| Conditions:

Hypothyroidism

Related Terms
  • Hashimoto Thyroiditis; Thyroid Hormone, Low; Thyroiditis, Hashimoto

 

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Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not make enough hormone. This may cause fatigue, weight gain, and depression. It may also cause cold intolerance and body aches.

It is managed with medicine. Natural therapies have been used to ease symptoms. They should not be used in place of standard care.

 

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Natural Therapies

May Be Effective

Carnitine is a nutrient in the body that helps produce energy. It may help ease fatigue.^A2 

Not Enough Data to Assess

• Ashwagandha^A3 
• Traditional Chinese herbal medicine^A1 

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

 

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Herbs and Supplements to Be Used With Caution

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.

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References [ + ]

Herbs and Supplements

A1. Ke LQ, Hu Y, et al. Chinese herbal medicines for hypothyroidism. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(2):CD008779.

A2. An JH, Kim YJ, et al. L-carnitine supplementation for the management of fatigue in patients with hypothyroidism on levothyroxine treatment: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Endocr J. 2016;63(10):885-895.

A3. Sharma AK, Basu I, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2018 Mar;24(3):243-248.

A4. Mahmoodianfard S, Vafa M, et al. Effects of Zinc and Selenium Supplementation on Thyroid Function in Overweight and Obese Hypothyroid Female Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial. J Am Coll Nutr. 2015;34(5):391-399.

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Last reviewed November 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
Last Updated: 6/3/2020

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