Hi Sweet Friends,
I’m usually a chirpy and peppy gal, so when I started feeling sluggish on a regular basis, I put on my detective’s hat and headed to my regular investigative hot spots—the doc’s office and the bookstore. After looking under the hood and between the lines, it turned out that my adrenals (and some plain ole stress) were the major culprits. But through my sleuthing I learned a lot about thyroid health and discovered that it’s a large contributor to many of the chronic physical and mental issues people face today.
OK, let’s get glandular. So many of my readers ask about how to find their way back to wellness, especially when they’re experiencing daily discomforts and they aren’t getting answers at the doctor’s office. Symptoms such as depression, aches and pains, low sex drive, unexplained weight gain, relentless colds, brittle hair and dry skin are very common and could be the result of thyroid problems.
Perhaps you’re just starting to connect the dots when it comes to your health or maybe you’ve been down this road before and still don’t have answers—regardless, please don’t give up! Often, a deeper, more holistic look is needed to find a longterm solution. Hopefully, what you’re about to read will equip you with the knowledge you need to go on that quest with confidence, whether your thyroid gland is the root of your challenges or just something to explore along the way. And because I take your health (and mine) very seriously, this blog was highly researched and vetted by three well-respected RD’s. Dang!
Read on to learn what the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland does, how to figure out whether it’s on the fritz, and, if that’s the case, how to get your thyroid (and your well-being) back on track.
Getting to know your thyroid gland
Your thyroid is two inches long and its “wings” are wrapped around your windpipe (near your Adam’s apple in your neck). It’s an important little bugger that produces several hormones including two that are key in regulating growth and metabolism: T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine).
T3 and T4 hormones are essential because they:
- Help cells convert calories and oxygen into energy
- Determine growth and development of many tissues in the body, including the brain and skeleton
- Work to increase Basal Metabolic Rate—the amount of energy you burn just sitting still
The pituitary gland produces TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), which stimulates the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4. The production of the Ts is dependent on sufficient iodine intake from foods and supplements. The hormones then work to regulate cell growth and development by converting protein, carbs and fat into energy. The catch? Vitamin D must be present for the Ts to do their important work. (We’ll talk more about iodine and vitamin D later!)
When we’re healthy and things are swimming along in our systems, the thyroid gland produces T3 and T4 hormones and does its job quite well. But what about when things get out of whack? In the world of the thyroid, both too much and too little of this typically good thing can cause major problems, which leads us to…
What’s the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?
Hypothyroidism: Underactive Thyroid Disease
Think of it this way: hypo means not enough, and hyper means too much. When your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough of the essential thyroid hormones (either one or both T3 or T4), symptoms of hypothyroidism eventually pop up. Hypothyroidism can be caused by removal of the thyroid gland, a hypothyroid condition present at birth, inflammation of the thyroid gland, radiation exposure, or an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s Disease.
You’re more likely to develop hypothyroidism if:
- You’re a woman
- You’re over age 60
- You have a family history of thyroid disease
- You have another autoimmune disease such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus
- You’ve been pregnant in the last six months
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, difficulty metabolizing carbohydrates and sugars, joint pain, depression, infertility or irregular periods, tightness in the throat, sensitivity to heat and cold, panic attacks, high cholesterol, memory loss, vision problems, dry skin and hair loss.
Diagnosis for hypothyroidism is made by measuring blood levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Generally, if the TSH level is above normal, it means hypothyroidism. A low T4 level also indicates hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroid treatment includes taking a synthetic hormone replacement (identical to T4). To determine the dosage, blood levels of TSH are tested regularly. Keep in mind that although adequate iodine intake is necessary for a healthy thyroid, excess amounts may cause or worsen hypothyroidism. See my section on holistic approaches for ways you can be proactive about your thyroid health.
Hyperthyroidism: Overactive Thyroid Disease
You can think about hyperthyroidism as your lovely butterfly gland going on a nectar bender. When the thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormone than you need, many bodily functions speed up—including metabolism.
You’re more likely to develop hyperthyroidism if:
- You’re a woman
- You’re over age 60
- You have a family history of thyroid disease
- You have type 1 diabetes
- You’ve been pregnant in the last six months
- You have a vitamin B12 deficiency
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: insomnia, nervousness, weight loss, mood swings and irritability, rapid and irregular heartbeat, heat intolerance and the development of a goiter (an enlarged, swollen thyroid gland). Hyperthyroidism can be caused by Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules (lumps in the thyroid), inflammation of the thyroid, consuming too much iodine, or taking too much synthetic thyroid hormone to treat hypothyroidism.
Diagnosis for hyperthyroidism is made after your doc does a few blood tests. The following factors point to a batty butterfly:
- TSH levels are very low
- T3 and T4 levels are high
- Radioactive Iodine Uptake is abnormal
Radioactive Iodine Uptake (RAI-U) testing is just what it sounds like: the test shows how much radioactive iodine your thyroid can absorb four to six hours and then 24 hours after consuming a dose of iodine (tasty, no?). This is important because it helps determine what exactly is sending your thyroid into overdrive. Health professionals will also feel for an enlarged thyroid, listen for heart palpitations, and measure for weight loss as they diagnose hyperthyroidism.
Treatment of hyperthyroidism is trickier and more individualized depending on the cause of the hyperthyroidism and the severity of it. Treatment often includes radioiodine therapy, surgery, and/or medication to ease the many health challenges that arise from an overactive thyroid. Although there may not be holistic treatments for hyperthyroidism, there are still many diet and lifestyle upgrades you can make to improve your overall thyroid gland health. More on that soon!
Additional information on diagnosing hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
I was pretty confused about diagnosing these issues until I read Frank Lipman MD’s take on thyroid health in his book, Revive. Dr. Lipman suggests three approaches to checking thyroid function: your symptoms, underarm temperature and blood test results. To avoid being misdiagnosed or having a thyroid problem overlooked, make sure you’re working with an open-minded practitioner who is looking at all three of these factors.
Also, ask your doctor about the blood tests he or she is requesting (you have the right to know!). Dr. Lipman suggests the following tests for a full thyroid panel:
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Free T4 (free thyroxine)
- Free T3 (free triiodothyronine)
- Reverse T3
- Antithyroglobulin antibodies (anti-TG)
- Antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO)
Holistic Approaches to Improving Your Thyroid Health
As I mentioned earlier, holistic approaches to treating hypothyroid and hyperthyroid issues are few and far between, but there are some proactive things you can do to boost your overall thyroid health:
- De-stress through meditation, yoga, chamomile tea, more sleep, and/or exercise. Under times of stress, the hormone cortisol suppresses TSH production. Managing stress is one of the best ways to ensure your thyroid gland doesn’t slow down.
- Exercise! Low-intensity and regular aerobic exercise can stimulate the production of thyroid hormones.
- Eat organic to reduce exposure to environmental toxins. Some recent research suggests that pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) lower T3 hormone.
- Get sweaty. Saunas (I adore my far infrared Sunlighten Sauna) or steam baths may help to detox pesticides or PCBs from your system.
- Get your nutrients. Selenium, iodine, and vitamins A, C, D, and E are all important for thyroid hormone production. Vitamin D is essential for thyroid hormone’s efficacy in your body’s cells. If your diet is lacking in any of these nutrients, consider supplements.
- Go easy on gluten. Like other foods that can cause inflammation, gluten is a sticky subject (one on which I’ll do a whole, separate post soon!). People who have celiac disease might find that gluten aggravates autoimmune thyroid issues, so it’s best to steer clear.
Key factors that may impact your thyroid health
Iodine
The cells in the thyroid are the only ones in the body that can absorb iodine. Iodine is necessary for the production of both T3 and T4 hormones and is found in almost every living plant. Since we know how important these hormones are to our health, it’s essential to make sure you’re eating enough iodine-rich foods. The best sources of iodine include seaweed (such as the nori wrapped around a veggie California roll) and kelp. Many people use iodized salt or supplements as their main source of iodine.
How much iodine do you need? Recommended intakes are 150 micrograms daily for adults, 220 micrograms per day for pregnant women, and 290 micrograms per day for lactating women. One-quarter teaspoon of iodized sea salt (which doctors recommend in place of table salt) contains about 95 micrograms of iodine, and one six-inch by six-inch sheet of nori contains about 58 micrograms of iodine. If your iodine intake is low, you may experience fuzzy thinking, fatigue, depression, high cholesterol, weight gain or develop a goiter.
Goitrogens
The cancer-fighting isothiocyanates in cruciferous veggies (kale, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kohlrabi, mustard greens, rutabaga and turnips), and the isoflavones in soy products are goitrogens: substances that may interfere with the production of thyroid hormone. In folks who don’t have thyroid challenges, eating goitrogens is A-OK, since cruciferous veggies can be very beneficial to the immune system and in fighting off cancer. In moderation, the same goes for soy foods (in whole or minimally processed, organic and GMO-free forms), especially when it comes to heart health and cancer prevention and survival.
But if your thyroid is underactive you should be very mindful of your cruciferous vegetable and soy food consumption. Some endocrinologists recommend that people with underactive thyroid disease avoid eating these foods completely. However, cooking seems to deactivate about one-third of the goitrogenic compounds, so you may be able to continue including them in your diet just by reducing your consumption of raw or juiced goitrogenic foods. For example, Jennifer Reilly, RD generally advises her clients to avoid excessive amounts of these foods by limiting raw cruciferous veggies like kale in juices and smoothies, rather than cutting them out altogether. And when it comes to eating soy foods, always check with your doc since soy could interfere with synthetic hormone medications.
Other researchers have found that only in the case of iodine deficiency are goitrogenic foods problematic for hypothyroidism, and as long as iodine intake is sufficient, the goitrogenic foods have little or no negative effect on hypothyroidism. This group of researchers recommends simply increasing iodine intake along with goitrogenic foods to maintain a healthy balance for a healthy thyroid. So, salt those Brussels sprouts and make sure you are working with your doctor to adjust your diet if you’re dealing with underactive thyroid issues.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a hormone, and aside from boosting the immune system and assisting with bone health and calcium absorption, it is also essential in the last metabolic step. During the final moments of the metabolic process, thyroid hormones are responsible for getting energy and oxygen into the body’s cells. (Pretty important!)
But without sufficient vitamin D, thyroid hormones won’t work properly. This is why vitamin D deficiency has been associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto’s and Graves’, and it is even thought that vitamin D deficiency may trigger thyroid disease. Luckily, getting adequate vitamin D is as easy as working 20 minutes of daytime sun into your life three times per week (and if that isn’t enough to boost your levels, supplements are available). You can make sure that you have adequate vitamin D levels with a simple blood test. Pro tip: your levels can change year-to-year, so keep current! Getting too much vitamin D can be toxic for your body, so don’t go on supplementation autopilot.
I know this is a lot of information. So if this post resonated with you and you don’t know where to start, just remember to take one step at a time.
Your turn: If you’ve experienced thyroid health issues, please share what has helped you along the way!
Peace & butterflies,
Thanks Kris! I found this extremely helpful! All good information and worth trying.
I am confused. My vitamin D is extremely low (it was 12 – now it’s up to 25). My doctor is treating me with supplemental Vitamin D3, iodine and thyroid medication. My question is “Can the Vitamin D deficiency cause my thyroid to not be functioning? So shouldn’t I get my vitamin D level up before assuming I need thyroid medication? My thyroid medication was based on my morning basal temperature. My thyroid tests were:
TSH – 10/1/2014 – 3.49
4/7/2014 – 3.24
5/23/2012 – 1.93
7/3/2008 – 2.53
T4 Free – 4/7/2014 – 1.0
10/1/2014 – .9
T3 Free – 10/1/2014 – 2.7
I figure that if my Vitamin D was normal, maybe my thyroid would be working better, or is my Vitamin D so low because my thyroid is whacky??
Also, I read that supplemental iodine can make your thyoid disease turn into Hashmoto’s. So I’m afraid to take the iodine. How is Hashmoto’s diagnosed?
I trust you.
Thanks, Diana
Hi Kris! Great article!
My question is – once someone is diagnosed with hypothyroidism – Hashimoto’s specifically, do they always need to be on the medication in addition to taking holistic approaches?
Thank you!
Mandy
Hi Kris! I love when thyroid disease is discussed because it is amazing how many people have NO idea what the function of the thyroid is! I found this out when I had my thyroid removed due to papillary carcinoma one year ago… Man, I wish I knew how important that little gland was before I allowed someone to remove it.. Life on thyroid meds isn’t as awful as some people describe on the internet, but it has definitely been an adjustment.
Thanks for such an amazing Blog, Kris! I’m somewhat of a newbie but can’t wait to read more! You’re an inspiration to so many! Here’s to happy health!
Myofascial Release is a great addition to this list. Restrictions in our fascia can impede the health of anything in our body. As these restrictions are released it allows the body to function more efficiently!
I have heard that fermented foods are good at helping your body produce more vitamins in your gut.
Does this help with thyroid problems specifically?
Kombucha has vit B which helps adrenal function which hopefully would help stress levels etc.
Thank you Kris for that information about the thyroid. I think I have learned a lot more from you in that article than I have in the last 2 years with my thyroid issues. I have just been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and I am having it removed this Friday. I have watched and followed your story and it was awesome to find this article today on facey. Just wondering if u have any tips for me after removal as I really need to change things and I am definately worried about the weight and my health afterwards.
Thanks 🙂
What has been incredibly helpful to me has been Kris’s site (thank you so much Kris) and the book, Stop The Thyroid Madness. Every single person that has an adrenal & thyroid challenge (they typically go hand and hand), need both of these resources.
With that being said, the pieces of my puzzling health condition (Western Medicine labels it POTS Syndrome & Eastern labels it ‘Adrenal Burnout) lies in my adrenals – iron – thyroid – lack of aldosterone.
I have yet to master along with my body, how to fit the pieces together in respect to supplementation. If you treat with too much thyroid supplements/medication, you weaken the adrenals. If you treat the adrenals first (which you need to), they need to be strong enough to then treat the thyroid. If you are treating both and don’t feel well, you realize you forgot to increase iron. And Aldosterone is typically left out of the fray.
It seems people spend 10+ years trying to figure it out so they can get their life back! I am on year 3.
I have been diagnostic with Thyroidism with multiple nodules. I went to a natural medicine clinic for a treatment which would eliminates the nodules 100%. Also, they say that whatever nodules in other parts of the body would be gone 100% It hasn’t, now they are saying that was face one only….never told me that before. I’m allergic to IODINE when injected, even though I can eat any kind of fish. At the clinic I was taking 5 different natural iodine pills a day: 5 in the morning, five in the afternoon and five at night. My skin stated to show very, very little patch, and even though it was some how itchy I paid no attention. Then I was told to put ice on the red because that was due to the ozone treatment (a bulb). About the 8 day on the pills I develop rashes on my left arm, the upper chest below the throat, and on my face which made me look grotesque. Since I couldn’t contact them I went to the pharmacy for allergy pills and suspended all the pills bought at the clinic…..At the clinic the doctor said that what happened was that the kidneys couldn’t detox the huge detoxification and sent it to the “other” kidney which is the skin. A detox was given via my feet. Maybe the 2 allergy pills I took after the eight day was whats control the symptoms a little (the grotesque on my face). I had to exchange one my treatment for another detox because they’d charge me for it. Then again over the weekend I had to take two more allergy pills as “it” came back. When I return to the clinic, again, I requested an exchange for a detox. All these time feeling miserably, not being able to sleep, using natural alo vera plant on the rashes, plus eating it…trying to keep a good, happy face.
I bought Vit E of 1000mg with alo vera, but it would make me feel burning like….it would make me feel desperate. At all this time I’m drinking lots of water, tea, liquids, eating alkaline food, etc…not been able to be at the sun inside the car, or outside…the sun block I use would make it worst because my skin would feel itchy and burning sensations. Then I exchange another treatment for a detox. He ok that I take the Strong Iodine pills (2 a day). plus the Women balance and the Hyper one. I had to take 4 allergy pills again.
On Oct the 8 was my last evaluation, he said to take the iodine pills as before plus other pills and a liquid of Vit C….On Fri.. the 10th, 2 days after the rash turn raw meat like color…As per advise of my daughter I stopped all the pills and call him. He didn’t return my call. On Monday I called and was told to call the next day at l0:00am. I called but the doctor was bussy, and told the employee to tell me to stop the pills and drink lots of water. I want it to speak to him, “no”, she advise me to talk with the administrator, “no”…then during the afternoon his wife call me, telling me to keep free of stress because that makes it worse….to go to the clinic (2 1/2 -3 hours from home each way, and no place to stay, and with those areas itching, burning,, couldn’t stand the clothing on top) The visit cost $95.00. And to get ph strips and meassure my saliva and urine, plus also to write down all my meals and bring it to her when I go see my cardiologist in the metropolitan area. That was on a Tuesday, and Thursday I my brother had to take me to emergency. I was given anIV with allergic medicine, and the diagnose is: Virus SX vs Allergic Reaction…I had another cbc test done on Saturday which shows the levels were back to normal. Then, at my primary doctor they made a space for me, and gave me more laboratories which I did today, and also gave me pills so that I can sleep. Now I have an appointment for Saturday with a dermatology in SJ…I was advise to see a doctor who deals with infections.
You do not say much about hyperthyroidism…what kind of vegetable shouldn’t we eat…can we use iodine, specially if allergic to iodine? I’ll appreciate your take on this, please.
I think it would be really, really great if you did an article or video on Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. This autoimmune disease is over looked and the information that you can find is often conflicting. What I’ve been reading recently you need to treat Hashi’s differently than you would hypothyroidism. Plus seeing as it’s close to impossible to find a doctor who knows anything about this disease, I would much rather Kris use her resources to maybe finally get a definitive answer!
Much Love
K
So confused……. I love my raw spinach, chard, cabbage, broc now because I have a low thyroid I am even encouraged not to eat these at all… there is a point when it all gets too hard I will continue with my normal juice my normal diet. I get it when pie eating MacDonald’s chowing folk tell me it don’t matter what you eat it will all kill you in the end. Well I don’t really just hate to know that my daily juice with chard broc stems and kale is probable upsetting my thyroid?????
Suffering from Hypo for the last 11 years. taking syntroid since them 0.75. . Test are ok according from my doctors ( primary and my endocrinologist, but I feeling worse every day. Please !! i need a good holistic natural doctor in Miami area. thank you
Kris, I would be interested in your view of how sugar affects the thyroid. I am always telling my hypothyroid clients to avoid processed sugar like the plague – what’s your opinion on this?
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s a year ago and I just wanted to warn everybody, that – contrary to normal hypothyroidism – you should STAY FAR AWAY from iodine!!! It’s great for a thyroid that’s a bit sluggish but as Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease (meaning your thyroid practically destroys itself) pushing your thyroid actually leads to a faster destruction. So if you are diagnosed with Hashimoto’s (e.g. because you have thyroid antibodies in your blood) never ever take iodine as a supplement, use natural salt without added iodine and skip algae like kombu and stuff, because they contain high amounts of natural iodine.
The best supplements for Hashimoto’s are Selenium and Vitamine D and of course all kinds of natural antioxidants that help your body to stop the craziness of an autoimmune process. Unfortunately there is no way to actually heal Hashimoto’s but I immediately stopped using iodine fortified foods and soy and my Hashimoto’s has been dormant since and I require no medication at the moment. I really really hope I can keep it that way for as long as possible through my lifestyle. As a matter of fact that was part of what drew me to your site, I thought if you can keep even cancer at bay with a good lifestyle than you might as well keep Hashimoto’s at bay. 🙂 Thank you for all your efforts, infos and positive messages, Kris!!
Great information!! I have hypothyroid and my dosage went up to control it, because of stress, I gained 25 lbs, I can’t seem to lose them, I bought your book Crazy sexy diet, I’ve juiced full days and it made me feel great! I’m looking forward to getting healthier! Thank you for keeping us informed!
Ladies! Dr. Sara Gottfried, MD has just written an amazing book about hormone imbalances, called The Hormone Cure. She goes over a gazillion complicated, interrelated problems we all likely have with the vast array of “horrormones” (my word) our bodies are full of, including thyroid. She believes heavily in natural ways of combatting these things first before ever resulting to medications.
I seriously suggest we all read her book! Her website is
http://www.saragottfriedmd.com – check it out!
To health!
Hi Kris,
Finally an article that speaks towards HYPER as well as hypothyroidism. My husband has been dealing with hyperthyroidism since his very early twenties and he’s in his mid-forties now. It took 4 years and 5 doctors to diagnose him (embarrassing for our medical community!!) and by then, graves disease had taken it’s course on him and he had to have preventive surgery on his eyes to save his eyesight. He was followed by one specialist for a while, put on beta blockers along with his thyroid meds and even underwent a radioactive iodine treatment which failed. He’s since found a new (and better) doctor, and there is talk of doing another radioactive iodine treatment and i’m hell bent now on researching all of his options. I’ve been reading a lot about gluten and thyroid problems and was wondering if you have come across this subject in any of your research. Can going gluten free really make a difference?? I was not aware of the link with vitamin D so will look into this. I’m curious however because he was born and raised in a Mediterranean country and exposed to the sun much more then we would be here…wouldn’t that suggest he’s had access to more vitamin D then northern Americans and Canadians? I’m so confused with this issues and find there are many conflicting arguments but would really try to create change more naturally then to let him undergo another round of radioactive iodine treatment!
In 1974 I began experiencing EXTREME symptoms of HYPERTHYROIDISM. I was hungry all the time and continued to eat non-stop, nervous, talkative, had bulging eyes, and a HUGE goiter. I wasn’t aware of what was happening to me until my Mother, an R.N.,, recognized the goiter and suggested I see an endocrinologist. I went to the famed Lahey Clinic in Boston and was asked to participate in a study and training example for future physicians but I refused. A subtotal thyroidectomy was performed and seen as successful. But a short time later, the results of a follow-up blood test proved the remaining gland continued to produce an extraordinary amount of thyroxin. My mother took me to an endocrinologist at Mass General Hospital. The endocrinologist gave me a radioactive isotope which seemed to do the trick. A few years after, I’d moved to New York and noticed I was having difficulty picking my head up off the pillow every morning and I’d gained 20 pounds! The doctor I saw told me, basically, I had been “over-medicated”, referring to the combination of the surgery and the radioactive drink. So, since 1982, I have been on levothyroxine every single day. My hair is thin around the temples and forehead which worries me but I continue to massage my scalp, use healthy hair products, and take biotin supplements. I JUST learned that eating soy products is NOT recommended for someone with HYPOTHYROIDISM. Not sure I understand why. So, I’ve experienced BOTH sides of this issue. I do suffer from depression but work on taking myself to the other side of it by reading positive material and treating my self to positive experiences when I can.
Thank you for this article. After two years, I finally have the answers I need to start my road to recovery. You are beautiful.
Jen
Hi,
This post has lots of great info. I’ve studied the thyroid a lot over the past year, because I’ve had symptoms of under active thyroid a lot. My history with thyroid problems is postpartum thyroiditis. I would get hyper 1 month after childbirth, then 6 months post I would get hypo and about a year postpartum I would level out. But I’ve had 4 kids and each time I went through this cycle. I have a few nodules on my thyroid and quit seeing the endrocrinologist after my 2nd child, because I’ve been determined to fight this all natural. Well after my 4th I got my tubes tied and I believe that really set off my thyroid. Never been the same since, gained 40 pounds in a year. I’ve since changed my diet starting last May, exercising 3 days a week and I’m down almost 30 pounds! It’s truly the additives in food I believe that my body doesn’t like. And aside from feeling like I need 10 hours of sleep every night, I’m feeling closer to norm.
I’ve only met one other person with this condition and not sure if I’ll have a life long affect or not, but by staying healthy and aware of my body changes I believe I can stay on top of it.
Love your posts,
SL
As you noted, Synthroid (the synthetic form of T4) is the common treatment for Hypothyroidism. I would strongly encourage you and your readers to avoid Synthroid (and the generic equivalent) and look to Armour, Nature-Throid or any other natural thyroid supplement that utilizes a blend of T4 AND T3. The only purpose that T4 serves in our body is as a carrier/converter for our body to utilize T3. Synthetic T4 products hammer our body with ONLY T4 and this results in a compromised immune system over time, adrenal damage, as well as reoccurence of hypothyroid symptoms. TSH is NOT the appropriate measure of thyroid health, but instead the Free T3 and the Reverse T3/Free T3 ratio. Most endocrinologist don’t understand this and a functional medicine MD is the best resource for clear understanding of correcting hyper and hypothyroid conditions naturally and effectively.
A quick online resource for your readers: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/tsh-why-its-useless/
I pray that your readers will research and find a doctor to help them without the use of synthetic pharmaceuticals!