not have the side affects. Synthroid has definite side affect that should be noted to the patient before using.

It maddens me that there is no mention of natural means of testing and of helping the WHOLE body balance the thyroid. I saw a Naturopath MD, who used a bio meridian device to test what was going on in my body organs and also for detecting imbalances such as fungus, mold, and other things. The doctor saw that my endocrine system needed some balancing supplements. I started taking the prescribed natural supplements and felt great within two days! And no, it didn't cost more than your pathologist-oriented doctor, and no there are no negative side effects that drugs have. Have you ever read the list of side effects in your prescription?
Also, you mention no benefits of food, diet, and exercise as a way to balance the body either, as if there is no possible connection!!
Google "natural ways to regulate the thyroid" and there is plenty of good and not expensive advice that by the way, really works!

It's a shame our "health care" in this country is all based on greed, deception, and misinformation. Seniors especially are brainwashed into becoming zombies and their families resources on every level are going under. Learn all you can about nutrition, Naturopathy, honor how the body works, and avoid drugs at all costs. That's my experience and opinions! Anyone else wish to chime in?

Why is this article not mentioning Armour? It is natural.