Thyroid Problem

[hiv_concern]

Hello. I know that I have a thyroid problem, I found out about 1 year ago. Since then, I started something reading forums, and educating myself on how I can possible cure it. I started taking Fish Oil/Omega 3. I've been taking these pills for about 7 months now. Another thing that I started taking is something called Sambucus Nigra (google it if you don't know it). I also drink tea from some European herbs, I eat 2 grapefruits per day, and I am eating foods that are rich in iodine. I had a big mass in the neck, I was able to feel it when I was swallowing, but after 6 months of curing myself, this mass on the neck has significantly decreased to about half of what it was. My question is, do you know any other more effective way to cure a thyroid problem except having a surgery? I was told that it's better to cure it the natural way if you can instead of having a surgery. Any suggestions? Thank you

[Barb135]

While weight gain is a classic symptom of being hypo, the sweating could be caused by a multitude of things.  

Any masses should be checked out asap, via ultra sound.  Depending on the size of it, your doctor may want to do an FNA.

Do go see your doctor; it's very important to get the proper testing and diagnosis.

[hiv_concern]

Thanks a lot. And the way I found is that I sweat a lot, I started gaining weight for no reason, and I have a big round mass on my neck right below my Adam's apple, and I can see it when I swallow. Thanks again

[Barb135]

"I know that I have a thyroid problem, I found out about 1 year ago". How did you find out, if you haven't been to a doctor?  You can't know without having specific blood work done and/or symptoms that match one or the other;  so yes, you have to visit a doctor.

What symptoms do you have, that lead you to believe you have a thyroid condition?  You can google symptoms for both hyper and hypothyroidism.  Do keep in mind that symptoms can "cross over" -- meaning they can apply to both.

When you see a doctor, you need to get TSH, Free T3 and Free T4 tested.  Brief explanation:  TSH is thyroid stimulating hormone, released by the pituitary to stimulate the thyroid to produce more of the hormones, T3 and T4.......

Much of the T3 and T4 produced by the body is bound by protein and can't be used; the remainder is available for use, so that's called the FREE hormones.  Total T3 and Total T4 measure all of the hormones, which is a waste...... you need to know the frees.

T4 can't be used directly by the cells, so it must be converted to T3, which IS used directly by the cells.

You should also get thyroid antibodies tested to determine if you have an autoimmune thyroid disease.  Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGab) will determine whether or not you have Hashimoto's.  Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI) is the definitive test for Graves.

Hashimoto's is typically associated with being hypo, but can present with periods of hyper, as well.  Graves Disease is associated with hyper.

In a nutshell, you need TSH, Free T3, Free T4, TPOab, TGab, TSI

[hiv_concern]

Hello and thank you for your reply. I.am not sure if I am a hypo or a hyper case, I never went to the doctor. How can I tell which one of the two cases I am? Do I have to visit a doctor? Thanks

[Barb135]

There is no cure for most thyroid conditions; particularly, if you have an autoimmune disease (either Hashimoto's or Graves).  Do you have hypo or hyperthyroidism?

Iodine often makes matters much worse.  

Not everyone with thyroid conditions, has to have surgery.  Many of us simply take a daily pill of replacement hormones.  Of course, that depends on what condition you have.