As someone with Hashimoto’s, I probably don’t need to tell you how difficult it is to get control over your symptoms.
Whether you’re stuck in the sit-and-wait model or you’re struggling to find your perfect dose of thyroid medication, you have probably asked yourself if there’s a better way.
And the answer to that is a resounding YES.
Natural treatments like supplements offer patients with Hashimoto’s a surefire way to take control of their disease.
I’m not saying that supplements will put your disease into remission (though some patients do report that this occurs), but doesn’t it make sense to at least give them a try given their record of safety and potential to help?
I think so, which is why I want to talk about the most powerful and effective supplements for patients with Hashimoto’s starting right now:
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The Complete List of Thyroid Lab tests:
The list includes optimal ranges, normal ranges, and the complete list of tests you need to diagnose and manage thyroid disease correctly!
#1. Zinc
Zinc is #1 on this list and the reason is simple:
Not only does it play a role in regulating the immune system, it’s also needed for thyroid function.
When you combine this with the fact that thyroid hormone alters zinc elimination in the kidneys, many patients with Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism are deficient.
It’s hard to get an exact estimate, but based on several studies (1) it’s probably around 30%.
Supplementing with zinc is a no-brainer for patients with Hashimotos’ for four reasons:
- The first is that zinc is required for the conversion of inactive T4 to active T3. If you don’t have enough zinc you won’t be able to produce the T3 that you need.
- The second is that zinc can help reduce inflammation (2) and may act as an anti-inflammatory agent all by itself.
- The third is that zinc is also required for the proper regulation of your immune system (3). In fact, in the setting of low zinc, your immune system has a hard time fighting off even mild infections.
- And fourth is that zinc is also necessary for hair growth. This doesn’t have to do specifically with Hashimoto’s but it’s an added bonus because many people with Hashimoto’s also have issues with hair loss!
But before you run out and supplement, you need to first consider the various types of zinc available as well as the dose.
Not all formulations of zinc are equally effective because they are not all equally absorbed.
If you have Hashimoto’s you’ll want to house zinc chelate, zinc monomethionine, zinc gluconate, zinc acetate, or zinc citrate.
All of these versions are equally as good, so you can choose whichever form works best for you.
Definitely stay away from zinc oxide, though, which is the cheapest form and inferior to all formulations listed above.
How much Zinc Should you Take for your Thyroid?
Zinc dosing is a little controversial with standard recommendations ranging from 5 mg per day all the way up to 60 mg.
My recommendation is to stay on the lower end of these recommendations for two reasons:
#1. The body can only absorb up to 5-10 mg at any given time.
And #2. Higher doses cause side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, and acid reflux.
As long as you take your zinc on an empty stomach, doses in the 5-15mg range are more than sufficient.
If you are someone who wants more zinc then you need to split up your dose at least 5 hours away from whenever you took your first dose in order to ensure the second dose gets absorbed.
When using zinc for thyroid support, always combine it with selenium.
The reason for this will become obvious when we discuss selenium.
You can get the correct form of zinc with other thyroid-enhancing ingredients here.
#2. Selenium
Selenium is another fantastic mineral to take if you have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Not only does it play a role in protecting your thyroid gland from oxidative stress, it also supports thyroid function directly through its actions on selenoproteins.
These selenoproteins regulate major systems in the body like your thyroid gland, brain, liver, and intestines (4).
If that wasn’t enough, there are also several studies that show that supplementing with selenium may reduce thyroid antibodies (5).
Before you run out and start pounding down selenium, you should know that too much is not a good thing.
It’s much easier than you might think to take more selenium than you need which will only serve to cloud your thyroid management.
You’ll find that some providers recommend doses of selenium as high as 400 to 500 mcg per day, but my recommendation is to stay within the 100 to 200 mcg per day range from all sources (including food).
This prevents accidental toxicity while allowing room in your diet from natural selenium sources which is the preferred way to obtain it.
As far as formulation goes, selenomethionine and selenium glycinate complex work best.
You can get the ideal amount of both selenium and zinc in this supplement.
#3. Adrenal Support
Don’t think you need to support your adrenals? Think again.
I’ve yet to find a patient with Hashimoto’s who didn’t also have problems with stress and, as a result, cortisol.
This is for several reasons:
- The first is that thyroid hormone and cortisol levels appear to be linked (6) such that when one goes down it takes the other with it
- The second is that imbalances in thyroid hormone result in nutrient deficiencies that normally protect against stress
- And the third is that stress negatively impacts thyroid hormone which perpetuates the cycle
The main problem here is that treating your thyroid doesn’t stop the cycle which means supporting your adrenals is critical.
And that’s exactly why I’ve included adrenal support on this list.
Luckily for all of us, we have incredible herbal and botanical ingredients called adaptogens.
These adaptogens help the body adapt to stress and have been shown in numerous studies to positively impact not only cortisol levels but also thyroid hormone levels.
There are tons of adaptogens that can be used, but my favorite for Hashimoto’s include:
- Maca root – In addition to its action as an adaptogen, it also supports libido and sex hormone balance.
- Ashwagandha – In addition to its action as an adaptogen, it also supports recovery and weight management. Contrary to popular belief, ashwagandha is perfectly safe if you have Hashimoto’s which is explained here.
- and Rhodiola – Compared to other adaptogens, I’ve found Rhodiola to be the best for fatigue
These are just my favorites, though, so don’t be afraid to play around with the others if you’ve already tried them.
In addition to adaptogens, you can also consider the use of adrenal glandulars.
Adrenal glandulars are sourced from the actual adrenal glands of cows which provide enzymes, pro-hormones, and other adrenal-supporting building blocks that you can’t get from adaptogens.
Together, adrenal adaptogens and adrenal glandulars make the perfect combo for patients with Hashimoto’s.
#4. Probiotics and Prebiotics
Hashimoto’s is first and foremost a disease of your immune system and, given that 70% of your immune system resides in your gut (7), it makes sense that a functioning gut is pretty important for this group of people.
But this isn’t the only reason you should care about your gut.
It also happens to play a role in regulating thyroid hormone levels by acting as a reservoir for T3.
Whether you’re interested in optimizing your thyroid or optimizing your immune system, your gut health matters.
Many people know they need to support their gut health, they just don’t know how.
This is why taking probiotics and prebiotics is beneficial for just about every case of Hashimoto’s.
While they won’t treat infections like H. pylori (which is very important to identify and treat if you have Hashimoto’s), they do provide general benefits that are too good to be ignored.
Some of these benefits include:
- The crowding out of pathogenic species like yeast and pathogenic bacteria thereby promoting better microbiome diversity (8).
- Supporting the immune system by increasing immunoglobulins.
- Protecting the integrity of your intestinal lining thereby preventing pathogenic bacteria from entering your system.
- Stimulating the growth and repair of your intestinal cells.
For best results, you’ll want to use a combination of probiotics including:
- Soil-based organisms. These species populate the GI tract and provide long-term benefits.
- Lacto and bifido species (9). These species provide short-term benefits but do not populate the GI tract.
- And Saccharomyces boulardii. This beneficial yeast provides immune-supporting properties which makes it ideal for autoimmune diseases.
When choosing a probiotic, look for both a high dose and bacterial diversity.
The CFU per dose will vary depending on which type of probiotic you are using, but, in general, look for one that contains at least 50 billion CFU/serving with at least 10+ different species.
You can see an example of a probiotic designed specifically for patients with thyroid dysfunction here.
#5. Vitamin D3 With Vitamin K2
Pretty much everyone should be aware of their vitamin D level, especially those with Hashimoto’s.
Looking purely at the numbers, about 1 billion people worldwide are deficient.
Research tells us that thyroid patients are more likely to develop vitamin D deficiency for two big reasons:
The first is that the low thyroid state impairs intestinal absorption of vitamin D.
And the second is that the low thyroid state impairs the activation of vitamin D that does make it into your body.
Research is also clear of the impact that vitamin D deficiency has on thyroid health and it isn’t pretty.
Thyroid patients with low levels of vitamin D are at increased risk for:
- Developing thyroid cancer (10)
- Developing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Having abnormal thyroid hormone levels (11)
- And developing Graves’ disease
The good news is that optimizing your vitamin D is a piece of cake.
All you need to do is check your 25, hydroxyvitamin D level when you get your labs drawn next and, if needed, take a vitamin D3 supplement.
The dose you need will depend on your labs, but most people need a dose somewhere around 2,000 IU to 10,000 IU per day.
If you don’t want to wait to get those labs drawn, you can pretty safely take the shotgun approach and just start supplementing with D3 at 5,000 IU/day.
Just realize this is not the ideal way to go about things.
And if you’re going to take vitamin D3, you might as well tack on vitamin K2 as well.
K2 provides benefits such as better calcium shuttling in the body, bone support, and heart support, all of which are beneficial to patients with Hashimoto’s.
You can see an example of a supplement that combines D3 and both active forms of vitamin K2 (MK4 and MK7) here.
It’s worth noting here that vitamin D supplementation, while incredibly beneficial, is a supplement that takes a long time to take effect.
Research shows that many of the benefits are obtained after daily use for 2-3 years!
But given how cheap it is, don’t let this deter you.
#6. Pycnogenol
Next up is something called pycnogenol or pine bark extract.
Pycnogenol is made from the bark of the French maritime pine tree and it’s known for its positive effects on the immune system and inflammation.
We don’t know exactly how it works, but it’s theorized to act as an antioxidant and immunostimulant (12).
Because Hashimoto’s is associated with free radical production in the thyroid gland during the creation of thyroid hormone, pycnogenol may help protect the thyroid gland much in the same way that glutathione does.
It’s been my experience that pycnogenol is particularly effective at helping to reduce thyroid antibodies and it can be combined with other supplements, such as vitamin D, to help support the immune system.
If you are someone who has high levels of TPO antibodies or thyroglobulin antibodies, then you should consider using pycnogenol.
You can kind of think of pycnogenol as an over-the-counter equivalent of LDN (low-dose naltrexone) in terms of how it is used and its benefits.
While vitamin D3 helps to support general immune function, pycnogenol and LDN may help to reduce thyroid antibodies and thyroid gland damage.
While you shouldn’t focus solely on your thyroid antibody levels as a measure of success in your treatment, it’s always ideal to lower them if at all possible.
For best results, look for pycnogenol as “French Maritime Pine Bark Extract” and use a dose between 200 to 400 mg per day.
And for even better results, combine it with LDN, D3, and the supplement we are about to talk about next, black seed oil.
#7. Black Seed Oil Or Nigella Sativa
Very few supplements have the backing of double-blind placebo-controlled trials but the one we are going to talk about next does…
Nigella sativa.
What is nigella sativa?
It’s the plant that produces black seeds and, ultimately, black seed oil.
This oil contains powerful polyphenolic and bioactive compounds in the form of thymoquinone which have powerful effects on the thyroid and immune system.
The double-blind placebo-controlled trial I mentioned above (13) showed that taking 2 grams of nigella sativa for 2 weeks resulted in:
- Decreased body weight as measured by BMI
- Decreased TSH
- Decreased thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies
- Decreased serum VEGF
Most notable is the change in thyroid antibodies that occurred in these patients over the course of 8 weeks.
The 20 patients who took nigella sativa saw a drop in their thyroid peroxidase from a starting level of 294 IU/ml down to 147.99 IU/ml after 8 weeks.
That’s roughly a 50% drop which is absolutely astounding.
Combined with the drop in TSH by 2 whole points, I’d estimate that nigella sativa is roughly the equivalent to around 25 mcg of T4 thyroid hormone.
While you can certainly use nigella sativa powder, I believe that black seed oil provides similar benefits and can be more accurately dosed and titrated.
The biggest downside to this therapy is its flavor.
But given the remarkable benefits, it’s worth tolerating.
You can find my recommended black seed oil supplement here.
#8. Glutathione
It’s theorized that free radical damage to the thyroid gland results in the leakage of proteins into the bloodstream which triggers autoimmune thyroid disease.
Glutathione, acting as the master antioxidant, prevents this process from occurring.
For this reason, glutathione levels in the thyroid gland should be a top priority for all patients with Hashimoto’s.
There are two ways you can get more of it:
- The first is by taking selenium (a nutrient we already discussed!) – Selenium is necessary for your thyroid to produce glutathione (14). If you are selenium deficient then you may not be able to create enough glutathione in your thyroid gland.
- The second is by taking glutathione directly – Glutathione exists in supplement form which you can take by mouth. This allows you an extra way to get glutathione into your body and thyroid gland to reduce thyroid gland inflammation and damage.
Glutathione doses ranging from 250 mg to 1,000 mg per day have been shown to be safe (15) but these high doses may not be required for those with Hashimoto’s.
Even low doses of glutathione, when combined with other nutrients such as selenium, can be effective for improving immune status in those with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Because of its importance, I added glutathione to my multivitamin designed specifically for thyroid patients.
#9. Iodine
I already know what many of you are thinking:
“Isn’t iodine dangerous for people with Hashimoto’s?! He must have no idea what he’s talking about!”.
And while I don’t blame you for thinking this, the reality is that iodine is not only safe for those with Hashimoto’s, it’s also beneficial.
I can easily prove it to you by showing you that you’re taking iodine without realizing it even if you think you’re avoiding it.
Here’s how I know:
- All thyroid medications contain iodine that can be recycled by the body
- Foods like dairy, milk, eggs, and even fruits like bananas and strawberries, contain iodine
- Iodine is found in all sorts of cosmetics and shampoos and is absorbed through the skin
I can pretty much guarantee that you are getting iodine from one or more of these sources and this is a really good thing.
Why?
Because you can’t live without it!
A complete lack of iodine is incompatible with life.
Now, is it true that iodine has the potential to cause problems if you have Hashimoto’s?
Of course! But only if it’s dosed incorrectly.
Studies are clear that the sweet spot for iodine intake is between 100 mcg and 300 mcg per day (16).
Doses below that range result in hypothyroidism and doses above that range increase your risk of autoimmune thyroid disease.
But doses right in the middle are needed and provide a boost to thyroid hormone production.
There’s a lot to unpack here that I can’t go over but if you want a much more detailed overview of the safety of iodine in Hashimoto’s, please see this article.
And if you want to take an iodine supplement that’s dosed in the right range then check this one out.
Your Next Steps
Thinking about taking supplements? Don’t stop there.
Patients with Hashimoto’s often find that other treatments like changing their diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, and getting quality sleep can have a profound impact on how they feel.
And I have resources that can help you with every single one of these things.
If you want to learn more about them, then check out this article next.
Scientific References
#1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10837122/
#2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4429650/
#3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9701160
#4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9138076/
#5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23046013
#6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38192949/
#7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33803407/
#8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6974441/
#9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10884059/
#10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5618598/
#11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6166548/
#12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6619435/
#13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27852303/
#14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4210904/
#15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24791752/
#16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8106604/
I just read the small print on the bottle of the Adrenal support.
It reads….bovine….
I have a beef allergy, surely this means that it is not good for me?
Hey Renata,
Yeah, the adrenal support does have bovine sourced glandulars in it. I wouldn’t recommend it if you have a beef allergy. In your case I would recommend an adrenal supplement with adaptogenic herbs in it like this one here.
Hello, the link is not working.
Hi Gloria,
Which link isn’t working?
I’m not sure which one they meant however, I tried the one for the emailed of a good fish oil without heavy metals and it said page not found.
Hi Noah,
I need to update that section, which I am working on now. I intend to replace the fish oil recommendation with black seed oil which I believe is better suited for patients with Hashimoto’s. These new updates should be live within the next few hours.
Another brilliant article, thank you so much. If you ever come to Ireland on holiday, let me know because I’d love an appointment ! ! Thanks again
Hey Justine,
You’re welcome! I will be sure to let you know!
Very informative and supportive article, helps maintain the Hashimoto’s disease, Thank you dr.Westin
Hey Grace,
You are very welcome!
Dr Childs,
Can you recommend good multivitamin formula for patient with Hashimoto desease who takes 100mg of Synthroid and has only left lobe of thyroid.
i had papillary carcinoma 10 years ago. Now left portion doesn’t have nodules. TSH is 2.5.
Thank you
I have Hypothyroidism going on 10 years now and still on the same dose as I started 10 years ago ,Synthroid 75 mcg and I also have Addisons Disease have this going on 30 plus years now, and take Hydrocortisone 20 mg 2x a day,and Bupropion HCL SR 100MG 2X a day, recently I went into menopause and started gaining a lot of weight,plus bad night sweats and hot flashes and depression. I am only 5’2 and I never ever weighed this much in my life 197lbs!! my current Dr doesnt even care that I weigh this much ,I have been to so many Drs over the years ,I have to stay in my area and not 1 of them, has ever helped me and being on Disability Medicaid, I am very limited in finding a Dr.,especially looking for a ” good Dr” and I do not have the extra money to pay for a office visit to a Dr who does not accept Medicaid. I try to eat healthy and clean I do not smoke or drink and I try to exercise the best I can.
My recent labs showed that my Cholesterol Total 252 H
Triglycerides 204 H
LDL -Cholesterol 140 H
Non HDL Cholesterol 181 H
T3 99
TSH 3.29
Alkaline Phosphate 211
ALT 31
RED BLOOD CELL COUNT 5.76
HEMOGLOBIN 16.2
HEMATOCRIT 50.8
MCHC 31.9
TSH IS LISTED AGAIN 0.20 L
And I HAVE A VERY FATTY LIVER with elevated liver enzymes ( ultrasound was done and found nothing )
I recently purchased “New Chapter 40 + every womens One Daily Multi Vitamins” it is made with organic vegetables and herbs and Nutrients for Bone,Hormone, and Digestion Support,I just started this and I hopes it helps me.
Supplement Facts
Serving Size 1 TABLET
Servings Per Container 72
Amount Per Serving % Daily Value
Vitamin A – (100% As Beta Carotene) 5000 IU 100%
Vitamin C 60 Mg 100%
Vitamin D3 1000 IU 250%
Vitamin E 30 IU 100%
Vitamin K1 70 Mcg 88%
VITAMIN K2 – (MK-7)(FROM MENAQ7) 10 Mcg 12%
THIAMINE-VITAMIN B1 2 Mg 133%
RIBOFLAVIN-VITAMIN B2 2 Mg 188%
Niacin 20 Mg 100%
Vitamin B6 5 Mg 250%
Folate 200 Mcg 50%
Vitamin B12 25 Mcg 417%
Biotin 150 Mcg 50%
Pantothenic Acid 10 Mg 100%
CALCIUM – (FROM ALGAE) 25 Mg 3%
IODINE 75 Mcg 50%
MAGNESIUM – (80% CULTURED,20% FRM ALGAE) 6 Mg 2%
ZINC 7 Mg 50%
SELENIUM 75 Mcg 107%
COPPER 750 Mcg 38%
MANGANESE 1 Mcg 50%
CHROMIUM 60 Mcg 50%
MOLYBDENUM 10 Mcg 13%
MIXED CAROTENOIDS 3 Mg N/A*
BREAST SUPPORT BLEND – (SPROUTED SEEDS)(ORGANIC BROCOLLI, CAULIFLOWER, KALE, DAIKON RADISH, CABBAGE, MUSTARD) 50 Mg N/A*
HORMONE SUPPORT BLEND – (ORGANIC CHASTE TREE (BERRY), ORGANIC RED CLOVER (FLOWER), ORGANIC RASPBERRY (LEAF) 50 Mg N/A*
STRESS/ENERGY SUPPORT BLEND – (ORGANIC SCHIZANDRA (BERRY), ORGANIC MACA (ROOT) ORGANIC CHAMOMILE (FLOWER) 30 Mg N/A*
CARDIO SUPPORT BLEND – (ORGANIC FENUGREEK (SEED), ORGANIC OREGANO (LEAF) GRAPESEED EXTRACT (NOT CULTURED), ORGANIC HAWTHORN (BERRY AND SEED) 20 Mg N/A*
DIGESTIVE SUPPORT BLEND – (ORGANIC ALOE (LEAF), ORGANIC PEPPERMINT (LEAF), ORGANIC CORIANDER (SEED) ORGANIC CARDAMON (FRUIT), ORGANIC ARTICHOKE (LEAF) 10 Mg N/A*
FULL SPECTRUM HERBAL EXTRACTS GINGER – (RHIZOME) 3.2 MG HYDROEHTANOLIC EXTRACT AND 0.8 MG ORGANIC SUPERCRITICAL EXTRACT 4 Mg N/A*
TUMERIC (RHIZOME) – 3.2 MG HYDROETHANOLIC EXTRACT AND 0.8 MG ORGANIC SUPERCRITICAL EXTRACT 4 Mg
Hey Kathleen,
It can be tough to find good Doctors in the insurance model, but it sounds like you are heading in the right direction. You could consider bioidentical hormones like biest + progesterone – but it may be difficult to find a Doctor willing to prescribe these in the insurance model.
I have been to so many Drs and no one will help me with the weight gain or dealing with the High Cholesterol, I Have had these same lab results for the last 4 years now ,my current Dr I asked him for a script for “Cytomel” he said I didnt need it or even a script for a appetite suppressant, I am worried and very depressed that I will have a massive heart attack, I even asked my Dr for a higher dose of Synthroid he said I dont need it ,the dose is just fine according to him. Something is wrong somewhere with me weighing almost 200 pounds,I cant seem to loose the weight no matter what I do !! I eat clean no junk or processed food, 4 years ago I weighed 140 lbs and I felt good, like I said something is very wrong. Would 7- keto with DHEA AND VITAMIN b-6 100 MG help? Is there a supplement I could take to increase my metabolism or a appetite supplement ?
It’s unlikely that one supplement will radically increase your metabolism and cause significant weight loss. Your best bet is finding a good doctor willing to work with you that specializes in hormones and weight loss.
Hi Kathleen did you find that the new chapter vitamins were helpful to you?
Overall, it looks like a pretty good multivitamin, but I noticed a few things lacking. There is not much calcium and magnesium and there is no iron. So you will need calcium and magnesium supplements, and get your iron levels done before you decide to supplement with iron. Try to get it through your diet first.
I have had success with methylayed Vitamins; I purchased one that is in sublingual from methyl-life.com. I take Deplin which is methylfolate (Dr. Prescribed). I have been off thyroid meds for 5 weeks now and feel good 80% of the time. The other 20% I feel either hyper or hypo. I think this fluctuation might be normal as things are evening out? I also take picolinate zinc and molybdenum (to help bind with excess metals) I use the mo-zyme forte form. I keep up with my vitamin A, D, E, and don’t eat dairy in any form. I hope everyone can solve their thyroid problems! My diagnosis is Hashimotos and I plan to go in for blood draw in a few weeks. There are a few things that might be helping too, but I’m still playing around with them and trying to perfect things…
Hey Darleen,
I’m glad you’ve found what works for you! Keep up the good work and thank you for sharing 🙂
Two things ~ I’m disappointed in your recommendation to supplement with hormone D, as it depletes magnesium and increases calcium absorption in soft tissue. Simply supplementing with a good magnesium will raise hormone d levels. Also, I have taken a Life Extension Zinc with copper supplement, but every time I get nauseous immediately, even with food. Any ideas on why?
Excellent article otherwise!
Thank You!
Hey Deb,
No problem and I would consider zinc without the copper, or at least checking your copper/zinc ratio prior to supplementing.
Would you recommend all of these for someone with no thyroid as well?
Yes
Hello! I have Hashimoto and I take selenium pills every day. What do you think should take selenium each day? Or should take the pills within a certain period? Laboratory analyzes are very expensive… Thanks! 🙂
Hey Tiia,
It depends on the person and what is going on with their antibodies and thyroid function.
Supplementing Zinc and Selenium without being tested for deficiencies is incorrect… Too much Zinc causes issues with Copper… And too much Selenium causes more issues.
Great assumption, but where’s the data showing that testing is an adequate indicator of tissue levels of zinc/copper/selenium? In addition, where are the studies showing that supplementing to these “normal” levels actually has clinical benefit? There’s a test for everything nowadays, but what good are they if they don’t give you any actionable data?
My recommendations are based on treating hundreds of patients. What is your recommendation based on? You say they cause issues but do you even know what issues they cause? It sounds like you are just regurgitating what you’ve read elsewhere.
Love that response….100% correct!!
Hi. I have used iodine, but noticed antibodies increased and TSH was slightly higher, although within the accepted parameters. It may have been due to iodine. I told my doctor and she said iodine can in fact exacerbate things. She did say it was a bad move on my side.
Hi Carmo,
Iodine is an essential nutrient and required for thyroid function. If you take it with selenium, it’s perfectly safe, even for Hashimoto’s.
Hello Dr. Childs,
I was recently diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH 3.75 and FT3 2.3) after struggling with vague but frustrating symptoms (persistent weight gain, hair loss, depression). My doctor put me on 10 mcg of T3 medication and things have been getting slightly better.
However, I have been wondering what the underlying cause of my sluggish thyroid might be. I’d prefer to not be on medicine forever.
I had the lab test me for serum iodine and the results came back below the range at 29.1 ug/L (range: 40 – 92). I know there is a lot of controversy around iodine and whether this is a reliable test. Should this low reading concern me? Is it possible that I am iodine deficient and that is what is causing my hypo symptoms? I have tested negative for thyroid antibodies three separate times, so I know the source of my thyroid trouble isn’t autoimmune in nature.
Thank you for your time and thoughts. I appreciate it!
Wow, Sarah! Your TSH is hiiiigh!!! Did they also test your reverse T3 and T4? If you are on facebook, I would also recommend joining the group “Hashimoto’s 411.” You’ll learn a lot from people who walk the same journey.
Best wishes!
~deb
I just ordered BioGanix extra strength thyroid support before I found your site. The bottle calls for taking two capsules a day and contains 150 mcg of iodine in each capsule. Do you think this is too much to start off with or is it a small enough amount? Also I have been taking Levothyroxine for a few years. I am convinced it is making m gain weight as I do Crossfit 4 days a weeks and eat relatively healthy. I have thought about trying Nature-throid. What do you usually put your patients on?
thank you.
Hey Alicia,
Each patient is different and requires a different dose and type of medication or a combination of thyroid medications.
I love you’re thorough explanations in EVEYTHING I’m literally at an all time low I have been on levo for 4 years now for hashimotos my gen doctor just keeps adjusting my levels I really really just want to feel normal again 🙁 I’m a 28 yr old guy with my whole life ahead of me the levo worked in the beginning I seriously feel like I’m at a standstill now! I’m constantly tired no energy in pain high anxiety insomnia and depression I wish I could even comprehend on where to go from here i wish I could just make an appointment with you and advice on who to find what to look for? I’m begging for help! Thank you
Hey Ricardo,
I’m glad you’ve found it to be helpful! It’s my experience that most patients do far better when their thyroid medication has T3 in it. Unfortunately finding a provider to give you the medication can be difficult. Treating hashimoto’s also requires some degree of educated guesswork with trial and error – it usually takes me about 4 months to get people significant improvement in their symptoms. If possible try to find a doctor who shares a similar practice philosophy as me nearby.
Trying to find a Dr who has greater knowledge of thyroid disorders, and works by more than the traditional thyroid blood testing, is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. A very large haystack! In my experience in 16 yrs, they treat off of blood work versus patient symptoms. It’s extremely frustrating when I KNOW there is a way to feel better. At the same time it is extremely overwhelming to try to figure it all out on your own. With so much info out there it’s so confusing!
Hello. I agree with you. I had my left thyroidectomy done for Papillary Thyroid cancer. My endocrinologist suggested I just have the right side removed and go through radioactive iodine treatment because it would make her job easier to treat my Hashimotos.. Needless to say she is no longer my doctor. I’ve since changed to a new one. Still won’t prescribe T3 though. So I’m trying on my own as well.
Best of luck.
Hi Pam,
I would recommend checking out this resource which can help you find a competent thyroid doctor: https://www.restartmed.com/how-to-find-a-doctor-to-treat-your-thyroid/
You most likely will not find one in the conventional system (endo or otherwise).
I am 43 and have had Hashimoto’s for 5 years, my thyroid is still in good condition. In the beginning the doctor tried me on levothyroxine it made me 10x worse, she tried me on armor & again I had the same problem. I decided to try a natural approach and decided to treat my symptoms not the disease, since I was told I would have it for the rest of my life and there isn’t a cure. The one vitamin that has helped me from taking 4 naps a day has been one called Thyro-slim. I take a high dosage of vitamin D, Vitamin C, Calcium, Magnesium, Probiotics, Enzymes, Omega 3, and Coconut Oil. Lately though, in the last 6 months, I have been feeling sluggish again. I feel this is because of the depression medication I had to get back on about a year ago. I’m not sure if they are co-related but I’m not sure where else the sluggishness could be stemming from. However I don’t feel that I can get off my meds yet. There were a few vitamins you mentioned above that I am going to try. I also recently was told that different foods you eat can effect the different antibody that is effecting you. Last time I was tested about 6 months ago, my thyro-perixodase antibodies were at 67, my anti-globulin ones were fine. So I heard that certain foods will make your thyro-perixodase antibodies increase, foods that I was putting in my morning juice like spinach & apples. Very upsetting especially since I loved drinking my morning green juice it always made me feel better and helped me keep the weight off. I have an allergic intolerance to whey, gluten, soy, & Sulfites. Needless to say this makes my diet very hard. Besides trying the supplements you mentioned above do you have any other recommendations? Also my libido is in the toilet this has been since the beginning, which has been a curse for me, since I used to have a very active imagination that would help me write romance, but since it’s non existent I can’t seem to write it anymore. Would you have any hints on how to get that back on track as well? I would so appreciate any help in this matter. Thank you so much for trying to help all those like myself who feel lost in this battle we are having with our own body.
Hey Michelle,
Make sure you look into your androgens, so especially DHEA and testosterone. If you have low testosterone (most Hashimoto’s patients do) you can consider using transdermal testosterone to boost libido and to also help reduce antibody levels. In addition look into insulin levels which help drive down testosterone levels.
Dr. Childs,
Is there a brand that you suggest for the DHEA & the testerone? I’m intolerant to whey, gluten, soy, & Sulfites.
Thank you for your help in this matter. I’m looking forward to living again, instead of feeling like a zombie!
Sincerely,
Michelle
Testosterone is a prescription, for DHEA you can try it but I generally recommend taking it via the transdermal route which is also prescription – so you would need to see a Doctor to get either or both.
I started taking 5-htp for the same symptoms, because I can’t handle SSRI or other type of depression/anxiety medication. It could be low serotonin levels from SAD or an unbalanced Axis. This has helped greatly with my sleep, blues, my anxiety, concentration, and fatigue. It is a precursor for serotonin, so if you have low serotonin it might help. It is not indicated to be used concomitantly with certain types of antidepressants. I also take adrenal support from gXXX, multivitamins + selenium (recommended by my endo cousin). I am on 25 mcg of levothyroxin, and 5 mcg cytomel daily. It was the 5-htp that made a difference with sluggishness I attributed to hypothyroidism.
Can you give me any advice on drinking alcohol as a patient with Hashimoto?
I hear from some to not drink at all and others that one drink is ok so I am unsure of what to do.
Is it because of the drugs I am on (synthroid, liothyronine) the reason not to drink or is it that not having my thyroid working makes alcohol bad for me?
Would love your take on this- thank you!
Hey Lynda,
I recommend avoidance of alcohol due to a number of reasons, including but not limited to the excess strain in puts on your liver.
My TPO’s are over 1000 but my TSH is normal. Hashimoto’s that has not affected my thyroid yet according to MD. U/S shows diffuse, enlarged thyroid “consistent with Hashi’s”. Inability to lose weight, severe anxiety, all over pain (“fibromyalgia”), and severe fatigue 24/7. Just treat with supplements at this point and see if any improvement? I take “Natural Calm” (magnesium drink), but nothing else right now. Thanks much!
Hey Dena,
Treatment is a matter of perspective in these cases. In my opinion patients who have hashimoto’s (especially active inflammation) + symptoms should get treated with thyroid hormone. It seems your provider feels differently.
Hello Dr Childs, below are my recent blood results. I’ve been taking Levothyroxine 0.100 mg for a little while now and my symptoms seem to have worstened. I feel sluggish and depressed and have gained a lot of weight. In addition I feel that the medication was making me edgy and not myself. I stopped taking Levothyroixine for 3 days now and am trying to get a referral to see an endocrinologist pending the results of a thyroid ultrasound. A couple of years back I was told that I have nodules on my thyroid. I am now on a grain and Soy free vegan diet but it has still been hard for me to lose any weight. Any suggestions on supplements or on how to tackle Hashimotos? Thank you Dr.
Free T3 2.7 pg/ml
Reverse T3 19 my/dl
Free T4 1.1
TSH 4.26 mIU/I
Thyroid peroxidase Antibodies 515 IU/ml
Thyroglobulin Antibodies 4IU/ml
Hey Kirsten,
You will need much more comprehensive blood testing to figure out which supplements you will do best on. You can find more info here: https://www.restartmed.com/thyroid-supplements/
Hi I was diagnosed with hashimotos 12months ago and take 100mg of levothyroxine. My tsh is 1.5 and I have just been told I have iron deficiency. My antibodies are 1300 and I am 34. I have so many symptoms and feel so fed up I am backwards and forwards to the Dr’s and not getting anywhere. Where do I start with vitamins etc
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2011 and have been on 100mcg of Levothroid since then. I’m almost 39 now and my husband and I have been TTC for almost a year and a half now to no avail. I just got my thyroid retested and requested from more in depth tests instead of just TSH. TSH came back at 1.58, Free T4: 1.1, Total T3: 84 but TPO AB at 246! Could this be causing my infertility? I have Kaiser and so far they have not responded about my test results and it’s been almost a week. Looking for recommendations to help my condition. Thanks!
Hey Stephanie,
It’s possible but impossible to say without further evaluation and work up.
Good morning!
I have Hashimoto Disease and Celiac Disease, both of which I seem to finally have a firm regulated grip on. However, staying at a steady weight is easy, losing is difficult.
I am going to start eating more paleo, and to heal my gut along with taking more than Just Vitamin D as i do have a deficiency. What is your suggestion to help me start to lose now that i’ve managed my weight to stop gaining?
I have hashimotos. I am seein a dr who put me on naturethroid but now refuses to raise the dose anymore because the tsh is .8. My ft4 is below range at .7. I am depressed. I have tried 2 brands of selenium. I seem to get high anxiety and heart palps later in the day from it. I cannot find info on that happening to anyone. My selenium was tested at 230 mcg. In range.
Hey Elaine,
It could be the naturethroid cuasing the issues or your adrenals.
Hi Dr. Child’s,
Thank you for this site. I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s with hypothyroidism. I am on synthroid. It seems to be helping but it remains to be seen if I am on the right levels. Since I am new to all this my question is: do I really need to go gluten free? Dairy free? I do not feel like I’ve had any issues with food but I do have a few symptoms of having a “leaky gut” when it comes to alcohol. So yes, easy answer is to avoid that but does it mean I need to be gluten free?
Dr do you recommend L-tyrosine supplement for Hashimoto?
Hey Kirsten,
Generally not.
What about a vitamin B? What is your take in thyroid grandular? How much adrenL glandular do you recommend 350?
Hey Holly,
It just depends on the person and the severity of their disease.
I was on synthroid .150 for over 12 yrs. I have Hashimotos with a total thyroidectomy. Last year late Dec 2015. I switched to nature-throid 2 grain. I took that for 11 months. And switched back to Synthroid Nov 2016. I was 100% allergic to T3. I was miserable. Plagued with migraines and blackout spells 5-7 days a week. I never lost weight, and none of the miracle life changing things that I read about after taking Nature-throid happened for me. I’m stuck at my heaviest weight due to the year of pure hell being on the nature-throid. I actually gained 17 lbs! It’s been approximately 8 weeks of being back on synthroid. My issues with migraines have drastically diminished.I’m down to 1 migraine every 7-9 days now. I’m feeling so much better being back on synthroid. I’m going to start taking some additional supplements to help me even more. I just wanted to put it out there that nature-throid, armour, porcine products just aren’t for everyone. Please do your research before changing thyroid meds you may be sorry in the end…. and if natural thyroid meds work for you, great! Just keep in mind this isn’t a cookie cutter disease.
Hey Kami,
Thanks for sharing your story. Unfortunately the story is even more complex than NDT doesn’t work for everyone (though I do agree with that statement). In your case you were most likely reacting to an inactive ingredient or you simply didn’t have a high enough dose. Just because naturethroid didn’t work for you doesn’t mean WP thyroid wouldn’t, etc. I would also point out that you (or other patients) have no way of knowing what/how they will react to medications until they actually try them, so no amount of research can really prepare patients for switching medications.
The bottom line is that each person is unique and that needs to be taken into account while titrating and changing thyroid medications.
I have hashimotos. It went undiagnosed for years. At this point my body has become resistant to natural thyroid requiring large doses that send me into hyper state and blood pressure soaring. I have been researching and found Low Dose Naltrexone has been successful in lower inflamation levels in autoimmune diseases. What are your thoughts on Low Dose Naltrexone? Pradeep Chopra wrote the article
Hey Deborah,
You may just be dealing with reverse T3 issues, most patients (by the time they need to see me) I generally drop their NDT dose and increase their T3 only dose and have great results.
In regards to LDN I do use it frequently and have discussed how I use it in multiple case studies on my site and in this article as well: https://www.restartmed.com/naltrexone-weight-loss/
Hi
My 18 yr old doughter has been diagnosed with hashimoto for the past year. I’m not 100 percent sure of her tests results of recent but is on 150mg of thyroxine daily . She has extremely high antibodies . IIn the 1000s. As a teenager that danced 24/7 after school hours including weekend completions etc was fit and energetic. We are now extreme opposite.
Initially I thought the weight gain was for to a knee operation that stopped the dancing dreams. The moods were to being a teenager and depression from missing out on her dreams.
After diagnosis we hoped the metabolism would adjust . But no. I have learnt since about leaky gut etc . I am hoping to have her try the recommended supplements and encourage continually gluten free and low sugar foods. Although I feel that her body and fatigue craves these in a effort to increase the energy levels . Of course costs make it difficult to retain a specialist to continue blood tests to check these various hormone and chemical levels .Would you recommend the supplements without further testing.?
I beleive her t3 and t4 are at reasonable levels last I knew.
She no longer lives at home and is studying at uni and working . This is concerning as the energy required to meet deadlines and pay bills is exhausting for anyone without thyroid issues.
I can supply my daughter with the supplements. Her main concern is the weight gain and difficulty in losing it. Very depressing for a young girl. Adding exercise in the day is almost impossible.
Thank you for your time .
Hey Inese,
Probably the single best thing she can do is clean up her diet, cut out sugar, and cut out refined carbs (preferably gluten free as well). There is really no reason to waste money trying various things until she is ready to commit to this step. If she is unwilling to make this change then long term improvement will be very limited. The good news is that she will probably experience a significant improvement with this one change alone (though it will most likely not take her to 100%), but it should be the first step.
I can’t speak to the supplements and her labs because she isn’t my patient, but it would be a good idea to try some supplements in addition to the dietary changes for maximum benefit.
I was recently diagnosed with hoshimoto and I’m looking for vitamin c recommendations. Do you have one you recommend?
Hey Rebecca,
Yes – this is the one that I personally use: http://amzn.to/2jkiD3w
Hello,
Thank you for the information you provide on your blog and your videos. I am going to try some of the supplements that you recommend. My questions are:
1. Can they all be taken at the same time or is it better to take some in the morning & others at night?
2. Can I assume these supplements will not interfere with thyroid medication?
Thanks for your advice!
Hey Kathleen,
How to take each supplement is outlined in the post above, and all supplements should be taken away from your thyroid medication due to potential absorption issues.
Super helpful article Dr. Childs. I am a 60 year old women, physically active and not overweight. I have had hypothyroidism/hashimoto disease for the past 20 years. For last few years i have been on Tirosint 100mcg. Recent blood panel showed with std. range TSH 3.80 m/U/L even though I had stopped taking Tirosint for over one month, although i hate being dependent on Tirosint I did begin taking it again. Also, my B12 was 1569 pg/mL indicating High level so i stopped taking my sublingual B12 and am suffering brain fog and fatigue. Would you recommend continued used of B12 regardless of the High level? I also have high cholesterol 245 total/160 LDL but refuse to take Lipitor. I have added all your recommended supplements to my shopping list and look forward to any feedback you may have. Again thanks so much for your article.
Hey Patricia,
Serum B12 levels are a terrible indicator of cellular B12 levels and mean relatively little in the grand scheme of things. You can find more about to assess B12 in this article: https://www.restartmed.com/b12-shots/
Hi,
I am on a limited budget. Which supplement would you recommend in getting started.
I have Hashimoto’s Thyrodis and have severe IBS.
Thank you
Danielle
Hey Danielle,
There is no “best” supplement necessarily, instead I would focus on whatever your biggest problem is based on symptoms and labs and then go from there.
hi doctor i have this lab result and all doctors here playing game with me i need your advice please
THYROID PEROXIDASE ANTIBODIES >900 H
CHOLESTEROL, TOTAL 212 H 125-200 mg/dL KS
HDL CHOLESTEROL 31 L > OR = 40 mg/dL KS
TRIGLYCERIDES 434 H <150 mg/dL KS
i tryed many doctor many things but still my life misreble
The large problem that I have with all these great people who what to truly put the word out and help all of us with this horrible Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis…….is just ONE HUGE THING! GREED!!! I can’t a straight answer from anyone for going on 19 years! I have great health care, so no issues there. I get on to all these sites and I try to do as much research I can and then a “WOW” word pops out! Great, finally starting to get somewhere…..oh but only if I order YOUR BOOK or YOUR Supplements or get on YOUR webinar. How about this! Why don’t all of the docs get together and make enough women so sick that their begging for cures, fixes, anything to get back to any kind of life at all!?!?!?!? OH WAIT……WE ARE ALREADY THERE!!
I don’t want pity! I want someone to give me my life back! One that I was proudly serving my family and country!!!
Hey Stacy,
You can find my entire webinar here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy5ep4BhT5Q
Does Vitamin B1 help at all with Hashimoto’s? Thank you.
Dr Child’s I have been struggling with uncontrolled hoshimotos since 2013. Prior to that my hypothyroidism was well controlled. Now my numbers are: tsh 0.01, t4f 0.55,t3f 3.83 and RT3 is 8.7. I continue to gain weight despite trying a very low calorie Dr led diet, keto, paleo, and weight watchers. I have literally gained 35 lbs in 4 months. I am now taking 1 grain WP thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and $1,000 worth of supplements. Please tell me what to do?
I’m 23 and was diagnosed with Hashimotos last year, along with some of the vitamins listed above (Selenium, Vitamin D3, vitamin B12) I am also taking Iron 16mg, Thytrophin PMG, and A-F Betafood, and a daily multi vitamin.. I plan to start Zinc as well. I know it seems like a lot, what is your input? I’m not on the prescription either..
Hello Dr. Childs,
That was a very informative supplement article.Thank you! Is this info also applicable to non-Hashimoto hypo patients?(I am Hypo but not Hashi).
I have been taking 12.5mg of iodoral for the past 6 months to help with fibrocystic breasts and this has helped greatly. But for hypothyroid issues, do you think this is too high of a dose and can hurt the thyroid gland?
In your article you recommend both Iodoral and Kelp as Iodine supplement. Can either be used for hypo based on personal choice or both serve different purposes? Little confused here.Please comment. Thank you…
Hi Jules,
You can find more information for general hypothyroidism and supplementation here: https://www.restartmed.com/thyroid-supplements/
Are there any supplements on this list that you strongly advise to use, or NOT use, while breastfeeding? My daughter is over 12 months, but still nurses several times per day. I have hypothyroidism and autoimmune issues, and though I’m supplemented with Synthroid, I still struggle daily with multiple symptoms.
Dr. Childs, your blog is totally helpful….I did buy all these supplements but I have not used any of them because I’m doubtful since I don’t know how to read my blood test. And, I still can’t find a doctor who can explain all my blood test….my doctor is usually helpful, but short and keeps telling me all my test have not changed or are fine….I am never sure what that means.
These are my particulars for 2017:
High Sensitivity TSH 3.290
Free T4 0.96
Free T3 2.7
Ferritin 18.6
Hb A1C 5.5
Magnesium 1.9
TRF %Sat 13
Cholesterol 222
Triglyceride 239
HDL/Chol Perc 19.4
LDL Calc 131
Vitamin B12 1177
Vitamin D 25-OH 15.6
Thyroglobulin AB 429
SGPT (ALT) 46
ANION GAP 19
I’m a 45 yr old female at 177lbs and I just feel like I’m losing my mind with this HASHIMOTO’s thing…..I am so scared of what all this really means to me….what I do know is I’m afraid to eat, I am always tired and the tipping point came when I didn’t recognize my own daughter for a good 15 secs…I literally didn’t know who she was but I recognized the face….I really want to understand these blood tests so that maybe I can help myself better until I find the right doctor.
–KYAS.
Hi KYAS,
The single best thing you can do is find someone willing to work with you and listen to you and evaluate your lab tests in conjunction with your symptoms. A bunch of lab tests by themselves are relatively useless without accompanying symptoms and a full history.
Kyas,
I’m a layperson like yourself and had to educate myself to understand what thyroid disease is all about. Most doctors never identify the problem so they never solve the problem.
They only treat people’s symptoms so no one is ever healed.
If you want to be well, you need to do your homework.
Please read Suzy Cohen’s book entitled Thyroid Healthy, Lose Weight, Look Beautiful and Live the Life You Imagine. It runs about $16. It will give you a basic understanding of what normal thyroid levels should be and what tests you need. Her website offers many free e-books and Hashimoto’s Diets with lots of recipes. Most of us are thyroid sick. Looking at your blood test, I can tell you that your Triglycerides are high. They measure the amount of sugar and carbs in the diet, not fat as previously thought. Too much sugar damages the brain. If your brain is unhealthy, so is your gut as they are related. You need to reduce your sugar and carb intake and start eating organic healthy fruits, vegetables, and grass fed meats/chicken etc. Do not use artificial sweetners as they are damaging to the brain also. If you eat the standard American diet, which is filled with genetically modified junk, chemicals, gluten, you will never be well. Go gluten free, no alcohol, and start eating clean. You are what you eat and can digest. Your TSH is high which indicates an autoimmune problem, your T4 (inactive hormone in blood which mostly goes to the brain) is empty, and your T3 (active hormone which evaluates your thyroid) is low so you have no energy. You probably need Cytomel prescribed. Anion Gap measures the acidity in your blood. You are eating mostly acidic foods so you are not balanced. You need more alkaline foods. Look at the range for each test provided by the lab to see where your value falls. SGPT or ALT measures liver enzymes. It tells of your Liver and Heart Function. Your value seems high to me but I don’t know what the standard range is for your test. Your Thyroglubulin Antibodies seem very high to me. It means your thyroid is under attack. Your cholesterol is find as most of your brain is cholesterol. Our bodies make cholesterol and it needs to get into trillions of cells. Don’t let anyone put you on cholesterol lowering drugs or you will get dimentia. You need to read up on thyroid disease, find a good doctor to start treating you, and change your diet.
what pre-natal supplement would you recommend for Pregnant woman with Hashimoto desease.
Hello. I read your article and started two weeks ago on 50 mg on Zinc (split into twice daily at 25 each time), Selenium 200mg twice daily, a soil based probiotic once daily, a D3 5,000 IU’s once a day, B12 sublingual 2000mg once a day, I also take a regular womens multi vitamin. I have had some vaginal bleeding since starting. Its outside of my regular period and has been constant for about two weeks. I feel a lot better and I am finally dropping some weight but I was wondering if this is normal in women. I am also on 75 mcg of Levothyroxine and 10 mcg twice daily on liothyronine.
I have Hypothyroidism and gave been taking meds for 25 years now. 7 or so years ago, I was diagnosed with Sjogrens Syndrome. I suffer with joint pain everyday of my life along with extreme fatigue and no energy. I have a terrible problem with hair loss and my hair is very sorry, brittle and very dry. What are your suggestions for these symptoms? Thank you
Hi Pam,
You can learn more about hair regrowth here: https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroid-hair-regrowth-complex/
Hello, I am glad I stumbled on to your site.I had my thyroid removed a year ago because I had a tumor. They tested me every month for about 4 months, they are now testing me around 6 months. I have been at the 150 level of levothyroxine since a month after removal. I don’t feel that it is working but the doctor said my labs are normal. They were normal even before they found the tumor. The only way they found it was I requested an ultrasound on my throat because my older sister had cancer on her thyroid. Which she said her labs were also normal and an ultrasound was how they found it. So I was wondering if you recommend the same supplements for me as well?
Hi Rhonda,
You will find the recommendations on this page to be more helpful to your situation: https://www.restartmed.com/thyroid-support/
I found your artical very informative. I’ve had a low thyroid condition for 45 years. I have been very low to the high normal. It’s been up and down. In summer its normal to higher and come fall it drops. My dosages have ranged from 300 mcg to 750. I’ve been on a number of different thyroid medications. It wasn’t till 2 weeks ago that I came across an artical on Adrenal Gland. So I’m now studying about that and how to heal it. But I will take all you have said and apply it to what I already know and am doing and hoping I will have a better winter this year.
As a last comment all you have reported is right on. For those that can’t lose weight maybe suggest getting checked for Celica disease.
Helllo Dr Childs. Above you mention that “In my patients I prefer and recommend soil based organisms.” However the probiotic supplement that you recommend doesn’t seem to be soil-based. Can you explain a little more? Thank you for your help.
Hi Johanna,
I’ve changed some of my recommendations and will update this post to reflect those changes in 2018. The supplement I recommend is correct but the reason/logic hasn’t been updated yet.
I cured my hypothyroidism and my related thyroid eye disease by taking only 3 supplements: Magnesium, vitamin C and selenium, thanks to the abundance of research on the topic including the following:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214647414000282
I was diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism a year and a half ago. I started on Nature Throid and immediately felt better. I am a very active mom and a runner and was so thankful to finally have my energy back. However, the issue of hair loss that I already had worsened considerably. In fact, it comes out in wads in the shower and is all over my clothes throughout the day. I am suffering from anxiety and even starting to feel depressed from this now. I have never been a depressed person in my life. I am 47 and definitely approaching menopause. My NP put me on a testosterone cream and recently a projesterone cream. (My testosterone was a 12). She indicated my vitamin D was 68 and my B-12 level was excellent. I supplement with both. However, my ferritin was at 20. The last bloodwork also showed my TSH at 2.57 and my Free T3 at 2.4. She said my T3 is too low and wants to increase my NDT. My only concern is the major hair loss I am experiencing and it worsening. I don’t know what to do. Do you have any advice?
Thank you!
Gloria
Hi Gloria,
Yes, you can follow the several tips outlined in this article here: https://www.restartmed.com/thyroid-hair-loss/
You can also learn more about supplements that may help here: https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroid-hair-regrowth-complex/
I have a friend with Hypo who takes Bladderwrack daily as well as her thyroid meds and feels ten times better than when she was just taking the tyroid meds alone. I have been trying to do some research to see if there is any science behind it, but a lot of what I read says not to pair the two. I’m looking for something to pair with my Synthroid (just boosted to 75mcg/day) to help me feel better. No energy, constipation, headaches, and dry skin are my main complaints.
thank you!!
I had my thyroid removed 2 years ago. I take 125 of synthroid and feel horrible. I’ve been to 3 different doctors to tell them I feel horrible but they all want to give me an anti-depressent. I’m tired, I can’t loose weight, my joints and muscles hurt all the time and the list goes on. My thyroid was so large I had a hard time swallowing do they removed it. My Gerd is once again back. I’m at my wit’s end. No one tells me nothing. Is this as good as it gets?
Many of the supplements you recommend are your own brand. How do I get hold of these in the UK? Thanks!
Hi Dr. Child’s,
I have severe leg cramps and am wondering if this could be related to Hashimotos? If so, what do you recommend I do?
Regards,
Millie
Hi Millie,
It’s a possibility but leg cramps could also be due to something like magnesium deficiency.
Hi! I have hypothyroidism and most likely hashi’s due to my antibodies being high on my last BT. On doing research I also think I have adrenal fatigue due to continued wearyness and acheyness especially in armpits and legs on a regular basis.I am using Thyroid-S and my T4/T3 are in range and my TSH low. I am considering Ashwagandha but confused about all the conflicting information on whether it is advisable with hashi’s. I do not want to worsen my condition, however, it sounds good if it works. I take a multivit with iron, selenium and magnesium. Do you think Ashwagandha would help? I am sick of feeling like I am wading through treacle.
Had a total thyroidectomy 5 years ago. I’m on Synthroid 125 and feel great. Weight is an issue but I’m 63 and female work out and do Keto. I eat Brazil nuts for selenium. Would this supplement benefit me?
Hi Kim,
This article contains a list of several different supplements, but the answer is that they will most likely help you even if you are eating Brazil Nuts.
Hi, I have dealt with hypothyroidism diagnosed over 30 years ago now and only have treated with Synthroid or in more recent years levothyroxine. I am now interested in supplements and possibly switching to a more natural thyroid medication, so weighing all this great info. My weight has climbed slowly over these many years, but recently with probable menopause starting, it has gotten to the highest point ever, resulting in my recent research. My biggest question so far is about gut health. I used to be constipated a lot in my younger days, but in recent years, it seems to be the opposite, mostly loose and occasionally IBS. I am NEVER constipated anymore. What is likely the cause of this? I didn’t see much info on here, other than the recommendation about using GI Revive for leaky gut/intestinal permeability. My doctor said she wasn’t concerned as long as it wasn’t diarrhea, but my suspicion is that I’m not processing nutrients sufficiently. P.S. I also have had alopecia universalis all of my adult life (autoimmune-related), and recently have struggled with low iron and fatigue. Any suggestions?
Hi Davina,
In terms of supplement recommendations, I would take a look at this guide: https://www.restartmed.com/supplement-guide/
Thyroid patients tend to suffer from gastrointestinal issues due to how thyroid hormone impacts intestinal motility. To figure out which issue you are suffering from you may need further testing.
Love your work! Thanks, doc!
Hi Faiza,
Thanks! Hope you find it helpful!
Thank you for taking the time to write all of this. Sometimes I get lost reading your blogs, and actually enjoy learning more about the nitty-gritty of the thyroid and treatments. I’m building up my probiotics in my gut before going for the gut bomb. But, looking forward to it.
Hi Jenny,
You’re welcome! Glad you find the information helpful.
Dr. Childs
I was diagnosed with Hashimotos back in 2016. my question is how often should one get an antibodies test once diagnosed. In march of this year I began to have the same symptoms as when I was first diagnosed. my GP only test my TSH which she did 3 years prior to being diagnosed. I am currently on Levothyroxine 75Mcg
I love the article thank you for the information.
Hi Carol,
I check them every 3-6 months on average. It’s a good idea to keep tabs on them as you change up your therapies and try new things.
Hi,
can you comment the following article quoting the research that implies that iodine supplementation might actually not be beneficial for Hashimoto’s (or even its cause):
https://drhedberg.com/iodine-hashimotos-disease/
Regards,
John
Hi John,
I would take a look at this article for more information: https://www.restartmed.com/hashimotos-iodine/
Excellent article ! I was just diagnosed w hashimotos and recently bought your complete supplement. Does your supplement include all the above that you recommend for hashimotos? Thankyou
Hi Eileen,
It depends on which one you purchased! I have over 20+ products but if you got the Hashimoto’s bundle then you are covered: https://www.restartmed.com/product/hashimotos-bundle/
Hi Dr. CHILDS
Thank you for great and useful info. I’m trying to learn and understand, because my doctors won’t explain.
For now my T3,T4 and TSH are in normal range (used to have hyperthyroidism). Not been medicated and just supplemented myself with zinc and selenium every day for the past few years. Still have my antibodies high in 132.4.
Hi Valerie,
Glad you found the information helpful! There’s lots more to check out as well on my blog: https://www.restartmed.com/blog/
Could Grape Seed Extract be a useful supplement? (since it’s “similar” to Pycnogenol)
Hi Norbert,
Grape seed extract is still beneficial but my experience suggests that pycnogenol is superior for the immune aspect of Hashimoto’s.
Dr. Childs I have just had my thyroid and parathyroid glands removed because of large nodules on the thyroid. Which TWO supplements do you recommend . I cannot afford more than two. I am Canadian and my friend in Florida would order them for me. I am presently on synthroid. I am experiencing painful muscle spasms several times a day and during the night. I have extreme fatigue.
Hi Sharon,
I would go with these two:
https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroid-glandular-plus/
https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroid-daily-essentials-thyroid-multivitamin/
Hello, what about an omega 3 DHA/EPA from algal oil? Could something like that be used instead of the fish oils?
Hi B B,
I haven’t done research on whether or not omegas from plant sources are equal to those from animal sources in terms of benefits. I would assume that they are likely similar in their effects but I would need to confirm with research before I could definitely give an answer on that.
Hello! I was told by my endocrinologist not to take ashwaghanda , sorry if I spelled it wrong, due to the fact that it stimulates the immune system and with Hashimoto our immune system is already in high gear and that it could create more symptoms. Is this not true? Would love to take it if I could.
Hi Amy,
That is not true. Ashwagandha is great for those with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s.