Hypothyroidism
Clinical hypothyroidism can be a very debilitating and challenging
condition. It is diagnosed by blood tests that indicate a deficiency
of thyroid hormones (total T4, thyroxine, usually less than 5mg
/ dL). Often, however, we will see a presentation of sub-clinical
hypothyroidism where serum hormone levels are within normal range
but associate symptoms are still present. These include slow metabolism
and weight gain, reduced energy level especially in the morning,
headaches and fatigue, reproductive and adrenal deficiency, and
general signs of coolness and deficient yang. The most reliable
test for thyroid function is to take basal temperature with an oral
thermometer, first thing in the morning, while the patient is still
reclining. If it is consistently below 97.5, suspect deficient thyroid
function.
Treatment
Goal(s):
· Normalize thyroid function, warm digestion and normalize
reproductive / adrenal hormone function.
Primary
Treatment:
· Seaweed supplementation helps normalize thyroid function.
Administer up to 3 grams daily of kelp.
· Warming digestives such as Angelica archangelica, Zingiber
officinale (Ginger), and Capsicum frutescens (Cayenne).
· Consider Vitex and/or Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng) if
necessary for reproductive and adrenal function.
Supportive
Treatment:
· At first especially, encourage a diet that is extremely
easy to digest and highly nourishing, focused on meat and vegetable
stocks, well-cooked brown rice, and nourishing root vegetables such
as carrots and sweet potatoes.
· Slowly increase level of physical activity.
Differential
diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations
· Severe hypothyroidism can be degenerative and also have
a genetic component. If the patient does not improve considerably
with the administration of the above protocol, consider a thyroid
function test. A medical doctor may recommend Synthroid, a synthetic
thyroxine analog, but this drug has the unfortunate side effect
of completely atrophying the thyroid. A substitute could be a glandular
supplement such as bovine thyroid extract.
· Depression may be profound and dangerous in some cases
of hypothyroid. Be aware that, at least for a short period, professional
help may be required to treat it.
