How Should I Eat for Hypothyroidism?

Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, LD
by Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, LD
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How Should I Eat for Hypothyroidism?

If you’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, you might feel relief to finally understand why you’ve been feeling down or have had trouble losing weight, yet still a bit frustrated with the symptoms. You are not alone. Almost 5 out of 100 people 12 years and older have hypothyroidism. The majority are middle-age women, but it can impact people of all ages.

WHAT IS HYPOTHYROIDISM?

Hypothyroidism is one of the main types of thyroid disorders. It occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone resulting in a slower metabolism. In the United States, Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. With Hashimoto’s, the thyroid gland becomes inflamed because the immune system attacks the gland as if it were a dangerous invader to the body (as it would a virus, bacteria or other germs). As a result, the thyroid gland produces less thyroid hormone.

Less often, hypothyroidism can have a nutritional cause. Being iodine deficient can lead to hypothyroidism because iodine is a critical nutrient for thyroid hormone production. Keep in mind, this cause isn’t as common in the US, where iodine deficiencies are rare.

SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE HYPOTHYROIDISM

Those with hypothyroidism may be more sensitive to cold temperatures, feel fatigued and have difficulty thinking and concentrating. They experience mild weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, muscle cramps and heavy or irregular menstruation. These signs and symptoms can also be the result of a host of other conditions, so don’t self-diagnose. Instead, work with your health-care team to be properly tested. They will perform a physical exam and often require bloodwork and other procedures to check the health and function of your thyroid, then follow up with proper treatment.

The great news is that hypothyroidism is manageable. Once diagnosed with hypothyroidism, you’ll work with a health-care team to regularly monitor your hormone and medication levels. The most common treatment is to take medication (usually synthetic hormones) to supplement the decreased hormone production. Most people go on to live normal, healthy lives. So, what next?


READ MORE > THE PROBLEM WITH BMI AND THE NUMBER YOU SHOULD WATCH


7 TIPS TO COPE WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM

In addition to medication, healthy eating and exercise are critical for managing hypothyroidism.

1. DON’T KEEP SECRETS FROM YOUR HEALTH PROVIDER

Tell your doctor and registered dietitian if you are taking any supplements. This is important since certain herbs and dietary supplements can interfere with the way thyroid medications work.

2. MAKE HEALTHY EATING A HABIT 

Weight gain and difficulty losing weight are common concerns here. Your best bet is to focus on a heart-nourishing diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains. Be aware of portion sizes and practice portion control even with healthy foods.

3. AVOID MILLET

This gluten-free grain has been shown to reduce thyroid function when eaten frequently even in those with adequate iodine.

4. CONSIDER YOUR IODINE INTAKE

Most Americans get enough iodine from food and drinks, especially in the form of iodized salt. Foods like fish and seaweed are naturally rich in this mineral as well. If you are in the rare minority that doesn’t get enough iodine from the diet and you eat large amounts of soy and cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and kale, this could have a negative impact on thyroid function. However, for people who regularly get enough iodine, eating soy and cruciferous vegetables is not a concern.

5. GET PLENTY OF VITAMIN D

Hashimoto’s has been linked to low vitamin D levels. Though you can make vitamin D from sunlight exposure, be sure to regularly eat foods that are high in Vitamin D, such as fatty fish, eggs, fortified milk and mushrooms.

6. BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

Go to the gym, take a power walk or try a dance fitness class to keep it interesting. Exercise is not only important for weight management, but it can help maintain healthy hormone levels, keep your heart healthy and combat depression, anxiety and fatigue.

7. BE KIND TO YOURSELF

Know that you are doing your best. Practice body kindness, and accept yourself as you are right now. Positive thinking can help keep you motivated and happy.

Remember that the first step is to work with a qualified health professional to assess your thyroid function and determine proper treatment. He or she can also test and monitor your nutrient status ensuring that your vitamin D, vitamin B12 and other nutrient levels remain normal. From there, you and your health-care team will be able to determine the best course of action where the tips above may come in handy.

Got some tips and tricks of your own? Share in the comments below.

About the Author

Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, LD
Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, LD

Marisa is an Atlanta-based registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in food and nutrition communications. Using a food-first, mostly plant-based approach, Marisa helps people eat better one morsel at a time. A trusted food and nutrition expert, Marisa has appeared in major media outlets including the CNN, Today Show, New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more. Connect with her on Instagram and Twitter and get her recipes and nutrition tips at marisamoore.com.

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72 responses to “How Should I Eat for Hypothyroidism?”

  1. Avatar CLL says:

    Great article! I have Hashimoto’s and have never heard the vitamin D connection. My 13 year old son is hypothyroid (no Hashimoto’s) and has chronically low vitamin D levels. Very interesting.

    • Avatar Myranda says:

      My doctor ran my blood work the other day and my vitamin D levels are very low. She told me this is correlated with low T4 thyroid issues. I have to start taking a vitamin D supplement.

      • Avatar Myranda says:

        I do currently take thyroid medicine as well.

      • Avatar Sherry Hayes-Peirce says:

        I have to take Vitamin D also. My levels were so low she wrote me a prescription for a high dose of Vitamin D that I took once a week for a month to bring the levels back to normal. Now I take 2000 units per day.

  2. Avatar DaDisplacedYooper says:

    I have Hashimoto’s and Type 1 Diabetes which are related autoimmune diseases. My weight is increadibly stable, yet when I was finally ready to start my weight loss journey I did not let that discourage me. I lost 50 lbs in 11 months mostly by walking. My advice to others is not to link up with too many other people in social media who have thyroid issues because you’ll only get discouraged. Get with your doc, do what she/he says, then hang with positive people of all sorts on MFP.

  3. Avatar LS says:

    I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 6 years ago, at a moment when I was my most physically fit, and had no symptoms. What my doc and I suspect now is that right after my last pregnancy, my thyroid went into overdrive, or really back to normal and was beginning it’s decent to low. I’ve been tracking my calories with MFP for about 5 years, and stay within 1200 calories of unprocessed, homemade, whole foods, not much sweets, not much drinking, and I am still steadily gaining almost 10 lbs / year for the last 3 years. My TSH is within normal, but this is incredibly disheartening.

    • Avatar Alice says:

      If your doctor only tested your TSH, he/she does not know what they are doing. Need to ck T 4 , T 3 levels as well. Get another doctor!! Good Luck!

    • Avatar Sandra Sevigny says:

      I too, was diagnosed after pregnancy. I see that in many previous posts. And yes, must get T3 and T4 tested. And often need to take T 3 and T 4. (Synthroid and Cytomel). Sad, that we women can help each other more effectively than our doctors’ help us. Nice blog though. Informative and helpful.

  4. Avatar Megan says:

    Do what your DR. says”. Had I done that with my first 2 Dr’s, I would still be 50 lbs heavier, dog tired, hair failing out and put on antidepressants. I ( as many other people), can’t convert T4 into T3. I was also extremely iodine deficit (which is actually not that uncommon now in the US). I finally found a DR that looked beyond my TSH, tested things that “should be fine”, and am finally feeling great after 3 years of utter hell. I am do tired of this disorder being made to sound “here, take this synthroid and you will be fine”. I wasn’t, many others aren’t, and they unfortunately they stay with Dr’s that will never help them.

    • Avatar Lori says:

      What did you do that helped?

    • Avatar Sarah Sanders says:

      Thank you for pointing out that iodine deficiency isn’t all that uncommon. It’s true! I know this article says it’s rare, but it’s actually not. Table salt is not healthy and not an ideal source of iodine. As people are hearing that high levels of sodium are bad for them, they are avoiding it – and the iodine that’s in it. I’ve heard of increasing cases of iodine deficiency and wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes a larger problem, especially considering the chemicals in our environment that attack the thyroid.

    • Avatar Susan Ross says:

      I take synthroid and am not sure if it is working. I am 61 and raising my 3 year old granddaughter. Stress? Yep!!!Probably menopausal also.

      • Avatar Shari says:

        If you don’t feel your synthriod is working, ask your dr to try desiccated pig thyroid. I literally felt the difference after One dose – it contains both T4 and T3. It’s been a game changer for me – no more grey fog.

    • Avatar Wendy says:

      AMEN!!!!!!!! My TSH is always normal! It was my T4!

    • Avatar Ann Sawyer says:

      Check out Armour, has T3 and T4, natural, from pig thyroid.

      And yes, full thyroid panel needs to be tested, not just TSH.

  5. Avatar Ashley says:

    I was diagnosed w/ hypothyroid at age 22 shortly after I had my daughter. The docs & I believe that I had undiagnosed hyperthyroidism prior to the pregnancy & my hormones went haywire & it flipped to hypo. At age 4 my daughter was diagnosed w/ hypothyroid (Hasimoto’s). Weight gain, tired all the time (except my daughter), dry skin & scalp, absolutely NO energy to even try to exercise, & many other things-Hypothyroidism stinks! We both are on levothyroxine & the Dr added Vit D2 for me.

    • Avatar Pauline Molenda-Shulse says:

      You may want to ask your doctor about Synthroid instead, Levothyroxine has been getting a bad rap for not stabilizing thyroid levels.

      • Avatar Katie says:

        Hi Pauline, I’m currently on levo as well. I was wondering if you had links to any articles about this. My numbers show that I’m in range but I’m not feeling any better.

        • Avatar Pauline Molenda-Shulse says:

          No, I’ve had several doctors tell me this and have had much more consistent numbers on the brand name over the generic for about 5 years now.

        • Avatar Sandra Sevigny says:

          Get off the generic. Insist on Synthroid. Add in cytomel (5mcg) if no improvement. T3 and T4.

      • Avatar Sandra Deady Piesco says:

        Synthroid IS levothyroxine. As is Tirosint. Those are brand names for the generic levothyroxine.

        • Avatar Denise W. says:

          Levothyroxine is generic for Synthroid

        • Avatar Sandra Sevigny says:

          Right, BUT, the generics do NOT work for many people. Switching to synthroid and cytomel is the only combination that worked for me – within 3 weeks! After being on generic for 23 years.

          • Avatar Sandra Deady Piesco says:

            I agree 100% with you Sandy. Generics were awful for me. (Was trying to clarify for the post above mine.) You should look into Tirosint tho. It IS brand. It’s relatively new, and is a single ingredient gel cap, without the filters in Synthroid. It gets absorbed faster and more efficiently than Synthroid. I also agree about Cytomel. I don’t convert T4 to T3, yet I’ve had drs in the past who not only don’t check Free T3, but ONLY prescribe Synthroid.

          • Avatar Sandy says:

            Thank you, Sandra! I will def look into Tirosint:)

  6. Avatar Charlotte says:

    I was diagnosed with chronic iron deficiency anemia. Add that to hypothyroidism & it’s a recipe for extreme fatigue & an exacerbation of other symptoms. My thyroid levels were always within normal limits despite the fact that I had every typical symptom. I finally found a wonderful doctor that treated my symptoms & not my numbers. He said I was on the low end of normal, but that the normal group of people they tested for the parameters did not include me. IOW, the numbers weren’t normal for me. Armour thyroid, b12, iron, & vitamin D3 help tremendously! Now if I can get the correct diet right, I’ll feel even better. This article helped some

    • Avatar Kelly says:

      I have felt for years that I have a thyroid problem but all my doctors see are the number that are on the low end of “normal” and within range and say I’m fine. I don’t feel fine. I can’t seem to find a doctor to help me. The last blood test she would do showed low vit d and calcium. Thanks for your comment.

      • Avatar Sherry Hayes-Peirce says:

        Kelly, I have had radioactive iodine and was on the usual suspects Levoxyl, but my new younger doctor put me on Tirosint that has been awesome! Also, the range varies per person. I function best when my TSH is at 2, but they say it should be three – go figure!

  7. Avatar Danielle says:

    I was diagnosed hypothyroid many years ago; however, I stayed with my primary doctor who didn’t quite have my medication dose just right. I was always on the low end of normal. After finally seeing a specialist he tweaked my prescription until he got the numbers right. He also said to make sure not to take any supplements within 4 hours of taking my medication. Physically I feel fine although weight has long been an issue since being diagnosed. I exercise regularly but my eating could always be better. Now that I’m 48 I’m starting to experience peri menopausal symptoms and weight gain again. It really is a never ending battle. I agree with listening to the doctor but make sure the doctor is a specialist in treating thyroid. I had a lot of symptoms my doctors dismissed early on.

  8. Avatar Sarah says:

    I’m surprised this article doesn’t mention cutting out gluten and soy, both of which can negatively impact your thyroid. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s in 2008 and wish someone had told me to cut those out sooner.

    • Avatar Sherry Hayes-Peirce says:

      Uh Sarah re-read #4 it talks about eliminating soy there.

    • Avatar Lori Vallejo says:

      Yes I agree it’s been a new lease on life for me too

    • Avatar Karen says:

      So, cutting gluten & soy helped with energy? weigh loss? I’m very interested. I no longer have a thyroid and mine turned out to be Thyroid cancer. I was told again and again that I was in the normal range, but never felt good and gained weight like crazy. Really need some help losing weight I work out at least 3 times a week and still don’t lose. I can’t imagine how I’d be if I didn’t work out.

  9. Avatar Amity Hinkley says:

    This is a helpful article . If anyone wants more in-depth information about thyroid diseases I suggest looking up Mary Shomon. She is a patient advocate and thyroid expert and has written some helpful books on the subject.

  10. Avatar Susan says:

    I can relate to being told that my thyroid was normal when it wasn’t. Despite all my symptoms that matched hypothyroidism, my doctor kept saying my levels were normal. I even changed doctors and the new said the same thing. So I compared my blood tests for the last three years and, on my own, noticed how my numbers doubled!! Couldn’t understand why the normal range was so wide. So I started myself on a thyroid supplement that I found on Amazon that had good reviews and it made a big difference in my energy levels, concentration..etc My last blood test my thyroid levels went back to the way they were before they doubled. I told my doctor I’m taking a supplement but she just brushed it off like it had no significance.

    • Avatar Stacie Moore Flinn says:

      What was the supplement that you took? Interested in trying it.

    • Avatar Lorie Schmidt says:

      What was the Thyroid supplement that you found.I am like you with the doctor that doesn’t want to listen to me as my numbers are within ‘noral’ limits also. Thanks.

    • Avatar Rakel says:

      Susan, I would consider going the holistic route. I have struggled with Doctors telling me there’s nothing wrong for years. I finally found a holistic doctor that addressed the issue and yes I do have a thyroid issue and he is treating it. I have lost 6 lbs in a month and I am getting my concentration back. The fact is that traditional medicine isn’t for everyone and now that I have finally accepted that and tried a different way of thinking, I am finally on the way to feeling better.

  11. Avatar Katie says:

    I’m hoping that some of you might be able to help me. I’m a 21 y.o. who was diagnosed (FINALLY) with hypothyroidism back in March after having bad numbers for almost two years and lots of symptoms. They almost have my numbers leveled out, but I am still hyper-exhausted and sleeping almost 13-14 hours a day between sleeping and naps. I was also diagnosed with sleep apnea about two months ago but my endocrinologist and ENT both insist that both disorders are under control and managed, yet I feel like I’m going insane trying to manage senior year classes in college and symptoms that won’t go away. Oh, and no diagnosis for Hasimotos, but am overweight and have no motivation to go to the gym because I almost pass out from exhaustion when I go. Oh, and I’m also on depression and anxiety meds, but the doc says that isn’t affecting my sleep either.

  12. Avatar Carson Hall says:

    Please get your vitamin D levels checked!! Long story short, my doctor insists I don’t have thyroid disease although I have many symptoms. I asked her to check my thyroid levels because my hair was falling out quickly. My D levels were very low, so I started taking a supplements and my hair is growing back. I also stopped using shampoo, which I believe has helped too. My hair looks amazing! Long flowing curls like I had in high school and I’m almost 60.

    • Avatar Kimberlynn “Pup” Shaffer-Silva says:

      May I ask what you are using instead of shampoo? My hair is falling out by the handfuls in the shower and I don’t know what to do about it.

      • Avatar Carson Hall says:

        Hi Kimberlynn, I honestly think the most important thing here is to take vitamin D supplements with calcium. As far as shampoo goes, there are lots of sites that offer advice on what to do when you go “no poo”. I have the added advantage of being retired, so I didn’t really have to worry about the adjustment period. This adjustment period lasts 3 weeks to 6 weeks depending on how much crap one uses on their hair (styling products, etc). During this time our hair readjusts and becomes extraordinarily oily. I was washing it every other day with nothing but water as hot as I could handle. Once your hair adjusts it just becomes amazing, I use only water. If I’m in a smoky or stinky place I go outside, turn my hair upside down and run my fingers through it and the smell goes away. Some people use baking soda or vinegar, but the PH is wrong and it really isn’t good for your hair, but I really suggest you go ahead and do some research. I still think my thyroid is off, my brother had his thyroid gland removed and the rest of my family is on high doses of thyroid, but my doctor absolutely refuses to put me on it, so this is what I tried and it really helped. I honestly had the same problem I would cry because I didn’t want to be some bald-headed lady that everyone stared at. I had given up hope, but the combination of the vitamin and giving up shampoo has really helped me. I can now run my fingers through my hair and not a single strand comes out, where before it was falling out like crazy. Good luck I hope this helps.

        • Avatar Kimberlynn “Pup” Shaffer-Silva says:

          Thank you so much! I’m currently in grad school, so having super oily hair isn’t an option right now, but I’ll do what I can. I’ll try the hot water wash first and see if it helps – as I haven’t washed my hair for about a week and it’s pretty oily right now.
          Also, do you have a recommendation for how much vitamin D I should take a day?

          • Avatar Carson Hall says:

            I think I take 2000 or 25000 units. I still don’t use shampoo or anything on my hair, and it still is not falling out and although I do have to rinse it more often (about every three days), I am still absolutely amazed at the progress I have made with both the Vitamin D and no shampoo.

        • Avatar Sandra Sevigny says:

          You can use ‘WEN’ cleansing conditioner. Works well. Hair looks great.

    • Avatar Denise W, says:

      If you are not using shampoo what are you using?

  13. Avatar J001 says:

    It’s been torturing me for 11 years. Screw positive attitude and all of # 7. That only makes for giving my power away to the Universe or, worse, living in “hope.” My job is known by three phrases “Pray with your feet shuffling (from the Quakers),” “The Universe helps those who help themselves (from my Christian friends),” and “Work with me here … buy a lottery ticket (a joke told by too many denominations each of which have taken credit for it).”

  14. Avatar Sarah says:

    I was diagnosed with hashimoto a couple of years ago and put on synthroid… but then taken back off of it after a yr. I have had all the symptoms… So frustrating. I game since been to 2 diff internal medicine Dr’s who have both done blood work and come back to me and said I’m so borderline low that they don’t think I need synthroid. Now I can’t find a Dr who will prescribe it to me. I still feel sluggish and want to lose weight. I hate this… Don’t know what to do. My Vit. D was also low in blood work…

  15. Avatar Louisa says:

    This article would be helpful only to someone who had no knowledge of hypothyroidism, and then it is misleading. If you are comfortable with “the most common treatment…..taking synthetic hormones” for the rest of your life instead of working to strengthen thyroid and immune system, then this level of information might be sufficient. Instead, I suggest working with a natural health practitioner or a physician who practices functional medicine. Try reading Amy Myers, MD book “The Thyroid Connection.” As shown by several of the previous posts and Dr. Myers’ own experience, the average MD is not equipped to do anything other than write a prescription for you. Good luck with that as a real solution…whether you are 21 or 61.

  16. Avatar Lori Vallejo says:

    I have ha

  17. Avatar Lori Vallejo says:

    I have been dealing with this since the birth of my son 17 years ago. A few things really help. Intense exercise ,I run 4 miles every other day and do Zumba twice a week.
    I also went on a gluten free diet after reading about the posting effects.
    I do feel better . Still have my ” down days” but fewer. I am a Principal and before the gluten free diet I felt so foggy and tired I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to keep working. Good luck out there

  18. Avatar Sandra Deady Piesco says:

    Please do not take medical advise from a dietician/nutritionist. The following info is incorrect, outdated and harmful: “Your best bet is to focus on a heart-nourishing diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.” Dietary fats, especially saturated fat and cholesterol are needed for proper hormone transport, including your thyroid hormones. Grains, whole or not, are inflammatory; the last thing you need! And please, please find an endocrinologist to diagnose you if you suspect you have any thyroid issues, NOT your family doctor. And once you do consider any endo, be sure he/she stays current. There are more than you’d imagine who do not, and the patient(s) pay the price.

  19. Avatar Kim says:

    I agree with Megan, #4s first statement says Most Americans get enough Iodine from food and drink and iodized salt. This is not true any more. And if we listen to our Doctors we will all be on a synthroid. That dose not convert T4 into T3. Most Doctors will just through a TSH test at it when we should test for T3, T4, Free T3, and Free T4.

  20. Avatar SarahJ89 says:

    I spent over 20 years being treated for “treatment refractory depression.” One doctor at the beginning of that journey told me “Your test results are low normal. But you have every symptom of hypothyroidism and I’d like to do a trial of treatment to see if that helps.” Unfortunately that good man died of a heart attack three weeks later.
    I ended up being hospitalized a dozen times, twice for three month stretches (and yes, it’s a lot like doing time). I had psychotropics shoved down my throat, narrowly escaped ECT. The entire time I had every symptom of hypothyroidism in the book, but I was patronized at every turn whenever I brought it up.
    I lost my career, my health insurance, my dignity and almost lost my home. I spent 20 years on SSDIB that could have been totally avoided had anyone treated me instead of clinging to their numbers.
    A nurse practitioner finally diagnosed it. I cannot tell you how scary it was that first three weeks on levothyroxin. It was like rising from the dead (good) but so sudden (the scary part). I had to rebuild my life from scratch. My career was gone so I ended up working five rather stressful part time jobs. I was so happy to not be half dead I didn’t care.
    I did have to add 2000 units of Vitamin D to the mix, which I did on my own. That put me over the top, took care of the remnants of fatigue.
    Every so often I run into a psychiatrist, either socially or in the course of business. I try each time to tell them my story–so they can be more aware of the effects of hypothyroidism and the fact “treatment refractory” depression can actually be a symptom. Are they interested? No, not at all. They look totally bored and disinterested.
    One of my big life goals is to never again sit in the same room with a psychiatrist. I have a good GP now, but I really don’t trust doctors any more. I did not, I assure you, come out of the box this way. The medical and mental health professions have shown me who they are and what they’re about. They are mostly arrogant people who are so sure they are right they are unable to listen.

  21. Avatar Marcia Brewer Hollis says:

    My Parathyroid is high – these are the 4 small glands on the back of the thyroid. Many doctors don’t test you for this, but it causes the same symptoms as the thyroid. I have low vitamin D, but my vitamin C is okay. My parathyroid is 110-119 which is high. I am on levo and liothyronine. My hair still falls out and my skin is dry. Because my Vitamin C is ok, my doctor thinks I’m ok. If you are having symptoms, ask your doctor to test your PARATHYROID. You can have 1,2,3 or 4 of these glands be bad and get it removed.

    • Avatar Karen Theissen says:

      Anyone know what to do about the hair loss?

      • Avatar Sandra Sevigny says:

        Sandy
        Levoxyl caused my hair loss. Also read it on the pharmacy printout. Had been taking it for years. Dr had no explanation for hair loss. Called it stress. Finally saw an endocrinologist who put me on Synthroid and Cytomel (5mcg). Hair stopped falling out. Feel much better. Thyroid finally in normal range. Also check Healthy hair skin and nails vitamins on HSN. Great for hair. 🙂

      • Avatar Paula says:

        I get transient hair loss from side effects of another med. The doctor who prescribes that med (and is aware of all meds I’m on) has me take zinc and selenium until it grows back. Be sure to let your doctor know you are investigating it and see how they interact. My daughter was on the same med and lost hair for a short time as well and she is not hypothyroid like me.

  22. Avatar Fran says:

    I was recently diagnosed as hypothyroid and am taking Nature Throid which has T3 and T4. I had been tired for many years and my original doctor ran some tests, couldn’t find any problems and decided I just didn’t sleep well and gave me a prescription for a muscle relaxer. He didn’t tell me what he tested or what the results were. The muscle relaxer didn’t help and I thought I would just have to wait until symptoms got more severe so he could find something. Then a friend told me about her functional medicine doctor. I went to that clinic, they did a much more extensive blood test and found that I am hypothyroid and low in Vitamin D and in iron. It’s been 2 weeks and I already feel better. I highly recommend (as someone else said) to find a doctor who practices functional medicine.

  23. Avatar Judi Barton says:

    I began taking a suppliment called maximum d3 that can be found online and at some walmart store. I feel it has greatly helped me. And most of the weight I’ve gained, has been due to my own poor choices, not the disease. Which is good, because that means I can choose to do better. I am very sad for those of you that struggle otherwise.

  24. Avatar Ann Sawyer says:

    I know from family experience that avoiding gluten relieves symptoms of thyroid disease.

    One daughter diagnosed with Hashimoto’s in middle school was caused by vitamin D deficiency. Years later, age 17, she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism.

    She discovered that reducing gluten improved her thyroid function. Now at 23, hasn’t needed med for over 3 years.

    She says persisting for Armour instead of levothyrixine is worth it, helped her feel up to par within weeks. An endocrinologist won’t prescribe it, need to see an internal med or PCP.

    Our other daughter was diagnosed with hyperthyoidism, Grave’s disease. Soon after she was diagnosed with celiac disease. Seven years later, still cannot eat anything with gluten without getting sick.

  25. Avatar Ann Sawyer says:

    I forgot these details in my comment:
    Armour, has T3 and T4, natural, from pig thyroid.

    The full thyroid panel needs to be tested, not just TSH.

  26. Avatar Marisa Court says:

    I have had thyroid disease for half my life and have never been able to get my drs to change the type of thyroid meds I take no matter how I feel and the numbers look even after having my thyroid removed 16 years a go do to ThyCa no RAI but still have no luck on getting feeling better even though the truth is I m no sure what normal is anymore.But my TSH is always at 2.3 or high and when I finally get it below 2 I feel better other then my hair falling out all the time. I also noticed I felt better when I was on the low iodine diet but was told its not safe to stay on it so now I feel stuck.

  27. Avatar Marisa Court says:

    I have had thyroid disease for half my life and have never been able to get my drs to change the type of thyroid meds I take no matter how I feel and the numbers look even after having my thyroid removed 16 years a go do to ThyCa no RAI but still have no luck on getting feeling better even though the truth is I m no sure what normal is anymore.But my TSH is always at 2.3 or high and when I finally get it below 2 I feel better other then my hair falling out all the time. I also noticed I felt better when I was on the low iodine diet but was told its not safe to stay on it so now I feel stuck.

  28. Avatar Max says:

    Thank you for an important topic. I have Graves disease so I struggle with weight loss and fatigue. I take thyroid hormone because the gland has been removed. My endocrinologist advice is the basically the same. Diet, exercise, sleep. I realized I don’t have to love going to the gym and love eating veggies, I don’t but instead it is my routine adhere to for a positive lifestyle. Vitamin D is only produced naturally from April to October for those living in the Northeastern States, supplements are a must for me. It makes me feel better. I love pizza, pasta, donuts but those are in low doses.

  29. Avatar Jennifer Fordham says:

    Anthony Williams, (The Medical Medium), has a new book out called, “Thyroid Healing” Just released! Read about things your doctors will not tell you, or just don’t know about yet.

  30. Avatar Jason says:

    I have hashimotos, my TSH is always sky high yet my T4 is normal. I was told to take more T4 to quieten down my TSH. So now my T4 is above range yet my T3 is low. I have an appointment with a doctor that recognises reverse T3 in January, I can’t wait.

    Crops grown in Australia are often iodine deficient because it’s lacking in our very thin top soil. Use quality salt or have your levels monitored.

  31. Avatar Skúbbí Dúbbí Dú :) says:

    You say: “The great news is that hypothyroidism is manageable. Once diagnosed with hypothyroidism, you’ll work with a health-care team to regularly monitor your hormone and medication levels. The most common treatment is to take medication (usually synthetic hormones) to supplement the decreased hormone production. Most people go on to live normal, healthy lives. So, what next?”

    OH NO ITS NOT THAT EASY!
    Thousends of people with hashimotos are struggling and synthetic hormones are not helping ! Talk to patients not doctors if you want the truth find groups on facebook it’s plenty of them! Find Stop the thyroid maddness side and more where you can see that “Most people are not going on to live normal, healthy lives with this desiese even on synthetic hormones”!

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