Hi. Just been diagnosed with underactive thyroid......

[parrot]

I recently went for a blood test as was feeling lightheaded at times, and also despite exercise and diet being under control since February, I had not lost any weight. Have been told thyroid is underactive and prescribed 25mg. Haven't taken this as yet and am investigating homeopathy as an alternative. Any thoughts from you good people as you seem to be a mine of information. Look forward to hearing your comments.

[Barbara]

Hi parrot,

I know of people who use homeopathy to help ease their symptoms of hypothyroidism but they all take thyroid medication too. Some homeopaths who are qualified to do so actually prescribe thyroid hormones if needed. If your body is no longer making enough thyroid hormone for you, as it would seem from your blood tests, the only alternative is to take it as recommended by your doctor. Look on it as replacing a hormone that your body doesn’t make any more rather than a medication if that helps. Doctors usually make very sure that you actually need thyroxine before prescribing it so it does seem certain that you actually need it. 25mcg is usually a starting dose so your doctor will very likely do regular blood tests and increase it as needed.

An underactive thyroid can affect you in many ways, some of which aren’t immediately obvious. Problems can include tiredness, weight gain, constipation, aches & pains, dry skin, lifeless hair, feeling cold, fluid retention, foggy brain & memory problems, depression, period problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, loss of libido, infertility and pregnancy problems, high cholesterol and also heart disease if left untreated.

BTW anyone who has been diagnosed as hypothyroid is entitled to free prescriptions, this covers all prescriptions not just thyroxine. If your doctor hasn’t told you about this then ask him.

Tt can be quite scary being diagnosed with a lifelong condition but you'll get plenty of support here if you need it, just ask!

[parrot in reply to Barbara]

Thank you for your reply. I really have never suffered anything serious healthwise, and it has come as quite a shock to be told I need medication for life!! I have an appointment with a homoepath next week, and will be referring to this site for support. Many thanks.