Hypothyroidism

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Coconut Oil For Hypothyroidism

MH (Eastern North Carolina) on 05/19/2023
0 out of 5 stars

I experience most hypothryoid symptoms so I decided to try coconut oil. Although I experience improvement in some areas I have an issue that kind of freaks me out. I get break through bleeding that continues until I stop taking coconut oil. I thought it was just in my head but I've tested it a couple times now. Any insight would be appreciated.
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Coconut Oil For Hypothyroidism

MH (Eastern North Carolina) on 05/19/2023
0 out of 5 stars

I experience most hypothryoid symptoms so I decided to try coconut oil. Although I experience improvement in some areas I have an issue that kind of freaks me out. I get break through bleeding that continues until I stop taking coconut oil. I thought it was just in my head but I've tested it a couple times now. Any insight would be appreciated.
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Avoid Hand Sanitizers for Thyroid Conditions

Betty (CA) on 01/04/2022
5 out of 5 stars

My mother has had thyroid issues for years eventually having it removed.

Endo doc told her stop using hand sanitizers now because she is taking synthroid (sp) and he is seeing off levels of this. Seeing an uptick in thyroid problems, he connects it to hand sanitizer. If hand washing is not available use hydrogen peroxide in spray bottle. Mist on hands then wipe off.

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Alternatives to Synthroid for Thyroid Issues

Bj (Michigan) on 10/22/2021
5 out of 5 stars

I had been on Synthroid and/or Levothyroxine for many years. As time went on I began to react negatively to both. Even at lower and lower dosages I had racing heart and other reactions to the fillers used. I just did not feel well on the synthetic form anymore. I knew there were other "more natural" prescription alternatives, but as I researched I found most were porcine (pork) and prescription bovine was very difficult to obtain. Since I was taking my own health care in hand, I looked for desiccated thyroid bovine supplements. I found 100% grass fed New Zealand bovine thyroid from several sources. Do an internet search. Most come in 65mg or 130mg capsules or tabs. It took a short time to find the right dosage, as I started on the low end and built up to what I need daily, so as not to overload my system. I have no issues with the natural bovine thyroid compared to the synthetic thyroid meds. After much research I also added iodine with the desiccated bovine thyroid as they work hand in hand, and most people only get enough iodine from processed table salt to keep from getting a goiter, not enough to really help the thyroid gland or other organs. I use either Lugol's iodine or an organic tablet form of iodine. Walking and Vit D help as well, but it is difficult to get out in the sun to walk when you are so sleepy and tired all of the time.
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SamE (HI) on 03/17/2020
5 out of 5 stars

Hypothyroidism

Rubbing medical grade or watered down vetrinarian grade iodine, (yeah the yellow stuff) on the palms of your hands once a day or paint the bottoms of your feet at night for bioavailable iodine. Especially for those of us who have hypothyroid related SIBO or other gut problems. Bypass that area entirely. I noticed substantial results in under a month. Of course also cutting out all sweets and comfort foods except white rice and furikake with all the meat you never ate!

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Theresa (United States) on 11/07/2019

I really need help. I have had chemical sensitivities for most of my adult life. I am 70 years old. I have never been able to take medications without great pain running throughout my body. Especially my legs, hands and kidneys. I am at a VERY SCARY place right now as I need medication for a extremely low thyroid condition. I tried taking the lovothyroxine (lowest dosage) also called tirosent made without fillers and binders, and my body is wracked with pain. I am crying as write this,, and feel there is no hope. I stopped taking it for 3 days however it takes weeks for me to start feeling improvement. Doctors said I could die. Please Please help.
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Natural Alternative to Synthroid for Hypothyroidism

Rick C. (Pompano Beach, Fl) on 04/23/2018
5 out of 5 stars

Reply to Lois.

Replied by Lois (Honeoye Falls, Ny) on 01/20/2015

Why hasn't your Dr.'s put those of you with hypothyroidism on Synthroid? That in itself is the replacement for loss of thyroid hormones. I also, take ACV every morning & night in combo with honey & black strap molasses. Great for losing and maintaining a good weight for your height and bone structure.

Synthroid (a/k/a Synthetic Thyroid) is only ONE way to treat hypothyroidism and, while it is the drug of choice for a great many medical practitioners in the US, it is often NOT the best choice.

Synthroid contains thyroid hormone T4 only - T4 is the storage hormone, it is not the active hormone. The only thyroid hormone that can actually be utilized by the body is T3, so the T4 of synthroid must be converted to T3 to actually be utilized by the body. Many people cannot make that conversion, and Synthroid is totally useless to those people. Rather than using the synthetic thyroid hormone replacement, many people have had much more success using what is considered to be the Natural Hormone replacement: Desiccated Pig Thyroid (such as NP Thyroid, WP Thyroid, Naturethroid, Westhroid, Armour, Erfa at al) contains all the natural thyroid hormones T1, T2, T3 and T4 so that NO conversion is needed for the desiccated pig thyroid to provide the patient's needed thyroid supplementation. Because all of the pharmaceutical advertising dollars have been behind Synthroid for so many years, it is hard to find a doctor who will prescribe the desiccated pig thyroid, but all hypothyroid patients should be aware that the desiccated pig thyroid is available, and quite often provides MUCH better results than Synthroid.

Additionally, Synthroid is, in my opinion, very dangerous for women, as my mother was on Synthroid for 45 years, and she developed osteoporosis so bad that her bones starting breaking of her own body weight at age 80. This is a known problem with Synthroid, but one that is seldom mentioned so you should question your doctor about this side effect of Synthroid. I personally have been on desiccated pig thyroid since October, 2011, and have had excellent results.

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Lugol's Iodine for Hypothyroid

Paula (Anon) on 09/14/2017
5 out of 5 stars

I was diagnosed with low thyroid. I have worked my way up to taking 15 drops of 12% solution of lugol's iodine, over the last 11 months. With all the the necessary supported supplements. I salt load twice a day. This has helped me a lot and got rid of most of my symptoms. I no longer needed to take NDT. Now I am getting aching joints, sleepless nights and low energy ( what I see as low thyroid symptoms, just like in the beginning. ) When I increase to 20 drops a day, I feel better, am I taking too much, I'm just a little concerned as to what the limit is on the amount of Lugols to take? Thank you in advance.
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Excessive Estrogen Link to Hypothyroidism

Smokymtnlady (Nashville, Tn) on 08/24/2016

Possible insight into relationship between hypo symptoms and estrogen:

Ted, I have had neck and jaw and thyroid pain 10 months now with some other hypothyroid symptoms as well. (outer third of eyebrows gone, slow digestive function, 4 menstrual periods in the past 9 months, receding gums, kidney pain)

I have been researching how to resolve this including your page which has helped me too many times to count. Today I ran across TWO articles linking excess ESTROGEN with thyroid problems. Ted, I switched birth control exactly the same month these problems started. But I have always taken progestin-only birth control. Or so I thought! After seeing these articles I checked my birth control. The former birth control was progestin. But 10 months ago I switched to combo progestin/estrogen. (I didn't realize I was taking estrogen!) I am going to take 90 days off and let you know what happens with my thyroid pain.

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Cayenne for Hypothyroidism

Innerheat (Middle Tennessee) on 01/31/2016
5 out of 5 stars

Cayenne for hypothyroid:

I used to run on the warm side all my life, then got to where I felt chilly a lot, did not sweat hardly in hot weather, felt sluggish.

I have been taking Lugol's iodine (2%, 5 drops a day) for many moons, cooking with coconut oil, avoiding bread with brominated flour, mostly avoiding fluoridated water, never use fluoride toothpaste...still was not consistently warm by any means.

Recently I got a nasty and persistent lung congestion that was going around, which gave several people I know pneumonia. I said to myself, "That ain't gonna happen to me! " I thought about that old "Back to Eden" book, and how the old herbalists talked like cayenne would practically raise the dead!

Seeing as its been years since I ate habaneros every day, or even that many jalapenos, I went at it cautiously. Every day I would heat up about 4 ounces of water, add a mere 1/8th teaspoon measure of cayenne powder, and drink it.

I did this for maybe a week. Been comfortably warm ever since, including through a recent cold spell. I think all the other things I've been doing played a part, but I believe cayenne was the real "magic bullet".

Everyone is different, your mileage may vary! Some people get along well with hot peppers, others may not.

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Iodine Painting When Hypothyroid

Ali (Ontario, Canada) on 11/10/2015
1 out of 5 stars

Hi All,

Having read that many suffering from hypo-thyroid are iodine deficient, I decided it would be a good idea to test myself by painting a small two by four inch area with iodine to see how long it would take to absorb. Six hours was the average time needed. Five days a week, for a month and a half I painted with the iodine. My prior blood test indicated that I was just in the top of the upper normal range. The blood test after six weeks of use, showed my TSH was 4.21, the normal range indicated was between 0.30 and 4.00 mlU/L my TSH two months prior was 3.96, my free triioddothyronine was 4.2and my free T 4 was 12, these falling within the excepted normal range.

Recently I read that ninety percent of all hypo-thyroids have Hashimoto's and should not take iodine. It would seem this was true in my case so just wanted to warn others that might be considering using this protocol. Guess I will have to ask to have my iodine levels checked next blood work. Right now I am totally confused. I am also wondering if anyone else knows if NDT has ever been checked for traces of ractopamine? Could it be a part of the reason we are gaining weight even while being careful of our diet? I don't even want to think about having to use synthroid. My NDT does not seem to be working even after having my dose doubled from 15mg to 30mg.

Is anyone else having this problem? Any input on the subject would be appreciated. Thanks to all who make this site such a success.

All the best, Ali

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Vitamin D For Hypothyroidism

Wendy (Sacramento, Ca) on 02/26/2015
5 out of 5 stars

My doctor tried to put me on levothryoid for my hypo-thyroidism. I was allergic to it. So I went to a homeopathic dr., and he put me on 2 drops of emulsified vitamin D. When tested a couple of months later, my thyroid levels are now perfectly normal.
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Comments on Hypothyroidism

Nat (Denver, CO) on 02/22/2015

Most doctors know hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease. But most patients don't. The reason doctors don't tell their patients is simple: it doesn't affect their treatment plan.

Studies show that 90% of people with hypothyroidism are producing antibodies to thyroid tissue. This causes the immune system to attack and destroy the thyroid, which over time causes a decline in thyroid hormone levels. This autoimmune form of hypothyroidism is called Hashimoto's disease. While not all people with Hashimoto's have hypothyroid symptoms, thyroid antibodies have been found to be a marker for future thyroid disease.

The following are the five major thyroid patterns that don't show up on standard tests

1.HYPOTHYROIDISM CAUSED BY PITUITARY DYSFUNCTION:

TSH below the functional range (1.8 ? 3.0) but within the standard range (0.5 ? 5.0). The T4 will be low in the

functional range (and possibly the lab range too).

2.UNDER-CONVERSION OF T4 TO T3.

This common pattern is caused by inflammation and elevated cortisol levels. T4 to T3
conversion happens in cell membranes. Inflammatory cytokines damage cell membranes
and impair the body's ability to convert T4 to T3. High cortisol also suppresses the
conversion of T4 to T3. it doesn't matter how
much T4 you take; you won't be able to use it. you'll have hypothyroid symptoms, but your TSH and T4 will be normal.
If you have your T3 tested, which it rarely is in conventional settings, it will be low

3. HYPOTHYROIDISM CAUSED BY ELEVATED TBG.

Thyroid binding globulin (TBG) is the protein that transports thyroid hormone through the
blood. When thyroid hormone is bound to TBG, it is inactive and unavailable to the
tissues. Elevated TBG is caused by high estrogen levels, which are often often associated with
birth control pills or estrogen replacement. When TBG levels are high, levels of unbound (free) thyroid hormone will be low, With this pattern, TSH and T4 will be normal. If tested, T3 will be low, and T3 uptake and
TBG will be high.

4. HYPOTHYROIDISM CAUSED BY DECREASED TBG.

But too much free thyroid hormone in the bloodstream causes the cells to develop
resistance to it. So, even though there's more than enough thyroid hormone, the cells
can't use it and you'll have hypothyroid ? not hyperthyroid ? symptoms. Decreased TBG is caused by high testosterone levels. In women, it is commonly
associated with PCOS and insulin resistance. Reversing insulin resistance and restoring
blood sugar balance is the key to treating this pattern.With this pattern, TSH and T4 will be normal. If tested, T3 will be high, and T3 uptake and
TBG will be low.

5. THYROID RESISTANCE.

In this pattern, both the thyroid and pituitary glands are functioning normally, but the
hormones aren't getting into the cells where they're needed. Note that all lab test markers will be normal in this pattern, because we don't have a way
to test the function of cellular receptors directly.
Thyroid resistance is usually caused by chronic stress and high cortisol levels. It can also
be caused by high homocysteine and genetic factors.

Causes (read more in the Chris Kressser free ebook"Thyroid Disorders"):

-The Gluten-Thyroid Connection

-Iodine for Hypothyroidism: Crucial Nutrient or Harmful Toxin?

-Selenium ? The missing link for treating hypothyroidism?

-Thyroid, Blood Sugar, and Metabolic Syndrome

-The Thyroid-Gut Connection

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Iodine for Thyroid Issues

Bonbon (Pierson, US) on 09/24/2014

I just joined this site after reading on many subjects over the last week. It's very informative and I'm thankful to have found it.

I'm a 52 yr old woman with, if it's not one thing it's another type issues. I know I have thyroid issues. My temp runs very low among other things. I tried a iodine product recommended by my local health food store last year. Within days my fingers started to feel numb. I knew it was the iodine because that was the only thing new I added. I don't feel confident it was good quality.

I just ordered the Lugol's iodine. I know I need this but I'm nervous about starting it. I saw where a salt solution protocol is likely needed and since I have blood pressure issues, which is probably from a lack of iodine, I'm just not sure how to handle this.

How should I begin this process? Would love some advise.

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Hypothyroid and Problem with Enzymes

Lauren (Orlando, FL) on 08/25/2014

Hi Everyone.....I have a quick question....does anyone know why every time I attempt to use enzymes, it always cause a burning sensation in my stomach....I am hypothyroid and always feel like anything I eat is not digested the way it should....any advice would be helpful....Thank you...
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Re: Recommended T3 Levels?

Shiehaam (Cape Town) on 06/11/2014

Thyroid: what is the recomended T3 level? Mine is 4.4, my t4 is 10.1 ans s-tsh is 4.27
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Re: Hypothyroidism and Activated Charcoal

Lauren (Queens) on 04/02/2014

Hi Ec....Does anyone know if its safe to use Charcoal for internal cleansing if you are hypothyroid? Please advise....Thanks
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Coconut Oil for Hypothyroid Conditions

Deepa (Melbourne) on 01/28/2014

Hi everyone.. My dilema is to whether to ingest 3 tablespoon of organic virgin coconut oil or best to cook with it or do I need to do both to help my hypothyroid condition which has really slows my metabolism down and cause weight gain.. Pls earth clinic help me

Which oil should I use to cook ( mainly curries) with and how much coconut oil should one need to take to see the results?

Does virgin coconut oil lose its power if you heat it up to saute vegies on medium flame ?? Pls help me!!!! . Want to feel good and energetic. I also take apple cider vinegar everyday.

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Remedies Helping Hypothyroid Condition

Dee (Melbourne) on 12/02/2013
4 out of 5 stars

Hi am 38 years old on thyroxine for the last 8 years. Ihave been feeling very tired and irratable lately . After reading many post about coconut oil and apple cider vinegar I myself sees difference in my health after starting as in am feeling not as tired and less irratable.

Even though my thyroid report according to doc to its all good and wants me to continue take 150 ug everyday . But I don't feel good and want it addd some supplements to support my thyroid function . I will continue taking coconut oil and apple cider vinegar everyday but also want to add kelp too. But after reading many sites it found that it can be full of toxin but it says pottasium iodide is very safe to take it

So my question is how much pottasium Iodide to take it everyday and where to buy in Australia and which brand? And also does It actually help thyroid or kelp is better option

Please help me I want to feel good and energetic since I have kids to chase after. Will be very grateful if someone could help me. Thank you for reading. Waiting for HELP.

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Incredible Results Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Hypothyroidism

Eviejeanable (Duluth, Mn) on 11/24/2013
5 out of 5 stars

I read about taking Apple Cider Vinegar for hypothyroidism on here. I started out taking levothyroxine, and over time (6 months) I already had to increase my dose. I wasn't really feeling better and was not losing weight. I also have PCOS and depression so I had a lot working against me. It all hit really fast, and I was overwhelmed. So, I quit taking my levothyroxine. I really did start to feel better within a week, but all of my thyroid levels weren't up yet. NOw, six months later, I went into my endocrinologist who was beginning to scold me for not taking my levo. When he went to go look at the results of my most recent thyroid tests, he was absolutely floored. My thyroid levels are normal...high end of normal! I wish you all could have seen his face. He had said a few times before, that increasing the thyroid medicine was normal because my thyroid is basically nonfunctional and will frequently require new dosing.

I am feeling wonderful now. I am off of my effexor, off of my PCOS meds and off of my thyroid meds. I am taking absolutely zero prescribed medications. I am so, so grateful.
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