How to Manage the Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

The most effective way to manage the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism is to treat their source and restore thyroid function. Hypothyroidism, or sluggish thyroid function, can be either a result of iodine deficiency--rare in the United States--or it can stem from an autoimmune condition such as Hashimoto's Disease. Symptoms include lethargy, hair loss, weight gain, depression, and elevated cholesterol levels. It's easy to confuse symptoms of hypothyroidism with signs of many other common ailments, but a simple blood test can establish whether you are suffering from hypothyroidism.

Things You'll Need

• Thyroid medication
• Hypothyroidism specific diet plan
• Vitamin B complex
• Iodized salt

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Instructions

• 1

  Take artificial thyroid hormone medication if you suffer from clinical hypothyroidism. Your doctor will perform a blood test to evaluate your levels of TSH, or Thyroid Replacement Hormone, which your body produces when your thyroid is not functioning effectively. Schedule regular blood tests if you're taking thyroid medication to recheck your TSH levels and adjust the dosage of the medication.

• 2

  Consume foods high in tyrosine, such as lean meats, fish, and poultry, as well as lentils, avocados, bananas, and seeds such as sesame and sunflower seeds. Avoid vegetables in the brassica family such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and kale. Also minimize your consumption of soy.

• 3

  Take a vitamin B complex supplement. Use iodized salt. Do not take an iodine supplement because normal amounts of iodized salt can give you all the iodine you need, and taking too much iodine can negatively impact your thyroid function.