I was wondering if anyone has ever used any of the thyroid medicine from the health food store it seem's that my thyroid is getting worse all the time five years ago the Dr said it was slowing down and then this year he said its becoming less functional and in a few years he will put me on med's. In the mean time I keep eating less and less and gaining more and more has anyone ever used the natural meds. can you tell me about them thanks any info would be appreciated. Ronda

-- ronda (thejohnsons@localaccess.com), March 19, 2002

Answers

Ronda, I also have had an underactive thyroid that continues to grow worst. They have to keep uping my dose almost every year. I am very surprised you are not on medication now if you have any sort of thyroid problem. Although I hate doctors and would be the first to recommend anything "natural" (I don't even take an asprin unless I have to), I would caution you big time.

Any time your thyroid is not producing right you have other things it effects. Your thyroid has some type of effect on almost every part of your body and is nothing to mess with - including goiter which will interfer in swallowing. This is a "disease" not a condition It is very very difficult to regulate your tyroid and should only be done under doctor's care. It is not a matter of weight gain..that is just ONE of the effects and one the most minor ones. An overactive tyroid is just as dangerous (toxic thyroid) as an underactive one and the only way to tell is by blood tests. If you go messing with thyroid solutions on your own, you risk some much much bigger health risks.

Although, I am sure you have faith in your current physician, you might want to get a second opinion, especially from a thyroid specialist. Some the health risks with thyroid include: birth defects, goiter, cancer, Graves Disease, menstration problems, nervousness, irritability, increased perspiration, thinning of your skin, fine brittle hair, and muscular weakness, depression, tiredness, dry and itchy skin, muscle pain.

As you can see, thyroid is nothing to mess with and is considered a serious disease, but one that can be controlled. If you need a specialist here is a thyroid specialist link from the to the locate one near you. Best wishes and if you need any more info, let me know. I have tons of it..LOL!

-- Karen (mountains_mama2@hotmail.com), March 20, 2002.

Oops, so sorry, got the link in wrong. Also, I did not mean to say that goiter was a disease, I meant that ANY type of thyroid disfunction is considered a disease and NOT a condition.

The specialist link is for the American Thyroid Association and here is the Link

-- Karen (mountains_mama2@hotmail.com), March 20, 2002.

Homeopathic thyroid drops work well, don't know a more specific name.

-- Cindy (SE. IN) (atilrthehony@hotmail.com), March 20, 2002.

Ronda, My daughter and I have had some problems with thyroid. We solved them with herbs and vitamins. I have been trained in herbology and naturopathy. If you can find a naturopath or Natural Nutrition Specialist, they could help with the natural methods and they do work. A medical doctor has only been taught to give drugs.

Just for a little information. Mercury in tooth fillings suppresses thyroid function. There are homeopathics that can draw out mercury from your body. Also, the thyroid is an iodine organ. Almost all of the body's iodine is stored in the thryroid. Feed the body iodine. There are many herbs that contain iodine.

Don't be afraid to try a natural doctor, many chiropractors use these methods too. Good Luck and God Bless. Marilyn in CO

-- Marilyn in CO (www.tomeatbeef@aol.com), March 20, 2002.

I use a thyroid supplement which is by prescription, called Armour Thyroid. It is an all natural product. I get it from Womens International Pharmacy. I too have low thyroid function.

-- Nancy (nannyb@huntel.net), March 20, 2002.

I have hyperthyroidism and not what you are describing which would be hypothyroidism. Before my thyroid problem was not found until I ended up with congestive heart failure and two messed valves in my heart. I think that you need to really be careful in treating any thyroid problem by yourself or by a professional. gail

-- gail missouri ozarks (gefozarks@centurytel.net), March 20, 2002.

I have an under active thyroid I use to weigh 115 now I weigh alot more. I had cancer of the uteris and many other conditions. It seems the meds. don't work as well as they should. With the meds. my thyroid is at a .15 and I guess it is suppose to be between .1-4 I am always tired. does anyone know of any other meds I can try /

-- michelle (mpconnerton@aol.com), August 02, 2002.