Get a handle on hypothyroidism. When the thyroid gland fails to
function adequately the result is reduced hormone levels. According to research or other
evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful:
- Find the cause
- See your healthcare provider to consider underlying health issues
that may be causing your hypothyroidism
- Check your iodine intake
- Consult with a nutritionist to learn whether you are getting too
little or too much iodine from food, medications, and supplements
These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace
the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading the full hypothyroidism article for
more in-depth, fully-referenced information on medicines, vitamins, herbs, and dietary and
lifestyle changes that may be helpful.
About hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to function adequately,
resulting in reduced levels of thyroid hormone in the body. Cretinism is a type of
hypothyroidism that occurs at birth and results in stunted physical growth and mental
development. Severe hypothyroidism is called myxedema.
There are many causes of hypothyroidism. One common cause is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis,
an autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland. Another common cause of hypothyroidism is medical
treatment, such as surgery or radiation to the thyroid gland, to treat hyperthyroidism
(over-activity of the thyroid gland). Some drugs, such as lithium and phenylbutazone, may also induce
hypothyroidism. Extreme iodine deficiency,
which is rare in the United States, is another possible cause. Failure of the pituitary gland
or hypothalamus to stimulate the thyroid gland properly can cause a condition known as
secondary hypothyroidism.
Some people with goiter (an enlargement of
the thyroid gland) also have hypothyroidism. Goiter can be caused by an iodine deficiency, by
eating foods that contain goitrogens (goiter-causing substances), or by other disorders that
interfere with thyroid hormone production. In many cases the cause of goiter cannot be
determined. While natural therapies may help to some extent, thyroid hormone replacement is
necessary for most people with hypothyroidism.
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hypothyroidism
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of hypothyroidism vary from person to person, but commonly include several of
the following: fatigue, lethargy, intolerance to cold, constipation, weight gain, depression, excessive menstruation, dry skin, hair loss, and
hoarseness. The onset of these symptoms may be so gradual as to evade detection by patient or
physician.
Medical options
The preferred treatment for hypothyroidism is the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Synthroid®,
Levothroid®, Levoxyl®). However, some healthcare practitioners prescribe desiccated
thyroid (Armour Thyroid®).
Dietary changes that may be helpful
Some foods, such as rapeseed (used to make canola oil) and Brassica vegetables (cabbage,
Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower), contain natural goitrogens, chemicals
that cause the thyroid gland to enlarge by interfering with thyroid hormone
synthesis.1 Cooking has been reported to inactivate this effect in Brussels
sprouts.2 Cassava, a starchy root that is the source of tapioca, has also been
identified as a goitrogenic food.3 Other goitrogens include maize, sweet potatoes, lima beans, soy, and pearl millet.4 While some
practitioners recommend that people with hypothyroidism avoid these foods, none has been
proven to cause hypothyroidism in humans.
Lifestyle changes that may be helpful
Preliminary studies have found an association between multiple chemical sensitivities and
hypothyroidism.5 One study found a correlation between high blood levels of lead, a
toxic heavy metal, and low thyroid hormone levels in people working in a brass
foundry.6 Many of these people also complained of depression, fatigue, constipation, and poor memory (symptoms of
hypothyroidism).
Occupational exposure to polybrominated biphenyls and carbon disulfide has also been
associated with decreased thyroid function.
Vitamins that may be helpful
The relationship between iodine and thyroid
function is complex. Iodine is required by the body to form thyroid hormone, and iodine
deficiency can lead to goiter and
hypothyroidism.7 Severe and prolonged iodine deficiency can potentially lead to
serious types of hypothyroidism, such as myxedema or cretinism. It is estimated that one and a
half billion people living in 118 countries around the world are at risk for developing iodine
deficiency.8
Today, most cases of iodine deficiency occur in developing nations. In industrialized
countries where iodized salt is used, iodine deficiency has become extremely rare. On the
other hand, iodine toxicity has become a concern in some of these countries.9
Excessive iodine intake can result in either hypothyroidism10 or hyperthyroidism
(overactive thyroid).11 Sources of iodine include foods (iodized salt, milk,
water, seaweed, ground beef), dietary
supplements (multiple vitamin-mineral
formulas, seaweed extracts), drugs (potassium iodide, amiodarone, topical antiseptics), and
iodine-containing solutions used in certain laboratory tests. Many nutritional supplements
contain 150 mcg of iodine. While that amount of iodine should prevent a deficiency, it is not
clear whether supplementing with iodine is necessary or desirable for most people. Those
wishing to take a nutritional supplement containing iodine should consult a doctor.
Laboratory animals with severe, experimentally induced zinc deficiency developed hypothyroidism, whereas
moderate zinc deficiency did not affect thyroid function.12 In a small study of
healthy people, thyroid hormone (thyroxine)
levels tended to be lower in those with lower blood levels of zinc. In people with low zinc,
supplementing with zinc increased thyroxine levels.13 One case has been reported of
a woman with severe zinc deficiency (caused by the combination of alcoholism and malabsorption) who developed hypothyroidism that was
corrected by supplementing with zinc.14 Although the typical Western diet is
marginally low in zinc,15 additional research is needed to determine whether zinc
supplementation would be effective for preventing or correcting hypothyroidism.
Selenium plays a role in thyroid hormone
metabolism. Severe selenium deficiency has been implicated as a possible cause of
goiter.16 Two months of selenium supplementation in people who were deficient in
both selenium and iodine was shown to induce a
dramatic fall of the already impaired thyroid function in clinically hypothyroid
subjects.17 Researchers have suggested that people who are deficient in both
selenium and iodine should not take selenium supplements without first receiving iodine or
thyroid hormone supplementation.18 There is no research demonstrating that selenium
supplementation helps people with hypothyroidism who are not selenium-deficient.
Preliminary data indicate that vitamin B3
(niacin) supplementation may decrease thyroid hormone levels. In one small study, 2.6 grams of
niacin per day helped lower blood fat levels.19 After a year or more, thyroid
hormone levels had fallen significantly in each person, although none experienced symptoms of
hypothyroidism. In another case report, thyroid hormone levels decreased in two people who
were taking niacin for high cholesterol and triglycerides; one of these two was diagnosed
with hypothyroidism.20 When the niacin was discontinued for one month, thyroid
hormone levels returned to normal.
Desiccated thyroid, also called thyroid
extract (e.g., Armour Thyroid), is used by some doctors as an alternative to synthetic thyroid hormones (such as thyroxine
[Synthroid® or other brand names]) for people with hypothyroidism. Thyroid extract
contains two biologically active hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine), whereas the most
commonly prescribed thyroid-hormone preparations contain only thyroxine. One study has shown
that the combination of the two hormones contained in desiccated thyroid is more effective
than thyroxine alone for those with hypothyroidism.21 One doctor reported that
thyroid extract worked better than standard thyroid preparations for many of his patients with
hypothyroidism.22 Glandular thyroid products, which are available from health food
stores, have had most of the thyroid hormone removed and would therefore not be expected to be
effective for people with hypothyroidism. Intact desiccated thyroid is available only by
prescription. Hypothyroidism sufferers who want to use desiccated thyroid must first consult
with a physician.
People with hypothyroidism have been shown to have an impaired ability to convert beta-carotene to vitamin A.23 24 For this reason,
some doctors suggest taking supplemental vitamin A (approximately 5,000–10,000 IU per
day) if they are not consuming adequate amounts in their diet.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.
Herbs that may be helpful
Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus)
is a type of brown seaweed that contains variable amounts of iodine.25 Hypothyroidism due to
insufficient intake of iodine may possibly improve with bladderwrack supplementation, though
human studies have not confirmed this.
Some Chinese herb formulations show promise
for people with hypothyroidism. In one study, people with hypothyroidism were given a
combination of Chinese herbs.26 After one year, symptoms of hypothyroidism were
markedly improved and blood levels of thyroid hormones had significantly increased. In an
animal study, administration of certain Chinese herbs raised thyroid hormone levels in the
blood.27 Neither study listed the specific herbs used. People with hypothyroidism
who wish to use Chinese herbs should consult with a physician skilled in their use.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions.
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