How does Hypothyroidism affect weightloss?

ChristyP0303

I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism when I was 14. I take 175mg of Synthroid per day and I get tested about once every 6 months to make sure it stays in check. I am now 30 and trying to loose all the weight I have packed on over the years. It seems to be going so slow. Does anyone know how hypothyroidism affects weightloss? Is there anything I can do that will help? I have a lot of weight to loose and I dont want to drag this out for years....

Thanks!

SongbirdLandy

I am in the same boat as you, only diagnosed a lot later in life. BUT, I am also here to show you that it IS possible to lose with hypothyroidism! I have lost about 82 lbs since September, 123 all together! It may take us a little longer than some people, but honestly, the slower you lose it the better!!! It will be much easier to maintain later if you take your time and lose it slowly!

JennaM222

I was diagnosed a little over a year ago at my highest weight. my Doctor started me on the lowest dose. I didnt really notice much of a dofference taking the meds ( but I did notice a total difference if I didnt. )

since I have lost over 30 lbs and have stopped taken the meds as my levels are back to normal. I was also working my bitt off at the gym and eating right. good luck

WildflowerAL

I also take Synthroid (137.5 mcg). The only times it has been an issue for me is when my levels were out and my medication had to be increased. I can usually tell when it's out (I am very tired, the scale starts creeping up even though I am eating well and excersicing). I get tested every 6 months as well.

I would verify with your doctor what your last thyroid levels were--what is considered ideal has been decreased from the time I originally started taking Synthroid.

Good Luck!

dayzeerock

bump

Kimrenaud

well it makes it very hard. you need to really boost your metabolism vitamn B12 stress tabs, exercise. I also have it. I am now a diabetic because of it, which you are prone to this also. So daily exercise 60+ min. cardio watch your diet take care of yourself. I have a metobolic syndrome so everything shut down I went from 150lbs to over 300. I became seditary and lost my urge to exercise and diet but now with drs. help, diatician, exercise I feel great! I have dropped 60lbs in 1 year! You can do it too!

LeelaLosing

Me too, i actually have Hashimoto's hypothyroidism (auto-immune related)....it's best if you buy a book or read up online, the thyroid is pretty complicated and there is ALOT they still don't understand. It's totally possible to lose the weight. It slows down your metabolism, it can also cause depression, which if like some of us leads you to processed carbs, causes us to make the situation worse. The purpose of meds is to get your body working to correct the imbalance, so technically if you are on the right meds and dosage it won't affect weight loss. I found that although my numbers were right on Synthroid I still had symptoms (fatigue, etc) so my endocrinologist added Cytomel to the mix. It made a huge difference for me. Also, some docs will up Synthroid dosage because the "normal" range is debatable and a range, some doctors however don't really understand that. So, if you are not experiencing effects of too much medication (fast heartbeat, etc.) there is no reason you can't try upping your dosage and seeing if that helps. Read up and then go talk to your doctor when you understand it, because they sometimes are a bit behind the times. Also, there are a lot of doctors that don't really get it, if your doctor isn't willing to work with you if you still have symptoms on your current dosage, keep looking!

ChristyP0303

I do have an appointment coming up with my doc. I'm making a list of things to ask him. Thanks everyone for the tips and support! Its good knowing I'm not the only one....

Congrats to all of you on your weightloss accomplishments! I know it is possible!

rurukidoo

It certainly makes things a lot harder.....though I did manage to lose around 30lbs before I was diagnosed which slowly went back on since I wasn't really watching what I was eating. Now that I have this site to help things are going back in the right direction!

Good luck, it's definitely possible, it's just a longer journey to the end.