Q. I recently realized that I have quite a few symptoms of low thyroid: cold hands and feet, dry cracked skin, constipation, low sex drive and low-level depression. I am menopausal and have had all these symptoms for about a year. My morning temperature averages 97.6.

I really do not want to go on any medications. Are there any herbal remedies for low thyroid function? I already exercise every day and eat a balanced diet with lots of fiber.

A. You certainly have many symptoms that are suggestive of an underactive thyroid gland. Thyroid disorders may arise at menopause, but you need a workup to determine if your thyroid is actually underperforming.
No herbal remedies have been shown to correct hypothyroidism. The usual treatment is a synthetic thyroid hormone replacement, levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Levothroid, Synthroid). Some people who prefer a natural thyroid replacement take desiccated thyroid gland (Armour, Nature-throid).

We are sending you our Guide to Thyroid Hormones, with information on symptoms and interpreting test results as well as a discussion of treatments.