Hi there! I've been dealing with hypo for almost a year and a half now (probably longer). I'm a research freak, so I'm always looking for something, too. Especially because I also have Epstein-Barr, which also causes nasty fatigue and other symptoms. I've had some great luck with acupuncture and herbs, although I think it's the EBV that it has most of the effect on. Many people take Tyrosine, which is supposed to help with thyroid health and hormone production. I think, though, that the greatest effect will happen from thyroid supplements. I hope your friend is taking them if she needs them, and it sounds like she does! I have been doing a little research on types of thyroid meds, and it appears that a lot of people would do better with T3 supplementation included in their treatment if their lab tests look normal but they still feel bad. Must thyroid meds only contain T4 (your natural hormone contains both T3 and T4). Cytomel, is a synthetic T3 supplement that many people take with their other meds and a lot of people report feeling much better. The problem is that a lot of doctors think T4 is enough. A patients lab results will look normal from the T4 alone, and a lot of doctors like to use lab results exclusively. I am so lucky--my endocrinologist actually put me directly on Armour thyroid, which is a natural thyroid supplement (not synthetic). It contains all the thyroid hormones that our own thyroid would produce. A lot of docs, tho, are uninformed about Armour or similar supplements and will not prescribe it. Check out Mary Shomon's website at:
www.thyroid-info.com
Her site is really comprehensive on both medical and natural/alternative approaches.
By the way, please note that I'm not a doctor or medical person. This info is all to the best of my knowledge, and I encourage you to do your own research to verify any information that you feel is useful.
And may I say that you are an _awesome_ friend!!! Good luck!!
Mindy