A diagnosis of hypothyroidism, also called underactive or low thyroid, means a person's thyroid gland produces insufficient amounts of various hormones. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, depression, body aches and moderate weight gain. According to MayoClinic.com, women older than age 50 are most prone to the condition, which is treatable. Treatment may include medication, natural hormones and/or dietary lifestyle changes. For best results, a doctor's guidance is suggested once symptoms of low thyroid arise.
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Synthetic Thyroid
Treatment for hypothyroidism often involves use of synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine. Taken orally on a daily basis, levothyroxine works by restoring normal hormone levels in the body. According to MayoClinic.com, synthetic thyroid treatments are considered harmless, simple and effective. Within two weeks of beginning treatment, patients experience improvements such as reduced fatigue. In addition to managing lethargy and moods associated with hypothyroidism, synthetic thyroid lowers cholesterol spikes caused by the condition. Weight gain associated with hypothyroidism also tends to diminish once healthy thyroid levels replenish. In most cases, synthetic hormone treatments continue long-term.
Natural Progesterone and/or Iodine
Iodine is a mineral that produces thyroid hormones in the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, 70 to 80 percent of a person's iodine is located in the thyroid gland; thus, deficiencies are associated with hypothyroidism.
Progesterone is a hormone that occurs naturally in the body. Progesterone-deficiency is also linked with hypothyroidism. Natural progesterone for thyroid treatment comes in the form of a cream made from soybeans or wild yam.
Women's health expert, Christiane Northrup, M.D., suggests that people with moderate cases of hypothyroidism may successfully balance their hormone levels through use of iodine and/or natural progesterone alone. Doctor's guidance is recommended prior to use of natural progesterone and iodine treatments in order to maintain effective dosage and results.
Low-glycemic Diet
The glycemic index is a numbering system that rates the level of impact particular foods have on blood sugar levels. According to Northrup, some cases of underactive thyroid can be remedied by addressing glycemic stress. In other words, by shifting to a low-glycemic diet, which involves a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains and lean protein and limited in processed carbohydrates, sugar and saturated fats, thyroid hormones and symptoms of hypothyroidism may improve. Though a nutrient-rich diet that supports blood sugar balance shouldn't replace doctor-prescribed thyroid medications, it may serve as a positive addition.
Natural Extracts
Natural extracts provide an additional alternative to synthetic thyroid treatment. Though most doctors suggest synthetic varieties, according to MayoClinic.com, natural extracts made from thyroid hormones from pigs are obtainable. Extracts can be reaped through prescription only and should not be confused with health food store varieties, which are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety or effectiveness.
