Thyroid Problems

[Gunfixr]

Ok, got a question. Seems there is quite a bit of varied knowledge here, so maybe someone knows something we couldn't find in our searches.
You may remember back in the winter when my wife was in the hospital for some time, and out of work for some time. Turned out about 3 months. Even now, back at work, she's only up to about 25hrs a week, from 40hrs before this.
She has Fibromyalgia, and a hypoactive thyroid. So, she takes meds for the Fibromyalgia symptoms, and thyroid hormones for the thyroid problems.
All was doing ok, until a week or two ago, when she started feeling worse, like before. Well, seems her thyroid level is dropping more. According to her endocrinologist, this is a sign that the thyroid is dying. The hormone levels will continue to fall until there are none. This is relatively easy to manage with meds, hormone replacement.
Now comes the problem. Should there be a major SHTF problem, where medicine is unavailable for more than a month, and there may not even be meds being made, or made for the public, she will run out. Then, she will simply get ever sicker until she winds down and dies. It could take weeks, months, a year or more. The insurance will only allow the script to be filled one month at a time, and it's pretty expensive even with the insurance.
We have searched for substitutes, or even a way to make substitutes, but no joy. Apparently, there was a natural supplement way to perhaps solve the problem, but it only works early on, and we are past that.

Any ideas ??

[Taz Baby]

Well I don't know much about that condition but I did work for a lady that had to go to the Mayo Clinic to finally be told that she had Fibromyalgia. After 6 months of being poked and prodded by doctors. She did get on meds for it and they are helping her a lot now after 2 yrs. But I don't know the name of those meds. Here is what I have found on the internet and Annie's Remedy is a very reliable site.
http://www.anniesremedy.com/chart_remedy.php?tag=fibromyalgia
http://www.anniesremedy.com/google_search.php?cx=partner-pub-3161994940613601%3A1441078110&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=UTF-8&q=Thyroid&sa=Search&siteurl=www.anniesremedy.com%2Fchart_remedy.php%3F tag%3Dfibromyalgia&ref=www.anniesremedy.com%2Fchart_remedy.php%3Ftag% 3Dalopecia&ss=


Just remember that you should talk to your doctor before using natural herbs. Had to put that in.

[NWPilgrim]

Can't help because we are in the same boat. My wife had both thyroid glands and one parathyroid removed due to cancer biopsy indication. She is on thyroid replacement. One of my work health plans allow ordering prescriptions by mail in 6 mo. qtys so we will switch next month.

There are internet mailorder pharmacies in places such as Bahamas that appear to ship to US w/o Rx. Have not tried that route yet but thinking...

[Gunfixr]

Hhmmmm....................

[Daca102090]

Yeah, in the same boat here. About the only thing I know of is to try to stockpile meds. If things fall apart, then taking the thyroxine once every two or three days can delay the inevitable. I have been thinking of looking into animal glands and what dessication or drying might provide.

[Gunfixr]

We wondered about that, as what my wife is taking is made from pig thyroid hormone.
Haven't found anything yet on how it's done.

[izzyscout21]

SOunds like a trip to see the old guy down in CHinatown to me............

[msomnipotent]

I don't know if this would help you or not, but my meds are expensive and need to be refrigerated. On two occasions, my refrigerator broke and ruined 6 months of meds each time. Actually, the last time ruined 8 months, but the company that makes Enbrel would only replace 6 months. The other time was when I was taking Humira and they replaced the full six months. Both times, I called the drug manufacturers directly and they shipped replacements to my pharmacy free of charge.

I have also noticed that drug companies authorize a refill every 28 days instead of 30 days, which does add up eventually. That is how I managed to stockpile several months worth. I also went without treatment, but I don't think you can do that with thyroid medicine. If I go without, I am just in pain until I get my butt off the couch and refill my script. I'm not sure what thyroid meds would do, so I can't really recommend going without.

[Gunfixr]

Going without won't work on this one, she's already tried that by accident, and payed.
It doesn't need refrigeration, so I don't know if there's a way to get it "replaced". We'd only get 1 month anyways, although it would be one more month than we had.

No Chinatown around here, bummer.

[IDTANDY]

Here's a couple.

http://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/5-herbs-to-help-overcome-your-thyroid-condition/
5 Herbs To Help Overcome Your Thyroid Condition

Published January 15, 2011

Updated August 24, 2012

Many people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions are interested to know which herbs can help restore their health back to normal. Of course there isn’t a single herb or nutritional supplement that can accomplish this on its own. However, when used in combination with other factors, such as eating well, some herbs can be extremely helpful not only in managing the symptoms of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, but they can also be an important part of restoring someone’s health back to normal.

For example, when I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease, which is an autoimmune hyperthyroid condition, I used multiple herbs as part of my natural thyroid treatment protocol. Some of these herbs I’ll be discussing below. While using these herbs alone wouldn’t have restored my health back to normal, combining them with other changes I made in my lifestyle did help to contribute to my successful recovery from Graves’ Disease.

As you’ll soon find out, not all of these herbs are necessary to take. Some of these herbs are beneficial for hyperthyroidism, while others should be taken when someone has a hypothyroid condition. Some of these herbs can be taken with either condition, while others are contraindicated for certain conditions. For example, one of the herbs I took while on a natural thyroid treatment protocol was Bugleweed, which can be extremely helpful for hyperthyroid conditions, but is contraindicated for hypothyroidism. Similarly, the herb Bladderwrack can be taken by many people who have a hypothyroid condition, but is contraindicated for someone who has hyperthyroidism.

I don’t recommend that anyone just randomly begin taking these herbs, but instead they should consult with a competent natural healthcare professional first. After all, different people will require different herbs, as well as different dosages. And while these herbs are natural, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t risks involved when taking them, which is yet another reason not to self-treat your thyroid condition. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the following herbs that might be able to help restore your health back to normal:

1. Eleuthero. This herb is one that people with both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can take (including both Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Graves’ Disease). The herb doesn’t directly affect the thyroid gland, but instead helps the body to adapt to stressful situations, and also helps with the health of the immune system. For people with adrenal problems, which is common in people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions, this is a very beneficial herb. This is one of the herbs I took when I was initially diagnosed with Graves’ Disease, and many people who have problems with their adrenal glands can benefit from taking this herb.

2. Echinacea. This is very popular herb, and is responsible for enhancing the immune system function. People with Graves’ Disease or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis can of course benefit from this herb, since it will help with their immune system health. However, one needs to realize that the quality of the herb you take is important. This of course is the case with all of these herbs I’m discussing. But the reason why I brought this up now is because Echinacea can be purchased in many different places, including health food stores, nutrition stores, retail stores such as Wal-Mart and Target, as well as most pharmacies. So it’s important to make sure that you purchase a high quality product in order to receive optimal results.

Some people are concerned about Echinacea “boosting” the immune system and thus exacerbating the autoimmune response. Kerry Bone, who is a well known herbalist with over 20 years of experience, gives Echinacea root to most of his patients with autoimmune conditions, and rarely encounters a problem. I don’t give this herb to every person with Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, but I have given Echinacea root to many people, and also took this herb without incidence when I was following a natural treatment protocol for my autoimmune thyroid condition. So while Echinacea might not be for everyone, it sometimes can be an important component of a natural treatment protocol.

3. Bugleweed. This is my favorite herb for hyperthyroidism, as when I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease this herb did a great job to help manage the hyperthyroid symptoms I was experiencing. Once again, this isn’t to suggest that everyone with a hyperthyroid condition should take Bugleweed, as you do want to consult with a holistic doctor first. But as someone who decided not to take any anti-thyroid drugs or beta blockers, I will admit that I might have not been able to avoid taking prescription drugs if it wasn’t for this herb. I also consult with people who are taking Methimazole or PTU and want to try weaning off the medication and instead take the Bugleweed, which essentially is an “antithyroid herb”. As mentioned earlier, this herb is contraindicated for people who have hypothyroidism, and also shouldn’t be taken by those women with hyperthyroidism who are pregnant or lactating.

4. Bladderwrack. This herb is for people with hypothyroidism. Taking this herb, along with other herbs and supplements, plus incorporating other lifestyle factors, can help restore the health of someone who has hypothyroidism. This of course can mean that someone who has been taking synthetic or natural thyroid hormone may eventually be able to stop taking these drugs with the help of this herb (under the supervision of their medical doctor of course). In fact, Dr. Janet Lang, who is the founder of Restorative Endocrinology, talks about this herb as being “liquid magic” for people with hypothyroid conditions. When combined with the herb Ashwaganda this herb can stimulate the production of thyroid hormone in some people with hypothyroid conditions.

This herb does include iodine, and as a result, some people with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis don’t do well when taking this herb. However, since the amount of iodine is low, most people with Hashimoto’s don’t have a problem taking this herb, although some will still choose to avoid it out of fear that it will exacerbate their condition. I don’t consider this an “essential” herb for someone with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, but for someone who wants to follow a natural treatment protocol and isn’t taking synthetic or natural thyroid hormone, taking Bladderwrack can be very helpful. This herb shouldn’t be taken by those with hyperthyroidism, and is contraindicated in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

5. Ashwagandha. Yet another herb for people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions that has many different benefits. And that’s one of the great things about most herbs, as they usually benefit the body in many different ways if used appropriately. For example, Ashwagandha helps the body to cope with stress, and is also beneficial to the immune system. It also has some other benefits as well, as it has some anti-inflammatory effects, and is also used as a tonic for children.

In addition to these five wonderful herbs, I wanted to briefly mention two additional “herbal complexes” I took when I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease. These complexes are manufactured by the company MediHerb, and can be taken by either people with hypothyroidism, as well as those with a hyperthyroid condition.

1. Adrenal Complex. As the name implies, “Adrenal Complex” is a great product for people who have adrenal problems…specifically low cortisol levels. Licorice is the main herb in this complex that helps with the low cortisol levels, although this herb has other benefits as well. Rehmannia is another herb in this complex, and this offers both adrenal and immune system support. I took both Eleuthero and Adrenal Complex to help strengthen my adrenal glands. Of course just taking these two herbs alone wasn’t responsible for strengthening my adrenals. Eating well, getting sufficient sleep, and doing a good job of managing stress are all important lifestyle factors when it comes to adrenal gland health.

2. Rehmannia Complex. This is another complex which consists of numerous herbs, and just like some of the other herbs I mentioned in this article, this complex also helps with the immune system, as well as offering some support to the adrenal glands and liver. In addition, another benefit is that it helps to remove toxins. Perhaps the most important herb this complex includes is Hemidesmus, which is an herb which helps to suppress the autoimmune response, which of course is important with both Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

In summary, using one or more of these herbs can help restore the health of someone who is following a natural thyroid treatment protocol. They do carry some risks when not used appropriately, and there are contraindications as well, which is why it’s best not to self-treat your condition, but instead it’s wise to consult with a competent natural endocrine doctor. Doing this is the best approach if you want to receive optimal results. There are of course other herbs which might be beneficial for thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions, but these are just some of the more effective ones.





http://www.nativeremedies.com/ailment/hypothyroidism-symptoms-and-natural-treatments.html

Help for Hypothyroidism
Conventional treatment usually involves taking a synthetic or animal derived thyroid hormone medication on a daily basis. Levothyroxine is the most common conventional medication used to treat hypothyroidism and treatment is life-long.

Patients have to be aware that they understand their condition thoroughly and how to take and adjust their medication.The doctor will check TSH levels to determine the right dosage of levothyroxine. If the correct dosage is not administered side effects could occur, like heart palpitations, shakiness, an increased appetite and insomnia can occur.

If you suffer from heart disease, your doctor will probably start you on a smaller dosage and gradually increase it. Thyroid hormone levels should be monitored on a regular basis (approximately every 6 weeks) and TSH levels checked to determine whether the correct amount of thyroid replacement hormone is administered.

There are other treatment options that can also be explored and may well be more suited to you. These include alternative and natural remedies for hypothyroidism and are especially for those who want to avoid the side effects of prescription drugs.

There are a variety of natural therapies that can be included in the treatment plan for thyroid disorders. Natural remedies for hypothyroidism with herbal and homeopathic ingredients can help to promote steady hormone levels, as well as maintain and restore the health of the thyroid gland.

Some herbal remedies commonly recommended for hypothyroid conditions include Equisetum arvense, Avena sativa, Centella asiatica, Coleus forskohlii and Fucus vesiculosis. There are also herbal and homeopathic remedies that can be used supportively to address some of the troublesome symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Correct use of natural remedies for hypothyroidism may allow patients to take less medication and achieve greater symptomatic relief. Discuss this option with your doctor, homeopath or naturopath, who will be able to recommend a natural treatment option.

Natural Treatments for Hypothyroidism
There are steps that you can take to make your condition manageable at home. Try some of these suggestions to help you cope more effectively:

•Surround yourself with a good support system
•Educate yourself on your condition
•Involve doctors, homeopaths, naturopaths, specialists, therapists, family, friends etc in the management of your condition
•Try to maintain a positive ‘can-do’ attitude
•Eat a healthy well-balanced diet
•Include lots of salt water fish, shellfish and sea weed in your diet as these are rich in iodine – essential for healthy thyroid functioning
•Avoid cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale) as these contain a natural thyroid blocker
•Try to do regular physical activity or exercise
•Take and adjust your medications as necessary
•Have your hormone levels monitored on a regular basis
•Perform a daily thyroid self-massage. To massage the thyroid gland; gently stroke up and down the sides of the trachea (also known as windpipe).
Natural Diet for Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland needs an array of nutrients to function optimally. Add essential fatty acids to your diet. Cold water fish such as salmon and cod as well as flaxseed, walnuts and almonds are great sources. Another option is to take a daily supplement such as fish oil. Seaweed, chlorella and algae should also be consumed frequently. They are rich in iodine and essential nutrients that maintain thyroid function balance.

Another important thing to keep in mind when it comes to a natural diet for hypothyroidism is that there are also foods that actually slow down thyroid function. These include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, spinach, turnips, soy, beans, and mustard greens. Also, take care to avoid overly processed food and limit dairy, sugar, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, and alcohol intake. Natural remedies and herbs can also be used to support optimal thyroid function. Bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is a natural source of iodine, essential for healthy thyroid function. Shilajeet-Asphaltum puniabiunum is one of India’s most prized herbs and is considered a ‘wonder drug’ by many due to its high mineral content. Makandi (Coleus forskohlii) has been studied extensively for its use in supporting thyroid function. Clinical trials have shown that forskolin (a chemical found in coleus) may help to support thyroid hormone secretion.

As always consult your healthcare provider before trying these herbal alternatives