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Different Approaches to Hashimoto's and Thyroid Cancer

The Conventional, Complementary and Alternative Approach to Hashimoto’s and Thyroid Cancer

Medically reviewed and written by Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP

Dr. Izabella Wentz / April 19, 2016

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The way I see it, there are four ways you can approach a health diagnosis:

  1. The conventional medical approach: You see an M.D. that is trained and credentialed by a traditional medical board. The most common recommendations involve surgery and medications. The approach follows the common information you would see on websites like Mayo Clinic, WebMD, etc.
  2. The integrative/functional medicine approach: This is when you would see a practitioner who has training in both traditional medicine and natural medicine. The practitioner pulls interventions from both worlds depending on the needs of the patient. While the approach may involve surgery and medications when appropriate, the main focus is on nutrition, lifestyle and identifying and eradicating triggers.
  3. The alternative medicine approach. This approach rejects medications and surgery entirely and states that the body can heal itself and that medications and surgery can interfere with the healing process. Recommendations are based on lifestyle entirely, and surgery and medications are not recommended.
  4. Wait and watch, ignoring the health condition, paralysis by analysis: This last approach is sometimes taken by people who are not ready to take action, in denial, overwhelmed or confused. While it may be a natural response for some people in the early stages of diagnosis, I don’t recommend lingering in this stage for too long, especially when one has a progressive condition like autoimmune disease or cancer.

When  I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and subclinical hypothyroidism, I sought the advice of a highly regarded endocrinologist. He was one of the most caring human beings I’ve ever met and spent over an hour with me to go over any questions I had.

While I was impressed with his bedside manner and his knowledge about the thyroid, I was disappointed with his opinion on lifestyle changes. This endocrinologist was very much against alternative and complementary therapies and told me that my nutrition didn’t matter, acupuncture wouldn’t help, and that the best thing I could do for myself was to take medications.

The rebel in me at first decided that I would overcome Hashimoto’s with alternative therapies and I decided to embark on a journey with acupuncture, forgoing medications. While the acupuncture helped, and my condition didn’t decline, I still found myself with a lot of symptoms.

After a trip to New York where I suffered a few panic attacks, emotional instability, and uncontrollable shivering spells, I decided to stop torturing myself and to do something that I knew would help… to take thyroid medications.

But I didn’t see taking medications as giving up (neither should you). I saw medications as a way to help me live my best life, while I figured out what else was happening inside my body.

The medications improved my brain fog, energy, emotions and cold intolerance, however not fully… and I still had inflammation, joint pain, headaches, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, carpal tunnel, and many other annoying symptoms.

And I decided to take on a complementary approach. I would take the conventional doctors’ advice while continuing to search for answers on my own.

In retrospect, I do think that I should have started taking thyroid medications sooner. After all, thyroid medications can slow down the progression of Hashimoto’s, made me feel better, and are the same hormones my body makes. Over the years, I have been able to reduce my dose of medications, as the inflammation in my body has decreased.

Did the medications “interfere” with my healing by suppressing my production of thyroid hormones? Some proponents of alternative medicine may say so; I say that I feel better than I did in my twenties and am really happy with my hair, body, energy levels and brain function. I am also happy that I treated myself with kindness, rather than expecting myself to figure everything out while I suffered needlessly. After all, my Hashimoto’s didn’t develop overnight, and I wasn’t going to be able to heal it overnight either. On average, it takes one month of healing for every year you have had the condition. I likely had Hashimoto’s for 23-24 years when I was finally diagnosed! Lifestyle changes take time to work, while thyroid medications can provide your body with the hormones it has been missing right away!

Personally, for me, the integrative/functional medicine approach worked best, combining traditional medicine with lifestyle.  But I don’t believe there is one right approach for every person, with every condition. We are all unique individuals and the decision on which approach to take ultimately lies with you.

The most important thing you can do, before you decide on an approach is to educate yourself properly. When I first embarked on “alternative healing” for Hashimoto’s, I wasn’t properly educated, and so I only tried acupuncture while still eating the Standard American Diet. I could have had far better results had I combined acupuncture with nutrition and T4/T3 medications!

I wasn’t educated properly because there were hardly any resources about Hashimoto’s back in 2009. This is why I decided to write the patient guide Hashimoto’s the Root Cause to help people educate themselves about overcoming Hashimoto’s, based on my research and the failures and successes I had!

I shared the approach I took to my Hashimoto’s with you… I’ve been there and done it and can tell you that I’ve had amazing outcomes with the functional medicine approach. But thyroid cancer was not a part of my journey, and it’s a different animal…so I’d like to share a few resources about thyroid cancer, from people who know a lot more about cancer than I do; from their many years of education, patient experience, and personal experience.

Of course, I always think that lifestyle is important, but in many cases, more aggressive measures may be needed.

If you are currently dealing with thyroid cancer, or know someone who is, I wanted to offer two potential perspectives for you…

  1. Dr. Steven Eisenberg, MD is an integrative oncologist who has worked with numerous patients with thyroid cancer. We address the conventional (medications/surgery) and complementary approach (mediations/surgery + lifestyle).
  2. Chris Wark is a cancer survivor and natural cancer advocate who recommends alternative therapies for cancer (not taking medications or doing surgery, only lifestyle).

Of course, every person’s journey is different, and I haven’t been there personally, so I suggest that if you or a person you love is dealing with this diagnosis, you do your research, follow your instincts and work with a doctor you trust.

The conventional and complementary approach

The conventional and complementary approach to thyroid cancer with Dr. Steven Eisenberg. Dr. Steven is a compassionate oncologist with an appreciation for lifestyle. Dr. Steven has worked with numerous cancer patients with a patient-centered approach!

 The complementary and alternative approach

The complementary and alternative approach with cancer survivor/patient advocate, Chris Wark. Chris used a complementary approach to overcoming his cancer, utilizing surgery (but not chemo), and focusing on intense lifestyle changes.

 The alternative approach to thyroid cancer…

Chris has been collecting success stories from his readers and wanted me to share three success stories of alternative therapies that helped his readers recover from thyroid cancer.

1) https://www.chrisbeatcancer.com/how-a-high-fruit-diet-can-reverse-cancer-the-science-behind-the-nori-protocol/

2) https://www.chrisbeatcancer.com/melyssa-chose-natural-therapies-heal-thyroid-cancer/

3) https://www.chrisbeatcancer.com/marcia-thyroid-skin-and-lung-cancer-gone-in-9-months/

Thyroid Diagnosis ApproachI hope this information helps you on your journey!

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Filed Under: Doctors Tagged With: Alternative Medicine, Conventional Medicine, Functional Medicine, Root Cause

Dr. Izabella Wentz

Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP, is a clinical pharmacist, New York Times Bestselling Author, and a pioneering expert in lifestyle interventions for treating Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

She received a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy at the age of 23, and has worked as a community pharmacist, a clinical consulting pharmacist, as well as a medication safety pharmacist. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists and holds certifications in Medication Therapy Management and Advanced Diabetes Care.

Dr. Wentz has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of autoimmune thyroid disease, after being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in 2009. As a patient advocate, researcher, clinician and educator, she is committed to raising awareness on how to overcome autoimmune thyroid disease.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your physician for any health problems and before making any medical or lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle changes can result in improved thyroid function and/or an increased absorption of thyroid hormone medications, leading to a lower required dose and possible symptoms of hyperthyroidism at a dose that was previously stable. Please discuss lifestyle changes with your physician and ensure that your thyroid function is monitored every 6-8 weeks while making lifestyle changes. Symptoms of overmedication include, but are not limited to: rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, irritability or mood swings, muscle weakness or tremors, diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, hair loss, weight loss, insomnia, chest pain, and excessive sweating. Do not start, change, increase, decrease or discontinue your medications without consulting with your physician.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rachel M says

    February 9, 2017 at 6:20 PM

    I got diagnosed with Hashimotos about 5 years ago. Since then my thyroid meds have increase from 75mcg of levothyroxine to now 97.5mg of WP Thyroid (the levothyroxine equivalent would be 150mcg). I have eliminated gluten, dairy, night shades, and have adopted a low carb, high fat paleo eating style. I have notice a drop in my thyroid antibodies, which is great, but I’m not sure why my meds keep increasing. I’m feeling pretty lost. Can you help point me in the right direction?

    Reply
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      February 10, 2017 at 10:44 AM

      Rachel – thank you for following this page and good job taking charge of your health. 🙂

      Please, understand that due to liability issues, I am unable to answer specific medical questions.

      I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s a whole 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

      WHAT TYPE OF DOCTOR SHOULD YOU SEE IF YOU HAVE HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/what-type-of-doctor-should-you-see-if-you-have-hashimotos

      10 THINGS I WISH MY ENDOCRINOLOGIST WOULD HAVE TOLD ME
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/10-things-i-wish-my-endocrinologist-would-have-told-me

      CLINICIAN DATABASE
      http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html

      FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
      https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117

      Reply
  2. Patricia says

    June 29, 2017 at 7:17 PM

    Dr. Wentz, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all that you have shared and taught us on how to improve our health, particularly thyroid health! Thank you a million times over! And now, I listen to these two videos and I am again, so very GRATEFUL for you and what you are doing! You have helped start me on my journey of healing, and the good news just keeps coming and coming! I have shared with my integrative doctor about things I’ve learned from you, and been happy to learn that my doctor has great respect for you too. Thank you again, and blessings to you and all those that contribute to the work you are doing. A big thank you to Dr. Steven and Chris for sharing with us too. 🙂

    Reply
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      July 1, 2017 at 12:45 PM

      Patricia – thank you for following this page and for the kind words! I’m looking forward to seeing your progress on this page. You might also be interested in my books. I hope you will check them out if you haven’t already. 🙂

      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

      Reply
  3. Nurhana Respicio says

    July 23, 2017 at 9:11 AM

    I have thyroid for 8 years but it enlarge that was 4 years ago.i stop taking thyroxine for 3 years now because my goiter is getting larger.when i stop its still same size whe he grow.and now as i always followig all your advice and opinion i only take vit.c 1000mg once a day ,calcium600mg +vit.D3.and i was amazed because my goiter is quite soft now not like before.but my question now is can i used glutathione 600mcg/mg injection to help my liver and excrete toxins in the body?

    Reply
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      July 24, 2017 at 10:34 AM

      Nurhana – thank you for following this page. Nodules and goiters are often the result of toxicity and/or the autoimmune process. So, doing interventions to reduce the autoimmune attack on the thyroid, and toxicity, can be helpful to reduce them. Have you read my books?

      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

      Reply
  4. Melissa Y. says

    October 22, 2017 at 10:37 AM

    Hi Dr. Wentz!
    I’ve just come across all of your info and will be ordering your book. I had thyroid cancer 5 years ago and had a thyroidectomy. Since then, I’ve had two healthy children. Right after I had my son last year, I had TGAB’s which showed up for the first time ever, which I’m assuming is Hashimoto’s (I’ve had all my cancer screening tests/exams done and everything is clear). Nobody can explain why I now have these antibodies! I’m not really looking for medical advice, I just want to know if there are certain functional medical physicians who have dealt with thyroid cancer patients who now have Hashimotos! Will following the steps in your book help me, or do I need to be under the more westernized realm of medicine???? Since my TSH levels are purposely suppressed so my cancer does not return, will I ever be able to get rid of my TGAB’s??? Thanks in advance for any direction you can provide!

    Reply
    • Dr. Izabella says

      October 22, 2017 at 2:51 PM

      Melissa – thank you for reaching out. 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.
      Here is an article I wrote about my challenges finding Dr. Right. I am also including a links to my Patient referred Clinician database, The Functional Medicine Database and my books. I hope you check them out. <3

      MY RECENT CHALLENGES AND FINDING DR. RIGHT
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/my-challenges-and-finding-dr-right

      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://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117

      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

      Reply
  5. Gigi says

    September 28, 2018 at 11:11 AM

    Hello Dr. Izabella,

    I am 54 years old. I have thyroid Noguls and my TSH is within the normal range. However, sometimes I have mood swings and a lack of energy. Is there anything I can do to help shrink the noguls or get rid of them? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Dr. Izabella says

      September 29, 2018 at 3:22 PM

      Gigi – thank you for reaching out. Nodules and goiters are often the result of toxicity and/or the autoimmune process. So, doing interventions to reduce the autoimmune attack on the thyroid, and toxicity, can be helpful to reduce them. 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

      Reply

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.


Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your physician for any health problems and before making any medical or lifestyle changes.


Lifestyle changes can result in improved thyroid function and/or an increased absorption of thyroid hormone medications, leading to a lower required dose and possible symptoms of hyperthyroidism at a dose that was previously stable. Please discuss lifestyle changes with your physician and ensure that your thyroid function is monitored every 6-8 weeks while making lifestyle changes. Symptoms of overmedication include, but are not limited to: rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, irritability or mood swings, muscle weakness or tremors, diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, hair loss, weight loss, insomnia, chest pain, and excessive sweating. Do not start, change, increase, decrease or discontinue your medications without consulting with your physician.


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