Thyroid Therapies

Naturopathic Doctors have long used thyroid balancing strategies in managing mood disorders. Naturopathic doctors are trained experts in detecting hormone imbalances and interactions between hormones. Thyroid problems can come from many different sources; pituitary, primary thyroid problems, thyroid conversion problems, and even thyroid hormone receptor resistance. Furthermore, Naturopathic Doctors have more than just one thyroid medicine at their disposal and prescribe T4, T3, combinations of T4 and T3, and other natural substances that help the body better utilize hormones.

Why worry about thyroid?


1. More patients with bipolar disorder are overtly hypothyroid than the general population.
2. Even slightly low thyroid function leads to poor treatment response.
3. Some medications alter thyroid function such as lithium and possibly Seroquel.
4. Thyroid hormone replacement repeatedly shows positive results in bipolar disorder ever since its first report in the early 1900’s.
5. High-dose thyroid is an effective mood stabilizer, and helps prevent further mood episodes.

How does Dr. Janikula use thyroid hormone?

First Dr. Janikula tests for thyroid problems by ordering a full array of thyroid labs including: TSH, T4, T3, fT4, fT3, and T3 uptake. If these tests are positive, the patient has overt hypothyroidism and needs thyroid medication. He considers a TSH cutoff value of greater than 2.0 to be problematic. He also finds body temperature an accurate measure of very subtle subclinical thyroid dysfunction when TSH is normal. His patients measure there body temperature using a basal body thermometer, on waking, 10 AM, 3 PM, and 8PM. He considers thyroid problems if mid-day temperature readings never reach 98.6.

If you would like to purchase a reliable thermometer click here.

If Dr. Janikula uses thyroid, it is a tool to aid response to other therapies natural and conventional. He finds without thyroid balance patients respond poorly and rarely achieve happy, stable moods.

High-dose Thyroid?

Dr. Janikula frequently uses high-dose thyroid therapy and has found surprisingly good results. Patients with Rapid Cycling bipolar disorder benefit with and without other mood stabilizers. He does not reserve this therapy for only treatment resistant patients (those who did not have response to many medications).

What about the risks?

Dr. Janikula discusses the risks of high dose thyroid with all patients. The two largest risks are osteoporosis and heart arrhythmias. Recent studies indicate the osteoporosis risk is very minimal but he still takes precautions by giving extra nutrients that support bone health. With arrhythmias, he occasionally has patients tested to ensure this is not happening.

What form of thyroid does Dr. Janikula use?

Most commonly Dr. Janikula will use USP thyroid, known as Armour thyroid. This form of thyroid contains 38 mcg or T4, 9 mcg or T3, and trace amounts of T2 per grain. He finds the combination of T4, T3, and T2 often works far better than T4 therapy alone. Some patients find benefit at 3 grains a day and others may increase up to 5-6 grains a day.

Dr. Janikula also prescribes sustained release T3 using Wilson’s Proticol. He will select this as an option if he a patient with normal TSH but low body temperatures, or if high dose thyroid is risky (osteoporosis risk, or cardiovascular disease risk).

Is there research supporting the use of thyroid hormone in bipolar disorder?

Yes and the following link is a thorough list of the research. Summary of thyroid research…. Added soon....
Thyroid Review Article to bring to Physician Click Here...