15 Ways to Feel Well and Live Well With Hypothyroidism

Whether you're newly diagnosed as hypothyroid, or have been living with an underactive thyroid for years...whether you're hypothyroid due to treatment for Graves' or hyperthyroidism, surgery, or whether you have autoimmune hypothyroidism...there are a number of things you can do to start feeling better.

Get started living and feeling well right now!

#1: Know and Understand Your Thyroid Blood Test Results It's not enough to have your doctor tell you that your test results are "normal." You need to know the numbers, so you can know what your doctor's philosophy is as far as aggressiveness of treatment, and so you can work with your doctor to determine the optimal levels for your own wellness.

To find out more about how to do this, read:

• Endos Say Normal TSH Range Now .3 to 3: Millions More at Thyroid Risk
• How To Interpret Your TSH Blood Test Results
• Six Questions You Ought to Ask Your Doctor...And How to Interpret the Answers


#2: Know Whether You Are at the Optimal TSH level for You to Feel Well

Some people need to be at the lower end of the normal TSH range -- i.e., around a TSH of 1 -- to feel best. Others do best in the middle of the range, or even high-normal levels. Where you feel best is unique to you, and finding that level is a critical part of feeling well.

To find out more about how to do this, read:
• Endos Say Normal TSH Range Now .3 to 3: Millions More at Thyroid Risk
• Is Your Hypothyroidism Undertreated?
• HELP! My TSH Is "Normal" But I Think I'm Hypothyroid
• Six Questions You Ought to Ask Your Doctor...And How to Interpret the Answers
#3: Know Your T3 Levels and Whether You Have Enough T3 to Feel Well

Some doctors believe that even when TSH levels are normal, and you're on levothyroxine (i.e., Synthroid) for your hypothyroidism, if you have low T3 levels, you may still be suffering from hypothyroidism and symptoms. Find out how to have your T3 levels tested, and what to do about it if the levels are low.

To find out more about how to do this, read:
• Is Your Hypothyroidism Undertreated?
• Major New England Journal Research Findings Re: T3
#4: Find the Best Possible Doctor to Be Your Partner in Wellness

Do you need an endocrinologist? Or would a holistic or alternative doctor be the best for you? And once you decide, how do you find the best doctors? These are all important questions you need to answer, because having a good, caring and smart doctor -- one who is your partner in the search for solutions and wellness - is perhaps the most important thing you can do for your health.

To find out what type of doctor you might need, and how to find the best thyroid doctors, see:
• What Kind of Doctor Do You Need? How to choose from among endocrinologists, holistic doctors and others.
• Top Doc Directory -- a state-by-state and international directory of the best thyroid doctors as recommended by thyroid patients worlwide.
• Top Doc Forum -- exchange information about the best thyroid doctors around the world.
#5: Don't Feel Alone, or Think That You Are the Only One Suffering. Get Support from Other Thyroid Patients

Support is an essential part of getting well and staying well. You can find others who sympathize and understand your symptoms, you will discover that you are not the only one struggling to get well, and learn important information and ideas from others who are moving forward successfully on the path to wellness.

For support related to thyroid disease, see:

Thyroid Bulletin Boards/Support Forums -- There are multiple forums where you can find support and information, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including forums that specialize in:
• General Thyroid Support and Info
• Hyperthyroidism/Graves’ Disease
• Thyroid and Hormones/Pregnancy/Fertility/Menopause
• Thyroid Cancer--
• Thyroid Related Diet, Weight Loss and Nutrition
• Thyroid Top Doctors
• Alternative Medicine for Thyroid Disease
• Thyroid United Kingdom/Ireland

Also, read How to Start a Thyroid Support Group -- Guidelines on How to Start Your Own Thyroid Support Group