Lesson 5: Treatment Options
There is no one way to treat hypothyroidism. This lesson will discuss various options such as:
- T3 and T4 synthetic medications like Synthroid, Levothroid and Cytomel.
- Tips for taking and remembering to take your medications.
- The natural or 'dessicated' thyroid hormone option.
- Holistic and Alternative approaches including but not limited to vitamin and amino acid supplementation, relaxation techniques and acupuncture.
- medications, both natural and synthetic,
- dietary supplements,
- and mainstream and alternative options to treating hypothyroidism.
Introduction to lesson 5
Now that you know what hypothyroidism is, the symptoms of this condition are, and some steps you may need to take to get a diagnosis, we can move onto treatment options. In this lesson, we will discuss:
If you thought hypothyroidism was difficult to diagnose, then you may be surprised at how easy it can be to treat in some cases. Thyroid supplements either in the form of synthetic or natural T3 and T4 hormones can make you feel better if these two conditions are met:
1. You are on the medication that is right for you.
2. The dose you are taking is enough for your thyroid to function at its best.
If those conditions aren’t met, you can be diagnosed hypothyroid and receiving treatment but still feeling just as terrible (or worse) than you did before you were diagnosed.
Some people find that synthetic hormones such as Synthroid, which is one brand of synthetic T4, and Cytomel, a brand name for synthetic T3, do not agree with them. They prefer natural, or dessicated thyroid hormones. These hormones usually come from porcine (pig) sources.
Some doctors prefer to prescribe one over the other. You and your doctor may have differing opinions. We will discuss just how you can make a case for changing your medications. Of course, it may not work. If not, you may decide to find another doctor. (And now that you are an empowered patient advocate, that will be much easier, right?)
We’ll also take a look at holistic and alternative treatments that may help the hypothyroid. Acupuncture, yoga and nutritional supplements such as coconut oil, antioxidants and EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) are among the holistic, or alternative, alternatives that people seek for relief of their symptoms.
The majority of hypothyroid patients (the most successful at managing their condition are among them) use a two-pronged approach. They take what they deem is best from mainstream, or western, medicine and combine those treatments with some effective alternative or homeopathic options.
Whatever you choose to do is ultimately up to you. There is not a right or a wrong way to handle hypothyroidism except for choosing not to treat it at all. Hypothyroidism is a serious, chronic condition that can develop into something worse if not treated or managed.
By the end of this lesson, you should have a good idea of various treatment options. Depending upon your opinions, your preferences and a variety of other variables, you will have the tools you need to make educated treatment decisions in conjunction with your physician, holistic practitioner or both.
Recommended Reading:
Shomon, Mary J. Living Well With Hypothyroidism. Chapters 7 & 8.
Siegal, DO, MD, Sanford. Is Your Thyroid Making You Fat?. Chapter 7.
