Graves’ Disease or Hashimoto’s? My Thyroid Journey and Finding Balance
Hi friends!
I was 24 when my world turned upside down. At the time, I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease and hyperthyroidism. It was a frightening experience—my thyroid was literally bulging from my neck, and I was suffering from all the typical symptoms, including an irregular period. For a while, I had no idea what was going on, but thankfully, my OBGYN noticed the swelling in my neck and ordered tests. Those tests revealed how serious my condition was.
When I finally saw an endocrinologist, my thyroid levels were so dangerously high that the doctor recommended immediate removal—either by surgery or radiation. That was not an option for me. At 24, the thought of losing my thyroid and being on hormone replacement therapy for the rest of my life felt unimaginable. I had to take my health into my own hands.
I was put on medication, but it made me so sick. That’s when I turned to alternative solutions like Motherwort, Lemon Balm, L-Carnitine, and adrenal support supplements to course correct. The medication wasn’t working for me, so I sought out other ways to heal. By no means am I giving health advice here, but this is what worked for me at the time. I had to navigate my health on my own because my doctor didn’t want to work with me on alternative approaches.
For a while, I couldn’t find a doctor who was willing to explore options beyond thyroid removal and medication, so I stayed the course with my supplements. It wasn’t until I found a functional doctor—who was a DO, not an MD—that things started to improve. They ran new tests and, shockingly, my levels had normalized. However, the autoimmune portion received my, and that’s when I received my Hashimoto’s diagnosis.
This doctor added selenium and zinc to my routine, while removing the motherwort and lemon balm I had been taking. These two minerals, selenium and zinc, have played a crucial role in my thyroid health ever since.
Motherwort, Lemon Balm, and Adrenal Support
Before diving into the specifics of selenium and zinc, here’s a little background of what I was taking.
Motherwort and Lemon Balm: These herbs helped calm my overactive thyroid.
L-Carnitine and CoQ10: Both supplements supported my overall thyroid function and energy levels.
Adrenal Support : To help balance my adrenal system.
Increased Seafood Intake: For additional iodine and essential nutrients.
These changes, combined with a thoughtful diet adjustment, contributed to my successful transition off medication. I am in no way shape or form giving medical advice but simply sharing my experience with you all and hopefully some encouragement. But today, I want to highlight how selenium and zinc have specifically supported my thyroid health.
The Power of Selenium and Zinc for Thyroid Health
Selenium and zinc have been incredible for maintaining my thyroid health. Selenium is key for reducing inflammation and supporting the conversion of T4 to the active T3 hormone, which helps regulate metabolism and overall thyroid function. Zinc, on the other hand, is vital for the synthesis of thyroid hormones and immune function, both of which are critical for managing autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s.
Selenium
Thyroid Hormone Production: Selenium is essential for the conversion of the thyroid hormone T4 (thyroxine) into T3 (triiodothyronine), the more active form of the hormone.
Antioxidant Protection: Selenium acts as an antioxidant, protecting the thyroid gland from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s.
Immune Support: By supporting immune function, selenium helps modulate autoimmune responses and reduce inflammation in the thyroid gland.
Zinc
Thyroid Function Regulation: Zinc is involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones and helps maintain the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.
Immune System Support: Zinc supports a healthy immune system, which is crucial for managing autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s.
Wound Healing and Tissue Repair: Zinc aids in the repair of tissues, including those in the thyroid gland, and supports overall skin health.
I’ve been off thyroid medication for seven years now. My journey hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned so much about my body and how to support it naturally. If I could go back to that initial diagnosis, I would make many of the same choices. However, there are a few things I’ve learned that would make the path smoother, and I’ll dive into that in a future post.
For now, I just want to remind anyone reading this: You are in control of your health. It’s your body, and you deserve to explore every option that feels right for you.
What Selenium and Zinc Do Beyond Thyroid Health
While selenium and zinc have been lifesavers for my thyroid, they offer other benefits too.
General Benefits of Selenium
Beyond thyroid health, selenium offers a range of benefits:
Antioxidant Properties: Selenium helps neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Heart Health: Selenium supports cardiovascular health by preventing inflammation and oxidative stress that can contribute to heart disease.
Cognitive Function: Adequate selenium levels are associated with better cognitive function and may help protect against cognitive decline.
General Benefits of Zinc
Zinc is a mineral with wide-ranging benefits:
Immune System Boost: Zinc plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system, helping the body fight off infections and illnesses.
Wound Healing: It supports the healing of wounds and injuries, making it important for overall skin health.
Taste and Smell: Zinc is essential for the senses of taste and smell, and deficiency can impair these senses.
Whether you’re managing a thyroid condition or not, these minerals are worth looking into for OVERALL WELLNESS.
How I Incorporate Selenium and Zinc into My Routine
I’ve found that incorporating selenium and zinc supplements into my daily routine has been a game-changer. I take my trace minerals either in my orange juice or smoothie, making sure they are in something that will hide the mineral taste. Selenium I can get by in water sometimes but that Zinc chile? Wooo you’re going to need to mask that in something lol.
Final Thoughts
Balancing thyroid health is a multifaceted journey, and selenium and zinc have been key players in my success. By supporting thyroid hormone production, reducing inflammation, and boosting immune function, these minerals have contributed significantly to my well-being.
I’m not here to give medical advice, just to share my personal journey but if you’re managing a thyroid condition, I encourage you to discuss with your healthcare provider how selenium and zinc might fit into your health strategy. Remember, every journey is unique, and it’s important to tailor your approach to what works best for you.
Most importantly I hope my story encourages you to explore all your options and advocate for yourself! There are so many ways to support your body—sometimes the path isn’t easy, but it’s always worth it.
Thank you for joining me on this part of my wellness journey. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on how I continue to support my thyroid health!
With warmth,
Tia 💖