When the thyroid gland is not able to function properly, many other systems in the body are hindered. One common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack its own thyroid gland. Other causes include surgical removal of the thyroid gland, birth defects, or radioactive iodine therapy.
According the book, "Feeling Fat, Fuzzy or Frazzled?" (2005), by Richard Shames, MD, and Karilee Shames, PhD, RN, low thyroid output causes the body’s metabolism to drop, resulting in decreased metabolism. A slow metabolism affects a host of other symptoms including everything from a sluggish digestive system, and slow healing wounds, to infertility and poor kidney function.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Swelling in hands and feet
- Constipation
- Depression
- achy muscles
- Shortness of breath
- Dry, brittle hair and skin
- Goiter/neck enlargement
- Memory problems
- Cold intolerance
- Puffiness in face and eyes
- Hair loss
- Tinnitus
Symptoms may overlap or mimic other conditions, so if you are suspicious, request your doctor to order lab tests to check your thyroid production. The standard test is the TSH, but also request the Free T4, and Free T3, and antibodies test. It is possible to be told that you are “normal”, yet still suffer with hypothyroid symptoms. This is because blood tests do not always reflect a complete picture. Blood tests record the hormone levels in the blood, but not the way that they are interacting with the tissues of the specific part of the body that needs them.
Lab Tests and Test Results
There are some important things you need to know in regards to lab testing. In 2003, The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists changed the normal value range for TSH levels. The normal range was 0.5 mIU/L to 5.0 mIU/L Numbers above 5.0 mIU/L were considered hypothyroid, and below 0.5 mIU/L was considered hyperthyroid. The new values are 0.3 mIU/L to 3.0 mIU/L, with values above 3.0 mIU/L being hypothyroid. And there are many more people that feel better with their TSH under 2.0 mIU/L .
There are many labs today that continue to use the old numbers. If your doctor insists on relying solely by blood tests instead of your symptoms, or if he or she feels that since your thyroid level is under 5.0 mIU/L you are “normal” despite your symptoms, find a different doctor.
Keep in mind that an endocrine problem is something that requires ongoing care to fine tune your thyroid medication, and occasional readjustments. Also, feeling truly better may require you to try several different thyroid medications, so you may want to find a doctor who does not dispense only Synthroid.
Remember that the blood test is not exhaustive. If your TSH, Free T4, and Free T3 all show normal, the presence of antibodies indicates autoimmune disorder.
Natural Remedies
Aside from prescribed thyroid medication, there are some additional things you can do at home. Also, consider that thyroid problems can originate from other glands, such as adrenal, or sex glands.
Avoid:
- Halogen elements, such as fluorine, chlorine, fluoride (even in toothpaste), and bromine (in bread).
- Processed/refined foods, trans fats, and dairy products
- Raw cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and turnips, soy, and soy products.
- Iodine supplements, unless you’ve had an iodine patch test and know that you are deficient.
Add:
- Heavy metal detox, liver and kidney cleanse
- Coconut oil, to replace your other cooking oils
- Yoga and pranayamas (breathing exercises)
- Increase fiber intake
Remember, while a good doctor is a valued and necessary person, he or she is not the final word in your health. Be persistent and be proactive.
References:
Clark, Hulda Regehr, Ph.D., N.D.; The Cure for all Diseases. San Diego, CA: ProMotion Publishing, 1995.
Shames, Richard, and Karilee Shames. Feeling Fat, Fuzzy or Frazzled? New York: Hudson Street, 2005.
Sherry LaBonte - Sherry is a freelance writer living in the Pacific Northwest. She has spent nearly 20 years in medical and nutrition related work and ...
