The People's Perspective on MedicineArticles categorized as Hypothyroidism Low Thyroid
What Is the Impact of Soy Products on Thyroid?
Moderate consumption of soy products may not pose a problem, but some people find they need a higher dose of thyroid hormone.
Study Reveals Why 1 in 6 Hypothyroid Patients Feels Bad on Levothyroxine Alone
Doctors often treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) with levothyroxine alone (T4). New research suggests some people also need T3.
Is Your Car Seat More Dangerous Than You Think?
Your car seat may be contributing to air pollution inside your vehicle. What can you do to reduce exposure to flame retardants and PFAS?
Show 1371: America’s Pharmacist Compares Natural Healing and Pharmaceuticals
Suzy Cohen, RPh, is known as America's Most Trusted Pharmacist. She often writes and speaks about the value of natural healing.
Do You Want a Natural Thyroid Treatment?
Some people with low thyroid gland activity report that they feel better on a natural thyroid treatment than on synthetic thyroid hormone, levothyroxine.
Does It Make Sense to Order Your Own Laboratory Tests?
When you order laboratory tests online, make sure you know what the company does with your data as well as how reliable it is.
Iodine for Scans Triggers Hyperthyroidism
Have you ever had a CT scan or an X-ray with contrast? You may have received iodine for scans. It's cheap and effective but it can trigger hyperthyroidism.
What Should You Know About Thyroid Tests?
Doctors don't all agree on the appropriate reference range for their thyroid tests. Seasonal variation can add to the confusion.
When Treating Hyperthyroidism Results in Too Little Thyroid Hormone
Treating hyperthyroidism with pills or radioactive iodine may lead to hypothyroidism. That can result in too little thyroid hormone. Balance!
Do You Feel Better on Armour Thyroid Than Synthroid?
Some people with hypothyroidism feel better on Armour Thyroid rather than synthetic levothyroxine. There may be a genetic basis for this.
Show 1330: Rethinking Hypothyroidism
A leading thyroid researcher lays out why we should be rethinking hypothyroidism for patients who don't respond to standard treatment.
Thyroid Medicine You Can Take with Breakfast
Liquid or soft-gel thyroid medicine (Tirosint) does not interact with coffee or common breakfast foods as Synthroid does. Consistency is key.
Drinking Coffee with Synthroid Means the Morning Dose Is No Good
Drinking coffee with Synthroid leads to lower absorption of this thyroid hormone. Fiber and cow's milk also interfere. What's for breakfast?
Do Walnuts Really Interfere with Synthroid Effectiveness?
The manufacturer warns patients that eating walnuts with their medicine could interfere with Synthroid effectiveness.
Levothyroxine and Synthroid Are Not Interchangeable
Many people have no difficulty switching between levothyroxine and Synthroid, but others develop distressing symptoms suggesting a difference in dose.
Show 1301: What Are Forever Chemicals Doing in Food Packaging?
In these interviews, we discuss PFAS, known as forever chemicals. Consumer Reports found them in some but not all restaurant food wrappers.
When Is Combination Therapy Better Than Synthroid?
Some people who don't feel completely well on levothyroxine alone do better on combination therapy. This includes both T4 and the active hormone T3.
Show 1289: Living with an Overactive Thyroid Gland
An autoimmune condition called Graves' disease results in an overactive thyroid gland. Our guests discuss symptoms and treatments.
Do People With Low Thyroid Prefer Double Hormone Therapy?
When people have low thyroid hormone levels, they don't feel good. An old-fashioned treatment can often help.
Do Vitamin Pills Block Absorption of Levothyroxine?
Could your vitamin pills block absorption of your thyroid medicine? If they contain minerals like iron or calcium, you should take them at a different time.
Will You Do Better on Armour Thyroid?
For years, some doctors were skeptical when thyroid patients said they felt better on Armour Thyroid than levothyroxine. Now we know why.
Could Her Antidepressant Make Her Thyroid Problem Worse?
If low thyroid hormone in the winter leads to depression, an antidepressant alone might make the thyroid problem worse.
Low Iodine Levels and Thyroid Problems
Low iodine can make thyroid problems worse. Vegans are vulnerable! People on a low-salt diet may also be susceptible to low iodine levels.
What Is the Link Between Low Thyroid and High Cholesterol?
Many people have low thyroid and high cholesterol, because thyroid hormone is required to normalize lipid metabolism.
Do You Need T3 as Well as T4 for Your Thyroid Problem?
Some people with low thyroid function find they feel better if they take both thyroid hormones. Could that help you manage your thyroid problem?
Could Heartburn Medicine Clash With Thyroid Pills?
PPI drugs for acid reflux like Nexium or Prilosec may interfere with absorption of thyroid pills such as Levoxyl or Synthroid.
Show 1196: What to Do If Thyroid Treatment Doesn’t Work for You
People who find that the standard thyroid treatment doesn't resolve all their symptoms of hypothyroidism may wish to discuss combination therapy.
Problems With the Thyroid Gland Can Mean Early Death
Scientists have found that when older adults have troubles with their thyroid gland, they are more likely to die prematurely.
Compounded T3 Thyroid Medicine For Better Balance
Have you ever heard of compounded T3 thyroid medicine? Doctors can prescribe shorter acting T3 (Cytomel) but it can lead to ups and downs.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Biotin for Strong Nails?
Many people take biotin for strong nails, although there is limited scientific support for this use of the supplement. Can biotin interfere with tests?
Should You Take Your Pills at Breakfast or Bedtime?
How do you take your pills? Are you a morning person or a nighttime person? What beverage do you swallow them with? You'll be surprised to learn it matters.
Has the FDA Not Approved Armour Thyroid?
A reader was surprised to learn that FDA has not approved Armour thyroid or other desiccated thyroid extracts. However, some people feel better taking it.
How Can You Improve Your Thyroid Function?
If your thyroid function is sub-par, you can work with your doctor to make adjustments in your medication, when you take it and what you eat.
Is the Salt in Prepared Foods Iodized?
Although processed foods in the US are high in salt, the salt they contain is not iodized. Check to make sure the salt you use at the table is.
Bizarre Brand Name Drugs Drive Readers Crazy!
Have you tried pronouncing brand name drugs these days? It's enough to make you gag. There's Otezla, Xeljanz, Xarelto or Zytiga. What is it with Xs and Zs?
Is There a Link Between Thyroid and Cholesterol?
Scientists have found an inverse link between thyroid and cholesterol. People with low thyroid hormone often have high cholesterol levels.
Show 1162: How to Treat Common Thyroid Problems
Dr. David Cooper, director of the Thyroid Clinic at Johns Hopkins University, describes the best treatments for common thyroid problems.
Why Is This Pharmacist Complaining About Levothyroxine Shortages?
Why do pharmacy chains change generic manufacturers? A pharmacist blames drug shortages. Are levothyroxine shortages really to blame for a readers concerns?
Will It Hurt to Switch Generic Levothyroxine?
If you are forced to switch generic levothyroxine formulations, you might experience symptoms of an improper dose. Ask the pharmacy to stick with one maker.
Can You Get Brand Name Synthroid at a Reasonable Price?
Generic levothyroxine drugs may be acceptable for many people, but they are not always interchangeable with brand name Synthroid. How can you save money?
Bad Thyroid Dose Causes Nasty Symptoms
Over 100 million prescriptions for levothyroxine are dispensed each year in the U.S. Too often, mistakes are made. A bad thyroid dose can cause problems!
What Is the Best Way to Take Synthroid?
To get the greatest benefit from levothyroxine for a sluggish thyroid, be consistent. Take Synthroid before bed to avoid interactions with coffee, iron or calcium pills.
Can You Stop Being Tired All the Time?
When people with thyroid problems feel tired all the time, they may benefit from T3 as well as T4 replacement. Trouble converting from T4 to T3 is now recognized as a possible contributor.
Will Eating Walnuts Lower Your Cholesterol?
An analysis of data from previous studies shows that people eating walnuts have lower cholesterol and triglycerides. They don't gain weight or raise their blood pressure.
Will Taking T3 with T4 Make You Feel Better?
Many people with an underactive thyroid gland report fewer symptoms if they take both thyroid hormones T3 with T4. Some prefer desiccated thyroid extract.
How Can You Feel Better with a Sluggish Thyroid?
Some people with a sluggish thyroid feel better if they take T3 in addition to T4 hormones. Others will do well on levothyroxine alone.
Why Would Armour Thyroid Help Hashimoto’s?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition, can lead to hypothyroidism. In some cases, people feel better when they take desiccated thyroid extract such as Armour.
Is Armour Thyroid Better Than T4 for Some People?
Certain people who don't feel well on levothyroxine alone find that a combination therapy like Armour is better than T4 by itself.
What Is the Story on Selenium and Thyroid?
Adequate selenium is essential for proper thyroid function, but most Americans don't need to take it as a supplement.
Show 1096: What You Need to Know About Treating Thyroid Disease
Treating thyroid disease can be more complicated than it may seem. An endocrinologist and a patient explain what you need to know.
Are Soy Products a Problem for People on Synthroid?
People on Synthroid should be aware of interactions with coffee, walnuts and grapefruit juice as well as soy milk or soy supplements.
How to Make Sense of Thyroid Blood Tests
Over the last decade, some doctors have changed how they interpret thyroid blood tests. Certain drugs can throw these laboratory tests off.
How Do Phthalates Affect Hormones?
Little girls with lots of phthalate compounds in their urine had lower levels of thyroid hormone, while young children exposed in utero had higher levels.
How Bad Is Coffee with Levothyroxine?
Should you avoid drinking coffee with levothyroxine? Coffee reduces absorption of this hormone, but it is most important to always take it the same way.
Food and Drug Interactions Are Important! Levothyroxine and Fiber
Did you know that levothyroxine absorption can be decreased by fiber? Many medicines are affected by food. Beware of dangerous food and drug interactions!
How to Treat Hashimoto’s Disease with Levothyroxine
To treat the hypothyroidism that results from Hashimoto's disease, a person needs to stick with levothyroxine from the same manufacturer–no switching.
Will You Save Money Buying Synthroid from Canada?
You can often save money buying a brand-name prescription medication from Canada, but make sure you are dealing with a legitimate pharmacy.
Is It Risky to Rely on Sea Salt?
Sticking with sea salt might deprive family members of the essential mineral iodine; looking for iodized sea salt would solve that problem.
What Is the Difference Between Armour and Synthroid?
Some people find that the difference between Armour and Synthroid changes the way they feel on these treatments for hypothyroidism.
Why Should You Order Your Own Blood Tests?
Many doctors think it is a good thing that patients can monitor blood pressure and blood glucose at home. Should you be able to order your own blood tests?
Will Flame Retardants Harm the Thyroid?
Flame retardants known as PBDEs are found in old furniture and some clothing; women with high levels are at risk for thyroid trouble.
Does T3 Thyroid Hormone Make You High?
Recent research shows that not everyone is efficient in making T3 thyroid hormone from the usual medication, T4 levothyroxine. Are you?
What is the Link Between Fatigue, Joint Pain and Thyroid?
People are told that hypothyroidism may cause weight gain, constipation, dry skin and hair loss. A link between joint pain and thyroid is rarely made.
Bonus Interview: Dr. Antonio Bianco Describes His Remarkable Thyroid Research
Dr. Bianco's thyroid research helps explain why some people may feel better with a combination of T3 and T4 to treat their hypothyroid condition.
Bonus Interview: Dr. Ridha Arem on Achieving Thyroid Balance
Dr. Ridha Arem describes his recommendations for testing and treating thyroid function, and the basics of a diet to restore balance to the thyroid gland.
Is Soy Milk Unsafe for the Thyroid?
A person with low thyroid function should be cautious about consuming soy milk every day. Moderation would be wiser.
How Should We Be Interpreting Thyroid Test Results?
Interpreting thyroid test results can be confusing; it helps to know how other medications could affect the test results or thyroid function itself.
Weighing the Differences Between Armour and Levothyroxine for Thyroid Treatment
Why do some people do better on Armour thyroid or a mixed T3/T4 regimen than on levothyroxine alone? Genetics tells the story.
Better Thyroid Treatment to Banish Fatigue
Some people need treatment with T3 as well as levothyroxine (T4) in order to feel well. Are you one of them?
If My Thyroid Test Is Normal Why Do I Feel Like Crap?
Some people can have normal thyroid lab results but still feel bad. What can they do to get back in balance and start feeling well again? Natural Thyroid?
Angry Endocrinologists Demand Proof Calcium Affects Thyroid Hormone
Doctors demand proof that calcium affects thyroid supplement absorption. If they had searched they would have found a surprising amount of corroboration.
Coffee Blocks Synthroid Absorption
To get maximum absorption of Synthroid, don't take it when you are drinking your morning coffee.
Puffy Eyelids and Swollen Fingers Could Signal Thyroid Problems
A reader's swollen fingers and puffy eyes, in combination with tiredness, might indicate thyroid problems. They should improve with treatment.
The Mysterious Thyroid Epidemic
Is there a thyroid epidemic? How many people suffer with fatigue, depression, dry skin, hair loss and other symptoms of thyroid disease?
Brittle Nails Point to Thyroid Problem
Brittle nails, hair loss, thinning eyebrows, or dry skin might be indications of undiagnosed thyroid problems. What else can you do for dry, brittle nails?
Kelp Supplement Corrected Thyroid Problem But Beware Serious Risks
Kelp supplements may seem like a natural way to get iodine, but beware! Too much can lead to hyperthyroidism, a hard-to-treat & devastating condition.
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