Alternatives to synthroid

[4mrsA]

I had Total Thyroidectomy done about a year ago for Goitre, and I am not realy good at taking medications. Sometimes I forget to take my synthroid for a day or 2. I have not had any adverse reaction and my TSH level has been under control.  I heard from someone that there may be some dietary suppletments or herbal products that can be taken instead of synthroid.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

There is no substitute for thyroid hormone treatment in your case -- would try to be consistent with synthroid for best results.

[GravesLady]

Thyroid hormone supplement levothyroixine (Synthroid) is  identical to that produced in the human thyroid gland and no other pill, dietary supplements or herbal products is going to do that.

If you can't remember to take your Synthroid, what is going to make you remember to take dietary supplements or herbal products any better(?)
You might get a 7 day pill holder with each compartment marked with the initials of the days of the weeks.  Keep it by your tooth brush/paste and just before or after brushing your teeth in the AM, take you thyroid!  That is what I do and it has worked for me to remember.  Or keep it by some routine that you do everyday just after waking in the AMs.

It does nor not hurt to miss a day or two of pills due the fact they are accumulative with each pill lasting 6 to 7 days in our system. However, I would make it a habit. Once in a while it is tolerable. A lot of us will forget and miss a day, once in a while.

If you give up on treatment when you need it and go to dietary supplements or herbal products it will eventually catch up with you which could cause more health issues than you want.

I assume you go for thyroid test on a regular bases and if test shows that you need thyroid medication, it would be healthy and wise to follow through in doing so.

GL,
Just my personal opinion and experience as a 12 year treated thyroid patient.