Hypothyroidism

Lesson 8: Tie-ups, Tips and Resources for Further Investigation

In this final lesson, we'll discuss some more tips for dealing with hypothyroidism. We'll tie up some loose ends too. I'll provide you with a more thorough reading and resource list so that you can keep yourself informed about this condition for a lifetime.

Introduction to Lesson 8

Wow! I can’t believe we are here. Welcome to Lesson 8 in your Coping with Hypothyroidism Course. We started with learning more about thyroid. Who ever knew that such a little gland (weighing no more than one ounce, usually) could cause such dysfunction in our bodies? I know I didn’t until I found out I was hypothyroid in 2001.

We also discovered what hormones the thyroid produces, paying special attention to T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). I told you how they are made. We also learned a bit more about the endocrine system itself and the thyroid’s part in it. By now you realize that the thyroid regulates the metabolism and fuels many of the processes that help keep us alive.

Of course, if we just learned about a thyroid’s function, we’d be missing a major part of this course. In the second lesson, we switched gears and talked about what causes a thyroid to become dysfunctional, or, as I prefer to call it –what makes good thyroids go bad? We discussed some conditions that are related to the thyroid such as depression, autoimmune diseases and fibromyalgia. We learned a little bit about each of these co-morbid (coexisting) conditions as well as several other thyroid dysfunctions such as thyroid cancer, nodules and hyperthyroidism.

The funny thing was that we hadn’t even touched upon hypothyroidism yet. We sort of skirted around it until the next lesson. In lesson 3, we got the basics. I like to call that lesson –Hypothyroidism 101. We learned that hypothyroidism related to sluggish thyroid function. We also learned that women are more likely to get this condition than men, the incidence of hypothyroidism increases as we age naturally and those with other autoimmune diseases are at higher risk for developing this condition. We also discussed the symptoms of hypothyroidism and learned to distinguish between direct symptoms such as goiter and raspy, hoarse voice and indirect symptoms like muscular pain, weakness, fatigue and depression.

At that point, we were ready to move onto getting our diagnosis. We learned that not all doctors are as familiar with hypothyroidism as we would wish and will often misdiagnose this condition. We figured out some potential pitfalls and learned ways to work around them. We debunked some doctor/patient myths, figured out the myriad of thyroid tests so we’d know what to ask for and how to interpret the results and we learned about subclinical hypothyroidism, a condition which goes untreated and unnoticed far too often to boot.

So, once you become diagnosed with this condition, what sorts of treatments can you expect? Well, we dealt with that next, didn’t we? We discovered that synthetic T4 in the form of Synthroid is the most commonly prescribed medication for hypothyroidism. We also learned that it may not always be the best option for us, however. In that case, we figured out some of our other options, like T3 supplementation (Cytomel) and natural, desiccated thyroid hormones (Amour Thyroid).

We also learned some tips and tricks on how to take our thyroid medications to optimize their effectiveness. I gave some time to nutritional and dietary supplements like zinc, selenium and tyrosine that can improve immune and other bodily functions, but not cure the thyroid or hypothyroidism. We also discussed ayurveda, acupuncture and a few other alternative or complementary approaches to treating hypothyroidism. These methods have become more and more popular in the past few decades; however, I do remember cautioning anyone about seeking out treatments without investigating them first. I do stand by that.

In lesson 6, we figured out how to lose weight and eat right with hypothyroidism. I took on the low-carb vs. low-fat controversy. I hope balance reigned supreme and the information I presented on various diet plans such as South Beach, Atkins, Weight Watchers and the Zone helped you to disseminate some of the information that’s out there from the standpoint of the hypothyroid.

We also talked about soy and other goitrogens (goiter-producing foods) as well as the basic barriers to weight loss for the hypothyroid. I know it’s harder to lose and easier to gain weight when you have this condition. I know from first-hand experience. However, I know that it’s also possible to lose weight and also very important to keep trying as it reduces the risk for developing other conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

In lesson 7, I reviewed some of the topics we’d already dealt with and added new information here and there to help you live well with this chronic condition. So many other resources out there will only take you so far with this condition like up to your diagnosis or only through the first year. However, hypothyroidism is a lifelong condition. It’s chronic so you don’t get rid of it like you do a cold or the flu. You have to deal with and manage this condition. A positive attitude and healthy habits as well as certain skills in dealing with doctors, insurance companies and specialists can go a long way in improving the quality of life you live with this condition.

That’s what it’s all about. I don’t just want you to put up with hypothyroidism or live with it. I want you to live well with it. To thrive with hypothyroidism. In this, the final section of the course, I hope to give you some more resources that will take you beyond the scope of this course and serve you well as you prepare for a journey that will last a lifetime. By the time you finish the lesson you’ll be armed with so much information, you may feel like an expert. Not bad for an introductory course, huh?