Permanent Cure For Hypothyroidism
Is there any Permanent Cure for Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism characterized by low concentration of thyroid hormones results from poor functioning of the thyroid gland. The poor functioning of thyroid gland results either from damage of the gland due to auto-immune disorders or some part of the gland becomes permanently non-functional.
When is a person said to have hypothyroidism?
To know about the thyroid gland activity, the physician recommends for a blood test to identify the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone in the blood. Earlier, if the levels of TSH are in between .5 to 5 then the thyroid activity is considered as normal. But, now the levels are made narrower to .3 to 3. People with TSH above 3 are termed as hypothyroid that is they possess underactive thyroid and care has to be taken to correct the condition. In most of the cases it is not possible to completely restore the functioning of the thyroid gland. Drugs, hypothyroid diet or any other alternative therapy only help to relieve the symptoms. There is no permanent cure for hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroid patients can lead a normal life
By knowing that there is no permanent cure for hypothyroidism many people get scared and start roaming around various physicians in search of a permanent cure. The good news is that it is not a very dangerous disease. Hypothyroid patients can lead a very normal life through medications that increase the secretion of thyroid hormone or by undergoing hormone replacement therapy. However, hypothyroid patients with heart related diseases should be slowly introduced to the hormones. If the hormone supplements are introduced at once, the heart problems may be aggravated.
Tips to overcome symptoms
- Patients suffering with hypothyroidism should go for hormone replacement therapy to prevent the massive drop in thyroid hormone levels. If the hormone levels are very less, the metabolic rate decreases and results in other health problems such as obesity and lethargy. If you are not on hormone replacement therapy then, you can prevent the metabolic rate from dropping by consuming more number of smaller meals.
- Most of the hypothyroid patients complain of having constipation. Generally, drugs used to improve the thyroid activity also help to overcome the symptoms. But, in few people the symptoms persist. The problem of constipation can be relieved naturally by consuming copious amounts of fiber rich foods and by drinking plenty of water. However, it is essential to avoid fiber rich foods such as broccoli and cabbage as they suppress the thyroid activity. You can talk to your doctor to know about the foods that help in elevating symptoms of hypothyroidism. It is also recommended to drink plain water rather than carbonated beverages.
- Many people believe that having increased amounts of iodine helps to treat hypothyroidism permanently. But, this is not true. If you are really deficient of iodine then the intake of iodine will only help to boost the thyroid hormone formation but does not change the thyroid activity. Most of the hypothyroid patients have adequate levels of iodine but show low thyroid hormone levels. This is due to inappropriate functioning of the gland. In such cases, intake of iodine may worsen the condition if the disease is due to autoimmune disorders. Hence, before using iodine, talk to your doctor and get the iodine levels checked. If the doctor recommends taking iodine, make sure to check the symptoms that become eminent after starting iodine intake.
Lastly, do not start using any treatment plans promising permanent cure for hypothyroidism as there is no such treatment in most of the cases. Always talk to your doctor before using any medication for hypothyroidism. Even the hypothyroid diets or other alternative therapies will only give relief from the symptoms but does not cure hypothyroidism permanently.