say a little about your thyroid issues
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I have been on synthroid for 16 years and recently had my thyroid removed (cancer). In many of your posts you state "my dr. keeps me slightly hypothyroid". Why would any doctor keep you hypothyroid? It took me almost 3 years to get to the 175 mgr synthroid where i felt sort-of normal. For me, being hypo is terrible, no matter how slightly it is. Depression seems to be a common side effect of thyroid malfunction and many people are on antidepressants (which also cause weight gain) because of it.
I don't feel that most of the medical community really knows what it feels like to be hypothyroid.0 -
Not sure if you are talking about me, but I didn't mean my doctor keeps me hypothyroid. What I meant was, he only treats my TSH -- he doesn't consider my symptoms. So, if my TSH is "normal" he considers I am not hypo -- which we know is crap - we can hapve proper TSH, but T3, Reverse T3, adrenals, ferritin, B12, Iron and a host of other levels are going crazy because we are hypohyroid and the doctor is not treating our symptoms.
They make you feel like you are crazy when y ou can't lose weight, can't sleep, tired all the time, miserable and depressed -- but gosh-darn it, our TSH is "normal".
That's why I fired my endo and my GP and hired a Naturopath who put me on natural dessicated thyroid. He is treating my symptoms - I know it will take a while to straighten out the mess of being 15 years on Synthroid caused -- but at least I am headed in the right direction.0 -
They make you feel like you are crazy when you can't lose weight, can't sleep, tired all the time, miserable and depressed -- but gosh-darn it, our TSH is "normal".
YES YES
Exactly my situation. I walked out on one endocrinologist in the middle of his lecture on how it was not my thyroid that was my problem as I had "normal" readings. I sat through another lecture by a second endo and never went back. Most of them are diabetes specialists anyway as there is more money in that. Their knowledge of thyroid is basic at best.0 -
They make you feel like you are crazy when you can't lose weight, can't sleep, tired all the time, miserable and depressed -- but gosh-darn it, our TSH is "normal".
YES YES
Exactly my situation. I walked out on one endocrinologist in the middle of his lecture on how it was not my thyroid that was my problem as I had "normal" readings. I sat through another lecture by a second endo and never went back. Most of them are diabetes specialists anyway as there is more money in that. Their knowledge of thyroid is basic at best.
Ask your pharmacy for a doctor that prescribes Natural Dessicated Thyroid. They are few and far between, but they do exist. It will change your life. See: www.stopthethyroidmadness.com0 -
Glad to find this group. I have Grave's disease and gained 10 lbs after taking the medicine (methimizole). I was about 10 lbs under my "nomal" weight for about 4 years while I was undiagnosed, and I liked it! I started on the meds a year ago and all 2011 had a terrible time losing the weight but am trying once again in 2012.
I am 42, married, have two kids, and am pretty sporty.
Glad to find this group!0 -
Glad to find this group. I have Grave's disease and gained 10 lbs after taking the medicine (methimizole). I was about 10 lbs under my "nomal" weight for about 4 years while I was undiagnosed, and I liked it! I started on the meds a year ago and all 2011 had a terrible time losing the weight but am trying once again in 2012.
I am 42, married, have two kids, and am pretty sporty.
Glad to find this group!
Welcome! I thought Graves disease makes you hyperthyroid... so you're saying that the medicine for it is making you gain weight? That's doesn't seem fair!0 -
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism when I was about 9 months post-partum with son#1. I felt soooo tired all the time, like I had been hit by a Mack truck - more than a new Mom with baby-getting-up-in-the-night tiredness. My levels were so low that apparently they were almost off the chart. I was also told that sometimes it can happen post-partum, and it often corrects itself, but in very few cases it becomes permanent.
Wouldn't you know it, I was one of the few cases. I was pretty lucky, though, that I was able to find a good dose and I felt pretty good on it. The only time I have had to adjust it was when I pregnant with baby #2, it had to be increased. Was a little worried when thinking about trying for baby#2, but was lucky that it didn't seem to be a problem.
I'm now on 0.1 synthroid every day, seems to be pretty good for me - it's been about 5 years now.0 -
Regarding vertigo - when my vertigo flares up, it usually means I need a higher level of medication. If yours doesn't go away and your TSH numbers aren't rock bottom, I'd ask your doctor about upping your dose. One thing I've learned is that a good TSH level for one person is way too high for another - we're all different.0
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BLOOD SUGAR SUPPORT ....... WHATS THAT?0
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and just last month, my doctor upped my dosage on armour thyroid and recommended blood sugar support supplements. Since then I finally lost 10 pounds. I'm hoping this is what will help me lose the 40 pounds I'm hoping to lose. I celebrate my 10 year wedding anniversary next May and I want to look spectacular
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and just last month, my doctor upped my dosage on armour thyroid and recommended blood sugar support supplements. Since then I finally lost 10 pounds. I'm hoping this is what will help me lose the 40 pounds I'm hoping to lose. I celebrate my 10 year wedding anniversary next May and I want to look spectacular
Hmmm... Can we assume he wants you to reduce your blood sugar? I know that Cinnamon, Chromium and Zinc are good for that. Nice that he has you on Armour and upped your dosage! You don't know how rare that it!0 -
hey everyone, i am 30 (31 next week) and i was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after I had my 3rd son in 2009. I was put on levoxyl for a year then later was switched to armour thyroid, but i was still struggling with weight loss even with change in diet and exercise.
and just last month, my doctor upped my dosage on armour thyroid and recommended blood sugar support supplements. Since then I finally lost 10 pounds. I'm hoping this is what will help me lose the 40 pounds I'm hoping to lose. I celebrate my 10 year wedding anniversary next May and I want to look spectacular
anyways, i currently am working on my diet and staying away from fatty, fried, processed foods. I'm at the gym at least 5-6 days a week for a good hour to an hour and a half (depending on time that i have) doing cardio and some light weight training for now.
i know it's going to take a little more hard work on my part, but i'm sure the motivation and dedication will get me to where I want to be. I don't want to give up because of a stupid thyroid issue!0 -
I see most peopel on here have hypothyroidism. I'm the opposite. I have hyperthyroidism. Unfortunately I am in the small percent who gained instead of lost. Now that I'm on medication and my levels are getting close to normal I'm gaining like crazy. I'm on PTU and also heart meds that have also contributed to my weight gain. Anyone else hyperthyroid?
ME! I was just diagnosed with Grave's disease last week. I had NO weight loss (I'm a little bitter about this, lol)...I've just been struggling w/losing weight. It was caught when my doctor detected a rapid heart beat when I went in for a sinus infection and she ordered additional tests. Though my bloodwork was normal, she could tell my thyroid was enlarged and I had many other Graves symptoms - anxiety, insomnia, heat intolerance, sadly all of which I kept chalking up to being overweight. So I had a thyroid ultrasound which showed a nodule, then a thyroid uptake & scan which was high and from that they diagnosed me with Graves... I have a follow-up next week and from there it's on to an endocrinologist.
I'm scared that I'll have weight gain once they start treating my thyroid!0 -
I'm scared that I'll have weight gain once they start treating my thyroid!
Once my endo started treating mine, my weight went through the roof. Its been a three year journey for me now, but now that we're starting to get my medications optimized the weight is starting to melt away.0 -
I'm scared that I'll have weight gain once they start treating my thyroid!
Once my endo started treating mine, my weight went through the roof. Its been a three year journey for me now, but now that we're starting to get my medications optimized the weight is starting to melt away.
That's great news! What meds are you taking?0 -
I just wanted to take a minute to say how much I appreciate finding this group! I finally found other people who understand what I go through. I am new to MFP, just about a month into it. About 4 1/2 years ago I was diagnosed with Hashimotos. This was about 6 months after my second child was born. After my daughter I lost most of my "baby" weight in about 3 months. Then my body did a 180 and I gained about 50 pounds in 3 months. I felt like I was going crazy and the doctors kept telling me it was because I had a baby. It took about a year to stabilize my thyroid and meds.(THough still feel the symptoms everyday!) So now I am on 125mg of levothrine a day. I had a very disappointing appt with my GP last week. I tried to talk about my symptoms now, but she wanted to talk about how bad my weight was and lecture me about not having regular physicals. So, that brought me down for a couple of days, but reading all your posts it makes me feel like I am not alone out there and I can do this. So far this month I have lost about 10 pounds. It was very difficult with a lot of sacrifices and sweat! 0
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ok heres another question since i have gotten so much useful info here. I have a bad thyroid and the med they have me on seems to do nothing. have been on meds about 5 yrs now and they increase it every year because my levels are always low. Does anyone know any home rememdies I can do to help with this
I would suggest using the notes area to keep track of your good and bad days. When you print it out at the end of 90 days you can see what food triggers your bad days.0 -
Once my endo started treating mine, my weight went through the roof. Its been a three year journey for me now, but now that we're starting to get my medications optimized the weight is starting to melt away.
That's great news! What meds are you taking?
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I'm taking 150mcg Synthroid, and 25 mcg Cytomel (split & taken twice a day). Up until about a month ago, I was alternating 150 & 175 mcg of Synthroid with "normal" labs - but still felt like crap all the time, and was unable to lose weight. After speaking to my endo about my symptoms, they added in Cytomel, and I feel like a brand new woman, its wonderful!
Thyroid diseases suck in general. And I know for me anyways, I wanted to see results immediately - but that wasn't going to happen. There's no magic pill that will make things better. It takes time to find what works best for you.0 -
ok heres another question since i have gotten so much useful info here. I have a bad thyroid and the med they have me on seems to do nothing. have been on meds about 5 yrs now and they increase it every year because my levels are always low. Does anyone know any home rememdies I can do to help with this
Try taking Selenium supplements, or eat a couple Brazil nuts every day. Selenium is a natural supplement that helps convert T4 into T3. Chlorine in tap water also can cause issues for your thyroid - I've read that if you put a little ascorbic acid (vitamin C) into your drinking water, it clears it up. It might help a little. Also - if you've been losing weight, your dosing is going to fluctuate. And make sure you talk to your doctor!!! If they're not listening to you when you tell them how crappy you feel, get a new one!! I went through 4 doctors before I found one that would actually treat my symptoms.0 -
Hi. I'm 45 years old. During my 6 week post c-section appointment the doc aske me, "how long have you had that lump in your throat?" She handed me a mirror, I couldn't see anything. I lifted my chin and HOLY COW! I looked as if I swallowed a golf ball. I had a golf ball sized tumor on the right side of my thyroid. I had it, along with 1/2 my thyroid removed. It wasn't cancer and have been on meds ever since (almost 12 years). I have bloodwork done annually to make sure the levels are ok. Right now I'm on 75 mcg of Levothyroxin.0
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I am 38 and I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. I am hypothyroid and I tyr to mange it the best I can. I take Synthroid. I was diagnosed five years ago. It has been very hard to lose weight. I have done a lot of different diets. Right now I am reading Mary Shomon's new Thyroid Diet Revolution. I am also battling a kidney stone so I can't workout like I normally do. I have been having a hard time dealing with that!!0
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I just wanted to take a minute to say how much I appreciate finding this group! I finally found other people who understand what I go through. I am new to MFP, just about a month into it. About 4 1/2 years ago I was diagnosed with Hashimotos. This was about 6 months after my second child was born. After my daughter I lost most of my "baby" weight in about 3 months. Then my body did a 180 and I gained about 50 pounds in 3 months. I felt like I was going crazy and the doctors kept telling me it was because I had a baby. It took about a year to stabilize my thyroid and meds.(THough still feel the symptoms everyday!) So now I am on 125mg of levothrine a day. I had a very disappointing appt with my GP last week. I tried to talk about my symptoms now, but she wanted to talk about how bad my weight was and lecture me about not having regular physicals. So, that brought me down for a couple of days, but reading all your posts it makes me feel like I am not alone out there and I can do this. So far this month I have lost about 10 pounds. It was very difficult with a lot of sacrifices and sweat!0
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I just wanted to take a minute to say how much I appreciate finding this group! I finally found other people who understand what I go through. I am new to MFP, just about a month into it. About 4 1/2 years ago I was diagnosed with Hashimotos. This was about 6 months after my second child was born. After my daughter I lost most of my "baby" weight in about 3 months. Then my body did a 180 and I gained about 50 pounds in 3 months. I felt like I was going crazy and the doctors kept telling me it was because I had a baby. It took about a year to stabilize my thyroid and meds.(THough still feel the symptoms everyday!) So now I am on 125mg of levothrine a day. I had a very disappointing appt with my GP last week. I tried to talk about my symptoms now, but she wanted to talk about how bad my weight was and lecture me about not having regular physicals. So, that brought me down for a couple of days, but reading all your posts it makes me feel like I am not alone out there and I can do this. So far this month I have lost about 10 pounds. It was very difficult with a lot of sacrifices and sweat!
It is amazing to read this post ...... it mirrors my own experience EXACTLY. My thyroid too went overactive after I had my daughter, and then when it started to level out I stacked on a lot of weight. Not as much as 50 pounds, but still, it was impossible to understand given that my eating and exercise habits had not changed at all. I have been trying to lose that weight for the past 5 months to no avail. I am doing everything right, loads of working out, strictly watching calories, and the weight just will not come off. It's very frustrating. I have an appointment with my endocrinologist in mid-May so I am really hoping to get on a proper treatment path. I am so sick of trying so hard and not seeing any results! Well done on your weight loss this month - that is awesome, and doubly awesome because I know how very hard it is to achieve with a wonky thyroid.0 -
Hi, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's at 38 (now 42). I was lucky to find a great ND after a bad experience with an Endo. One day while I was getting a blood draw at his office my phlebotomist commented that she has Hashi's too. As I was already not to keen on this Endo I asked her who was treating her and she gave me the name of the Dr. I have today. I have been through a lot of meds but, I am not on Armour and playing around with the dosages. I have lost and gained weight numerous times. Which is frustrating. When I found out about Hashi's I also found out that my ovaries had failed and I was entering menopause, chronic fatigue syndrome, no absorption of proteins in my body, zero D3, and cortisol issues. I was a mess.
Today I am only on Armour and I take a multivitamin and a cortisol manager, if needed I can also take something for my adrenals but, I have pretty much recovered them full from the adrenal fatigue of 5 years ago. Now that things are more or less stable I am focusing on creating a more healthy lifestyle and getting rid of the weight I have put on once and for all.0 -
I feel like I'm maybe in the minority here...
I was diagnosed as hypothyroid over 10 years ago, and have been on Synthroid ever since. After the initial efforts to get my dose set, I stayed fairly level, until I got pregnant 5+ years ago, and then I had to increase my dosage during the pregnancy. My dose stayed at the higher level post-pregnancy, and my Family Doctor has just recently suggested an increase, as even though my levels were "normal," he said they like to see them on the higher end when treating for hypothyroidism. I'm currently at 125mg (for about two weeks now), and on generic Levothyroxine for the first time since I was dianosed.
Honestly, I feel like I can't tell much of a difference between being on and off the meds, but it's been so long, I don't remember how my original symptoms felt, other than that I was fatigued (or possibly mildly depressed) and had trouble losing weight. I was off my meds for about two weeks recently due to a schedling/mail-order prescription screwup, and I didn't feel that different from when I was on my prior dose. Ditto for the two weeks since I've started on the higher dose. I've been more active because I've been working to get more exercise, and I'm losing weight thanks to MFP, but I don't know that the medication really plays a huge role for me. So either the medication is getting me to "normal" levels and I'm still symptomatic, or I was never that symptomatic to begin with? I still struggle with fatigue, but I also have a 5-year old to chase around, and a husband that hits the snooze alarm 800 times every morning, so who's to say what's to blame? I've thought about seeing an endocrinologist or naturopath to try to get a better read on the situation, but I'm not sure what to tell them in terms of my symptoms, history, etc. I kind of feel like I've just been cruising along on Synthroid with no adverse or particularly stunning effects - does that make sense?0 -
I feel like I'm maybe in the minority here...
I was diagnosed as hypothyroid over 10 years ago, and have been on Synthroid ever since. After the initial efforts to get my dose set, I stayed fairly level, until I got pregnant 5+ years ago, and then I had to increase my dosage during the pregnancy. My dose stayed at the higher level post-pregnancy, and my Family Doctor has just recently suggested an increase, as even though my levels were "normal," he said they like to see them on the higher end when treating for hypothyroidism. I'm currently at 125mg (for about two weeks now), and on generic Levothyroxine for the first time since I was dianosed.
Honestly, I feel like I can't tell much of a difference between being on and off the meds, but it's been so long, I don't remember how my original symptoms felt, other than that I was fatigued (or possibly mildly depressed) and had trouble losing weight. I was off my meds for about two weeks recently due to a schedling/mail-order prescription screwup, and I didn't feel that different from when I was on my prior dose. Ditto for the two weeks since I've started on the higher dose. I've been more active because I've been working to get more exercise, and I'm losing weight thanks to MFP, but I don't know that the medication really plays a huge role for me. So either the medication is getting me to "normal" levels and I'm still symptomatic, or I was never that symptomatic to begin with? I still struggle with fatigue, but I also have a 5-year old to chase around, and a husband that hits the snooze alarm 800 times every morning, so who's to say what's to blame? I've thought about seeing an endocrinologist or naturopath to try to get a better read on the situation, but I'm not sure what to tell them in terms of my symptoms, history, etc. I kind of feel like I've just been cruising along on Synthroid with no adverse or particularly stunning effects - does that make sense?
Other than fatigue, are you still experiencing other hypo symptoms? Dry skin, cold fingers, toes, hair loss, etc...Honestly, many people find better relief on Armor thyroid (natural thyroid hormone from pigs) vs. synthetic thyroid. I feel like it's kind of a red flag that you don't feel a difference. I really think you should. Just my two cents for you to do with what you will.
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I was diagnosed with lipoma of the thyroid and had my thyroid removed in January 2011 (I was 24). I gained 30 pounds in a month lost it then regained 10 of it back. I am in the normal range again, well controlled on levythyronine and I am on a great diet. I feel like I had the energy like I did before the thyroidectomy.0
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I feel like I'm maybe in the minority here...
I was diagnosed as hypothyroid over 10 years ago, and have been on Synthroid ever since. After the initial efforts to get my dose set, I stayed fairly level, until I got pregnant 5+ years ago, and then I had to increase my dosage during the pregnancy. My dose stayed at the higher level post-pregnancy, and my Family Doctor has just recently suggested an increase, as even though my levels were "normal," he said they like to see them on the higher end when treating for hypothyroidism. I'm currently at 125mg (for about two weeks now), and on generic Levothyroxine for the first time since I was dianosed.
Honestly, I feel like I can't tell much of a difference between being on and off the meds, but it's been so long, I don't remember how my original symptoms felt, other than that I was fatigued (or possibly mildly depressed) and had trouble losing weight. I was off my meds for about two weeks recently due to a schedling/mail-order prescription screwup, and I didn't feel that different from when I was on my prior dose. Ditto for the two weeks since I've started on the higher dose. I've been more active because I've been working to get more exercise, and I'm losing weight thanks to MFP, but I don't know that the medication really plays a huge role for me. So either the medication is getting me to "normal" levels and I'm still symptomatic, or I was never that symptomatic to begin with? I still struggle with fatigue, but I also have a 5-year old to chase around, and a husband that hits the snooze alarm 800 times every morning, so who's to say what's to blame? I've thought about seeing an endocrinologist or naturopath to try to get a better read on the situation, but I'm not sure what to tell them in terms of my symptoms, history, etc. I kind of feel like I've just been cruising along on Synthroid with no adverse or particularly stunning effects - does that make sense?
Other than fatigue, are you still experiencing other hypo symptoms? Dry skin, cold fingers, toes, hair loss, etc...Honestly, many people find better relief on Armor thyroid (natural thyroid hormone from pigs) vs. synthetic thyroid. I feel like it's kind of a red flag that you don't feel a difference. I really think you should. Just my two cents for you to do with what you will.
I never really had those symptoms. Skin isn't particularly dry - just a bit seasonally. I'm cold a lot - moreso than hubby, but not specifically my extremities. I haven't had any unusual hair loss, but have always kind of "shed" when I style my hair - that goes WAY back, just ask my mom who was always *****ing at me about all the hair on the floor! I guess I just kind of feel like it was a fluke that I tested as hypo when they tested it way back when, because I wasn't particularly symptomatic. Maybe I need to read up a bit more on the symptoms and take a serious inventory of which ones I've had in the past and/or still have...0 -
Hmmm...could be that you're just really mild hypo. I got a laugh about the hair in the drain. Hubby nags at me for clogging the drain with hair...lol!0
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I was diagnosed 11 years ago. I was 8 at the time. My mom and grandma saw a lump on my throat and they thought that it was mesals. This lump was huge, the size of a golf ball. When I went to the Dr. he ordered lab work. My TSH was high my T-3 was normal and my T-4 was low. The Dr. looked at me and told me I should be dead. When I started my med. it was .50 mcg. I had monthly Dr. appointments with a Ped. Dr. where he measured my throat to see if the lump was going down and it was. The biggest worry was if I was going to grow past 4 ft 8 in. I am now 5'4".
I feel tired 100% of the time. I also have a Low Ferritin. I am now having problems losing weight again. When I started my new dosage everything was great. After a few months everything seems to be going backwards! Also how does one remember to take there meds daily... I always miss days. I just found out that I missed 1 week. I have tried everything I could think of to make sure I take it.
Thanks!0
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