For many of us women, hair loss can be a distressing symptom that we experience with Hashimoto’s. In many ways, our hair represents our femininity. When we experience hair loss, we feel that we are losing some of our sense of self. Every time we brush our hair or look in the mirror, we are met with a constant reminder that something is off in our bodies and we are not well.
Hair loss was one of the symptoms I experienced on my journey with Hashimoto’s, and one of the early clues I had that something was not right inside my body. I know first-hand how distressing it can be to wash your hair in the shower and watch huge clumps of hair clog the drain!
The good news is that there are many different strategies that have worked for me and many of the people I have worked with to overcome hair loss, by addressing the following questions:
- What causes hair loss?
- How can adjusting thyroid medications improve hair loss?
- What supplements are helpful for hair growth?
- Can hair growth be promoted by dietary changes?
- Can topical treatments be beneficial to reduce hair loss?
In the case of Hashimoto’s, hair loss usually occurs when the body is shunting resources, such as nutrients, to be used elsewhere in the body.
But, just as there are many triggers, or root causes, for Hashimoto’s in the first place, there could be many different reasons why you are experiencing hair loss.
What Causes Hair Loss?
There are several types of hair loss, with a wide variety of causes, from inheritance, to stress, to autoimmune disease.
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss. Usually, we see this as “male pattern baldness or even “female pattern baldness”, with thinning primarily at the front and top of the scalp. This type of hair loss affects an estimated 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States. Many patients with androgenetic alopecia have a family history of this condition. It can begin as early as during a person’s teen years, though risk does increase with age. In women, most hair loss of this form begins after menopause.
Alopecia areata is acute, patchy hair loss that is thought to occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. It occurs in about 2.1 percent of the population and affects both men and women alike. Its cause is likely autoimmune, and it can have a single episode or remission and recurrence.
Telogen effluvium is the most common type of hair loss we see with Hashimoto’s. Its primary causes include high fevers, childbirth, severe infections, chronic illness, severe mental stress, surgery, an over or under active thyroid gland, protein deficiency, nutritional deficiencies, and some medications. It’s characterized by large clumps of hair falling out, usually while showering or brushing. It usually causes hair loss in a diffuse pattern, over the entire scalp.
Is Your Hair Thinning?
Have you experienced hair loss on your journey with Hashimoto’s? If so, there are so many things we can address to stop the hair loss and restore a sense of confidence and femininity. Sometimes, just one of these solutions will be effective in restoring hair growth; for others, it may be a multi-faceted approach. But be assured that there are options and hope for you. You can get your hair back!
Adaptive physiology is a concept that suggests that our bodies develop autoimmune conditions as a protective measure to conserve energy when resources are low. One example would be the body not getting the nutrition it needs, either from a compromised digestive tract or restricted calorie or nutrient intake, causing the thyroid gland to sense danger and down regulate the body’s metabolism to conserve resources.
You can read more about my safety theory in this article, but I think it’s a reasonable conclusion that addressing the nutrient deficiencies in the body and restoring a sense of “safety” that the body has all the resources it needs can have a huge effect on preventing hair loss.
1. Adjust Your Thyroid Medication
A primary root cause of hair loss is a deficiency in thyroid hormone. This could be because you’re not getting a high enough dose of thyroid medications, or because you’re not getting the right kind of thyroid medication.
When your TSH is on the outskirts of the normal range, you can continue to lose hair, and your hair may lack luster and shine. If your hair tangles easily, this is a sign that you may not be getting enough thyroid hormone.
In 2015, I conducted a survey of 2232 people with Hashimoto’s that resulted in as many as 36 percent of patients reporting that optimizing their TSH helped with improving their hair. Optimizing the type of thyroid medications they were taking also helped many people restore hair growth. As many as 38 percent of people surveyed reported that Nature-Thyroid helped to improve their hair; however, it is important that you find the thyroid medication that is right for you.
If you’re on thyroid medications and experiencing hair loss, the general rule of thumb is to check that you are on a T3 containing medication like WP Thyroid, Nature-Throid or Armour Thyroid* and that your TSH is between 0.5 and 2 μIU/mL. While most thyroid medications contain the T4 hormone, it’s the abundance and availability of T3 hormones that help your hair grow and keep it from falling out. On paper, T4 medications convert to T3, but this doesn’t always happen effectively in the body. Many people have reported finally getting their hair back after T3 levels were optimized.
*Note: While Armour Thyroid does not have any gluten-containing ingredients, it is not tested for gluten content, and cannot be certified as gluten-free. Armour does contain sodium starch glycolate, which can be derived from wheat or corn.
To learn more about how to optimize your thyroid medications, download my free eBook on Optimizing Thyroid Medications below.
2. Consider Nutrient Depletions
A nutritional deficiency is often at the root of thyroid related hair loss. One of the most common culprits is a lack of iron, but a few other supplements may also prove effective in restoring hair growth.
Iron
Iron deficiency is the primary cause of hair loss in premenopausal women and is often the reason women with Hashimoto’s continue to lose hair despite taking thyroid medications. A study conducted in Iran of adolescent girls studied the effect of low iron on young women by collecting urine and serum samples of iron deficient girls. The results concluded that there was a significant correlation between the T4, TSH and ferritin levels studied in the subjects and an indication that iron deficiency may affect thyroid hormone status in adolescent girls.
In our survey of people with Hashimoto’s, 21 percent saw improvement in their hair condition by increasing their intake of iron or ferritin, so it’s definitely worth investigating.
Your doctor may test for anemia (low iron levels) by running a panel for red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and iron levels, and all of them may come up normal. However, you may still be low in iron. If not enough iron is available, the body may pull the iron from less important physiological processes, such as hair growth, to keep enough iron circulating in the blood.
Ferritin, the name given to the body’s iron reserve protein, is required for the transport of T3 to cell nuclei and the utilization of the T3 hormone. A decrease in ferritin can present as increased hair loss during shampooing and brushing, as well as overall thinning of hair without a specific pattern or bald spots.
Ferritin levels can also be measured and will be a better predictor of how much iron you have stored in your body and that are available for use. Ferritin should be checked in all women with Hashimoto’s and for anyone experiencing hair loss.
Normal ferritin levels for women are between 20 and 200 ng/mL. According to some experts, ferritin levels of at least 40 ng/ml are required to stop hair loss, while levels of at least 70 ng/ml are needed for hair regrowth. The optimal ferritin level for thyroid function is between 90-110 ng/ml.
You can check your ferritin levels easily with Ulta Lab Tests.
What causes iron depletion?
In addition to poor intake of dietary iron rich foods and a lack of hydrochloric acid which helps us absorb iron from foods, pregnancy (due to an increased need for iron) and heavy menstruation increase the risk of iron/ferritin deficiency. During each menstruation, a woman will lose 1-6 mg of iron while a pregnancy may cause a loss of 600–1000 mg of iron! Any bleeding, such as that present in nosebleeds, bleeding from the gut, as well as gut infections could also cause iron loss. Furthermore, malabsorption of iron can occur due to certain medications, dietary factors, SIBO, Celiac disease and food sensitivities.
A gluten free diet or elimination diet can help with addressing your iron levels and resolving many symptoms.
As iron needs an acid present to be absorbed, antacids and calcium supplements that are taken around mealtimes may reduce the absorption of iron from foods and supplements. Anyone with hair loss and taking PPI’s or acid-suppressing medications should immediately get their ferritin levels checked.
Dietary factors can also impact iron levels. Tannins in tea and coffee can inhibit iron absorption and should be spaced out by an hour from iron-containing meals. Phytic acid found in nuts, legumes, and grains, is known to be a food inhibitor and can prevent micronutrients, such as iron, from being absorbed by the human body. Even egg whites may also affect iron absorption.
Sometimes the simple act of eliminating these problematic foods can help restore iron levels, and thereby hair growth!
So, how can I increase iron levels?
If you are mildly iron deficient, or not consuming enough iron rich foods, food as medicine may be a key to increasing your iron levels.
Iron is present in both heme and non-heme versions in different foods. The heme version is the better-absorbed version and is found primarily in animal products.
The highest levels of iron are found in organ meats. I know what you may be thinking: Mmmm, liver! Beef, turkey, and chicken are the next best choices. In contrast, non-heme iron is found in nuts, beans, and spinach and is not usually absorbed as well.
To restore your iron and ferritin levels with food you can:
- Eat cooked liver twice per week
- Eat beef a few times per week
What if food isn’t enough?
If you continue to struggle with low ferritin levels, despite eating adequate red meat and liver, or if you just can’t look at liver without wanting to cry, supplements may help.
Here are some options for getting your iron levels up:
1. Digestive Enzymes and High-Dose Probiotics
We are what we absorb… absorption is dependent on digestion. Iron is best absorbed in an acidic environment, and if you’re not making enough stomach acid, you can boost your iron absorption by doing one of the following along with eating an iron-rich food: taking a vitamin C tablet, eating a vitamin C rich food such as cooked broccoli, or creating an acidic stomach environment by taking a Betaine with Pepsin supplement with meals. Here’s a comprehensive article on Betaine with Pepsin and low stomach acid, which commonly co-occurs with thyroid disease.
We often absorb nutrients from our food because of the type of bacteria we have within our digestive tract. Probiotics can increase our absorption of iron from foods. Lactobacillus Plantarum can help to increase iron absorption by 50 percent! Probiotic 50B contains L. Plantarum. For more information on probiotics, you can read this article on the best probiotics for Hashimoto’s.
2. “Liver Pills”
Taking encapsulated liver can be a fantastic option for boosting ferritin levels in people who are not liver lovers. 🙂 Paleovalley makes an encapsulated liver supplement that can help. Please note, liver is also high in other nutrients such as copper, so people with copper toxicity should avoid liver supplements.
3. Iron Supplements
Most iron supplements are in the non-heme form and may not be absorbed as well. Additionally, many people find that they get terrible stomach aches from the supplements, and they find them extremely constipating! Here are a few more gentle and effective ferritin boosting options to consider:
OptiFerin C contains ferritin and has helped numerous of my clients boost their ferritin levels. Ester-C, a natural, water soluble version of Vitamin C, is added to increase intestinal absorption.
Thorne Iron Bisglycinate is an iron supplement that is more gentle on the stomach and less likely to cause constipation.
If choosing to take iron supplements, do so with much caution as they are one of the leading causes of overdose for children and adults. An iron overdose can be deadly, so make sure you keep the iron out of reach of children and speak to your physician or pharmacist about a dose appropriate for you. Please note, I don’t recommend supplementing with iron unless you test positive for iron deficiency.
4. IV Iron
Another option, especially for those who have tried EVERYTHING, is to work with a functional medicine practitioner to obtain intravenous iron. Intravenous iron can restore your ferritin levels with a few IV’s that can be done in two weeks time, won’t give you constipation, and won’t require you to take a daily pill.
This is a great option for people who are not absorbing iron orally. While any doctors can prescribe or order iron IV’s, most clinics are not set up to offer it. The iron is usually infused over time in saline. Look for integrative, functional and naturopathic clinics that offer this service, or a medical specialist that is known as a hematologist.
Additional Nutrient Deficiencies
If you don’t have an iron deficiency or if you’re already addressing it, there are additional nutrient deficiencies that can lead to hair loss that you may consider testing for. While I always recommend testing for iron deficiency, most people can take the remaining supplements safely.
Biotin
Hashimoto’s always co-occurs with inflammation in the body. The inflammation puts the adrenals on overdrive, depleting our biotin stores. Biotin is an important vitamin for many bodily functions, and deficiencies have been found to cause hair loss.
Supplementing with Biotin at a dose of 5000 mcg-10,000 mcg (5-10mg per day) per day can help with hair loss. Biotin can also help with adrenal fatigue and Candida.
Please note, new reports are surfacing that 5-10 mg of Biotin per day can interfere with some thyroid labs, making it appear as though the person has Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism, when they do not. Case reports of people taking Biotin and having a low TSH test, high T4, high T3 and elevated TSH-receptor antibodies (in the absence of hyperthyroid or Graves’ symptoms) have been reported. The lab values do normalize after 7 days of being off Biotin. While Biotin doesn’t actually cause hyperthyroidism, it interacts with the lab reporting in a way that can cause a false appearance of hyperthyroidism. If you’re going in for a thyroid lab draw, please be sure to skip the Biotin for 1-7 days before your lab test to ensure that the supplement doesn’t interfere with the results.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential element to our well-being. It acts as a catalyst in about 100 different enzyme reactions required by our body, and is involved in DNA synthesis, immune function, protein synthesis, and cell division. It is required for proper sense of taste and smell, detoxification, wound healing, and thyroid function. And it’s critical for hair growth!
An analysis by the World Health Organization concluded that an estimated 17.4 percent of the world’s population may be zinc deficient, and most people with hypothyroidism are in fact zinc deficient. Thyroid hormones are essential for zinc to be absorbed, and a deficiency of thyroid hormones can result in zinc deficiency.
Zinc deficiency prevents the conversion of T4 into the active T3 version. This results in a slowed metabolism of proteins. Zinc is also needed to form TSH, and may become depleted in those with hypothyroidism who are constantly producing more TSH.
Where does zinc come from?
Zinc is not stored in the body, so a daily intake of zinc is required to maintain sufficient levels. Unfortunately, there are many problems with relying on food sources to give us the proper intake of zinc.
Oysters have the highest concentration of zinc, but they are not practical for most of us to eat every day. Beef, liver, pork, lobster, and chicken are the next best sources of zinc, as it is easiest to extract zinc from meat compared with non-meat sources. This means that vegetarians are also at an increased risk of developing a zinc deficiency.
Absorption of zinc may be impaired by damage from intestinal disease such as celiac disease and other malabsorption syndromes – common conditions for those with thyroid disorders. Additionally, phytates found in grains, legumes, nuts and seeds can bind zinc and prevent its absorption when eaten alongside zinc containing foods.
What about zinc supplements?
Zinc supplementation is often the best way to address a deficiency. In my survey of people with Hashimoto’s, 18 percent did report that adding a zinc supplement to their diet improved their hair growth. The recommended dose is no more than 30 mg per day. A word of caution: zinc doses over 40 mg may cause a depletion of copper, necessitating the use of a copper supplement.
Gelatin/Collagen
Hair grows out of follicles, which are essentially tiny sheaths formed out of collagen. The papilla, also made of collagen, is what links the follicle to the rest of the body.
Collagen is a protein that consists primarily of the amino acids glycine and proline. Gelatin is formed when collagen has been boiled-down, dried and pulverized into a powder.
People used to naturally eat a lot more collagen by consuming the bones and other parts of animals that are rich in collagen. These days, we mostly just eat muscle meat, which is high in amino acids, but low in collagen. This is not only bad news for our hair, but for our health in general.
By increasing the amount of collagen in your diet, you can support your hair follicles and papilla – the longer the and stronger they are, the healthier your hair will be!
There are many collagen and gelatin supplements on the market today. You can try the Pure Prescriptions Perfect Collagen or Bulletproof Collagen. Or, you can make your own cheap and easy bone broth that is also delicious! You can find a video with simple instructions for making your own bone broth HERE.
Biosil
Biosil is a supplement designed to improve hair, skin, nail and joint strength. Its primary ingredients are choline and silicon. Choline likely improves the appearance of hair by improving fat absorption into the body. A higher silicon content in the hair results in a lower rate of hair loss and increased brightness. Studies have suggested that silicon has an effect on the tensile strength of hair, making it more resistant to breakage.
3. Use Food to Boost Hair Growth
Blood Sugar
Blood sugar swings brought on by eating too many carbohydrates and not enough quality proteins and fats can wreak havoc on your health and hair! Blood sugar swings encourage the conversion of T4 to reverse T3. Reverse T3 is an inactive hormone that blocks the body’s utilization of T3, resulting in increased hair shedding.
For some, a Paleo style diet that emphasizes high quality proteins and fats and limits grains, processed sugar and starchy carbohydrates can keep blood sugars lowered and stable. My Hashimoto’s survey resulted in 27 percent reporting an increase in hair growth when following a Paleo diet, with 32.6 percent noticing improvement with a strict autoimmune Paleo diet! But any diet that reduces sugar and keeps carbohydrates at a moderate level can help bring blood sugar back into balance and reduce the likelihood of hair loss.
Healthy Fats
I first noticed the role of fats in hair when I was studying the effects of low fat and high fat diets on lab rats (this volunteer research assistant position sounded much better on paper). I’ll spare you the lab rat research stories for another time, but you should know that the rats fed a high fat diet had beautiful long and shiny rat hair. The low fat diet ones, not so much. This is because fatty acid deficiencies result in dry, dull, lifeless hair.
Another six-month long study conducted on 120 healthy women evaluated the changes in hair density after being given Omega-3 and -6 supplements. At the end of the treatment, superior hair growth improvement was demonstrated in the supplemented group, with 89.9 percent reporting a reduction in hair loss, 86.1 percent an improvement in hair diameter, and 87.3 percent an improvement in hair density.
Eating Omega-3 containing fish or taking a supplement can also help bring back the shine to your hair. As many as 26 percent of the people with Hashimoto’s that I surveyed concluded that adding an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement brought noticeable improvement to their hair!
Green Vegetables
There is some indication that increasing the amount of green vegetables in your diet could lead to improvements in hair growth. My survey indicated that 19 percent of participants reported increased hair growth by adding green smoothies into their diets, while further improvements were seen by adding in green juices and increasing vegetable intake. While I don’t recommend a vegan or vegetarian diet to people with Hashimoto’s disease, upping the number of vegetables, particularly greens, in your diet can certainly improve hair growth and lustre.
4. Explore Topical Treatments
If you’ve addressed your thyroid medication, adjusted your supplement intake and looked for any deficiencies in your diet but you’re still experiencing hair loss, there are several topical treatment options that you may find effective. Although I believe that healthy hair comes from within, external factors, such as the shampoo that you are using, might be exacerbating your hair loss.
Hair Products
Shampoos that contain toxic chemicals and gluten can be detrimental to your scalp, resulting in inflamed hair follicles. There are also a host of endocrine disrupting chemicals in most commercial hair care products that can wreak havoc on your thyroid. Opt instead for for an organic shampoo and conditioner that are free of toxic chemicals. I use the Acure Organics line, which I’ve found to be both safe and effective in giving me beautiful and shiny hair.
For people with tangled hair (often a first symptom of an underactive thyroid), I recommend Acure Leave In Conditioner and the Tangle Teezer brush. These two together did wonders for me when my hair was tangled, and I still like to keep my brush with me at all times, especially when I travel.
I’m also loving the new line of safe hair care products from Katie Wells (Wellness Mama), called Wellnesse.
Because fatty acids are so important for healthy hair growth, another topical treatment option is to massage olive oil into the scalp itself. The rich fat will nourish the hair right at the roots and can help to stimulate hair growth in dormant hair follicles.
Scalp Mites
Demodex hair mites – sounds gross right? But there are tiny mites that live in the hair follicles of 96 to 98 percent of people that may be responsible for your hair loss, and could cause your hair to be more greasy. You can wash your hair with a sulfur and tea tree oil containing shampoo like Ovante’s Demodex to kill the mites – just remember to let the shampoo sit on your scalp for 3-5 minutes to effectively kill the mites.
Growth Lasers
Recently, the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has shown promise as a treatment for hair loss and to stimulate hair regrowth. Laser combs and laser helmets, such as the Theradome, emit a low level of laser light that can stimulate hair growth. They can be purchased without a prescription and used in the comfort of your own home.
PRP
The latest in hair growth research is focused on stem cell therapies and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. Some dermatologists and anti-aging doctors are using PRP to inject a concentration of the patient’s own blood platelets into the scalp to help retain and regrow hair.
In a recent study, eleven patients suffering from androgenic alopecia hair loss who hadn’t responded to drug treatments were injected in the scalp with PRP four times over a period of 3 months. Results showed a significant reduction in hair loss, and their hair count increased from 71 hair follicular units to 93 hair follicular units.
A Final Word About Hair Loss…
Stress can make you shed hair like crazy. I’m speaking from personal experience, as well as the experiences of hundreds of my clients. What can you do to reduce the stress in your own life that might be contributing to hair loss? Taking time to care for yourself with yoga, meditation, journaling, or light exercise are all great options to help reduce your stress load. Here are some of my favorite strategies, that you can save or print for easy reference:
You might also consider supporting your stress hormones with adaptogenic herbs, such as those in Rootcology Adrenal Support.
I want you to know that there is help for your hair loss! I know how crushing it can be to deal with a symptom as difficult to disguise as hair loss, but there are so many avenues for you to explore that can lead to a huge shift in your current hair growth. As I began to get to the root cause of my own thyroid condition and make changes that restored health and balance to my body, the hair loss I was experiencing stopped. Start with the solutions that resonate the most with you and are easiest to implement, and note that it may take several weeks to see noticeable changes with any supplement, medication, dietary, or topical changes that you make.
I wish you all the best on your journey toward recovering a healthy head of hair!
P.S. Be sure to sign up to receive my Thyroid Symptom Hacker for more tips on overcoming hair loss!
References
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Note: Originally published in February 2015, this article has been revised and updated for accuracy and thoroughness.
Christina- Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
HASHIMOTO’S SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-self-care
Is there anything that can help if you have had the thyroid removed? I had cancer and it and some of the glands were removed. No more cancer as I know of, but still have problems like I did with just a non working thyroid.
Ollie – thank you for following this page.
Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
thyroidpharmacist.com/protocol
IS HASHIMOTO’S A SURGICAL DISEASE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-hashimotos-a-surgical-disease
What if your Ferritin is high? Is that indicative of Hashimoto’s?
Julianne thank you for following this page. Here is an article you might find interesting. 🙂
6 MOST IMPORTANT NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/6-important-nutrient-deficiencies-hashimotos/
I have been recently diagnosis with Hashimoto’s. Prior to the diagnosis i was having severe hairfall which is just increasing. The doctor didn’t prescribe me any medications as of now. I am really shattered seeing my hairfall everyday.
Rabia – thank you so much for reaching out and sharing. ❤️ Sometimes, when your TSH is on the outskirts of the normal range, you can continue to lose hair, and your hair may lack luster and shine. If your thyroid hormone levels are not optimal, thyroid medications can help you optimize them. Taking thyroid medications can also help reduce symptoms (including hair loss) and thyroid antibodies. I’m a big fan of using everything we can to get ourselves better. That said, many people find that thyroid medications do not eliminate all of their symptoms, and they need to address their personal root causes of Hashimoto’s in order to feel better. There are quite a few options for thyroid medications. In my experience, what works for one person may not work for another. If your doctor will not prescribe the medication which you are looking for, ask your local pharmacist for doctors in your area who prescribe the medication you are looking to try. Have you read these articles? ❤️
WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/
VSL#3 (may contain traces of gluten/dairy; I have not had a problem but not recommended for celiac/anaphylactic reactions)
VSL #3 can be ordered online, and Pure Encapsulations can be bought from your healthcare professional of from the E-store I set up with them
http://www.purecapspro.com/thyroidrootcause/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1000
http://www.purecapspro.com/thyroidrootcause/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1328
Tonia- Most conventional physicians use the TSH test to determine if one has a thyroid disorder and to dose thyroid medications.
However, this test can often times be misleading, as levels of circulating hormones may fluctuate at different times, such as in Hashimoto’s, the person affected may fluctuate between highs and lows.
Additionally, when scientists first set the “normal” ranges of TSH for healthy individuals, they inadvertently included elderly patients and others with compromised thyroid function in the calculations leading to an overly lax reference range.
This resulted in people with underactive thyroid hormones being told that their thyroid tests were “normal,” based on this skewed reference range.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR TSH IS NORMAL AND YOU ARE ANYTHING BUT
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/what-to-do-if-your-tsh-is-normal-and-you-are-anything-but
Here are the tests you need for diagnosis. Most endocrinologists don’t run them all so you will have to request them. Make sure to request a copy of your labs as well.
TOP 6 THYROID TESTS FOR DIAGNOSIS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-6-thyroid-tests
hugs, susie
Have you tried going gluten free, and using gluten free shampoo? I would say majority of people if not all have an issue with gluten. There is new research that suggests that gluten sensitivity is a spectrum, with Celiac being at the end of the spectrum and most severe. You can try excluding it from your diet and trying it again in 2-4 weeks to watch for a reaction. Google dermatitis herpetiformis, to see if your bumps look anything like that. This is a rash associated with gluten sensitivity.
Wendi- Here are a couple of articles you may find interesting as well! 🙂
DAIRY AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/got-hashimotos-you-may-want-to-reconsider-dairy
GOING DAIRY FREE TO REVERSE HASHIMOTOS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/going-dairy-free-to-reverse-hashimotos
Cindie- Thank you so much for your support. I’m looking forward to hearing your progress on this page. Make sure to take the book slow, take notes, highlight, and establish a baseline when making changes. You may be interested in my 12 week online program called Hacking Hashimoto’s that covers all of the strategies that I go through with my one-on-one clients, in a self-paced format, so that participants have access to all of the things I’ve learned about Hashimoto’s without having to schedule costly consults with me or another practitioner. There are a few requirements that you should pay attention to, such as my book is a required read.
HACKING HASHIMOTOS
http://hackinghashimotos.com/
Hello Sylvia,
it might be coming late but the uncontrollable shaking could be coming from low potassium (due to diarrhea and vomiting). Maybe this can help – I had the same problems and always ended up in the ER due to this. It was also accompanied by severe heart racing.
Patricia – thank you for sharing. <3
Elizabeth- Some people with Hashimoto’s test negative for thyroid antibodies because their overall immune health is so weak they do not produce enough antibodies. I’ve tested negative for antibodies several times. Now I’ve insisted on a thyroid ultrasound. Given that Hashimoto’s is one of the leading causes of hypothyroidism worldwide, I wouldn’t stop until I know one way or another.
Here are the tests you need for diagnosis. Most endocrinologists don’t run them all so you will have to request them. Make sure to request a copy of your labs as well. Have you done all these tests?
TOP 6 THYROID TESTS FOR DIAGNOSIS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-6-thyroid-tests/
Stephanie- Did you know that reactive foods trigger an inflammatory response in the GI tract, leading to malabsorption of nutrients (gluten sensitivity in particular has been implicated in causing a Selenium deficiency, a well known risk factor for Hashimoto’s), and can also produce intestinal permeability whenever they are eaten?
Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
Dawn- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
I had the same question- I got this answer from Pure Encapsulations:
“The calcium ascorbate form was chosen as the source of vitamin C in Pure Encapsulations OptiFerin-C because it will not have an oxidation reaction with the Ferrochel iron bis-glycinate. Ascorbic acid reacts with the iron in the capsule. The amount of calcium is small enough not to interfere with the absorption of the iron.”
Ali- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Philicia- Thank you so much for sharing! Conventional cosmetics, potions and lotions are filled with petroleum by-products, phthalates, formaldehyde, hormone disruptors and other toxins, and as a pharmacologist, I can tell you that what you put on your skin definitely gets absorbed into your body! Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
ARE YOU SACRIFICING YOUR HEALTH FOR EXTERNAL BEAUTY?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/are-you-sacrificing-your-health-for-external-beauty
Sonia- Conventional cosmetics, potions and lotions are filled with petroleum by-products, phthalates, formaldehyde, hormone disruptors and other toxins, and as a pharmacologist, I can tell you that what you put on your skin definitely gets absorbed into your body! Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
ARE YOU SACRIFICING YOUR HEALTH FOR EXTERNAL BEAUTY?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/are-you-sacrificing-your-health-for-external-beauty
Anne- Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
HASHIMOTO’S SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-self-care
I’m pregnant and hashimotos/celiac and need to bring my iron levels up and am confused by the calcium/iron combination.
Jolene- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Lynn- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Laurel- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Loretta- There are quite a few options for thyroid medications. In my experience, what works for one person may not work for another. If your doctor will not prescribe the medication you are looking for, ask your local pharmacist for doctors in your area who prescribe the medication you are looking to try. Have you read these articles?
WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/
Ashley- Conventional cosmetics, potions and lotions are filled with petroleum by-products, phthalates, formaldehyde, hormone disruptors and other toxins, and as a pharmacologist, I can tell you that what you put on your skin definitely gets absorbed into your body! Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
ARE YOU SACRIFICING YOUR HEALTH FOR EXTERNAL BEAUTY?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/are-you-sacrificing-your-health-for-external-beauty
K- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
AK- Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
HASHIMOTO’S SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-self-care
What do you know about liver desiccated pills? Are they safer than iron supplements? Will they help increase ferritin levels?
Thank you
Heather- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
I have coffe after every meat meal.
Linda- That is great! Conventional cosmetics, potions and lotions are filled with petroleum by-products, phthalates, formaldehyde, hormone disruptors and other toxins, and as a pharmacologist, I can tell you that what you put on your skin definitely gets absorbed into your body! Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
ARE YOU SACRIFICING YOUR HEALTH FOR EXTERNAL BEAUTY?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/are-you-sacrificing-your-health-for-external-beauty
Margaret- These are the recommended labs from my book, page 32.
RECOMMENDED THYROID FUNCTION TESTS
TSH
TPO Antibodies
Thyroglobulin Antibodies
Free T4
Free T3
Reverse T3 (Optional)
Have you read my book, Hashimoto’s The Root Cause? Here’s the link in case you’re interested.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

HOW TO GET ACCURATE LAB TESTING WHEN TAKING MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/how-to-get-accurate-lab-tests-when-taking-thyroid-medications
Cecilia- thank you so much for your support! I know it’s a lot to ask, but if you haven’t already, would you mind leaving a review on Amazon? 🙂
http://www.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Thyroiditis-Lifestyle-Interventions-Treating/dp/0615825796/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8
Pam-Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
My hair is so much thinner and my energy levels are awful
Theresa- Did you know that if you live in the United States, the UK, Australia, Europe and most developed countries that add iodine to the salt supply and take thyroid medications, there’s a higher probability that you do have Hashimoto’s?
Depending on the source, estimates are that between 90-95% of those with hypothyroidism have Hashimoto’s.
But most doctors will never tell people that they have Hashimoto’s, or that their own immune system is attacking their thyroid. People are told that their “thyroid is sluggish”, and that these things happen with age and “Just take this pill, you’ll be fine.” I hope you check out these articles that I wrote.
ARE YOU DOING EVERYTHING FOR YOUR THYROID BUT NOT YET WELL?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/are-you-doing-everything-for-your-thyroid-but-not-yet-well/
DO YOU HAVE HYPOTHYROIDISM OR HASHIMOTO’S OR BOTH?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/do-you-have-hypothyroidism-or-hashimotos-or-both/
Here are the tests you need for diagnosis. Most endocrinologists don’t run them all so you will have to request them. Make sure to request a copy of your labs as well.
TOP 6 THYROID TESTS FOR DIAGNOSIS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-6-thyroid-tests/
I drink a 4 oz glass at bedtime. Another 4 oz in the morning if no good result. I dont think it has ever taken more then 3 glasses. Sometimes I heat it a little. Then drink 1 glass a day. You will need to listen to uour body.
Shirley- Did you know that reactive foods trigger an inflammatory response in the GI tract, leading to malabsorption of nutrients (gluten sensitivity in particular has been implicated in causing a Selenium deficiency, a well known risk factor for Hashimoto’s), and can also produce intestinal permeability whenever they are eaten?
Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
Linda- There are quite a few options for thyroid medications. In my experience, what works for one person may not work for another. If your doctor will not prescribe the medication you are looking for, ask your local pharmacist for doctors in your area who prescribe the medication you are looking to try. Have you read these articles?
WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/
Jenn- Did you know that if you live in the United States, the UK, Australia, Europe and most developed countries that add iodine to the salt supply and take thyroid medications, there’s a higher probability that you do have Hashimoto’s?
Depending on the source, estimates are that between 90-95% of those with hypothyroidism have Hashimoto’s.
But most doctors will never tell people that they have Hashimoto’s, or that their own immune system is attacking their thyroid. People are told that their “thyroid is sluggish”, and that these things happen with age and “Just take this pill, you’ll be fine.” I hope you check out these articles that I wrote.
ARE YOU DOING EVERYTHING FOR YOUR THYROID BUT NOT YET WELL?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/are-you-doing-everything-for-your-thyroid-but-not-yet-well/
DO YOU HAVE HYPOTHYROIDISM OR HASHIMOTO’S OR BOTH?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/do-you-have-hypothyroidism-or-hashimotos-or-both/
Here are the tests you need for diagnosis. Most endocrinologists don’t run them all so you will have to request them. Make sure to request a copy of your labs as well.
TOP 6 THYROID TESTS FOR DIAGNOSIS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-6-thyroid-tests/
Effie- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
HASHIMOTO’S ROOT CAUSE BOOK
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
IS HASHIMOTO’S A SURGICAL DISEASE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-hashimotos-a-surgical-disease
Jessica- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Penny- Did you know that if you live in the United States, the UK, Australia, Europe and most developed countries that add iodine to the salt supply and take thyroid medications, there’s a higher probability that you do have Hashimoto’s?
Depending on the source, estimates are that between 90-95% of those with hypothyroidism have Hashimoto’s.
But most doctors will never tell people that they have Hashimoto’s, or that their own immune system is attacking their thyroid. People are told that their “thyroid is sluggish”, and that these things happen with age and “Just take this pill, you’ll be fine.” I hope you check out these articles that I wrote.
ARE YOU DOING EVERYTHING FOR YOUR THYROID BUT NOT YET WELL?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/are-you-doing-everything-for-your-thyroid-but-not-yet-well/
DO YOU HAVE HYPOTHYROIDISM OR HASHIMOTO’S OR BOTH?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/do-you-have-hypothyroidism-or-hashimotos-or-both/
Here are the tests you need for diagnosis. Most endocrinologists don’t run them all so you will have to request them. Make sure to request a copy of your labs as well.
TOP 6 THYROID TESTS FOR DIAGNOSIS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-6-thyroid-tests/
Stephanie- Fatigue was the most debilitating symptom I experienced with Hashimoto’s. It actually started 8 years before I was finally diagnosed in 2009, after I got Mono (Epstein-Barr Virus) in college. I needed to sleep for 12 hours each night to be able to function, and by “function” I mean after hitting the snooze button on my alarm clock for two hours (ask my poor husband), I would drag myself out of bed and then had to drink 4-6 cups of caffeine everyday to keep myself awake. I often had Red Bull and Pepsi for breakfast, and was the epitome of “wired but tired”. I hope my articles help you get started 🙂
OVERCOMING THYROID FATIGUE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-10-tips-for-overcoming-hashimotos-fatigue
THIAMINE AND THYROID FATIGUE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/thiamine-and-thyroid-fatigue
Nette- Thank you so much for sharing! Here is some information you may find interesting! Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
HASHIMOTO’S SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-self-care
Rana- There are quite a few options for thyroid medications. In my experience, what works for one person may not work for another. If your doctor will not prescribe the medication you are looking for, ask your local pharmacist for doctors in your area who prescribe the medication you are looking to try. Have you read these articles?
WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/
Sally- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
HASHIMOTO’S ROOT CAUSE BOOK
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
IS HASHIMOTO’S A SURGICAL DISEASE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-hashimotos-a-surgical-disease
Christine- Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
Anne- Conventional cosmetics, potions and lotions are filled with petroleum by-products, phthalates, formaldehyde, hormone disruptors and other toxins, and as a pharmacologist, I can tell you that what you put on your skin definitely gets absorbed into your body! Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
ARE YOU SACRIFICING YOUR HEALTH FOR EXTERNAL BEAUTY?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/are-you-sacrificing-your-health-for-external-beauty
Billiana- Thank you so much for sharing! Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
HASHIMOTO’S SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-self-care
Susan- Some people with Hashimoto’s test negative for thyroid antibodies because their overall immune health is so weak they do not produce enough antibodies. I’ve tested negative for antibodies several times. Now I’ve insisted on a thyroid ultrasound. Given that Hashimoto’s is one of the leading causes of hypothyroidism worldwide, I wouldn’t stop until I know one way or another.
Here are the tests you need for diagnosis. Most endocrinologists don’t run them all so you will have to request them. Make sure to request a copy of your labs as well. Have you done all these tests?
TOP 6 THYROID TESTS FOR DIAGNOSIS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-6-thyroid-tests/
Tanya- There are quite a few options for thyroid medications. In my experience, what works for one person may not work for another. If your doctor will not prescribe the medication you are looking for, ask your local pharmacist for doctors in your area who prescribe the medication you are looking to try. Have you read these articles?
WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/
Kammy- Here is some information you may find interesting.
Three things MUST be present in order for autoimmunity to occur…
1. Genetic predisposition
2. Environmental triggers
3. Intestinal permeability (leaky gut)
Developing autoimmunity is like a three-legged stool, all of these factors must be present for autoimmunity to occur! When you remove one of these, you can prevent or stop autoimmune disease. While we can’t change genes, if we know the trigger, we can remove it and we can heal the gut.
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
IS HASHIMOTO’S HYPOTHYROIDISM GENETIC
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-hashimotos-genetic
Emma- You may also like to check out the doctors that other patients recommend on this list:
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
Tanya- There are quite a few options for thyroid medications. In my experience, what works for one person may not work for another. If your doctor will not prescribe the medication you are looking for, ask your local pharmacist for doctors in your area who prescribe the medication you are looking to try. Have you read these articles?
WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/
Samanth- There are quite a few options for thyroid medications. In my experience, what works for one person may not work for another. If your doctor will not prescribe the medication you are looking for, ask your local pharmacist for doctors in your area who prescribe the medication you are looking to try. Have you read these articles?
WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/
Marie- Most conventional physicians use the TSH test to determine if one has a thyroid disorder and to dose thyroid medications.
However, this test can often times be misleading, as levels of circulating hormones may fluctuate at different times, such as in Hashimoto’s, the person affected may fluctuate between highs and lows.
Additionally, when scientists first set the “normal” ranges of TSH for healthy individuals, they inadvertently included elderly patients and others with compromised thyroid function in the calculations leading to an overly lax reference range.
This resulted in people with underactive thyroid hormones being told that their thyroid tests were “normal,” based on this skewed reference range.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR TSH IS NORMAL AND YOU ARE ANYTHING BUT
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/what-to-do-if-your-tsh-is-normal-and-you-are-anything-but
Here are the tests you need for diagnosis. Most endocrinologists don’t run them all so you will have to request them. Make sure to request a copy of your labs as well.
TOP 6 THYROID TESTS FOR DIAGNOSIS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-6-thyroid-tests
Cindy- Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂 TURMERIC FOR YOUR THYROID AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/turmeric-for-your-thyroid-and-hashimotos
Adrienne- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Julia-Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Wizmo- Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
HASHIMOTO’S SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-self-care
Polly-Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Marina- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
HASHIMOTO’S ROOT CAUSE BOOK
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
IS HASHIMOTO’S A SURGICAL DISEASE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-hashimotos-a-surgical-disease
Actually the tiny bit of calcium that is found in the supplement I recommend helps iron absorption!
My iron and ferritin levels are in the “normal range” (53 and 29 ng/ml), but my transferrin levels are high (318) and my transferrin saturation low (11.8%). My GP recommended an iron supplement (40mg/day), would you recommend the same? I don’t experience extreme hair loss, but extremely dry hair and skin, low energy and weight gain. Thanks so much! Elisabeth
Elisabeth – thank you for following this page. Please, understand that due to liability issues, I am unable to answer specific medical questions.
Do you have Hashimoto’s or a thyroid condition?
Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year
Hi, my daughter has Hashimoto’s and is experiencing hair loss even though she is stable on NDT but her ferritin has always been high 260-285, iron saturation between 11-13%, serum iron in low range and hemoglobin in low range. We were referred to a hematologist since her ferritin was elevated over two years since they’ve tested it. She doesn’t have hemochromatosis but an “unspecified inflammation” the doctor said and not to supplement with iron since she is “not too low in my opinion” . Well, we have tried everything as far as all the recommended vitamins and shampoos, and the hair loss is still there and getting worse. Would her low iron serum still be the culprit for the hair loss even though her ferritin is high? Or should we look elsewhere for causes? Thanks in advance!
What is the PPI’s discussed in the article? What over the counter meds can be taken for low iron to promote hair growth?
Pam – thank you for following this page.
You may be interested in my 12 week online program called Hashimoto’s Self-Management Program that covers all of the strategies that I go through with my one-on-one clients, in a self-paced format, so that participants have access to all of the things I’ve learned about Hashimoto’s without having to schedule costly consults with me or another practitioner. In addition, any person that goes through the program will get access to a Quick search Q&A Database of 1000+ questions asked by past program participants, Root Cause Assessment based on 100’s of my clients’ root causes and triggers, 2-week Meal Plans, recipes, and shopping lists to get you started on the following diets: Paleo, Autoimmune Paleo, SIBO, Candida. Also, Discounts on lab tests, high-quality supplements, and consultations and much more to support you in your journey! There are a few requirements that you should pay attention to, such as my book is a required read.
Hashimoto’s Self-Management Program
http://hackinghashimotos.com/
Hi,
Thank you so much for all your great advise and information. I was wondering what should I be looking for to slow down hair loss as a postmenopausal women. I am having a Biote pellet (for hormones) inserted every three months and they have me on additional Iodone 12.5mg, which has Zinc 10 mg, Selenium 200mcg, and Potassium 1.2 mg. I take Naturethroid for my hypothyroid, and have started using the Betaine/Pepsin (which has made a huge difference in the way I digest food!) I eat a modified keto diet (usually lower carb morning and lunch with some starch carbs at dinner. Gluten free as well. My hair used to be so thick and is now so much thinner with handfuls coming out every shower. I’d love to hear your advise.
Thank you!
Linda – thank you for following this page.
Hair loss is a distressing symptom experienced by women with Hashimoto’s. For women, our hair represents our femininity, and losing our hair is a constant reminder that something is off and that we are not well. Have you read this article?
HASHIMOTO’S AND GETTING YOUR HAIR BACK
https://thyroidpharmacist. com/articles/hashimotos-and- getting-your-hair-back/
Izabella, Did your hair ever fully return? If so, how long did it take? I have followed your advice religiously and all my levels are in the optimal range. Antibodies are dropping and I’m close to being in remission, yet my hair has not come back. Is it possible that the hair follicles died and it will never return? I went almost 7 years before I received treatment. I can’t seem to get a direct answer on this. Please, give it to me straight sister. 🙂
PS. My hairloss has stopped thought. It stopped about 1 year ago.
Mourning – thank you for following this page. Here is an article you might find helpful. <3
GETTING YOUR HAIR BACK
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-and-getting-your-hair-back/
I switched to Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic Powder after taking Metagenics Ultra Flora Balance for about 8 years. (I had no idea you were supposed to alternate different kinds). The Ther-Biotic was ok at first then created bad blood sugar issues. I felt weak and my arms felt tingly every time I ate like you do before you vomit. The feeling almost completely stopped after I ran out of the Ther-Biotic. Now I am experiencing with that same symptom every single time I try to take any kind of probiotic, so I am not taking any. I also get nauseous if I try to drink lemon water or eat fermented vegetables. Have I damaged my stomach lining? What should I do?
Becky – Thank you for following this page. Please, understand that due to liability issues, I am unable to answer specific medical questions, but I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s an entire medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/
Hair loss is a common problem both in men and women regardless age.So many people hair gives a negative impact. Many Thanks.
Priya – thank you for following this page. Hair loss is a distressing symptom experienced by many with Hashimoto’s. For women,
our hair represents our femininity, and losing our hair is a constant reminder that something is off and that we are not well.
Here are some articles which might help:
HASHIMOTO’S AND GETTING YOUR HAIR BACK
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-and-getting-your-hair-back/
Hi, How do you increase your ferritin levels? Mine is low normal 49, however, my hair has gotten extremely thin. I have researched and optimal levels for ferritin for thyroid patients should be 80-90. My doc didn’t do the iron serum test and told me to take a daily w/iron. I did, daily allotted 18%. Now my hemoglobin/hematocrit went into the abnormal range and ferritin really didn’t change much. I now know I should have had an iron/transferrin test b4 supplementing w/iron. Going to test that, however, if my iron levels are NORMAL and my ferritin is still at 49, what do I do to increase . What does that mean? Thank you
Lil – thank you for reaching out. To restore your iron levels, you can eat cooked liver twice per week or eat beef a few times per week. Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron, so taking a vitamin C tablet or vitamin C rich food such as cooked broccoli along with an iron-rich food is the best way to increase iron and ferritin levels. Creating an acidic stomach environment by taking a Betaine and Pepsin supplement with meals can be helpful as well.
https://www.purerxo.com/thyroidpharmacist/rxo/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=929
I started taking Synthroid 9 months ago (0.05g/day). I didn’t really have any hypothyroid symptoms however was diagnosed with hypothyroid based on TSH/T4 results. My T4 has not changed (11-12 pmol/L) but my TSH is down from a high of 8mlU/L to 3.86mlU/L with this dose. My major complaint is that I started losing my hair about 3 months ago. I have lost about 50% of my hair to this point. I was lucky to have started out with a very thick head of hair. I have spoken to my doctor, she says my levels are fine and let’s just wait and see. My ferritin levels are good (100ug/L). Becoming very distressed
Lynn – thank you for following this page. Hair loss is a distressing symptom experienced by women with Hashimoto’s. For women,
our hair represents our femininity, and losing our hair is a constant reminder that something is off and that we are not well.
Here are some articles which might help:
HASHIMOTO’S AND GETTING YOUR HAIR BACK
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-and-getting-your-hair-back/
HAIR LOSS AND YOUR THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hair-loss-and-thyroid
Hi Izabella,
I am a big fan of you, I`ve read your books and all your articles! Thank you so much for your work! I`ve a question, could I take OptiFerin with these levels of iron and ferritin?
Iron *203 (Oct-15); 139 (Aug-2016); 145 (Apr-17); *176 (Sep-2017); 66 (Jan-2018)
TIBC *409
Transferrin saturation: 43 (Sep-2017)
Ferritin : 42 (Oct-15); 49 (Aug-2016); 61 (Apr-2017); 43(Sep-2017); 64 (Jan-2018)
I have Hashimoto`s for 9 years, take 100 mcg T4 + 55 mcg T3, I have SIBO (I took combination of two antibiotics but I think it came back), T4 to T3 conversion problem, H pylori (didn`t succeed to eradicate it with treatment), and deal with non-stop hair loss for more than two years. I am seeing since last May a functional medicine endocrinologist in UK but haven`t took iron until now.
I went to see a specialist from a hair clinic and I was told I have female pattern hair loss without even proper testing and I was told to use Minoxidil to which gave me an ugly allergic reaction. Could you please advise me? I am desperate, I am 32 years old and I`ve lost 60-70% of my hair, like you said in one of your books, during shampooing and brushing, without a specific pattern or bald spots.
Many thanks for your reply!
Cornelia
Cornelia – thank you for following this page. Hair loss is a distressing symptom experienced by women with Hashimoto’s. For women,
our hair represents our femininity, and losing our hair is a constant reminder that something is off and that we are not well.
Here are some articles which might help:
HASHIMOTO’S AND GETTING YOUR HAIR BACK
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-and-getting-your-hair-back/
HAIR LOSS AND YOUR THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hair-loss-and-thyroid
Iron pills cause esophageal ulcers. This is not a known side effect but it happens. The iron sets up in the esophagus and slowly eats through the tissue. It is the most painful chest issue I have ever had. After 3 different times of getting them, I decided to research all my meds. Iron was the culprit. There has been research on this iron burned esophagus but it is still not listed as a side effect. Everyone who takes this needs to know. It’s a dangerous adverse effect that is ignored.
Do not take it before bed or laying down. Always take it with a full glass of water. Or take the liquid iron supplement as it does not cause this issue.
Tabs – thank you for sharing! 🙂
Iron pills should be avoided by sensitive people and perhaps everybody – they gave me severe gastritis taking daily while my dr. said that I would be perfectly okay on them. I’ve long since switched to a chewable tablet which works great taking only once every four days to make sure my ferritin stays where it should be – I easily managed to stabilize my ferritin over100 taking this minimal dosage. Of course, I didn’t get my hair back but at least I am able to take iron off my root cause of hair loss list.
Lilac – thank you so much for sharing what has worked for you! I hope you keep me posted on your progress here! 😉
MSM powder in a glass of water with a squeeze of lemon. Drink each morning young waking. This also helps with restoring thinning hair.
Sorry. Upon waking. Not young waking.
Dr. Wentz, A few questions I had for you.
I am wondering how long I should go off my supplements – there are way too many to list here – before I get my labs for thryoid, and to check cortisol and insulin levels? I see you noted to give up to seven days off from biotin. Any others that I should stop for up to seven days before taking these tests?
I would also like to know your opinion on calcium d-glucarate for helping rid excess estrogen from the body as my labs show I am estrogen dominant. Is it a good one for detoxifying the liver?
And I am also interested in a supplement called Relora. Are you at all familiar this? It is an herbal preparation made from magnolia bark. It is supposed to help relieve anxiety and balance cortisol levels. I suffer from anxiety esp. with all the changes of thinning and lost hair, weight gain, etc. and do not want to rely on Xanax as a sole way to manage this.
I’d love to know what you think. thanks!
I really wish you were my doctor. Where I live the dermatologists don’t know what to test for and I can’t afford to go to a specialist that doesn’t take Medicaid. I lost my hair after 2 months of being on zoloft but that may not be the problem. It just happened to start shedding after extreme stress reactuon from zofolt and it was after i got off zoloft. It took just under 1 year to lose All of my hair everywhere. My tsh used to be 1.74 but now its 4.71 as of 5 days ago. My free t3 (3.0ng) and free t4 (1.2ng) middle of normal range. My ferritin 108ng, iron 151mcg, iron saturation 55%, TIBC 173mcg, UIBC 122mcg. I was supposed to have my ANA tested for antibodies but they didnt do it. I needed that. Ive always had optimal health so it boggles me that this is happening. I wish i knew where to go who would know what to do.
Elizabeth – thank you for following this page. There are many measures you can take to reclaim your health, even without the help of a good doctor. Have you read my book Hashimoto’s The Root Cause?
Here’s the link in case you’re interested.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://amzn.to/2DoeC80
Hashimoto’s Protocol
The Hashimoto’s Protocol book is a step by step in depth plan that streamlines the most effective interventions.
http://amzn.to/2B5J1mq
I eat egg with whites in the morning with some avocado and pink salt. Banana or apple. Chicken breast salad with romaine lettuce and yogurt dressing. Sometimes chocolate chips. I love snacking on them throughout the day. Carrots, veggies, workout for an hour. Then eat an apple. Dinner is either another chicken salad with extra veggies or chicken veggies and roasted sweet potatoes. Then dessert is either popcorn using olive or virgin coconut oil or my frozen chocolate plant protein almond milk. Sometimes plain greek yogurt with frozen blueberries and a tbsp of strawberry jam. I don’t do cookies, breads, rice, cake, or ice cream. I don’t really like them. The only sweet junk i like is semi sweet or bitter or dark chocolate.
Elizabeth – thank you for sharing what has worked of you! <3
Hi Dr. Wentz,
I am wondering how long I should go off my supplements before I get my labs for thryoid, estrogen, progesterone, etc. along w/ cortisol and insulin levels? I don’t want to distort results. thanks!
Although I will find out soon, is menopause a cause of sub-clinical hypothryoidism and if so, could that progress, without the presence of Hashimoto’s or other autoimmune disease? Everything I’ve read suggests 95% of those w/ hypothryoidism are affected by Hashimotos, but another statistic said only 1 in 5 women with hypothryoidism are Hashimoto’s sufferers. Can you clarify?
CMW – thank you for following this page. I wish I could give you more direct advice. I would advise you to ask your trusted clinician who’s care you are under. I am not able to respond directly to these types of questions here.
Just call me Miss Diagnosis! I’ve been diagnosed with FMS, polymyalgia rheumatica, anemia, Addsonian crisis, Hashi’s, bone cancer, torn meniscus, and adrenal fatigue–all mostly shots in the dark! What’s really going on, IMHO, is a single process of endocrine disruption manifesting various signs (which MDs prefer to ignore, apparently) and symptoms (which MDs want to soothe away). Arrgh!
Three years ago I almost died…again. Symptoms were extreme fatigue, weight loss and Sjogren’s; signs were no red blood cells except a few tiny ones, ferritin score of 10, CRP 80, TPO sixty times normal. All but ferritin were ignored. Hurray! cheered the MDs. It’s anemia! On their advice I took highly bio-available iron…and the CRP ballooned to 104! Then I read that cancer cells love iron and use it to metastisize. Oh, great! I was a five-year-survival colon-cancer patient but nobody had bothered to consider how much fun iron could have in a body toying with the idea of doing up some more cancer cells. I instantly dropped the damned iron and the CRP fell to 46 in a month. (Now it’s in the range of 5 to 8.)
A fine doc had diagnosed me 26 years ago with Sjogren’s; more recently I read that Sjogren’s points in the direction of four diseases: (1) lupus, (2) scleroderma, (3) Hashi’s and (4) CML After years of waiting, I recently scored a thorough thyroid scan: TUS 1. So I guess I don’t have Hashi’s after all (97% of my thick mane is still curling all over the scalp and the nasty TPO score has not gone away). Is it CML? What the hell? I am so tired of the endocrine labyrinth….
Eva – thank you for sharing your journey. I understand how frustrating this can be. While I only work with patients with Hashimoto’s, oftentimes patients will have additional autoimmune conditions. Most autoimmune conditions have common root causes, and a lot of times the things that are recommended for one autoimmune condition will help with others. Conditions that I have found to respond really well to the Hashimoto’s protocols have been rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, eczema, asthma, Graves’, premature ovarian failure, psoriasis, Alopecia Areata, and Sjogrens. I have also seen the protocols help with Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, PCOS, as well as Type 2 diabetes, Crohn’s, and Ulcerative colitis.
Hashimoto’s Protocol
http://amzn.to/2B5J1mq
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://amzn.to/2DoeC80
Hi,
I was wondering if a TSH of 4.5 – 4.7 can cause poor hair regrowth. My derm and endo insist it is unlikely! Both think it is just from nearing menopause and getting older! Well, my older sister and my mother did NOT experience hair loss during menopause. And they do not have the extreme dry and wrinkly sagging skin that I do. I do not have thryoid antibodies. I am going to visit a holistic dr. in August and can’t wait to finally see someone who will understand what I am going through and is able to offer some help. Wondered if in your experience patients can still experience thinning hair that pulls out easily with a TSH in this range. Thanks
Monica – thank you for sharing your journey! Most people feel best with a TSH of around 1 or lower and with a Free T4 and Free T3 in the upper half of the range. It is expected that your TSH will be very suppressed when optimal on NDT medication. How much thyroid replacement therapy is needed is unique and different for each person, so it’s important to work with a functional medicine practitioner or a doctor, who can closely monitor your dosage and your progress.Every six weeks is usually a good schedule for testing your thyroid hormones.
Sometimes, when your TSH is on the outskirts of the normal range, you can continue to lose hair, and your hair may lack luster and shine. If your hair tangles easily, this is a sign that you may not be getting enough thyroid hormone. Talk to your doctor. You should see a change within 4-6 weeks.
Consider the type of thyroid medication you are taking. T3, the more active thyroid hormone, is your “beautiful hair” hormone that helps you grow your hair and prevents it from falling out. Synthroid, Levoxyl, and Tirosint only contain T4, the less active hormone. T4 should be converted to T3 in the body…except this doesn’t always happen. Sometimes an addition of Cytomel**may be cross-contaminated with gluten*** (a T3 medication) or a switch to a medication that contains a combination of T3/T4 such as Armour, Nature-Throid or compounded T4/T3 may result in a return of your hair’s luster and shine.
Have you checked out these articles?
TOP 10 THYROID TESTS FOR DIAGNOSIS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-6-thyroid-tests/
WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/
Wow, I hadn’t heard of how biotin could affect your readings. I do take a Hair, Skin, and Nails formula with biotin regularly. My T4 was on the high side, TSH very low, this past time I had my bloodwork done, and it has me scared of having hyperthyroid symptoms again (even though I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s.) (In the beginning I was diagnosed with Graves, and about a week later I was hospitalized with thyroid storm, so the thought of hyperthyroid has me anxious). I’m so glad you shared this.
Gaye – thank you for reaching out. There is some preliminary evidence that biotin can affect thyroid test results (not actual thyroid hormone levels), but I’m yet to see a well-documented study on the matter. If you are concerned, you could try stopping your biotin supplement 2-3 days before your test to see how that affects your results. I’d be interested to hear about it if you do ? Graves and Hashimoto’s are both autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid. They are thought to be closely related. Sometimes one turns into the other. The difference is the site of the antibody attack. In Hashimoto’s, the antibodies are found to thyroglobulin (in 80%) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme (in 95% of people) Hashimoto’s results in hypothyroidism and is usually treated with Synthroid and replacement hormone.
The same antibodies may be present in a smaller percentage of people who have Graves, but the main antibody is to the TSH Receptor (TSHR-Ab). Usually, people with Graves have hyperthyroidism, and they are treated conventionally with thyroid suppressing drugs (methimazole) or radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid. At that point, the thyroid will no longer produce hormones on its own, and these people end up on Synthroid as well.
Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target.
We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this. Sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well! The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition. Here are the links to my books:
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://amzn.to/2DoeC80
Hashimoto’s Protocol
http://amzn.to/2B5J1mq
another amazing article Dr Wentz. But… can you address how zinc and iron are supposed to be taken over the course of a typical day? everyone is different, but what works best for you? i found that my ferritin levels drop when taking zinc and iron on the same day, and i know they aren’t supposed to be taken simultaneously. the only way i am able to raise ferritin is by eliminating zinc altogether while on the iron supplement. I apologize in advance if the issue has been previously addressed elsewhere on this website
Billy – thank you so much! For specific questions on how and when to take particular supplements under normal circumstances, please do reach out to my team by email, at info@thyroidpharmacist.com and they will be more than happy to help. ?
Hi. I am reading your book and looking if you have a FB Group I could join.
I noticed a spot in the middle of my eybrow, which is now bold and I was wondering if this could happen because of Hashimoto’s.
My TSH, T3 and T4 are in normal range, with T3 and T4 gravitating towards the lower end. TSH is rather perfect. I have anti-bodies in the 700…..and I am 3 months pregnant.
Is it safe to go without thyroid medication, while supplementing Vit D, Zinc, Vit C, Omega 3? I can’t find much information on Pregnancy and Hashimotos.
Thank you
Ellie – thank you for reaching out and sharing your journey. Our skin is a window to our internal health. It is the body’s largest elimination organ, and also a canvas where toxicities, nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities and hormonal imbalances can show up. Women with Hashimoto’s and autoimmune conditions are more likely to have dry, dull skin, rashes, hives, pre-menstrual acne and facial swelling, especially if their thyroid levels are not optimized and they are not absorbing vitamins and nutrients correctly. Here are some articles you might find helpful:
THE THYROID AND SKIN
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/the-thyroid-and-skin
HASHIMOTO’S AND PREGNANCY
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-and-pregnancy
When I was first diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, I felt so alone. My doctor didn’t think it was a big deal, and none of my friends or co-workers had it. It wasn’t until I started to research online that I found others who were going through the same thing. A couple of years after my diagnosis, I found Hashimoto’s 411, a closed Facebook group run by Alice Berry McDonnell. This group is amazing! It is comprised of an army of highly motivated, smart, supportive women and men (now 45,000+ strong), and each of them sharing ideas of what worked for them, things they were planning to try, and offering support to one another. The comfort I received from knowing that there were others going through the same challenges as I, was enormous.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hashimotos411/
Hi Isabella,
I live in the countryside and I eat a lot of nettle (infusion, tarts, cakes, soups…). I have never had ferritin deficiency even with my Hashimoto and even during pregnancy. I noticed that you do not indicate this source of iron in your article although it is claimed in many papers that it is well absorbed by the organism. Is there a good reason ?
And also, thanks so much for this website that is helping so much people around the world (I am from France, lauching a Hashimoto website in french…)
Celine – thank you so much for sharing! Nettle infusions are great and high in iron! You do want to be careful if you are also supplementing with selenium as nettle it is also a source of selenium. Here are a couple articles you might find interesting:
ESTROGEN DOMINANCE AS A HASHIMOTO’S TRIGGER
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/estrogen-dominance-as-a-hashimotos-trigger/
SELENIUM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/selenium-deficiency-and-hashimotos/
Hi Izabella,
In your article you mention that the optimal ferritin levels are between 90-110 ng/ml while normal ferritin levels for women are between 20-200 ng/ml. My question is, what happens if your ferritin levels rise up above the optimal (90-110) range in regards to your thyroid.
Thanks in advance. 🙂
Lisa – thank you for reaching out. ❤️ When it comes to Ferritin, depending on how high it is, you will want to discuss with your practitioner on the best way to lower it.