Thyroid Supplements

[glamazon]

Given the only thing to raise my doctor's eyebrows on my last labs was the high TSH, I researched Hypothyroidism and found a few things I regularly did prior to Tx that can help. (I discontinued all this stuff during Tx.)

Licorice Root - for years I've made a liver detox tea comprised mostly from dandelion root, milk thistle and licorice root (it also had red clover and alfalfa as well). I just made a batch with extra licorice root which (I've read) helps regulate the thyroid.

Ginseng - I've often favored the red Panax ginseng extract that comes in those tiny bottles. Though I also like the Zand Labs extract. Also good for thyroid function.

Astragalus - I've often taken this when I felt a cold coming on because of it's immune-enhnacing properties, but it's apparently also good as a thyroid stimulant.

Almost three weeks after Tx and I'm already noticing a huge improvement in how I feel. I spent half of yesterday at Universal Studios (Hollywood) as an early birthday present, and I didn't get winded or dizzy even once.

One of 112 photos I shot yesterday:
http://www.glamazon.net/pics/jaws.jpg

Here's more (additional photos to be added later):
http://www.glamazon.net/pics

Christine

[britgirl]

Glad you're feeling well and your hair is growing back.
I'm off to Spain too. We're going next Wednesday to visit a friend in Mallorca.
I went to a HCV conference in Russell Square two summers ago. It was a really good day out, believe it or not, and I was on tx then! Do you have any more details about the one in Kennington? I'd love to come.
Have a good holiday!

[jevs2]

Hi Britgirl
Haven't seen you around here for ages!
I finished my tx back in February and I'm feeling great.
My hair is growing back, so I've got a 'halo' of fuzzy baby hair poking through my longer hair. Looks wierd but who cares!
I'm off to Spain on Sunday with my daughter for half-term, can't wait.
My next PCR is in September but I'm not stressing over it.
I'm going to a Hep C Conference in June at the Oval Kennington. Its run by Mainliners but is not specifically orientated around drug users, its for anyone affected by Hep C.
Hope you are well.
Best wishes
Joanna

[britgirl]

Maybe this is a silly question - but why, when a supplement, synthroid (thyroxine) exists to treat hypothyroidism, do you think it is preferable to take all these natural supplements? Interferon knocked my thyroid out of synch and now I take a supplement. Is this bad for me? It is nice and easy (and free); does anyone know of any reason why I should be taking licorice and ginseng instead?

[friscosue]

Thanks. One of the supplements I'm taking (I'm not doing tx) is reishi mushroom -- one of the properties of which is to boost the body's natural interferon.

[lookin-up]

Hello all-
There is a Hypo-thyroidism (more common on tx) and hyper-thyroidism which is less common.  They're two different things.  

I am on tapazole 20mg for the "hyper", which means that my thyroid is too active.  I've lost 20 lbs really fast, (no complaints here!) and this morning the Thyroid Doc didn't seem too concerned,  My TSH levels are still outta-whack, so he wants to check my blood in 2 weeks after doubling my thyroid med.  Most likely this is from Hep C tx, and thank God, I only have 5 more to go!

My best to all-
Penny

[cuteus]

Thyroid disorders are under study as an extrahepatic manifestation of hcv chronic infection.  I would not discontinue any medication without consulting with my physician first.

[glamazon]

To cuteus: I was not directed to take these supplements before Tx, they were something I was doing on my own. I discontinued them before Tx because I didn't want to worry about interactions.

To Britgirl:
I don't not know just how well any of these supplments will do to stimulate my thyroid and help it recover from Tx. Synthroid is a proven treatment for hypothroidism (at least, of the symptoms). I am just hoping my thryroid will recover without it.

[cuteus]

I was addressing friscosue, who discontinued her meds for bp.  forgot to address the comment.

[glamazon]

"Is hypothyroidism a direct result of HCV?"

No, it's a direct result of Interferon.

[friscosue]

Is hypothyroidism a direct result of HCV?  I've been researching and have been unable to find that information. I'm battling an "unearned" weight-gain situation.  Except for the licorice root, which raises blood pressure, I'm going to try your suggestions.  I just threw my bp meds away b/c I've been able to bring down my numbers through lifestyle changes.  Thank you.