Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Causes, Natural Treatment Options

Do you ever have those days at work or school where you spend the last few hours just thinking of the comfort of your bed because you are so tired? We’ve also been there; it happens to the best of us! Here’s another question for you – do you ever have days where you are so tired despite not doing any real work?

It just seems like you wake up tired, are tired during the day, and go to bed tired. Well, this is not normal, and you may be among the 39 million Americans with a condition called hypothyroidism. 

Unlike your regular fatigue, hypothyroidism is a serious condition that can cause several symptoms, lead to multiple complications, and ultimately result in death. Unfortunately, the number of people who had hypothyroidism two decades ago was estimated to be around 13 million, which is a testament to just how seriously this condition should be taken. Fortunately, though, the condition is very manageable with different treatment options.

However, the number of patients with untreated hypothyroidism has only grown over the years. This may be because many people don’t even know they have the condition in the first place, ending up suffering in silence. Also, some are uninterested in the care that conventional treatment promises for any condition that affects them. 

Regardless of the reason behind the increasing cases of untreated hypothyroidism, the condition is a serious one, and it is critical to understand what the condition is and its symptoms, as well as the different treatment options for its management, conventional and functional included.

What Is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition that results from an underproduction of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland (a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck). The main thyroid hormones are thyroxine or tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones. Thyroid hormones have the primary function of controlling the body’s metabolism, growth, and other vital bodily functions. 

The brain controls the production of thyroid hormones by other hormones known as the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamus and the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the anterior pituitary gland. 

Here’s how it works. The hypothalamus (a structure in the brain) releases TRH, which then tells the pituitary gland (also in the brain, the main gland that secretes body hormones) to release TSH into the blood. This TSH then makes its way to the thyroid gland and stimulates the release of the thyroid glands. In hypothyroidism, there is a problem in at least one of these stages, resulting in an underactive thyroid gland. 

There are two main categories of hypothyroidism:

• Primary hypothyroidism: Occurs when the thyroid gland cannot produce enough thyroid hormones to meet the body’s needs. This is by far the most common type of hypothyroidism, accounting for around 99% of all cases.
• Central hypothyroidism: Occurs when there is a problem with the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland rather than the thyroid gland itself. If the problem is with the pituitary gland, this is called secondary hypothyroidism. On the other hand, if the problem is with the hypothalamus, this is called tertiary hypothyroidism. 

Hypothyroidism can also be classified as overt or subclinical. TSH levels are high in overt hypothyroidism, and free thyroxine levels are low. In contrast, TSH levels are slightly higher in subclinical hypothyroidism than normal, but free thyroxine levels are normal. 

What Are the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism?

Here are some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Enlarged thyroid gland
• Mental problems, including anxiety, depression, confusion
• Intolerance to cold
• Dry skin
• Brittle hair
• Joint and muscle pain
• Irregular periods

These symptoms occur differently in different people. In fact, some people may not even have symptoms at all despite tests showing that they have the condition. 

What Causes Hypothyroidism?

The primary cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune condition known as Hashimoto’s disease. This condition occurs when the immune system mistakes the thyroid cells as foreign and attacks them, reducing the function of the thyroid gland. Other causes include thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid), previous treatment on the thyroid gland (with radiation or surgery), congenital (from birth), and some medications (like amiodarone and lithium).

Conventional Treatment of Hypothyroidism

The conventional treatment of hypothyroidism revolves around replacing the underproduced thyroid hormones. Different options can achieve this, including levothyroxine therapy, non-levothyroxine thyroid hormone therapy, thyroid hormone analogs, thyroid extracts, triiodothyronine therapy, synthetic combination therapy, and compounded thyroid hormones. The preferred option by a wide margin is levothyroxine therapy. 

Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of the thyroid hormone thyroxine, and when taken, it serves to replace the function of thyroxine. Most cases of overt hypothyroidism in hospitals are managed with levothyroxine, and it has been that way since the 1970s.

In fact, estimates show that levothyroxine is the fourth-most used prescription drug in the United States, which just reflects its dominance over other treatment options for hypothyroidism. The starting dose of the medication is usually the same, although conventional health practitioners usually make changes later on depending on the symptoms, age, hormone levels, underlying health conditions, and other patient characteristics. 

Conventional medicine relies almost exclusively on levothyroxine for the management of hypothyroidism. While there are definitely pros to the use of this medication, like its efficacy in the management of hypothyroidism symptoms, ease of administration, and low cost, medical practitioners often have a problem with undertreatment and overtreatment with levothyroxine therapy. As much as 60% of patients who use levothyroxine do not achieve the desired TSH range.

Overtreatment should never be used in the management of hypothyroidism as it can have severe health implications, like atrial fibrillation and osteoporosis. There are still patients who believe that levothyroxine treatment is not effective in restoring optimum health despite how common levothyroxine is.

Functional Medicine Treatment of Hypothyroidism

The functional medicine approach to the management of hypothyroidism does not revolve around the use of medications unlike conventional medicine. Instead, functional medicine aims to support the patient’s health and relieve the condition’s symptoms. Functional medicine achieves healing by identifying the potential root causes and possible triggers of the condition, allowing functional medicine practitioners to take the right steps to treat the patient and ensure full relief from the condition. 

Functional medicine practitioners also treat other health conditions in this same way, as this form of medicine is patient- and root-cause centered. Functional medicine is known as holistic medicine because practitioners are very concerned with treating the whole body and ensuring total relief.

Below, we will consider the processes and steps involved in the functional medicine management of hypothyroidism.

Diagnosis

The first step in managing any condition is proper diagnosis. This is the same in the functional medicine treatment of hypothyroidism. In fact, the need for proper and accurate diagnosis of hypothyroidism is even more important with conditions like hypothyroidism that have many nonspecific symptoms. 

That is, the symptoms of hypothyroidism, like fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, and weight gain, can point to several other conditions. Therefore, the diagnosis involves a specialized process by experienced professionals.

Physical Examination

Functional medicine practitioners first diagnose patients by physically examining them to assess their symptoms. Yes, we did suggest earlier that symptom assessment is not a good diagnostic approach for hypothyroidism, but it can still help in some population groups, especially younger men. So, your functional healthcare provider may ask some questions about your condition, usually around your symptoms, when the condition first began, and the severity of the condition. 

Additionally, the thyroid gland may get bigger in cases of hypothyroidism. The increase in size basically gives the gland the best chance of getting all the iodine it needs to produce more thyroid hormones. As such, healthcare providers may touch and feel the thyroid gland when examining a patient for hypothyroidism. 

Testing

Symptom assessment and physical examination are not close to being definitive enough for the diagnosis of hypothyroidism despite their success in some individuals. Therefore, diagnosing the condition is based entirely on biochemical testing. 

The TSH concentrations in the blood and the free thyroxine concentrations are used. Note that TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is the hormone that stimulates the production of thyroid hormones. So, if TSH levels in the blood are too high, it may indicate that the thyroid gland is underactive and the individual has hypothyroidism. 

Imaging

Biochemical testing reveals virtually all of the information doctors need about whether a person has hypothyroidism. However, it may be important sometimes to examine the thyroid gland to get further information about the condition. Imaging tests like ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, and nuclear medicine imaging tests may be useful in these instances. 

Identifying Root Cause

The next step for functional medicine practitioners after settling on a diagnosis is settling on the root cause of the condition. Most cases of hypothyroidism are caused by an autoimmune condition (Hashimoto’s disease), which is simply a condition where the immune system mistakes some of the body’s own cells as foreign and attacks them. 

The general belief is that autoimmune conditions are due to an interplay between genetics and the environment despite scientists not having all of the answers. Other potential root causes include previous thyroid problems and treatment, iodine deficiency, pituitary gland problems, infections, congenital (occurring from birth) disorders, and other autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and celiac disease.

Natural Treatment

Functional health practitioners try to draft a personalized treatment plan for managing the condition after identifying the potential root causes of the condition. The treatment targets for this condition include the normalization of the TSH levels, as well as relief from the mental and physical symptoms of the condition. 

Treatment generally starts with addressing the possible identified root causes. While hypothyroidism itself is a lifelong one, its symptoms don’t have to be. If the immediate causes of the condition can be removed or addressed, it becomes much easier to guarantee full recovery and maximal quality of life for the patient. 

The functional health practitioner devises a patient-specific treatment plan revolving around the patient’s nutrition and lifestyle if the cause is an autoimmune condition (it almost always is). Nutrition and lifestyle are essential, as the symptoms of hypothyroidism and autoimmune disorders respond to proper dietary and lifestyle changes.

Nutritional Therapy

Nutritional therapy involves the use of diet and supplements to manage health conditions. The role of nutrition on thyroid function is well established. There is a link between the gut and the thyroid, known as the gut-thyroid axis. 

Normally, microorganisms, known as the gut microbiota, live in a healthy gut. These microorganisms are good for the body, as they help digest food and prevent dangerous microorganisms from taking over the gut. However, when the intestinal barrier (a barrier that protects the intestine from external factors) is damaged, the gut microbiota is affected, and antigens (substances that can activate the immune system) from the gut can affect other cells in the body, including thyroid cells. 

Research in the National Library of Medicine also frequently finds that a negative change in the gut microbiota is associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases. The healthier the gut, the more functional the thyroid glands are. 

Therefore, foods that can maintain the gut microbiota are often advised in the management of thyroid disease. They include: 

• Probiotics, like yogurt, kefir, miso
• Wholegrains, like oats, brown rice, quinoa
• Spices, like onions, garlic
• Fruits, like pineapples, apples
• Vegetables, like broccoli, asparagus

Also, supplements that contain thyroid-beneficial micronutrients (iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and selenium) can help in improving thyroid function. We have deliberately omitted iodine supplements, despite iodine being key to the production of thyroid hormones. The iodine omission is because most cases of hypothyroidism are not caused by iodine deficiency, and adults in developed countries (like the US) typically get enough iodine from their diet anyway. 

There is a risk of overloading the body with iodine, which can worsen hypothyroidism and cause hyperthyroidism (excess production of thyroid hormones) if you take excess iodine from supplements. Hyperthyroidism is arguably even worse than hypothyroidism, as it is much more difficult to manage. So, listen to your healthcare provider’s advice on the right supplements for you. 

Lifestyle Modifications

Functional health providers may advise on certain lifestyle changes that you have to make to help manage your condition. These lifestyle changes are usually those that will reduce your exposure to toxins in the environment that can cause inflammation and worsen autoimmune disorders.

These changes include smoking cessation, limiting exposure to heavy metals, and staying in areas with excellent air quality. Adequate physical activity and good sleep can also help manage some of the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Cure for Hypothyroidism?

No, there is currently no cure for hypothyroidism; however, there are treatment options today that can help in the management of the condition. These treatment options ensure that the symptoms are reduced and that quality of life increases. Since the condition cannot be cured, these treatment options may be required for the rest of the patient’s life. 

Can Hypothyroidism Go Away on Its Own?

Yes, hypothyroidism can go away on its own in some cases, especially with subclinical hypothyroidism, which resolves in around three months. However, if the condition does not go away after three months, the chances of it ever going away without treatment are significantly lower. In this case, leaving the condition untreated can cause its symptoms to worsen, as well as different health complications, like goiter.  

Is Hypothyroidism Preventable?

No, hypothyroidism is generally not preventable as the condition is largely due to autoimmune disorders, which are notoriously difficult to understand and prevent. Nonetheless, there are strategies that can help you reduce your risk of getting the condition, as well as the severity of the condition. These strategies are often one of the pillars of functional medicine treatment. 

Conclusion

Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone to meet the body’s requirements. People with the condition can have symptoms ranging from fatigue to mental problems and even cardiovascular issues since thyroid hormones are essential in providing energy for many vital functions in the body. 

Conventional medicine treats this condition almost exclusively with levothyroxine; however, functional medicine takes it a step further by helping the patient overcome the symptoms of the condition and maintain a good quality of life. Functional medicine involves proper advice and counseling on the right diet, supplements, and other lifestyle modifications to help the recovery process. If you have this condition or suspect you have this condition, do not hesitate to reach out to us at (850) 785-9372 or through our email info@thebaydoctor.com for a personalized treatment plan.

Remember, though, that functional medicine sometimes coexists with conventional medicine, and you should not stop using or change the dose of any medication your healthcare provider prescribes, including levothyroxine.

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