Hypothyroidism & Running
Treadmillmom1st
Posts: 579 Member
Hiya guys. I started running 8 years ago and love(d) it. It's not the only exercise I do but I run twice a week. I was diagnosed almost 2 years ago with Hypothyroidism, though I don't feel like the old me I feel so much better than I did pre diagnosis. Anyway, the reason for my post is recently I am struggling with my runs, my body feels heavy, like I'm dragging a sled. I haven't put weight on, I've managed it really well but I feel uncoordinated and outta sync. I'm stop start alot these days. I tried interval running, stretching during the 'rest', it helps but doesn't wholly resolve this issue. Today felt like my last run, I'm saddened by that, any suggestions?
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Replies
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Has your thyroid been re-tested lately, including not just TSH but T3/T4?
That said: I haven't noticed any effect like that from long-term but properly treated hypothyroidism. (I don't run, but I do row, on water 4x a week in summer, plus spin class 2x weekly, and I'm thinking I'm a lot older, besides (63)). Could there be some other nutritional issue (iron, B12, magnesium, who knows . . . .)? Nutritional blood tests might be useful? How's your sleep? Balanced nutrition in your diet?1 -
I lost my thyroid to cancer so my situation is a little different than yours, but my experience is that when my performance goes down it means that my meds need adjusting. And I run better when I'm under-medicated than when I'm over-medicated.
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Hypothyroid runner here. I know what you mean about feeling tired and like your body is extra “heavy” when running. I noticed this a few months ago and mentioned it to my doc at my checkup appointment so he checked my levels and I did indeed need a slightly higher dose of Levo. Another thing to consider is having your iron checked. I’m always borderline anemic (due to heavy periods even with supplementation) and notice an immediate change in my running performance when my levels go really really low. I’m usually able to still run through it but it definitely makes running less pleasant when I feel like I’m struggling to do even my regular easy runs. From what I’ve read here and there, hypothyroidism and iron deficiency very commonly occur together, although no one seems to know why, so perhaps have your ferritin levels checked. That being said, it could just be a coincidence and maybe your body is just saying it’s too much for it at this time. Could you take a little break (a week or two) and then start again using the C25K app to ease back into it? Might be worth a try. I’ve used the C25K app to ease back into running after taking time off for (unrelated) health reasons and it’s always worked like a charm. I really hope you find your running mojo again!
One more thing... I find my running gets harder also if I’m running low on electrolytes, so not just water but electrolytes. I started carrying those little restaurant salt packets in my running belt and popping a few along with my water when I go for long runs, it’s been a game changer for me. So also make sure you are giving your body optimal hydration and electrolytes 5 -
I agree with the above posters. Get your thyroid levels checked, you may need a different dose. Also, runners frequently have issues with low ferritin. What is normal for a non-runner may be too low for a runner: i.e. normal is 15 - 250, but when runners get under 50 they will notice a difference. When my iron was at 11 I was really slow and running wasn't fun at all. Low B12 or vitamin D can also make a difference. Then there's the question of heat and humidity. I find as I get older I tolerate heat and humidity much less. I've also been told that low thyroid plays a role in heat tolerance. So since it's summer, that may be affecting your performance.2
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I am also hypothyroid. It has also been hard for most runner this year due to the heat and humidity. My last run was pretty good because I ran when the sun was setting, but the previous run, I felt like I was running in a sea of glue. Keep working it and re-evaluate how you run in cooler weather. Your medication may also need tweaked.2
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Treadmillmom1st wrote: »Hiya guys. I started running 8 years ago and love(d) it. It's not the only exercise I do but I run twice a week. I was diagnosed almost 2 years ago with Hypothyroidism, though I don't feel like the old me I feel so much better than I did pre diagnosis. Anyway, the reason for my post is recently I am struggling with my runs, my body feels heavy, like I'm dragging a sled. I haven't put weight on, I've managed it really well but I feel uncoordinated and outta sync. I'm stop start alot these days. I tried interval running, stretching during the 'rest', it helps but doesn't wholly resolve this issue. Today felt like my last run, I'm saddened by that, any suggestions?
Check out Flywheel Strength Training. Uses inertia to drive one or more flywheels in one direction, working in both concentric and eccentric phases before redirecting and spinning the opposite direction. Shown to drastically improve runners strength and performance. Protect the joints by adding strength training to your daily routines and the runs will start to feel lighter and more stable without injuring yourself with heavy compression on weaker joints. Prehab beats Rehab, every time. 😎0 -
RunsWithBees wrote: »Hypothyroid runner here. I know what you mean about feeling tired and like your body is extra “heavy” when running. I noticed this a few months ago and mentioned it to my doc at my checkup appointment so he checked my levels and I did indeed need a slightly higher dose of Levo. Another thing to consider is having your iron checked. I’m always borderline anemic (due to heavy periods even with supplementation) and notice an immediate change in my running performance when my levels go really really low. I’m usually able to still run through it but it definitely makes running less pleasant when I feel like I’m struggling to do even my regular easy runs. From what I’ve read here and there, hypothyroidism and iron deficiency very commonly occur together, although no one seems to know why, so perhaps have your ferritin levels checked. That being said, it could just be a coincidence and maybe your body is just saying it’s too much for it at this time. Could you take a little break (a week or two) and then start again using the C25K app to ease back into it? Might be worth a try. I’ve used the C25K app to ease back into running after taking time off for (unrelated) health reasons and it’s always worked like a charm. I really hope you find your running mojo again!
One more thing... I find my running gets harder also if I’m running low on electrolytes, so not just water but electrolytes. I started carrying those little restaurant salt packets in my running belt and popping a few along with my water when I go for long runs, it’s been a game changer for me. So also make sure you are giving your body optimal hydration and electrolytes
I dont have thyroid issues, but I agree with getting your iron levels checked. This may not apply to you, but basic blood panels do not always catch my iron depletion. My hemoglobin can be normal, but my actual iron saturation can be dangerously low (sometimes as low as 3-4%). About every 9-12 months I get iron infusions and I feel like a brand new person afterwards!2 -
Thank you all for taking the time to respond, the iron deficiency theory sounds plausible.2
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I have hashi too. I just joined myfitnesspal. Not a runner but trying to exercise 2-3 times a week - recumbent bike & elliptical, trying to find the right exertion. I have read something that say take it easy, should I stay in the fat burning zone? I am also mixing in about 15 minutes, one round, on the weight machines. I feel sluggish all the time and it's hard to get motivated and as you all know it's difficult to lose weight. I am only supposed to eat 1200 cals a day. What are you alls experience with eating the points back when exercising? Should I eat them all or hold back a little? I am on meds but also looking for a holistic approach and essential oils to help boost my focus (foggy brain) and being tired all the time so if anyone has any suggestions.0
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tgaudet123 wrote: »I have hashi too. I just joined myfitnesspal. Not a runner but trying to exercise 2-3 times a week - recumbent bike & elliptical, trying to find the right exertion. I have read something that say take it easy, should I stay in the fat burning zone? I am also mixing in about 15 minutes, one round, on the weight machines. I feel sluggish all the time and it's hard to get motivated and as you all know it's difficult to lose weight. I am only supposed to eat 1200 cals a day. What are you alls experience with eating the points back when exercising? Should I eat them all or hold back a little? I am on meds but also looking for a holistic approach and essential oils to help boost my focus (foggy brain) and being tired all the time so if anyone has any suggestions.
The "fat burning zone" is irrelevant for weight loss. If you're in a calorie deficit overall, that deficit will eventually be made up by burning stored body fat. (There is a "fat burning zone", but it's of interest to endurance athletes concerned with how they should fuel workouts: It's about what fuel is used at the moment of exercise, not about where your overall calorie deficit comes from.)
For your cardio, especially if you feel fatigued, the sweet spot is whatever intensity you can sustain during the time you have to devote to cardio, without it making you feel more exhausted or fatigued for the rest of your day. (You might have a few minutes of a "whew" feeling right after the exercise, but not a continuous thing.)
Ideally, exercise should be energizing for the rest of your day, but if your Hashi's isn't under good medical control, so that you're experiencing fatigue already as your baseline, I'd say you might think in terms of an exercise intensity that at least doesn't make things worse. If you're just getting started with an exercise program, it's fine to start gradually, then add more (intensity, duration, or frequency) as you get fitter and can do it without exhaustion.
As far as eating back exercise: The key factor is how fast you're losing weight. 1200 is already the lowest calorie goal MFP will give a woman, and it can make it a challenge to get good nutrition. Slow but steady loss is good, unless you're very obese to the point where your doctor has ordered you to lose fast, and put you under very close medical monitoring for health and nutrition.
The importance of slow, steady loss is especially true against a backdrop of pre-existing fatigue. Since you seem to have that pre-existing fatigue, I'd say it would be a good plan to estimate your exercise calories carefully, and eat them all back (most of the time) for 4-6 weeks, then see what your average weekly weight loss rate is. At that point, you can adjust, and eat more or less to reach a sensibly moderate weight loss rate.
Too-slow loss can be frustrating; too-fast loss can be a health risk. Especially with a pre-existing health challenge, I would encourage care about health risks.
P.S. I'm severely hypothyroid, well-controlled with meds, but don't have Hashi's.
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P.S. I'm severely hypothyroid, well-controlled with meds, but don't have Hashi's.
Nice to learn something new on MFP. I've always thought hypothyroidism and hashimoto were interchangeable terms. You've made me Google it. I believe I'm also hypothyroid and don't have hashi's. Does it make a difference though? Should I find out?0 -
P.S. I'm severely hypothyroid, well-controlled with meds, but don't have Hashi's.
Nice to learn something new on MFP. I've always thought hypothyroidism and hashimoto were interchangeable terms. You've made me Google it. I believe I'm also hypothyroid and don't have hashi's. Does it make a difference though? Should I find out?
hashi's is an autoimmune disease where your body is essentially attacking your thyroid; hypothyoidism is simply (for lack of a better term) that your body doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones. hashi's is typically diagnosed with an antibody test as well as a normal thyroid panel (TSH, Free T4)
when was the last time you had blood work done?0 -
P.S. I'm severely hypothyroid, well-controlled with meds, but don't have Hashi's.
Nice to learn something new on MFP. I've always thought hypothyroidism and hashimoto were interchangeable terms. You've made me Google it. I believe I'm also hypothyroid and don't have hashi's. Does it make a difference though? Should I find out?
I don't know. I'm not a doctor, just a person with hypothyroidism. Getting your condition treated, to the point where you feel decent, is key . . . and that's a doctor issue. I do know that some of us don't feel that great within the normal TSH range unless near the bottom of the normal range (I'm that person), and some of us can have a normal TSH on blood tests, but the T3/T4 results reveal that there's still a problem with conversion, and further treatment is needed. (I'm not that person.)
Do be sure that you take your meds consistently, exactly as directed (usually it's on an empty stomach, then wait for a period of time before eating, and don't supplement calcium for a longer number of hours after taking the meds).
If you're symptomatic, talk with your doctor. If you haven't had blood tests lately get some. If necessary, seek a referral to a specialist.
You can still lose weight when hypo (especially if treated (I did), but even if undertreated). However, water weight fluctuations may be a little more confusing than average, and you may need to eat slightly fewer calories than people your same size (or maybe not (I didn't). . . but don't go below 1200 plus exercise to start, regardless).2 -
P.S. I'm severely hypothyroid, well-controlled with meds, but don't have Hashi's.
Nice to learn something new on MFP. I've always thought hypothyroidism and hashimoto were interchangeable terms. You've made me Google it. I believe I'm also hypothyroid and don't have hashi's. Does it make a difference though? Should I find out?
I don't know. I'm not a doctor, just a person with hypothyroidism. Getting your condition treated, to the point where you feel decent, is key . . . and that's a doctor issue. I do know that some of us don't feel that great within the normal TSH range unless near the bottom of the normal range (I'm that person), and some of us can have a normal TSH on blood tests, but the T3/T4 results reveal that there's still a problem with conversion, and further treatment is needed. (I'm not that person.)
Do be sure that you take your meds consistently, exactly as directed (usually it's on an empty stomach, then wait for a period of time before eating, and don't supplement calcium for a longer number of hours after taking the meds).
If you're symptomatic, talk with your doctor. If you haven't had blood tests lately get some. If necessary, seek a referral to a specialist.
You can still lose weight when hypo (especially if treated (I did), but even if undertreated). However, water weight fluctuations may be a little more confusing than average, and you may need to eat slightly fewer calories than people your same size (or maybe not (I didn't). . . but don't go below 1200 plus exercise to start, regardless).
Thanks @AnnPT77 , super informative as ever. The question was just out of curiosity really, I like to know what's happening to my body. My hypothyroidism is well controlled by meds and has been for 9 years.
The weight comes off nicely when I stick to plan. Unfortunately, my head is not always in it and I like my food!
I've recently reduced my medication as I started having symptoms and it turns out I was taking a little too much (which may have something to do with losing 40lb but who knows?) So I'm now being tested every 3 months to see if things settle down. No symptoms since I reduced so my guess is I'm stable again.
Onwards and upwards....1 -
And thanks @deannalfisher!1
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