HYPOTHYROIDISM

Chrissy_Michelle

I was wondering if anyone on MFP was ever diagnosed with having a hypothyroid. I seem to have many symptoms of it and was curious how it has affected weight gain/loss...I'm seeing my doctor this week...

rkaralus

I was diagnosed many years ago. I went to the doctor just because I wasn't feeling like myself. I did not wan tto do anything, but sit and do nothing, and that certainly was not me. He seemed to think it was my thyroid right off the bat and tested me. He also asked about involuntary twitches and I mentioned my eye was twitching a lot, that help him diagnose as well.

I find it really easy to gain weight! After 7 years on meds, I did have ot have my dosage increased. I have read several books about hypothyroidism and they mention that you will find it very hard to lose weight and should not enter contests etc, because they may just frustrate you, but I am successful when I REALLY work hard, exercise everyday and limit my calories to what MFP suggests. I just recently joined and in the last 2 weeks lost 8 lbs. so it can be done, but it takes a lot of work

babybluefire

I currently am dealing with this. Weight loss is HARD. You can eat perfect, exercise till you cry and not drop an ounce. Progress is very slow. Dropping half a pound in two weeks makes me giddy. I am on medication, but it only helps so much.

sunkisses

I haven't experienced any problem losing weight due to my hypothyroid. I'm properly medicated (Synthroid) and under the care of an endocrinologist.

TinkrBelz

Yep!! I only got tested because a friend of mine had similar symptoms and was diagnosed with hypo. I just thought I was worn out from being a mom. But, sure enough....I was hypo too.

About 6 months ago, I gained 5lbs for no reason, period went all whacky, and I was dead by 11am. I asked to be tested and sure enough, my medicine was not strong enough, so he increased my dosage.

Someone suggested virgin coconut oil for skin. As I was reading it, one of the benefits of coconut oil is thyroid function!! Now, I have only been taking coconut oil for 2 weeks...but I am curious to see if my levels get better after taking coconut oil!

katiew00t

I've been on thyroid medication (Levoxyl) for over 10 years. Luckily, all I need is a low dose to keep my levels normal. So I don't have an "under active thyroid" to blame for my weight gain

lizard053

I was diagnosed about 5 years ago with sub-clinical hypothyroidism, and I've struggled with my weight for years! It's possible to lose weight with hypothyroidism. I lost 50 pounds before I was diagnosed. I've struggled with my weight since because of dealing with the meds and getting my levels figured out, as well as the depression I suffer. It's been a tough few years! I've lost my weight twice before, but am starting all over again this year! Frustrating, but I know I can do it!

katiew00t

Someone suggested virgin coconut oil for skin. As I was reading it, one of the benefits of coconut oil is thyroid function!! Now, I have only been taking coconut oil for 2 weeks...but I am curious to see if my levels get better after taking coconut oil!

I also read this about coconut oil. I have been adding coconut oil to my protein shakes, and I use it in some recipes, too. I'm curious how my next check up is going to turn out!

Chrissy_Michelle

Thank you all for your replies! I have been somewhat successful losing some of the weight I've gained in the last year but it seems like it's been very slow and I gain 3 pounds at the drop of a hat. It has been a yo-yo thing and it's very frustrating watching others drop their weight so quickly just counting calories and barely working out while I'm counting and working out with little success. I guess we will find out in the next couple of weeks if I have it...

lesle1

I haven't experienced any problem losing weight due to my hypothyroid. I'm properly medicated (Synthroid) and under the care of an endocrinologist.

It helps to be on the right dosage. I've been hypothroid since 1994 and it seemed like I was always having problems. I feel like I added to them by not having energy to exercise and not eating right. I don't know if it's just me but when I finally decided I was going to take this weight off and started exercising I started feeling a lot better.

I thought my dosage would change but the doctor has been checking my blood work and is keeping me at 150 mcg synthroid. I feel so gooooooooooooooooooood.

DeeJayTJ

i was diagnosed when i was 6 years old (21 years ago), then got put on synthroid and had blood drawn every 6 months til i was about 18.. gained a bunch of weight and became lazy and super fat.

then got on a health kick and became aware of my calorie intake etc and dropped 60lbs, im up 10lbs and have maintained 160lbs for about a year now and all is well!

i do NOT blame my thyroid for any of this, i blame only me. but i know that thyroid can cause weight gain and make it hell to lose weight, but in my situation it was simply my lifestyle that was bad once i grew up.

now my thyroid results come back perfect. i dont know how or why because all my life i thought my thyroid was dead or just inactive..

beckys19

I was diagnosed with borderline hypothyroidism about two and a half years ago. I'm at 50mcg levothryoxine/day. When I put my mind to it, and log my food, etc, weight loss is not overly difficult. I eat 1700-1900 calories/day and right now the only excersize I get is Zumba once a week plus chasing around a 3-year old and an 11-month old (plus housework). I lose about a half pound to a pound a week, depending on if we go out to eat somewhere nice that weekend

Everyone is going to be a little bit different, and if you are diagnosed and go on medication, it can take a while for it to be adjusted to the right dose for you. But I just wanted to let you know that weight loss is NOT impossible, and hopefully not too difficult. At the very least, If you eat healthier and excersize more by using the tools at MFP you will be healthier in general.

onequirkygirl

*raises hand*

I was diagnosed when I was 9. Never was really "overweight" til I started getting periods. Pff. But I am on Synthroid, however my levels are way off. Your TSH is supposed to be like...0.4-2 ish....mine's like 20 right now (Eek!)

It's all about calories in/calories out and keeping up that metabolism. I take Selenium everyday which is great for the thyroid. I am tired, have the hoarse voice.....but have really bad insurance. I am losing weight, though. Everyone is different. It's great if you have a good doctor who is willing to look at your T4's separately.......and will adjust your dose accordingly.

(My doctor's like, "Your levels are wayyyy too high, must be a fluke" ........*charges me $200 and renews my same prescription*....."See me in six months." )

Sorry...kinda vented a little!.




It's like a blessing/curse. Keeps me diligent--- that's for sure. It's like when you gain weight in your face first.
"Well, fine Universe!" But on the plus side, you're hyper-aware and pissed, so that's kinda motivating.

TerresaJ

I had my thyroid removed several years ago because it was full of tumors. It was still working at the time, but the tumors were an issue.
I started dieting (watching what I eat and exercising) in November of 2010. By November of 2011 I had reached my goal weight with a loss of about 70 pounds. Now, I have lost about 20 more and feel great. It can be done!!!!!
Good luck with your Dr.'s visit!

Chrissy_Michelle

Thanks to all of you for being so encouraging

katiew00t

*raises hand*

I was diagnosed when I was 9. Never was really "overweight" til I started getting periods. Pff. But I am on Synthroid, however my levels are way off. Your TSH is supposed to be like...0.4-2 ish....mine's like 20 right now (Eek!)

It's all about calories in/calories out and keeping up that metabolism. I take Selenium everyday which is great for the thyroid. I am tired, have the hoarse voice.....but have really bad insurance. I am losing weight, though. Everyone is different. It's great if you have a good doctor who is willing to look at your T4's separately.......and will adjust your dose accordingly.

(My doctor's like, "Your levels are wayyyy too high, must be a fluke" ........*charges me $200 and renews my same prescription*....."See me in six months." )

Sorry...kinda vented a little!.




It's like a blessing/curse. Keeps me diligent--- that's for sure. It's like when you gain weight in your face first.
"Well, fine Universe!" But on the plus side, you're hyper-aware and pissed, so that's kinda motivating.

you may want to follow up on that. HYPERthyroidism is NOT a good thing. Can be very serious.

maddiedog22

Thank you all for your replies! I have been somewhat successful losing some of the weight I've gained in the last year but it seems like it's been very slow and I gain 3 pounds at the drop of a hat. It has been a yo-yo thing and it's very frustrating watching others drop their weight so quickly just counting calories and barely working out while I'm counting and working out with little success. I guess we will find out in the next couple of weeks if I have it...

I feel ur pain. I have had hypothyroidism since I was 15 and now after 2 kids loosing weight has been really hard my inches are dropping (slowly)but my scale hates me. I have a very strict diet and exercise everyday for a hr and a half and I've only lost 10 lbs in 2 1/2 months it's frustrating but just don't give up.