Schisandra and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
To anyone that can help,
I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis and am currently borderline hyperthyroid. I am also dysautonomic (self-diagnosis based on tons of research) and am looking for adaptogens that will correct the function of my HPA axis. The best way to describe my symptoms is that my body is stuck in the fight or flight state 24/7. In order to manage this I must exercise, meditate, and take a daily nap. The daily nap is crucial for me to function. I have used adaptogens in the past, specifically Adaptaphase 1 by Vitamin Research Products. It contains Siberian Ginseng, Schisandra, Hawthorne, Echinopanax Elatum, and Manchurian Thorn Tree. My previous experiences with it were great. It improved my feeling of being highly stressed. The last time I used it however, I lost the ability to nap after work, which is crucial. Whether it was one of the adaptogens, my thyroid, or
food sensitivities , provoking anxiety and not allowing me to nap after work is highly debatable. I figure the best way to find out is to take adaptogens one at a time, and start with the inhibitory ones first.
I tried Ashwagandha. It helped initially, but later caused thyrotoxicosis, and really set my health back quite a bit. My thyroid is sensitive, but it caused a huge rise in my free T3 levels, that I was forced to take very high doses of Methimazole (anti-thyroid medication) to counter the effects until I figured out what was causing the problem. I urge you to NOT recommend Ashwagandha for anyone who is hyperthyroid or thyroid sensitive. It can literally destroy your nervous system due to the thyrotoxicosis. For further reference check the following website
http://www.raysahelian.com,
regarding Ashwagandha and thyrotoxicosis. You can also do a general search and will find the same information.
Schisandra is the next adaptogen I would like to try. What concerns me is if it has any effect on the thyroid and if it is stimulating. There is highly conflicting information on the internet. I was taking Cymbalta for about 2 years to help manage the anxiety I experience. It helped, but was not enough. My doctor then had me switch over to Prozac to see if it would be any better. The Prozac was a miserable experience, and I had to discontinue. Since Prozac has a long half life, I am currently not taking any SSRIs or SNRIs. I feel the adaptogens are the way to go, because they will treat the cause, whereas medications tend to treat the symptoms and are not fully effective.
I know there is no definitive answer to this, but do you feel that Schisandra could affect thyroid hormone production, or stimulate one's immune system to attack the thyroid in those with Hashimoto's thyroiditis? Would Schisandra prevent someone from taking a nap after being awake anywhere from 6-12 hours, assuming it is taken first thing in the morning? I appreciate your opinion and deem it as such, an opinion nothing else.