Hypothyroidism? and natural cause/treatment

[S__]

Hi! I have a couple of questions that I was hoping you could answer for me. During my last two pregnancies, my Dr. noticed that I had an enlarged thyroid. After blood tests (both times), it was found that I had no thyroid problem. It's been almost 2 years since my last blood tests (& I'm in my mid-thirties), and I have noticed that my thyroid is "swollen" again.
I was wondering if it is possible that my diet could be the cause of this, and if there is something that I could change in my diet to make it "go away"?
Also, if I do indeed develop hypothyroidism, am I destined to be on medication for the rest of my life, or is there a natural remedy to control it?
Oh, and one more thing... Is it something that I would be able to put off treating, or does it absolutely need to be treated right away? (Kinda like high cholosteral...it should be treated right away, but if you eat better, you can lower it and it will progress slower.)

(I know that I should see my doctor, and get more blood tests right away, but I have no medical insurance right now, and the Dr. visit + the blood tests = a nice chunk of change $$. I wanted to put it off a couple of months.)

Thank you for any help you can give me!

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

You should seek medical attention for an evaluation of the neck swelling.  The thyroid can be tested with a TSH which is not that expensive.  If abnormal, it's not always permanent.  Soy is one food that can cause impaired thyroid in patients who already have a mild thyroid problem.

[kitcurious]

Hi, not a doctor, just a patient.
You should see a doctor if your throat is swelling. A physical exam by a doctor is not replaceable. The doc will likely order imaging and blood tests.
If it turns out you are truly hypo, you will need to take replacement hormone. Whether or not to take replacement hormone, in subclinical cases, is really up to the doc and the patient to work out.
I have read here that you can get a TSH test ordered online for very little $$ from healthcheckusa. They mail you an order to take to a lab location near you where your blood is drawn and usually your results are available online within a few days, they also mail you a copy.  For a bit more you can get a more comprehensive thyroid panel done, but that will not adequately address the physical swelling issue.  
The doctor needs to see your throat for him/herself.
Hope you feel better soon.

[S__]

Thank you for the info! I will look into that more, it sounds interesting!
The swelling is very mild, and only noticable by feel. You can't see it. If it doesn't go down, I plan on going in to see what my DR. says. I'm also wondering if there is something in by diet that is causing this, or can  prevent this. ???
Thanks, again!

[S__]

Thank you for the information! I guess it's something that I will have to get checked out. Off to make the phone call...