Hypothyroidism Treatment Options You Should Know About

Hypothyroidism Treatment, What are Your Options?

For the majority of conditions, hypothyroidism treatment is fairly straightforward. Since hypothyroidism is defined as the inability of the thyroid gland to properly produce the hormones required to regulate the body’s metabolism, replacing the hormones is considered the only treatment. This necessitates a life-long medication to keep the symptoms of hypothyroidism in check.

Natural or Synthetic Hypothyroidism Treatment?

The current debate is what form this medication should take. Until the 1980s, dessicated thyroid from animals was used in the majority of the treatments of hypothyroidism. Once Synthroid, a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone T4 was introduced, it was, and still is for many physicians, the medication of choice for their hypothyroid patients. This is because it was felt Synthroid was better regulated and there were fewer instances of a lack of consistency from batch to batch, common in dessicated thyroid therapy (also known as Armour or Thyrolar). Some have suggested an aggressive sales and marketing campaign by Abbott Laboratories, the maker of Synthroid, as another reason it was primarily prescribed over Armour.

The Shoe Is On The Other Foot

Since the widespread use of Synthroid, some physicians became frustrated with the same inconsistency problems attributed to Armour. They found patients who presented no improvement or problems with Synthroid did much better on Armour. Indeed, Synthroid has a long past of problems with the FDA and the claims it is a superior product compared to its competitors. Coupled with the fact Synthroid is much more expensive, you might wonder why it’s prescribed at all.

Which Choice of Hypothyroidism Treatment Is Best For You?

There is no cure for a low-functioning or absent thyroid. Treatment for the condition is simply replacing the hormone the thyroid is no longer producing. This is imperative, since the hormone is responsible for the metabolism of the cells in the body. If you’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, you will be taking a medication for the rest of your life. This is the hard reality of hypothyroidism.

Although you will be taking some form of medication, whether synthetic or natural, it stands to reason the lowest dose you have to take, the better. To this end, many people who suffer from this condition add natural supplements, vitamins and dietary changes to their regimen to support thyroid function. Even simple changes can make a significant difference in the treatment of hypothyroidism.

Simple Changes, Big Impact

Many people believe they can improve their thyroid function by adding iodine to their diet. Iodine is the substance needed by the thyroid in tandem with tyrosine to produce the T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. However, in developed countries people receive plenty of iodine and adding more can have the opposite effect. Additionally, foods like cabbage, Brussel sprouts and broccoli can have a negative influence on thyroid function. Therefore, it’s important to know what to eat and what to leave alone.

Fish and poultry are the best protein choices for people with hypothyroidism. Fruits contain antioxidants working toward better thyroid function, and nuts, seeds and whole grains contain omega-3 fatty acids which also contribute to an overall health improvement. Supplements such as selenium, zinc, copper and the amino acid tyrosine are believed to help support the thyroid.

Vitamin supplements also play a role, especially if you’re not certain you’re receiving enough through your diet. A basic multivitamin is a good place to start, but you should also consider adding the B vitamins, vitamin C, E and co-enzyme Q10 (COQ10).

Keeping A Close Eye On Hypothyroidism

Your doctor will require regular blood tests to determine your TSH levels and how your body is reacting to medication. Make sure you discuss with him at length the supplements, vitamins and dietary changes you are making so he has the total picture. He may have to adjust your medication several times to get the dosage just right, and it could be weeks or even months before you see any improvement. Monitor your progress on your own, and consider a change of medication if no improvement is seen in your hypothyroidism treatment.