Natural Alternatives to Thyroid Hormones

Many people suffer from a condition called hypothyroidism.  This condition is occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.  Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed with a simple blood test from your doctor.  Many doctors then go on to prescribe synthetic thyroid hormone medications to their patients.  Many people would like to learn about natural alternatives to these synthetic thyroid medications.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Symptoms of deficient thyroid hormone in the body vary depending on the severity of the deficiency.  Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, depression, weight gain, low energy levels and intolerance to cold temperatures.  Symptoms that occur with a greater thyroid deficiency include muscle cramps, muscle aches, an enlarged thyroid gland and memory loss.

Synthetic Thyroid Hormones

Typical synthetic thyroid hormone medications prescribed by doctors include levothyroxine, which is a synthetic T4; liothironine, which is a synthetic T3; and liotrox, which is a combination of T3 and T4.  The drug typically prescribed depends on the results of the specific results of the blood test your doctor performs. 

Natural Thyroid Medication

There is one type of prescription medication for hypothyroidsim that is derived from the glands of pigs.  This is called dessicated thyroid.  It was actually created long before the synthetic thyroid treatments.  It is making a comeback among doctors who believe that this natural thyroid medication more closely mimics human thyroid hormones.

All Natural Treatments for Hypothyroidism

• Iodine - Many people with under-active thyroids eat diets that are deficient in iodine.  Taking an iodine supplement daily can help to stimulate the thyroid gland. 


• Selenium - This is another mineral that many people have a deficiency of that can cause a sluggish thyroid.  Selenium is required in the body to help convert T4 thyroid hormone to T3 thyroid hormone.  This conversion is necessary for thyroid hormone to be properly utilized by the body. Selenium is available in many foods and in supplement form.


• Tyrosine - This amino acid also helps your body to produce more thyroid hormone naturally.  Tyrosine is also available in supplement form from your local health food or vitamin store.