Just Told Have Hypothyroid-don't Want to Just Take Medication

This runs in my family. All I can say is you are lucky to find out early. The medication is very safe. I've been on it about 15 years, even through breastfeeding. It is marked as safe for breastfeeding in the medication reference books. Before I was on it, I would gain weight for no apparent reason & quickly. Since I have been on it, it has helped to stabilize my weight. I'm really tired if I don't take it. Women can have trouble conceiving and even miscarry if they don't treat their hypothyroidism (Lucky I never had either of those issues). By the way, I am not quick to take meds otherwise & will try everything else before even taking tylenol. Good Luck!

Definitely, try diet changes...no soy/MSG..ready Mary Shomon's books. May be experiment with iodoral/selenium supplementation and may be tyrosine *i'd work with an N.D. on those*.

-J.

I am hypothyroid and I take the medication. I love it. It makes a huge difference with no side effects for me. I can't tell you how much better my entire life is with the medication.

O., I would recommend that you take this seriously. I made the mistake, for 1 and a half years, of listening to the naturopath's ideas on how to approach this...I went dairy-free, egg free, took all kinds of supplements, and even took a naturally derived for thyroid instead of synthetic. All of those strategies just ended up leading nowhere. I suffered with severe hypothyroid symptoms and the emotional symptoms that come with it. It came to a point where I felt I may not be able to be a good mom to my two daughters. I was so dragged out by 4:00 in the afternoon I was too tired to continue and would lay on my bed, literally out of breath laying down--it was scary. When I got help from a good endocrinologist and on the right meds I became MYSELF again!! Thankfully --best wishes

Unfortunately there is nothing you can do but take the medication. There is no way to treat it naturally. TSH is a HORMONE which your thyroid makes. Hormones are produced naturally by animals and at one time people with thyroid issues took the hormone from a horse's thyroid. Now, the medication is a man made version, as long as your level of the medication is right you will feel much better and it isn't going to do anything weird to your body. All the pill is, is that synthetic hormone..Now, not taking it can interfere with your metabolism, energy, memory, periods, etc. I know because I am also on the thyroid pill. I have been on it for 8 years. If I don't take it I start to feel off and will eventually go into a coma. That pill is keeping me alive because there is NO other way to get it, I looked. I don't know your situation but I had thyroid cancer so the pill is the only hormone I get. My body can't make it. The worst part of taking the pill for me is remembering to do it regularly. :-) You will be fine. I know doing things naturally is great when you can, but unfortunately, there isn't a way to do that with your thyroid yet. You will feel so much better if you take it. If you want you can write me if you need to.

I've have hypothyroidism since I was 12. You need to take the medication. It is the most benign type of medication out there since it just replaves the hormone you are misssing. Your thyroid controls so many functions in your body, from temperature control and appetite to things we can't even comprehend on the inside that if you don't take it you won't just feel bad, you could be doing damage to your body.

I have had hypothyroid condition since age 21 (I'm 48 now), and I too didn't want to take medication at first. There are such things as dessicated thyroid (from cows, I think -- not too appealing!) that I know some people try to take as a natural solution. My sister (who is also hypothyroid) tried taking this for a long time and it simply didn't work. I really don't think there are any natural treatments for hypothyroid that could help you. I've been taking synthroid for years now and it has had no bad side effects for me. It's really a painless thing to do to take this pill every day, and I for one, am very appreciative that there is something around to help with the condition that is so easy and has no side effects (that I have experienced). My best suggestion to you is to make sure to have your thyroid levels checked regularly. Thyroid levels can change throughout the year (even when taking medication) and your prescription will need to be changed accordingly. Best of luck!

I've had hypothyroid for about 6 or 7 years (I'm 41). The only option I've ever been told about is medication. I'll be happy to hear if someone has any other alternatives.

Just so you know, the medication has absolutely no side effects (at least for me). I'm on Synthroid, not the generic. My mother and sister are on it too, with no problems.

In fact, if your thyroid is low, you may be feeling very tired. The medication will improve that greatly. Also, if you're ever planning to be pregnant again, it is very important that your thyroid level is where it should be. I remember my dr. telling me that when I was pregnant with my second child.

Good luck!

Make a list of your concerns about taking medications and discuss with your MD- there is not a natural way to replace what your body is not making. The thyroid is a VERY important organ- managing your mood, weight (yes- you will probably LOSE some weight when your condition is properly treated) and your sleep cycle (you will also have more energy!)
You are a member of YOUR healthcare team- discuss your concerns with your MD, become informed and then make a decision about replacement therapy.

When my son was 9 months old I also had Hypothyroid. I did take the medication as I didn't know of any alternatives. But I am happy to say that I only took it for a short time and I am off of it competely and my thyroid is great. This link is natural remedies recommended by people who have tried them. This site has natural remedies for almost anything! I love it and I have used several with fantastic results.

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/hypothyroidism.html

Good place for iodine
http://www.drrons.com/iodine-iodide-complex-for-thyroid-h...

Hypothyroidism is a very common and needs to be treated with medication. You will be on the medication for the rest of your life. It is very common in families and most likely some of your family members have the same condition. This is one medication, though, that you should not switch between generic or the name brand Synthroid. Whichever one you start with, you need to remain with. I rarely respond to questions, but I cannot believe someone would suggest natural foods, a chiropractor, or acupuncture to treat this condition. That would be wasting your money and time. If you do choose to refuse medication, I recommend watching your TSH very closely! You can become very sick from hypothyroidism. I know, I have been there.

Hi O.,
I don't know where to start with my thyroid world. I found out 10 years ago (age 28) I was hyperthyroid. Long story short, I educated myself after having many tests. I found out I had "Hot Nodules" on my thyroid and drs at Palo Alto Medical wanted to take my thyroid out. I opt not to unless it was cancer which it was not. I then found a herbal dr in Palo Alto, I don't rememeber the name but a year of seeing her I was told my condition was getting much worse and needed to go on medication. I was so upset and worried. I was given a few names of dr's in the field. One dr I was told is good but good luck getting in. By pure luck I did. For 9 years I have been seeing this dr at Mt View Hospital. He is a thyroid god. I ended up having radio active treatment which was a huge success. I then went on synthroid and a month later I felt like a new person. It was like a weight was lifted and I didn't even know how bad I was feeling mostly all my life till I felt the results of the treatment. I did most of this because I wanted to someday have children. If your interested in learning more about my dr who is my angel please email me. It is so horrible to deal with thyroid issues since it effects your entire body and mood.

SAHM, 39 with a super funny active 3yr son and a 6month old son who is full of smiles and bubbles and doesn't like to sleep through the night. I love being a mother and watching my children grow.

Are you in Sacramento? There is this natural health store at the corner of Fair Oaks & Madison (next to Oil Stop and the people there are quite knowledgable about things. I would suggest seeing them with regard to your problem. I rarely go with prescription drugs. I would check this out first and then make your decision.

Hi O.,
I totally understand your dilemma. I do not trust the AMA, do not like taking meds or antibiotics. When I was diagnosed with hypothyroid I was terrified of taking the meds, but had to because I was pregnant and the consequences of not taking it are worse for your baby. So i took it, felt really wierd for awhile, then got adjusted. I feel better than I did not taking it, but had to take a few different meds before I found the one better for my own physiology. I would urge you to consider the risks of managing hypothyroidism yourself, only because it is a serious disease and can lead to progressive illness. Keep in mind that the meds prescribed are just synthetic hormone and at the right dosage will have minimum side effects (but there could be different ones for different people). I was at the wrong dosage, being mismanaged by a terrible doctor and felt sick for months until I cut my dose myself and felt better. Anyway, I found a REALLY good thyroid doctor named who believes in finding the right meds rather than just treating everyone with the same thing. If you want his name you can write me. I would be cautious about taking kelp or coconut or Armour, or any of the other stuff without finding a doctor or naturopath who can supervise it. I became extremely ill on kelp before I went on meds and developed a goiter-fun!, which is how I discovered my thyroid problem. To sum up, find a REALLY good doctor for thyroid, one who is open to different solutions-do not try to go it alone because it can get worse if you do not know what you're doing. I say this especially because I know how it is to feel tired and lousy and need to be there for your child. Good luck to you!

Hi O.-
I would find a D.O. right away to discuss your options. It is someone who has studied natural medecine as a primary, but is more than qualified in the current medical world as well. They opt for more natural remedies before plugging you into medication after medication. Plus they are well studied verses someone who dabbles in herbs, etc. They really know their stuff. 2nd, it is going to require great diligence, I am sure, if you opt out (which is perfectly fine). I am a believer when it comes to natural remedies and only take medicine when there is no other way. It requires me to be much more disciplined in my every day eating and vitamin intake, etc., but I think it is worth it.
I hope this helps! Good luck!

O.,
Go see a Naturopathic Dr (ND). They will look at your labs and can use alternative therapies to help your thyroid. They use supplements and sometimes glandular products like Armor Thyroid. Additionally may they get you on iodine supplements. Natural therapies work very well for regulating thyroid. I used to work for a nutritional company and all my customers were Dr's and natural health practitioners. They got GREAT results with glandulars and iodine. Good Luck!

I'm been Hypothyroid since about 10yrs old (36 now) I've always treated it with the synthetic medication (Synthroid)and have had no problems. Mine is a very low dose (100 mcg). A few years ago I looked into other methods of treating it, the only other method I know of is natural hormone (vs synthetic) I didn't persue this, but I beleive it has worked for some. Do treat it though, there could be serious complications if you leave it untreated...

After each one of her 5 births, the doctor said my mom needed to ... have a hysterectomy, take thyroid medication, and I forget what else but those were the two biggies. My mom disregarded them. After the first, she had 4 more beautiful children that wouldn't have happened had she listened to the first doctor who said she "had" to have a hysterectomy. (We can't help but wonder if that was discrimination because she was deaf?) Then the dr that wanted to take her thyroid out scared her too. She just never went back and tried to eat healthy (this is 30-40 years ago, so it was mostly just common sense, nothing from any of those "organic/natural/health" supplement businesses, just what was available in the grocery stores. And time. Mostly she thinks self-treating with TIME, good food & exercise is what did the trick.

It is hard work creating a baby and giving birth! Naturally there could be some imbalance somewhere for a period of time. Give your body time to get back to normal, (eating, sleeping, and exercising as you should for your body's recovery and health) then see. Get second opinions.

Read up on information you get. Dont follow the first or just one plan you find. Remember - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Moderation in all things. Diet, exercise, nutrition, all of that goes together. Get a 2nd opinion, maybe you need to make some changes to your lifestyle and give it a little time, then see if it is manageable naturally, or if you do need medication. If you do need medication, do not be afraid to.

Hi O. -

I do agree that this is a serious matter, and that the medication you've got might be a good solution for you. I know many people that synthetic thyroid meds have helped.

I have adrenal fatigue, which is very much like hypothryroid. I have changed my DIET significantly, and feel like a brand new person (well, I felt fantastic before I got pregnant!). Check out Ultrametabolism by Dr. Hyman - it changed my life, and has specific sections about dealing with thyroid.

You CAN take control of this using diet changes, stress reduction, and other self-care practices. But take your medication for now...

Hope this helps,
C. S.

Hi,
I've been on thyroid from hypothyroidism for 4 years plus. I get a pick me up after I take mine. I was checked for such because I always felt sluggish. I take 60mg in the morn and 60 in late afternoon. I really feel more energy in the afternoon after I take it. This might be your only solution. I am on lots of natrural supplements for other things but never did find one for a persons thyroid. If its any consolation any thyroid med is made from animal thyroid. At least thats what my doctor told me. I take Armour thyroid. I suggest you try the med first before making a decision about not wanting to take drugs. It just might help and that will make you feel better. I'm fine and like I said before I've taken it for years. Best of luck to you. May God Bless.
Y., Eureka, Ca

O.,

You probably need to treat it with medication. But I think acupuncture is a great alternative way to complement traditional medicine. I would visit an acupuncturist and see how they can help you. Good luck~

Molly

O.,

There are lots of resources that you can use to see which medications/remedies may work for you. Try yahoo groups,
WilsonsTemperatureSyndrome.com, and simply researching the web. Most of all be an advocate of your own health. I have been taking Armour Thyroid for several years. It has made a big difference in my energy levels. I also see an acupuncturist regularly. She is able to help when I start feeling off.

Please feel free to ask me questions as well.

I am like you: I won't even take Tylenol for my arthritis. Not fond of pills. I can't stand the hold the pharmaceutical companies have on the public consciousness. But I have to tell you, Thyroid meds are a different story. The pills replace the hormone that your thyroid should be producing. And the effects of not replacing the hormone are not trivial at all. It can cause depression, weight fluctuations, sleep problems, etc, all not good. Some things I think we need to just suck it up and be glad someone has figured out how to fix it. Take care O..

I'm currently seeing an herbalist for my thyroid problems. I don't take medications for it, only suppliments and herbs. I would seek out an herbalist in your area (I'm actually seeing my grandmothers herbalist in LA, so a that's just a bit far :)). But I take a combination of B-6, selenium (sp?), and Iodine. The selenium and Iodine suppliments are specifically for thyroid issues. I would also look for a book called "Prescription for Nutritional Healing". It has all kinds of alternative treatments for anything you can think of.

Hello!

Against the negative answers you have gotten, I do know that it can be treated naturally. It takes about 3 months for the stuff to work with your body. I worked for a chiropractor in Southern California who SUCCESSFULLY treated this with several of her patients. I can talk more with you through email if you would like to be in contact with her. I don't know if you'd want to make the trip down there to see her, but she's great at what she does and I would think well worth it. Let me know! The right natural medicines can work for you, but you have to commit to them wholeheartedly and change your lifestyle to include eating and living healthy.

these are all interesting responses and somewhat true. however it really depends on what kind of thyroid disorder you have weather or not you have to take synthroid. and everyone reacts differently to various treatments. and everyone is more or less sensitive to medication. there are two common different forms of hypothyroid disorder. one is an autoimmune disease the other is not. this distinction makes a big difference in the treatment plan. I would recommend finding a Naturopathic MD up there to consult with. most endocrinologists won't have much in the form of alternative therapies. and if you do decide to take the synthroid be certain to take the brand and not a generic. it is not expensive and very important. most generics are fine this is just one that doesn't always work. finally there there are supplements and diatery guidelines that will help support your thyroid and the rest of your body while on synthroid. be wary of boosting your thyroid or immune system with random products as you my throw your system off more. the endocrine is a very complex facinating system that has many checks and balances that should be taken into consideration. i recommend finding a practitioner in your area who specializes in this. i am an acupuncturist in menlo park and would be happy to ask around for a good referral if you don't already have some leads. take care, L.

Hi O.,
It is all right. I have taken synthroid (actually the generic) since I was 19 (now 32). There are no side effects. You will probably have blood tests every six months for a while to ensure that your levels are correct - too low exhausted - too high - you don't want that either. I don't take any other prescription meds - in fact, if I take an advil, people around think something must be really wrong...=) You'll be fine. If you have any specific questions I can answer, let me know. Take care!

Hi O.,

First of all, thank you for posting and thank you to everyone who shared their own stories.

Oprah has thyroid issues and did a show about the thyroid and treatment. I don't see her show often and didn't see that one. Do a google search for hypothyroid oprah for a link to that specific show or check her website.

I have hyperthyroidism and have taken medicine daily for about one year. I do not like to take medicine for anything. You could ask your endocrinologist to prescribe the smallest dose first and find the least dose that works. I was mistakenly prescribed a micro-dose, 5 mg as opposed to 10 mg given to most new thyroid people, apparently. It works for me. I wish I had been taking it for the eight or so years I've had symptoms.

I felt so much better in days. As someone else said, I was having a hard time being a mom. By noon I was beat. This drug changed my quality of life!

Good luck!

I have thyroid cancer, and I know that that is not your issue. However I went 5 yrs before being diagnosed in which time I was hypothyriod. I have been on the meds now for just over a yr since having a complete thyroidectomy. 2 times in the past year 1 time being right at this very moment I have to come off of the med and go hypothyriod for my radiation treatments. I can tell you that after being on the meds and feeling "normal" to coming off and being hypothyriod is the wort feeling ever. I too am not a fan of any meds from prescription to OTC and I can tell you that they tyriod meds are great it takes a little to get used to, because you can feel the change but its short only like a week and you feel great. Good luck with any decision you make.

There is no way to treat it naturally. Take the medication - i.e. replacement thyroid hormone. You will feel SO much better.

Please listen to those of us that have hypothyroidism and don't mess around when it comes to this disease! The thyroid gland is part of an intricate balance of hormones and you can really throw your whole body and emotions out of whack including the rest of your endocrine system.

I too cannot stand taking pills, but I was diagnosed at 20 yo after calling my mom to report that I thought I was having a nervous breakdown. I was exhausted, depressed, cold, having anxiety attacks and becoming somewhat agorophobic. I have been on synthetic thyroid for almost 20 years and I have been able to successfully switch to generics. Generic synthroid does not work as well for some people, so you may want to start out on brand name. Now that I am VERY familiar with the symptoms of low thyroid levels, I am going to try switching to the natural porcine form of thyroid hormone called Armour because some patients report higher energy and better success with weight loss...although this too is a prescription in pill form.

I think it is a great idea to supplement taking your thyroid medication with healthier eating habits, exercise, and supplementation of iodine, cortisol, selenium and other adrenal support products. However, first you must get your body regulated and learn more about the symptoms as well as tune into how your body feels when levels are normal vs. low. I personally have never heard of anyone "recovering" from hypothyroidism, especially if it is Hashimoto's, which is the autoimmune form of the disease.

Also, if you want to have more children, you need to keep your thyroid in balance or you could risk miscarriage and possibly other issues. Additionally, if you do become pregnant, your OB or regular Dr. should be checking your thyroid levels as you gain weight. Sometimes during or after pregnancy with all the hormonal changes you can swing the other way. My sister who was diagnosed as Hashimoto's hypothyroid close to 20 years ago recently stopped breastfeeding her daughter and has gone hyperthyroid, but it will probably normalize back to hypo once her hormones balance out.

Please be careful, be informed and find a good doctor to help guide you. Taking the thyroid meds really is no big deal aside from remembering every day and waiting 30 minutes after to eat or take other vitamins/supplements. Take care and feel free to email me directly if you want.

--C.

Did you speak with your doctor about alternatives?
I use homeopathic medicine. You could have a homeopathic consultation and see if they would be able to prescribe something for you.

Of course you don't want to take the medication! That's what I said to my doctor. But six weeks later, when I went back for a second blood test (the first time I said, "maybe the test is wrong"), I was soooo tired, I couldn't wait to start the medication (levothroid). It took a while to take effect, but I am essentially normal now (I've been taking it for 19 years). There is no natural treatment--what they say is natural is cow thyroid hormone. Take the synthetic human one, it's better for your body. Hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain, so watch what you eat and exercise. Also, eventually, if you don't take the medication, your body will slow down so much (and you will gain so much weight) you will go into a coma and die. Since your daughter is only two, perhaps you'd like to put that possible ending off a while. Take the medication, get tested periodically, and watch what you eat.

Hi O.,

Well here's a problem. Even going on thyroid meds for hyperthyroidism, can create hypothyroidism!

Thyroid problems can include low cell permeabiblity in slow metabolizers,... hyperthyroid due to toxicity in the gland.

I think your two biggest things you can do are to:

Eliminate soy and MSG totally. Also all sodas. (soy is a more powerful inhibitor of tp than common anti thyroid drugs)

Take fulvic acid. it removes toxin from the thyroid, increases permeability to membranes, and stimulates the metabolism. Look up "fulvic" on the net. You will be amazed at what you read about it.

O., Sory to hear about your problem. I would like to talk to you. Do not go to the store and buy whatever saleperson recomends, do not go to hear any alternative consultant if he doesn't return money if his method doesn't work. I would like to ask for your time, get information from previous clients, what they have done in situation like yours,you can talk to many people,do not believe that nutrition doesn't work. In your situation,it deppends how you feel of couse,but most likely you need medicine, and in the nearest future after you educate yourself and do what people did with the same problem, you will be able to avoid medicine.
###-###-#### A. Bofinger.

Hi;
I'm having thyroid tests done, so I was interested in this thread. I do know that there are several yoga poses that stimulate the thyroid. It's worth checking out. Good luck.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibuSBGkdfaI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d43-xBKQ5vo

Love, G.. :0)
http://stemcellforautism.blogspot.com/

"I know of nobody who is purely Autistic or purely neurotypical. Even God had some Autistic moments, which is why the planets all spin." ~ Jerry Newport

I would talk to the doctor about other options or alternatives for hypothyroid. Please don't ignore the prescription or try do it naturally. I don't know if you can do it naturally. My mom has hypothyroid and she takes medication daily and she is perfectly healthy and strong. She has never had any problems or any side effects on the medication she is taking. She only takes it once a day everyday. I don't know the name of the prescription. Good luck talking with your doctor about possibilities of alternative.

Take your medicine. You thyroid is not something you want to mess around with. I have been on Synthroid for years and it is fine. Even the Endocrinologist I went to told me to never let them put you on the generic form either because if you are prescribed a certain milligram the generics may not be the exact dose. You need actual 'Synthroid".

I have never heard of any natural medicines that you would find in the health food stores that work and not sure I would trust my well-being to those kinds of herbs. Your thyroid is way too important for so many other reasons and making sure it is working correctly in your body is most important.

This is strictly my opinion, but I do have hypo-thyroidism (and have for years)and have never had any problems taking the medicine.

R.

I have seen many articles in women's magazines and on line regarding the use of coconut oil supplementation to boost metabolism by helping with thyroid function. Side benefits, beautiful hair, skin and nails. I would check it out. Good luck. Taking certain thyroid meds can decrease bone density which is not a trade off for increased thyroid function if there is a natural way to boost it without meds.