Hi, I've recently been diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism and I'm trying to find out what I can do to help myself.
When I asked, my GP said that there was nothing I could do diet/lifestyle wise which would impact on this condition. However I'm not convinced that this view is accurate, having done a little reading I'm sure I can do something but just not sure what/where to start!
Any advice?
Get hold of the blood test results that drove the diagnosis. Learn what they mean from Wikipedia or post them here.
Can you explain what your doc means by "subclinical"? No need for medication?
many doctors really don't understand this disease so arm yourself and possibly ask to see an endocrinologist.
The most common version of the disease is Hashimoto's where the immune system attacks the thyroid. Some people find diet can help, in particular going gluten-free. The test for this is antibodies, and you should get this done.
Hi Biff, first, subclinical hypothyroidism, I'd imagine just means it doesn't show in blood work. What this means is that you'll play hell trying to get any help from traditional medicine since mediciarion is based on changes in blood levels. You can shop around for a good endocrinologist who can treat, however, again, treatment is designed to manipulate blood levels, not to alleviate hypothyroid symptoms. Yes, seriously.
Next, just bc your bloodwork is subclinical hypothyroidism does not necessarily mean you have only mild hypothyroidism. You can have a giant inflammatory cyst growing on your thyroid gland and still show normal levels. In this case, diagnosis can be made by an ultrasound, as nodules indicate Hashimoto's or Grave's.
Lastly, there are lifestyle changes you can make to alleviate, curb and even get thyroid disease into remission. Thyroid disease is autoimmune, meaning your body is attacking itself. Dietary changes to a high animal protein paleo style diet with ABSULUTELY NO GLUTEN goes a long way toward alleviating autoimmune disease while providing nourishment and support for your thyroid gland. In addition, as autoimmune disease is caused by toxicity or microbial exposure, and in particular, thyroid disease is cause by heavy metal exposure (mercury and bromine) and radioactive iodine (a byproduct of nuclear reactor waste), detoxing is also extremely helpful in alleviating autoimmune disease.
Supplementation can also be helpful, as a multivitamin with coblimated Bs, and multimineral are helpful. Essential amino acids can provide more relief from hypothyroid symptoms than medications for some people.
I speak from personal experience and hope that my struggles can alleviate some of the difficulties you're having, or at least cut down on your research.
Good luck!