Hypothyroidism, Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

There are numerous similarities between the conditions hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Millions of people have these conditions, and while hypothyroidism can usually be measured through thyroid blood tests, there are no blood tests which can determine whether someone has fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. As a result, many doctors dismiss these latter conditions as not being "real" disorders. Fortunately more and more doctors are realizing that people with fibromyalgia and CFS have real conditions, although most still don't know how to successfully treat such conditions.

One thing I've learned in my 10+ years of being a holistic doctor is that you can't rely on blood tests alone. So with conditions such as fibromyalgia and CFS, just because the blood tests are negative (which they usually are) doesn't mean much. But the same thing holds true with hypothyroidism, as even the thyroid blood tests aren't completely reliable. Paying attention to the patient's symptoms is extremely important. But too many medical doctors are reliant on the blood tests alone, and don't pay much attention to their patient's symptoms.

Finding The Cause Of These "Incurable" Conditions

Most medical doctors label hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia as being incurable. So when someone receives positive thyroid blood tests which indicate the person is hypothyroid, that person will be told to take synthetic or natural thyroid hormone for the rest of their life. In most cases nothing will be done to find the underlying cause of the condition, although many people with hypothyroidism can have their health restored back to normal through a natural thyroid treatment protocol.

Natural treatment methods can also help many people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. And when I talk about natural treatments, I'm not just talking about taking nutritional supplements and herbs. While nutritional supplements and herbs play an important role in the recovery process, taking these alone won't restore the health of someone with these conditions. In fact, it could be risky to self-treat your condition by taking supplements and herbs.

Four Bodily Systems Which May Be Causing Your Condition

With hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, and CFS, there are four main areas of the body which can be causing or contributing to these conditions:

1. Adrenal Glands. Most people with hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, and/or CFS have weak adrenal glands. Most endocrinologists and other types of medical doctors don't look at adrenal health, but weak adrenal glands can lead to many different health issues, and will need to be addressed if there is any possibility of curing one's condition. Fortunately, this can be determined through a test called the Adrenal Stress Index (ASI), which is through the company Diagnos-Techs. If it has been determined that you have weak adrenal glands this can usually be corrected by modifying certain lifestyle factors, and also through proper adrenal support.

2. Steroid Hormones. An imbalance in hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, and/or DHEA can also contribute to these conditions. Many holistic doctors recommend bioidentical hormones to correct these hormone imbalances. While bioidientical hormones can help greatly at times, they usually don't provide a permanent cure to a hormone imbalance. So if they are given to a person it should be on a temporary basis. Following a certain natural treatment protocol will usually correct such a hormone imbalance.

3. Immune System. A compromised immune can be a factor in these conditions as well. When someone with hypothyroidism has a compromised immune system it frequently leads to a condition called Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. But people with fibromyalgia and CHF frequently have compromised immune systems as well. And to no surprise, most medical doctors do nothing to address a compromised immune system.

4. Digestive System. Proper digestion is extremely important with these conditions as well. While a poorly functioning digestive system might not be the direct cause of hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, or CFS, if one can't properly digest the foods they eat and any nutritional supplements they need to take, then it's pointless to follow a natural treatment protocol. So one of the main goals for anyone with these conditions is to correct any digestive issues they may have.

For Optimal Results Consult With A Competent Natural Endocrine Doctor

Instead of trying to self-treat your condition, I highly recommend consulting with a competent natural endocrine doctor. This type of doctor isn't easy to find, but a good natural endocrine doctor will fully evaluate your condition to determine the underlying cause of the disorder, and if they feel as if you're a candidate for natural treatment methods they will put you on an individualized treatment plan.

In summary, people with hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, and/or chronic fatigue syndrome can frequently have their health restored back to normal through a natural treatment protocol. Such a protocol can admittedly be a challenge to follow, as it does involve taking responsibility for your health. But if you're determined to restore your health to normal then there is a good chance you will benefit from natural treatment methods.