Q: I am a 51-year-old female. Six months back I was told I have a large nodule on the right side of my thyroid. A sonogram revealed that the nodule was about the size of a quarter. A blood test was done for T3/T4 plus a radiation iodine test, as well as a guided biopsy, which indicated negative for cancer. Nevertheless, my endocrinologist prescribed 0.25 mg of snythroid, which she said would help shrink the nodule. She also said I would have to take it for life. This is a drug and I don't believe in being on a drug for life. Is there any natural remedy or is there another test I can take to see why inspite of this I have hypothyroid symptoms? The doctor said my pituitary is normal and I am not menopausal but have menopausal symptoms. I am having constipation and have night sweats and facial hair too. I do not feel healthy and have no energy. Please answer me at the earliest possible.

A:There is no natural remedy for a thyroid nodule. In some cases they may regress spontaneously, but since the nodule is large this less likely. The options are to do nothing (as long as it is clear that the nodule is not malignant), to suppress with thyroxine or to have it removed surgically. There are pros and cons to each and you need to discuss these with your endocrinologist. As far as the other symptoms, you may develop menopausal symptoms even if periods are continuing. A blood test can help to decide if menopause is imminent. If so, treatment may make you feel better.