Hypothyroidism Treatment

The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the anterior, middle line of the neck, surrounding the cricoid and tracheal cartilages. The thyroid gland secretes the thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), and the hormone calcitonin. The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, regulates the production of T3 and T4. T3 and T4 are important for the metabolism, growth and development, and catecholamine effect. The hormone calcitonin plays a role in calcium homeostasis.

Thyroid disease can be related to inflammation, nodules, swelling, cancer, iodine deficiency levels, congenital disease, medications, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery, pituitary disorder, and autoimmune disease. In the presence of thyroid hormones levels alterations, symptoms will appear according to the excess or lack of them; to make the diagnose of thyroid dysfunction, it is necessary laboratory exams: TSH, T3, and T4.

When thyroid hormones are lower, symptoms can include tiredness or fatigue, slow heart rate, weight gain, constipation, hair loss, dry skin, muscle weakness, muscle aches, joint pain, hoarseness, heavy menstrual bleeding, cold intolerance, high cholesterol level, infertility, depression, and impaired memory. Untreated hypothyroidism, over the time, can lead to goiter (enlarged thyroid) or myxedema, a life-threatening condition.

Hypothyroidism treatment

The primary goal of the treatment for hypothyroidism is to restore the lacking hormone to reverse the symptoms. Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levothroid, and other brand names) is the pharmaceutical name of the medication containing the synthetic hormone thyroxine (T4), and it is given daily, usually lifelong. In the beginning, a lower dosage could be prescribed, especially if you have cardiac arrhythmias or coronary disease, and your doctor will check the hormone levels and the symptoms after three months of use to determine if that is the right dose you need. Depending on the results, a different concentration of the pill or supplement could be prescribed to adjust it if necessary, and a new lab exam will be tested again in 3 months. Once the hormone gets an adequate level, and your symptoms get controlled, the lab check could be twice or once a year. The supplement or pill containing the hormone must be taken in the morning, but because certain foods or medications may affect the absorption of the medicine, it should be administrated with an empty stomach and wait up to 1 hour before eating something. Iron supplements, calcium supplements, antacids containing aluminum hydroxide, and cholestyramine are some medications that affect the levothyroxine absorption; avoid to use them in the mornings in the first hours after the levothyroxine. Levothyroxine causes no side effects if it is given in the right amount; when excessive amounts are taken, the symptoms could be: rapid heartbeat, insomnia, shakiness, and increase appetite; these symptoms are those seen in hyperthyroidism or excess of thyroid hormone.

Natural thyroid hormone, derived from the thyroid glands of pigs and cows, is another option available to restore the lack of the human hormone. It is prescribed by physicians and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FAD), but it is not considered as the first choice for treatment because can lead to some unpleasant effects due to the T3 content of this extract. There are other options not regulated by the FDA, sold in natural food stores, containing, as the manufacturer promotes, glandular concentrates.

Some natural remedies to help with the treatment of hypothyroidism, but not replacing the thyroid hormone intake, are the following:

1. Iodine: it is necessary a regular consumption of Iodine in the diet on a daily basis; take 150-300 micrograms daily.
2. Selenium: it is used in the T3 production; take 200 micrograms each day.
3. Fish Oil: helps in the adequate function of the gland; take 1000 milligrams daily.
4. Vitamin B Complex: the vitamins in this complex are helpful in hormonal balance and neurological function; take one tablet a day.
5. L-tyrosine: is an amino acid necessary during the synthesis of thyroid hormones; take 500 milligrams twice (two times) a day.

Other natural remedies include:

1. Ashwagandha is helpful in the balance T4 levels; take 500 milligrams daily.
2. Probiotic supplement to heal the gut, reduce the inflammation, and help with the absorption; a dose of 50 billion CFU each day is enough;
3. Frankincense essential oil, lemongrass and myrrh essential oils rubbed on the thyroid area, 3 or 4 times a day.

A healthy diet can be beneficial in a person with hypothyroidism. Some recommendations to have a thyroid-friendly diet are: Keep hydrated, drink plenty of clean water, up to 8 ounces every two hours. Wild-caught fish provide omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, some examples are sardines, mackerel, and salmon. Seaweeds are a source of iodine; good options are dulse, nori, and kelp. Sprouted seeds, such as hemp, flax, and chia, provide Omega 3. Coconut Oil may increase brain function, stabilize your mood and your blood sugar levels. Food rich in Probiotics like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and natto help reducing the inflammation of the gut and improving the absorption of the synthetic hormone. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals necessary for lowering inflammation processes. Food high in fiber, 30-40 milligrams each day, will help with digestive health; fresh vegetables, berries, beans, lentils, and seeds are foods with high fiber content.

Avoid or reduce the consumption of tap water -because the fluorine and chlorine in it inhibit the absorption of iodine-, gluten, conventional dairy, sugar, bread, cereals, pasta.

It is important to be alert, and once the symptoms that suggest thyroid dysfunction start, talk to your doctor; he will indicate your lab routine to determine your hormone levels. In presence of hypothyroidism, the synthetic or natural hormone will be prescribed, and usually it can be necessary during all lifetime. Other remedies and diet are essential or helpful to stimulate the gland, to increase de body’s energy, to ease the symptoms, and to help with the absorption of the medication, but never can be considered as a substitute of the primary treatment. Follow these recommendations and never forget your annual or bi-annual lab check, and if new symptoms appear contact your doctor to talk about it. Remember, hypothyroidism can be treated, and life-threatening conditions can be prevented.

References:

1. Kasper, D. and Harrison, T. (2015). Harrison's Principles of internal medicine. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.