Hypothyroidism and Weight Loss

AActon28

My recent blood tests revealed that I was suffering from mild hypothyroidism. It runs in my family and both my maternal grandfather and mom have it and treat it with armourthyroid or synthroid. I guess it makes sense that I am getting it... I do Insanity and cycling and have not lost nearly as much weight as I had anticipated. Im a bigger guy and assumed that 4-5lbs/wk was feasible but I can assure you it is not. I try to use other measures of health, like resting heart rate and blood pressure, as motivation to continue working hard. For instance, I track my recovery heart rate on a weekly basis (i.e. do an aerobic activity for at least 8 minutes and check your max heart rate then completely stop moving, or lie down, and check your heart rate again after 60 seconds). When I first started my diet and exercise routine on 09JAN2012 I was at 160 bpm max and 128 bpm after 1 minute rest (32 bpm recovery heart rate). Yesterday I was at 162 bpm max and 91 bpm after 1 minute rest (71 bpm recovery heart rate). Obviously, my cardio health is MUCH better but I have only lost about 20 lbs in this same period; a small amount for a 27yo male with a starting weight of over 250, but at least it is in the healthy weight loss range (1-2 lbs/week). Still, not exactly the ideal results for as much hard work and time I put in. My suggestion would be to just stick with it and take it a day at a time. Your pants size is a poor reflection of true health.. find a measure of inner health to benchmark your true achievements! Best of Luck!

dajostev

Hi everyone, I have had hypothyroidism diagnosed for atleast 13 years. I have always had a problem losing weight but have never really done the calorie counting before. For years I have been using the synthetic thyroid medication (synthroid), even when my levels said they were in the normal range I would often need naps during the week, I sleep almost 9 hours a day and only work part time (3 hours). I also still had the brain fog(that's what I am calling it, almost feels like you have a constant sinus infection and can't think quickly or clearly). In August last year I had my doctor (only go to my family doctor, no specialist) change my medication to the natural thyroid (was called dessicated thyroid at one time). It has taken 6 months to get the right dosage, blood test every 6-8 weeks. I now find I do not have brain fog, have only taken naps maybe 3 times in 6 months. I am also finding I am losing my 1-2 pounds a week as long as I stay in the calorie intake, I have only been on the program for 3 weeks now. It is also easier because my husband is also on the program. Good Luck and Don't give up. Joanne

fishgoddess

I have Hashimoto's thyroid disease. It's a form of hypothyroidism, only you get antibodies that destroy the thyroid gland. They have to do an antibodies test to determine if you have Hashimoto's. Finding a doctor who will actually do the antibody test is usually a chore. Most just think if you are in their happy little "normal range" on the lab slip then you are fine.....wrong! Has anyone done an antibodies test on you? If you are not diagnosed correctly your symptoms will not subside. I take thyroid meds daily and have never lost a single pound since being on them (12 years). The bad part for me is that I also have MS and many of the symptoms are the same, so it takes a special kind of doctor to figure out the bottom line. And by special I mean "one that gives a rats a** about finding out what is wrong" I wish you all the best and would love to take this MFP journey with you if you'd like. I joined a week ago, feel free to add me as a friend if you wish.

onesparrowflies

*not* looking forward to the throat slit scar.

It isn't bad after the first year. I can barely even see mine anymore and no one else has noticed it in years.

ering

If you think it's your thyroid keep after your doctors! I had one tell me after baby #2 that the reason I couldn't loose weight is because I ate too much and I was lazy. Right. I was eating less than my 2 year old at the time! I also physically couldn't make my self stay awake and would sleep for 4 or 5 hrs a day and 10-12 at night. Nice doc. So I went to a different one who couldn't figure out why I felt so bad either. It wasn't untill my VERY thick hair had started falling out in clumps, and I developed softball sized knots in my back that he decided to test my thyroid. He got me on meds and I feel way better. He also said he thinks I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. If I don't get enough sleep for 6 or 7 days in a row, I'll go back to wanting to sleep all day. He then has to put me on phentermine to boost my energy levels back up. So I try really hard to get enough sleep.

So now what do I do to loose weight. Well, it's hard of course. But, I've had 5 kids and gained 40-50 lbs with each and managed to loose it each time. (still working on baby #5 right now ) I make sure I get enough sleep, 8-11 hours a night. I take my thyroid meds correctly. I take Centrum for energy vitamins in the afternoon. I excercise most everyday. I watch what I eat, like trying to eat healthy with minimal sweets. I try to limit carbs like bread and white flour. I try to get carbs mostly from whole wheat and leafy green veggies. Those are some of things I do. Feel free to add me as a friend if you want.

But bottom line to me is you know your body. If you think something is wrong with you, then something probably is. Keep on your doc or find one who is willing to listen to you.

PrettyVintage

I was told by an emergency room doctor in 2010 that I had hypothyroidism, but my endocrine doctor dismissed her diagnosis and won't provide me with any medication. I've tried other doctors, but they won't either. I just keep getting bigger and bigger. I developed menorrhagia in 2008 when my TSH level started to elevate after being treated with radioactive iodine for Hyperthyroidism. I had to have a blood transfusion. All any doctor will do is supply me with birth control pills so I don't have to have another transfusion.
The pills are awful and have turned me into a food-eating machine for 4 years now. I've got about 13 other symptoms of hypo, but nobody but me and my family seems to care. My primary care doctor actually told me to stop coming to see her if I'm going to keep bugging her about my thyroid. My TSH level was 4.8 in November, that sounds normal, but given that I suffered from hyperthroidism from age 16-22 that went untreated until I was 23, my thyroid is hardly normal.
I am trying so hard to lose weight, and did lose 10 on a 21 day fast in January, but it's so hard. I just want to eat and eat and then I can't stand myself.

csw001

I'd love to join this group.....I have Hashimoto's Hypothyroidism and currently take Levoxyl (used to take synthroid). I see an endocrinologist to check my hormone levels and adjust meds as necessary and these days I feel pretty normal - except that during my "big sleep" (the lethargic period) I gained 30+ lbs. I was already slightly overweight, so now I have a chunk to lose.

Right now I'm just doing an hour of cardio each day and keeping the food/calorie diary.

I joined MFP a long time ago and then dropped off. Just started back 2 weeks ago and haven't figured out how to "friend" yet. Thanks to whoever started this post

MrsEb79

Hi everyone, I have had hypothyroidism diagnosed for atleast 13 years. I have always had a problem losing weight but have never really done the calorie counting before. For years I have been using the synthetic thyroid medication (synthroid), even when my levels said they were in the normal range I would often need naps during the week, I sleep almost 9 hours a day and only work part time (3 hours). I also still had the brain fog(that's what I am calling it, almost feels like you have a constant sinus infection and can't think quickly or clearly). In August last year I had my doctor (only go to my family doctor, no specialist) change my medication to the natural thyroid (was called dessicated thyroid at one time). It has taken 6 months to get the right dosage, blood test every 6-8 weeks. I now find I do not have brain fog, have only taken naps maybe 3 times in 6 months. I am also finding I am losing my 1-2 pounds a week as long as I stay in the calorie intake, I have only been on the program for 3 weeks now. It is also easier because my husband is also on the program. Good Luck and Don't give up. Joanne

Joanne,
Congrats on your loss! You should be very proud. I'm glad you finally got the answers and treatment you needed.

Melissa

MrsEb79

I have Hashimoto's thyroid disease. It's a form of hypothyroidism, only you get antibodies that destroy the thyroid gland. They have to do an antibodies test to determine if you have Hashimoto's. Finding a doctor who will actually do the antibody test is usually a chore. Most just think if you are in their happy little "normal range" on the lab slip then you are fine.....wrong! Has anyone done an antibodies test on you? If you are not diagnosed correctly your symptoms will not subside. I take thyroid meds daily and have never lost a single pound since being on them (12 years). The bad part for me is that I also have MS and many of the symptoms are the same, so it takes a special kind of doctor to figure out the bottom line. And by special I mean "one that gives a rats a** about finding out what is wrong" I wish you all the best and would love to take this MFP journey with you if you'd like. I joined a week ago, feel free to add me as a friend if you wish.

Fish,
I did have the antibodies tested and they are normal. So, I guess that rules out a thyroid problem all together, according to my doctor.

I hope you love this site as much as I do. It's been really helpful to meet people who are struggling with the same things as I am.

Espressocycle

Yeah, for 10 years I was on medication, but the docs were only keeping me just barely in the "normal" range. I got my bnew doc to upp my meds and I do feel better, although weight loss isn't any easier. I don't know if it's hypothyroidism or willpower, but this stuff is not easy.

metzica

Hi! I just joined MFP yesterday and I have thyroid issues as well, I've been on levothyroxine for about 7 months now. I've been working to lose weight for awhile, I'm 24 lbs down from where I started (some ups and downs, after having gallbladder surgery the end of January I took a big hiatus from my weight loss plan!) Just now trying to get back on track, I want to lose at least 45 lbs.

MrsEb79

I was told by an emergency room doctor in 2010 that I had hypothyroidism, but my endocrine doctor dismissed her diagnosis and won't provide me with any medication. I've tried other doctors, but they won't either. I just keep getting bigger and bigger. I developed menorrhagia in 2008 when my TSH level started to elevate after being treated with radioactive iodine for Hyperthyroidism. I had to have a blood transfusion. All any doctor will do is supply me with birth control pills so I don't have to have another transfusion.
The pills are awful and have turned me into a food-eating machine for 4 years now. I've got about 13 other symptoms of hypo, but nobody but me and my family seems to care. My primary care doctor actually told me to stop coming to see her if I'm going to keep bugging her about my thyroid. My TSH level was 4.8 in November, that sounds normal, but given that I suffered from hyperthroidism from age 16-22 that went untreated until I was 23, my thyroid is hardly normal.
I am trying so hard to lose weight, and did lose 10 on a 21 day fast in January, but it's so hard. I just want to eat and eat and then I can't stand myself.

Pretty, I'm so sorry for all of your troubles. It sounds awful. Are you currently seeing a specialist?

MrsEb79

Hi! I just joined MFP yesterday and I have thyroid issues as well, I've been on levothyroxine for about 7 months now. I've been working to lose weight for awhile, I'm 24 lbs down from where I started (some ups and downs, after having gallbladder surgery the end of January I took a big hiatus from my weight loss plan!) Just now trying to get back on track, I want to lose at least 45 lbs.

Congrats on your loss so far! You should be very proud.

momma2teacher

Hi all,
I have been on my weight loss journey since January 4th. I have lost a total of 18lbs which is amazing. The last 10 have been a real struggle. Lose 1 and stall for weeks. I have been at 156 for 2 weeks. I could not figure out why. I found the group on MFP and wow!!!! I am now down to 1000 calories a day and starting to lose weight. Not sure how long this is going to last, but we shall see.

sunshine3737

I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism 18 years ago and I opted for the radioactive iodine treatment which pretty much killed my thyroid. It took a while for them to get my levels straight but once you get them straight you shouldn't experience any of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. I take levoxyl every day. The only time I have to get it adjusted is when I was pregnant or if I gain or lose a lot of weight. I have lost 53 lbs in the last 7 months and had to have mine adjusted a couple of months ago. I will probably need it adjusted again in a few months. I can usually tell if my medication is off and know when to have it checked.

sunshine3737

I might be wrong but if you was treated with radioactive iodine that will kill your thyroid. That was the option I went with when I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. And once the levels leveled off they started treating me for hypothyroidism. I would try to find another doctor until you get answers.

LemonsAndCoffee

Hi all! I also have hypothyroidism and have been on various doses of levothyroxine for about 5 years now. I was diagnosed after I had my first daughter. I don't think I've ever had my bloodwork come back normal - it seems my dosage is always changing. It probably doesn't help that I'm not very good at remembering to take my medicine daily. :grumble: Anyways, I'd love to have some friends that can relate so feel free to add me!

Nikki

mummy2munch

I am a fellow hypothroidian!!! Oh my I did not know that craving salty things was one of the side effects of this crappy thing we have to deal with!!! Please add me as a friend! I want to support you guys and get support back! xxx

scapez

You CAN lose weight while hypothyroid...I'm proof of that as are many other MFPers.

For those of you that are not getting a diagnosis because your numbers aren't what your doctor says they should be (despite having all classic hypo symptoms), FIRE THAT DOCTOR and find another, pronto!

Lots of good info here: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/

CosmicBella

I lost 40 pounds in two months and I don't even have a thyroid anymore! (lost it to cancer 3 years ago) Go to an endocrinologist and have them find the right medical dosage for your thyroid level and function. If they can get your levels correct, even being hypo, you can lose the weight. Trust me on this one!...

amymrsr

Dietitian here where I work said Thyroid levels should be between 3-3.5 and anything outside of that is not working right. This is the latest information as opposed to older info which said 3-5.

MrsEb79

Dietitian here where I work said Thyroid levels should be between 3-3.5 and anything outside of that is not working right. This is the latest information as opposed to older info which said 3-5.

Amy, which level are you talking about? TSH?

AISIGO

I too have hypohyroidism. It has been a battle for me. I lose maybe 1/10th of a lb a week if I am lucky.
I wish it was different!

Mizzylizzy

I was battleing hypothyroidism for a short time, about 2 years or so. I have been recovered for not that long ( few months). I remember never being able to lose any freaken weight. It was frustruating. So I know how u guys feel. Well I recently found out that soy meat could have been the cause of my hypothyroidism. So I stopped being a vegetarian, STOPPED EATING SOY MEAT, and ate actual meats, chicken, fish etc and the hypothyroidism is gone!! Just thought u guys should know, I wish I had known before I got sick.
Also birth control pills can slow down ur thyroid but that's a different story.

dajostev

I told my doctor that and he will still only go by the old TSH numbers. He considers anything below 5 normal.

dajostev

Hi, it is really important to take the meds daily, try to take it at the same time everyday helps. I have mine sitting on the counter with my tea bags. When I make my morning tea , I take my pill.

prose58

Hi I have been Hypothyroid for many years.

I hear you about having to work extra hard.

I stay within my calorie level as much as possible even under. Be as active as I can in whatever way works for me. (I hate gyms)

I have lost 5 lbs since being on here but lost 20 lbs over the years and kept it off.

Just tired of being + size.

Add me to your friend list if you want.

kjrupert

What is it on your labs that are low? Your TSH is the test that is used as a quick screening. The way it is diagnosed from the results are opposite from what you would think. The normal range for TSH is 0.3-3 dependig on your lab. If your TSH is significantly elevated you are considered to have hypothyroidism. Generally, it is not treated unless the TSH is >15-20.

lmd172

Lots of good info here: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/

thanks for the link - lots of good info here! was recently diagnosed with hypo and am going to my dr tuesday...

best to everyone!

swat1948

I have been exercising and dieting since the second week of January. Last Monday I was up to 17 pounds lost. Got up this morning and I gained two pounds? What the hell???!!! Missed the exercise bike only once this week and have avoided most goodies and have kept my calories around 1200. I am really discouraged this morning.