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Suggest Natural Ways To Cure Hypothyroidism

Posted on Wed, 25 May 2016

Question: Dear Endocrinologist: Is there anything natural my 21 yo son can do for his hypothyroid disease? He got mono, and 6 months later the fatigue wasnt improving so we started testing his tsh, and eventually within one year, he required synthroid. I have heard of controvertial thoughts regarding thyroid issues. His tsh got as high as 10 before he started treatment. He is now 2.5-3 taking 75 mcg of synthroid daily. He also developed bipolar disorder and he took lithium for 6 months. During that time, his tsh got very high and never returned to normal after stopping lithium. I have heard mention of adrenal fatigue causing issues and I am wondering if that is a true illness and can it be treated? Could the thyroid condition be due to him being sick for a couple of years? The mono and then bipolar disorder has taken a toll on his body. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Thyroid

Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your son's thyroid problems.

1 There is no known natural remedy for the thyroid condition your son has

2 Lithium is very well known to cause problems with the thyroid

3 Adrenal fatigue is a myth

4 His thyroid seems to be well regulated for now

When I see someone like him in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:

CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your 3 month glucose average)
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH
Free T4
Anti Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) antibodies
Anti Thyroglobulin antibodies
25 hydroxy Vitamin D

None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (9 hours later)

Thank you very much! He has not seen an endocrinologist. He is managed by his psych and primary care doctors. He has has most of the above tests, but not the free T4 or the TPO. Maybe I should ask to have him referred to an endocrinologist. I asked for a T4 in the past, but I was told only the TSH is necessary. Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Free T4 as a test is quite helpful.
Best wishes

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar