Hypothyroidism

a woman having her thyroid glands checked

The thyroid gland is our body’s gas pedal, regulating how many calories we burn for energy.

Symptoms

When it is underactive, we can have any or all of the following:

  • Tiredness
  • Aching
  • Cold intolerance
  • Brain fog
  • Constipation
  • Infertility
  • Weight gain that we can’t lose

Diagnosis

Unfortunately, the current blood testing misses the majority of people who need thyroid hormone treatment.

Sadly, many physicians don’t know that the testing is unreliable, and continue to treat the tests instead of the person. Holistic physicians (find one here) know how to treat taking both your symptoms and labs into account.

Anyone with even 2 of the above symptoms should consider a trial of natural prescription thyroid (e.g., Armour Thyroid).

Causes

Low thyroid problems are increasing in frequency.

  • Autoimmune Issues

    In the U.S., they mostly occur because the thyroid is being attacked by our own immune system.

    This is an autoimmune process called "Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis" — diagnosed by having an elevated Anti-TPO Antibody which is a simple blood test.

  • Deficiencies

    A resurgence of iodine and selenium deficiencies is also contributing to thyroid problems.

Treatment

  • Recommended Supplements

    • Armour Thyroid

      Adjust the dose of prescription Armour Thyroid to the amount that feels best, while keeping the Free T4 blood test in the normal range for safety.

      The TSH is not a reliable test. You may need a holistic practitioner to get proper treatment.

    • Iodine, selenium, tyrosine

      Optimize iodine, selenium, tyrosine and other nutrients that support thyroid function. These can be found in a good multi-nutrient powder (see Energy Revitalization System).

      High Dose Iodine

      Sometimes taking high dose iodine (6.25-12.5 mg a day, and not higher without a doctor's supervision) can markedly improve energy and other problems in those with low thyroid.

More Information Online

Contributor

Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, MD

Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. is a board certified internist and author of the popular free iPhone application “Cures A-Z,” which was ranked in the top 10 of all health/wellness downloads on iTunes.

Dr. Teitelbaum is the author of the perennial bestseller From Fatigued to Fantastic! (Avery Penguin), which has sold over half a million copies; Pain Free 1-2-3 (McGraw-Hill); Three Steps to Happiness: Healing Through Joy (Deva Press); the Beat Sugar Addiction Now! series (Fair Winds Press);  Real Cause, Real Cure (Rodale Press); The Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Solution (Penguin/Avery); and his latest, The Complete Guide to Beating Sugar Addiction (Fair Winds Press, 2015).