Unexplained weight changes. Fatigue and trouble sleeping. Muscle weakness and tremors. Joint pain. Thinning hair. Changes in mood, such as depression or anxiety. Lumps or bulges in your throat, which may cause difficulty swallowing or changes in your voice.
If you are diagnosed with thyroid cancer, you will need to work with an oncologist (someone who specializes in cancer) as well as a thyroid specialist.
People with hypothyroidism are frequently given a synthetic T4 hormone known as Levothyroxine. If your body doesn’t process T4 correctly, you can also take synthetic T3, known as Liothyronine or Cytomel. Synthetic T3 is a good option for individuals who do not want to consume animal products or pork products. Thyroid hormones can be derived from animal sources, primarily pig. Talk to your doctor about hormones from animal sources, such as Armour, Erfa, and Nature-Throid, if you are concerned about using synthetic hormones.
Radioactive iodine, taken orally. Radioactive iodine will shrink your thyroid and reduce symptoms over the course of several months. Anti-thyroid medications. These medications reduce the production of excess thyroid hormones. They may cause serious liver damage in some people. Beta blockers. These medications do not affect your thyroid directly, but can manage some of the dangerous or unpleasant symptoms caused by an overactive thyroid (such as rapid heart rate). Surgery to remove most of your thyroid. This method is typically used if you can’t tolerate radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications.
Surgery to remove some or all of the thyroid and other affected tissues (such as the lymph nodes in your neck). Hormone replacement therapy. This treatment is necessary if your thyroid has been removed. Oral radioactive iodine, to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue and cancer cells. External radiation therapy. Chemotherapy. Injections of alcohol into the cancerous tissue. Drugs designed to slow or stop cancer growth.
Consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned about how supplements might interact with any medications you are taking.
Do not take mineral supplements without consulting your doctor first. Take selenium supplements, 200-400 mcg/day or as directed by your doctor. You can also take zinc supplements, 20-40 mg/day, and copper supplements, 4-5 mg/day, or at dosages suggested by your doctor. Although hypothyroidism is sometimes associated with iodine deficiency, most people can get enough iodine from their diet. Use iodized table salt, and look for bottled water with iodine in it.
Fish oils are anti-inflammatory and can help to reduce auto-antibodies present in your body due to hypothyroidism. Take 2–3 grams (0. 071–0. 11 oz) of omega-3 fish oils every day. If you have a B-vitamin deficiency, your doctor may suggest taking 2-3 times the recommended daily amount of B-vitamins to help maintain high energy throughout the day. You can also take 1000-2000 IU of vitamin D a day, or more as recommended by your doctor if you have a vitamin D deficiency. You can take anti-oxidants like beta-carotene (3-6 mg/day), vitamin C (1000-3000 mg/day) and vitamin E (400-8000 IU/day).
You can also take natural supplements like Boswellia[8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source , grape seed extract, green tea, and pycnogenol or Maritime Pine.
Selenium, 200-400 mcg/day Zinc, 20-40 mg/day Copper, 4-5 mg/day Calcium: This mineral can help prevent brittle, weak bones or osteoporosis, which are common complications of Graves disease. Graves disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism.
2-3 grams of omega-3 fish oils every day. If you have Graves disease, you should aim for 3-4 grams of fish oil a day. B-vitamins to increase your energy levels. Take two to three times the recommended daily amount of B-vitamins, or take the dose recommended by your doctor. Anti-oxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C (2000 mg/day), vitamin E (400-800 IU/day), l-carnitine (2-4 g/day), and CoQ10 (50-100 mg/day). I-carnitine has been shown to reduce thyroid hormone production in your body. CoQ10 has been shown to be low in individuals with hyperthyroidism.
Lycopus spp (Bugleweed)[9] X Research source Lithospermum officinale[10] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm)[11] X Research source Iris versicolor[12] X Research source Emblica officinalis (Indian gooseberry)[13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Do not eat soy products if you have hypothyroidism, as soy can hinder your body’s ability to absorb hormones that can help your thyroid function properly. [16] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source You should also avoid cassava, a root vegetable popular in Caribbean cooking. Cassava is known to produce toxins that can slow down an underactive thyroid. [17] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you have hyperthyroidism, you should increase your intake of these vegetables, as they can help to counter an overactive thyroid.
If you are not sure if the medications you are taking are safe for use while smoking or drinking alcohol, you should talk to your doctor.
Never stop taking a prescribed medication without consulting your doctor.
Deep breathing exercises can be done at home in a quiet, secluded area or at your desk with your office door closed. Try to deep breathe with your eyes closed and your body relaxed for five to ten minutes a day.
Exercising will help your body stay healthy and encourage your thyroid to function properly. Doing 30 minutes of exercise a day can also help your body to de-stress and allow you to burn off any feelings of anxiety.
