Metabolism? Thyroid? What to fix?..Don't know whether to try meds, eat more, eat less, exercise more

Options
2»

Replies

  • mymodernbabylon
    mymodernbabylon Posts: 1,038 Member
    Options
    Come check us out at the Eat More 2 Weight Less group (or website). I think you'll find some interesting things to read.
  • Sam_I_Am77
    Sam_I_Am77 Posts: 2,093 Member
    Options
    [quote="ladybug77707;30478119"

    As to the hormonal changes, well, the DO did a FULL workup of EVERYTHING, and other than having low testosterone and a 'suboptimal' thyroid (low range of normal), everything was o.k.
    [/quote]

    I'm sorry if you answered this already, but is this doctor an endocrinologist? Two things I see, low T and low Thyroid hormone(s). They are on the low side of normal, but what is the mean level for your age? These are just random numbers because I don't know the metrics for Thyroid... For example's sake, let's say the range is 200 to 1200 and you scored 210, so you're within normal. However, let's say the mean level for your age group is 700; I would say you're low and need to get a second opinion from a doctor with more expertise on the subject-matter.

  • 47Jacqueline
    47Jacqueline Posts: 6,993 Member
    Options
    dbmata wrote: »
    Holy wall of text. I wasn't able to read that.

    lol! Yes, get a doctor to check you out.
  • ladybug77707
    ladybug77707 Posts: 39
    Options
    Will definitely take a look at "Eat More 2 Weigh Less"..........still learning about all of the different places on this board! Most certainly WILL!

    The doctor I am seeing is NOT an endocrinologist, but a Family Practice/Doctor of Osteopathy, who specializes in women's health and aging. I *DID* have an endocrinologist evaluation as well, but that went nowhere because TECHNICALLY I was in the 'normal' range similar to what Sam_I_am described (i.e., if 'normal' is 200-700 , I was like 201). My T3 was the problem. It was 2.8 and she said should be closer to 3.5. I am going to see what she says at the next visit about the thyroid. SHe has already said that she would rather treat symptoms than labs, and that's the problem with most endocrinologists - they only treat labs. Going to see what she says when I go back. Also, the T was a '3' and for women the level should be closer to 10-35 according to the lab report.

    Does having those values shed any new light to the responses you all have shared??
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    Options
    I'd see another specialist for another opinion. I'd not follow the advice of a DO in an area outside of their specialty unless I trusted that they knew their craft, and that area in depth.
  • ACSL3
    ACSL3 Posts: 623 Member
    Options
    Primary care physicians (both MDs and DOs) are perfectly capable of treating hypothyroid and helping with menopause. You do not need to go running to a specialist for every little thing! I see this all the time on these boards - what exactly do you think PCPs do? If you went to this specialist or that specialist for everything, what's the point of a PCP?

    (OP, this is not aimed at you as you seem to be comfortable with what your doctor is capable of, but rather at all the other people stating that you should see an endocrinologist for a possible abnormal level of TSH/T3/T4. BTW, a naturopath is someone who did not go to an accrediated medical school, hence why most physicians would be insulted if you called them that. DOs get confused as naturopaths because they take a more natural and less pharmaceutical approach, so I totally understand your thinking)
  • GaleHawkins
    GaleHawkins Posts: 8,159 Member
    Options
    facetiouschaos wrote: »
    I have thyroid issues myself. There are actually a lot of foods that can have an effect on your thyroid levels. For instance, soy products. If you're someone who drinks soy milk, cut it out and see how you feel in 6 weeks. It takes about 6 weeks to notice any real change in your thyroid levels. Do some research on other dietary influences and really examine what you're eating. You probably won't be put on replacement hormones unless you are significantly out of range. There are too many risks, particularly for your heart, involved with that.

    Thanks for posting how diet can impact thyroid levels.

  • brandiuntz
    brandiuntz Posts: 2,717 Member
    Options
    I don't have my numbers in front of me, but my TSH and T3 were "low end of normal" when I got tested a few years ago. I had several symptoms and a goiter, so my doctor put me on Armour thyroid medication. I'm on a lowish dose of it and it has worked wonders for my problems. No side effects, either.

    I've also adjusted my diet to avoid too much of raw cruciferous vegetables. I watch my soy and peanut intake, too, as those are thought to contribute.

    I'd say it's good to keep up the extra strength training. You won't be adding a bunch of muscle with it. You'll be helping to maintain what you have, which is good for your age range (I'm also in my 40's).

    I know it's hard to be patient, but stick to one change for at least 4-6 weeks. You'll get it figured out at some point. :)
  • ladybug77707
    ladybug77707 Posts: 39
    Options
    Brandi, I am almost AFRAID of going on any medication, though if it will help, I want to do it. If my numbers were blatantly out of range, it would be easy to make that choice. But with it being 'low end of normal', it's hard to make that call. My other symptoms are always being cold, not having as much energy as I should, and then the rapid and unusual (for me) extra lbs. What other symptoms did you have? Did you have a lot of side-effects from the medication? Armour is exactly what she is suggesting.
  • brandiuntz
    brandiuntz Posts: 2,717 Member
    Options
    Replied to your PM. :)
  • WatchJoshLift
    WatchJoshLift Posts: 520 Member
    Options
    GaleHawkins wrote: »
    facetiouschaos wrote: »
    I have thyroid issues myself. There are actually a lot of foods that can have an effect on your thyroid levels. For instance, soy products. If you're someone who drinks soy milk, cut it out and see how you feel in 6 weeks. It takes about 6 weeks to notice any real change in your thyroid levels. Do some research on other dietary influences and really examine what you're eating. You probably won't be put on replacement hormones unless you are significantly out of range. There are too many risks, particularly for your heart, involved with that.

    Thanks for posting how diet can impact thyroid levels.

    Gale is a stinking scientist!
  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
    Options
    Gaining 5 lbs. in 6 months & being cold are your only symptoms, and your thyroid levels are in the normal range? I gained 30 lbs. in 6 months (I'm only 5'2"), with a long list of symptoms plus low thyroid levels, positive antibodies, and nodules on my thyroid.

    Start by learning to log everything you eat & drink accurately & honestly. I thought I was gaining for no reason, but logging showed me I was eating way too much. Thyroid meds reduced my symptoms, but logging enabled me to lose the weight—and keep it off.

    For a second opinion about your thyroid levels, please see an endocrinologist.
  • ladybug77707
    ladybug77707 Posts: 39
    Options
    Thank you, editorgrrl............I am on my second full month of logging, so will keep that up. I can't see my original post anymore for reference, but also was low on progesterone and testosterone so am getting that back in balance, too. I am holding off on any thyroid meds until I am sure that I truly need it. It could be the other hormones getting back on track will get me back to where I need to be with all of my symptoms, as could the logging (for the weight part). I don't want to start on something for a lifetime unless I really, really need it. Sounds like yours was a clear-cut case. I am not convinced yet on mine :)))

Categories