Hypothyroid treated? Results?

lesle1

I'm on 150 and 175 Synthroid, alternating days. I had the hair loss, weight gain, etc. They raised my dosage over the years and sometimes the doctors lowered it. I've been on this dosage now for about 5 years. I felt sluggish and tired, had brain fog...even when on the Synthroid. I didn't start feeling better until I started working out. I had to push myself at the beginning. The more I worked out the better I felt. My dosage has stayed the same even after the weight loss. It's hard starting out but it's that way when you first start trying anyway. Just keep pushing yourself to exercise. Right now I run enough where I can pretty much eat anything I want, and I just lost another 5 pounds since I saw my doctor last.

pen2u

Here's the MFP hypo/hyper thyroid group:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/753-hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism

There's a lot of great info there. I've found that I have to be proactive & educated about my health care; many endocrinologists only use our test results w/o taking our symptoms into consideration. I hope you can find a doctor who will work w/you!

SKHaz1

I think its important to remember that each hypothyroid individual has different symptoms. I for one was so fatigued that in a year I gained 100lbs. I can't completely put the blame on the thyroid, but along with the weight gain came depression like symptoms made me just not care. Once I got on the medication I lost 30lbs pretty easily. My friend is VERY skinny and had symptoms of light headedness and a general "not good" feeling. So, while we're both hypo she doesnt struggle with her weight and I do.

For me, eating right and exercise DO work, but it takes a little more time than for others. I had to play around with my calories A LOT to find the right amount for weight loss. Only 1000 calories a day. I do NOT recommend this. It just takes some time to figure out what works for you after you get on the medication. I was a new person after only being on the meds for a week.

LaVinci

I was diagnosed in 2010. I have been normal for quite a while. I exercise 6 days a week and eat healthy. I can't seem to lose. The most I have lost is 4 lbs. It is frustrating. My husband and I just started a program together. We are in our 8th week. He has lost 14 lbs. Me? nothing. My clothes are a little loser, but not as much as they should be considering what I am doing...very frustrating!!!

rileysmom0416

I had undiagnosed hypothyroidism for at least 4 years. My dietician caught it when she went through my old test results after months of very little weight loss. I have been tested for hypothyroidism for years because of a history of Hashimoto's disease in my family. Needless to say I was pissed off!

I had my whole thyroid removed in February due to Hashimoto's disease and (non-cancerous) nodules. The last couple of months before my surgery my thyroid was making me crazy. Although according to blood tests my numbers were normal I would have days of extreme fatigue and then days of high energy. On the days it was in hyper mode I would be drenched in sweat just walking around my house. I was MISERABLE.

I am currently on 175 mg of Synthroid daily and get tested again this week. I have been able to lose weight with the combination of meds, diet and exercise. I will say that I felt better after speaking to a few of the doctors at the clinic that told me that I would be able to lose weight and that I had been fighting an uphill battle.

Bridget28152723

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease (hypothyroid) in July 2011, at first I was hyper then it switched to hypo so in November I got on Levothyroxine , I get labs every 2 months and my TSH keeps getting higher (8.6 in March) and my meds are also increasing, Im on 125 mg. now. I have more energy but since my levels are not normal I havent lost anything for a long time, but I dont weigh anymore and have had lots of trial and error. I workout a lot , I have to to remain sane with this stupid Hashi's! So I am hoping to treat my hypo with cutting out toxins, meat, dairy and increasing fruits , veggies, seeds and nuts. I have been on meds for 6 months and it seems people dont get the right dose for 1-3 years , dont expect a miracle from the pills. I wish you the best and hope you do reach your goals, tgere is a great group on MFP hypo/hyperthyroid group, so much good info and people who have been where we are and have learned a few lessons!

Jentaylor0295

I have been diagnosed but do not take medication. I am taking Kelp supplements instead. I realize that the meds do not help so try and take a more natural route. So frustrated but hey, I'd rather work out hard and eat really well.

RilantheFirebug

Once your levels are correct then most of your symptoms should go away and retaining weight because of hypo should no longer be an issue.

ChelleChelle77

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm currently in the testing phase. Thanks so much for posting this question. It's great to know all this information. Any of yall feel free to add me as a friend. I'm on daily and will encourage as I'm encouraged. I will keep you in my thoughts in regards to your test results. ~ Chelle

hazelnut861

I started meds in july of last year and lost about 25 pounds by november. I had my dose adjusted a few times too.

Funsoaps

Sounds great in theory- but doesn't happen with a lot of thyroid folk. I could only wish that a little thyroid pill would do the trick, if that were the case, all those millions of people who take thyroid meds would never be overweight due to thyroid.

Once your levels are correct then most of your symptoms should go away and retaining weight because of hypo should no longer be an issue.

gogojodee

bump for later.

sassynurse78

I have had hypothyroidism since I was sixteen years old. (I'm now 33) I have felt like crap most of that time and stacked on the weight. I am now seeing a specialist and I feel amazing! I am using MFP, and have lost 40 lbs. I could not do it before, no matter how strict I was. my new doctor changed me from levothyroxine, which is the generic form of the thyroid replacement meds, and started me on Synthroid, the name brand. He said that the generic form works just as well as the name brand as long as it is recently produced, but it has an awful shelf life and although within the expiration date it is not as effective. i didnt believe him, but I do now! I have been passing this along to any one I know who also has hypothyroidism. It might not be the answer for everyone, but it sure was for me! I am not sure what my TSH levels are, but I know it must have not been good, as I am on a very high dose of the synthroid.

l_dubb

I was diagnosed a few months ago. I started eating better and working out on January 1st and was at 149...now I'm 139! It took a long time to lose those 10 pounds but at least it happened.

brianafaye2

i recently found out that i had hypothyroidism about 5 months ago. the meds have helped with my digestive system and i have more energy, but sadly i still have a hard time losing weight. the plus side is that i am still losing, when b4 i could lose anything. so continue eating right and exercising and it will help

SweatpantsRebellion

The pill won't do anything to create wt loss, it's stabilizing your thyroid, working out, making sure your stress hormones are calm, eating right for the thyroid which us high protein, veggies and good fats, no soy or goitrogens. It matters what medications you are on, what your frame if mind is, supplements, etc...

im not looking for a pill to create weight loss... but when im working hard: eating pretty good and well below my BMR AND working out 5-6 days a week, I expect to at LEAST be losing weight at a normal rate.. so I'm hoping that balancing out my thyroid ALONG with what I'm currently doing, will offer better results... I've been at this for months with slow or no results...

didn't know about the soy and goitrogens, so I'll be cautious of that

thanks for all the feedback

You sound so frustrated. ((HUGS)) I have a couple of thoughts for you. Obviously proper hypo treatment. Someone's already mentioned it, but it bears repeating. Check out this website. This woman has a book out that combines research in the area of thyroid treatment. Those of us who are hypo MUST take an active role in our treatment and advocate for ourselves.

stopthethyroidmadness.com

Also, you are likely killing your metabolism further by eating under your BMR. You should never net under your BMR. There's a great group here. I'd encourage you to at least visit the group and read through some of the stickies that are posted. You may read through the info. and decide to walk away and do things differently. That's your choice, but make it an informed one and read through the info.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/3817-eat-more-to-weigh-less

I'm not talking out of my *kitten*. I'm hypo. I had a huge postpartum hypo crash last year that resulted in 40 pounds gain in 3-4 months. Most of it was tummy fat which really scared me. It scared me so much that I called my doctor right away to work on adjusting meds (I currently use Armour thyroid - really really really helps), started a health journal, joined MFP, and bought running shoes right away. Sure I've had not so good days since then, but I'm plodding along on my journey remembering that I'm important and I deserve a better quality of life. I'm losing weight at a steady 1-1.5 pound a week. No, it's not super fast, but it's healthy. I have LOTS of energy (this coming from someone with hypo who has definitely never had any energy). I attribute that to the fact that I'm on my meds consistently (also I used some suggestions from the Stop The Thyroid Madness book - I spread my dose out throughout the day and I chew my Armour for better absorption) AND to the fact that I'm eating over my BMR every day. My daily calorie goal is 2300 calories (yes, it's true). I net over 1800 calories every day (my BMR is in the 1700ish range), so on higher burn days I have to eat even more. I'm never fatigued due to lack of nutrition, which just makes hypo worse.

I know I'm probably coming across as preachy. I don't mean to - I'm just so happy with how I feel after years of hypo hell and I'm happy that I'm losing weight while still feeling really great. I would love for everyone with hypo to experience what it's like to live with energy - the difference is amazing!

megreif

I have hypothyroidism and I've slowly been losing weight. I've been on synthroid for a while now. Honestly though, I try not to think about it too much besides getting regular bloodwork to make sure I'm in the normal range. If I think about it too much then it just gives me an excuse! "I might be fat, but hey, I have a disease and can't help it so it's okay" tends to be the negative thought process I get into. When I eat right and exercise, I lose weight. When I eat junk food and I'm lazy, I gain weight. I'm not sure how it compares to a normal person w/o hypothyroidism since there isn't an identical person to me who eats exactly the same things and exercises the same amount that follows me around all the time! I think that the question you're asking is if it is possible to lose weight once you've been treated and the answer is yes! Beyond that I try not to think too much about whether or not it is still harder for me than for someone else because I've found it lets me justify my laziness or feel defeated. It is just too easy to make it an excuse when the real reason I don't see what I want to on the scale is the fact that I ate a ton of mac and cheese this week lol. So, I'm just assuming that I'm normal

SweatpantsRebellion

I have hypothyroidism and I've slowly been losing weight. I've been on synthroid for a while now. Honestly though, I try not to think about it too much besides getting regular bloodwork to make sure I'm in the normal range. If I think about it too much then it just gives me an excuse! "I might be fat, but hey, I have a disease and can't help it so it's okay" tends to be the negative thought process I get into. When I eat right and exercise, I lose weight. When I eat junk food and I'm lazy, I gain weight. I'm not sure how it compares to a normal person w/o hypothyroidism since there isn't an identical person to me who eats exactly the same things and exercises the same amount that follows me around all the time! I think that the question you're asking is if it is possible to lose weight once you've been treated and the answer is yes! Beyond that I try not to think too much about whether or not it is still harder for me than for someone else because I've found it lets me justify my laziness or feel defeated. It is just too easy to make it an excuse when the real reason I don't see what I want to on the scale is the fact that I ate a ton of mac and cheese this week lol. So, I'm just assuming that I'm normal

I get the sentiment of what you're saying and I don't completely disagree. I think we can all use just about anything as an excuse when we want to. That being said, the extreme symptoms of untreated and/or undertreated hypothyroidism (i.e. lethargy, fatigue, mood swings, muscle aches, depression, etc...) can make it really hard for someone to stick to healthy eating choices and fitness activities. For overall well being, the underlying thyroid issues need to be treated by a competent professional in addition to efforts with regard to food and exercise.

RilantheFirebug

Sounds great in theory- but doesn't happen with a lot of thyroid folk. I could only wish that a little thyroid pill would do the trick, if that were the case, all those millions of people who take thyroid meds would never be overweight due to thyroid.

Once your levels are correct then most of your symptoms should go away and retaining weight because of hypo should no longer be an issue.

The key word is is should. Most symptoms SHOULD go away. Its not a 100% fix all for everyone. In my personal experience, getting my levels right helped a ton. Also, my hypo was most likely caused by prolonged infections and so I don't have a lot of other more complicated symptoms that others can have with Hashimotos and the like.

svwalter

In 2006 I weighed 320 pounds. I was tired of not being able to do anything. I started dieting and over 2 years I lost down to 165 pounds. I stayed cold all the time and started losing hair. The doctor put me on synthroid for hypothyroidism. I started gaining weight and no matter what I did I still gained weight I hit my highest weight of 280 pounds in December of 2011. I felt exhausted and frustrated and that I had lost a battle I had worked so hard for. On December 27th 2011 I had the sleeve done(stomach surgery) as I felt I had nothing else I could do. I workout anywhere from 5-7 days a week and have lost 85 pounds so it has been a struggle I still have to take synthroid though the dose has changed from 250 to 150. I wish everyone the best of luck and God Bless you in your journey.