Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by under-activity of the Thyroid Gland, insufficient production of Thyroid Hormones.  The most observable sign of Hypothyroidism is a low basal temperature upon awakening in the morning.

 Hypothyroidism occurs most frequently in women over the age of 40 (however men and teenagers are also prone to Hypothyroidism):

 12.5% of women aged 35 to 60 are affected by Hypothyroidism.

 15% - 20% of women over the age of 60 are affected by subclinical Hypothyroidism.  By the age of 65, 17% of women have Hypothyroidism compared to 9% of men.

 Hypothyroidism is believed to be more prevalent than once thought - up to 10% of the overall population is believed to be affected by some degree of Hypothyroidism - this Hypothyroidism is severe in 2% of the population and subclinical in 8% of the population.

 Approximately 50% of people with Hypothyroidism are unaware that they have Hypothyroidism.

 Approximately 1 in 4,000 babies are born with Congenital Hypothyroidism.

Alkaloids

 Capsaicin may alleviate Hypothyroidism (by stimulating the Thyroid). 

Amino Acids

 Tyrosine (500 - 1,000 mg per day) may alleviate Hypothyroidism (by stimulating the Thyroid and by contributing to the production of Thyroid Hormones). 

Electromagnetic Radiation

 Exposure to Sunlight may alleviate Hypothyroidism (by stimulating the Thyroid).  ^[2]

Hormones

 Thyroxine (T4) alleviates Hypothyroidism - insufficient secretion of Thyroxine is the primary cause of Hypothyroidism.  ^[3]

 Triiodothyronine (T3) alleviates Hypothyroidism - insufficient secretion of Triiodothyronine can cause Hypothyroidism.  ^[4]

Lipids

 Forskolin may assist the treatment of Hypothyroidism (by stimulating the production and release of Thyroid Hormones).  ^[5]

Minerals

 Iodine (approximately 1 mg per day) may alleviate Hypothyroidism (by stimulating the Thyroid and by contributing to the production of Thyroid Hormones).  ^[6]

 Caution:  Excess Iodine intake may CAUSE Hypothyroidism.  ^[6]

 Selenium may be useful for the treatment of Hypothyroidism (due to its role in the conversion of Thyroxine (T4) to Triiodothyronine (T3).  ^[8]

 Some Hypothyroidism patients are found to have Zinc deficiency and supplemental Zinc may restore Thyroid function in some Hypothyroidism patients.  ^[9]

Nucleic Compounds

 Supplemental Ribonucleic Acid(RNA) may be useful for the treatment of Hypothyroidism.  ^[10]

Thyroid Hormone Precursors

 Thyrotrophin alleviates Hypothyroidism (by stimulating the release of Thyroid Hormones - Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine).

 Thyrotrophin-Releasing Hormone (TRH) alleviates Hypothyroidism (by stimulating the release of Thyrotrophin which in turn stimulates the secretion of Thyroid Hormones).

Vitamins

 Many Hypothyroidism patients are found to be deficient in Vitamin B12 and some Hypothyroidism patients respond to Vitamin B12 supplementation.  ^[11]

Algae

 Kelp may stimulate the Thyroid (due to the Iodine content of Kelp). 

Animal-Derived Supplements

 Thyroid Extract may help to increase Thyroid Hormone levels in Hypothyroidism patients. 

Herbs

 Chilis may stimulate the Thyroid (due to the Capsaicin content of Chillis). 

 Guggulipid (Guggal extract) may alleviate Hypothyroidism (due to Guggulsterones in Guggulipid stimulating the production of Thyroid Hormones).  ^[12]

 Olive Leaf may increase Triiodothyronine levels in Hypothyroidism patients.  ^[13]

Physical Therapies

 Regular Exercise may help to raise the Basal Metabolic Rate of  Hypothyroidism patients. 

Hormones

 The usual (conventional) medical treatment of Hypothyroidism is exogenous, pharmaceutical Thyroxine (e.g. Levothroid;  Levoxine;  Synthroid).

T4 Monotherapy

 By using exogenous Thyroxine (T4) as a monotherapy, conventional medical treatment of Hypothyroidism does not address the deficiency in the synthesis of other Thyroid Hormones.  Ideally the treatment of Hypothyroidism should supply all of the Thyroid Hormones (T1, T2, T3 and T4).  The minor Thyroid Hormones (T1 and T2), however, are not as important as Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4).  Therefore it is almost as effective to prescribe a mixture of Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4).  Progressive health professionals usually prescribe any of the following therapies for the treatment of Hypothyroidism: