hypothyroid ..really need help

mon3011

Hello this is the first time I'm posting anything in this group. I've been really trying for the last 12 weeks to lose weight. I have recorded everything I've been eating and working out like a fiend, but my weight isn't cooperating. I lost 3 lbs as of last week . I've stayed within my calories and have exceeded my workout goals by a ton. I'm really afraid that my body just wants to remain this way. I have to lose my last 10lbs.I have hypothyroid for last 5 months.My TSH is at 4.8 and the dr doesn't want to increase the dose and thinks I am am in the range.
What can I do to lose weight.Is there a specific diet that I can follow.

tecallahan

sorry to hear that!! I think TSH of 4.8 is too high.. Mine is .3 - if your TSH is high, that means you don't have enough T4 (inactive hormone) and in turn you probably don't have enough T3 (active hormone).

When your thyroid is not optimized your adrenals pitch in and try to help out -- as a result many of us with thyroid disease also have adrenal fatigue. You may also have deficiencies in other areas like Ferritin/Iron, Vitamin D, etc.

If you can't change doctors and get one that will treat your symptoms instead of your TSH, then you might try going low carb... eliminate sugar, starchy, "white" foods, processed foods. Focus on whole/fresh foods.

A few other things you can do:
- Avoid calcium 3-4 hours before you take your meds - it can block absorption
- Avoid all SOY products -- not good for the thyroid
- Consider eliminating gluten (wheat/barley/rye/some oats)
- Avoid raw foods that are goitrogens - http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/goitrogens/ - they are not dangerous if cooked
- Try Natural Calm - magnesium citrate - magnesium is great for us
- Make sure you are getting Vitamin C and Vitamin D -- most of us need it and many of us don't absorb Vitamin D from the sun

Consider light exercise for a while -- if you are doing intense exercise on a low calorie diet, you may have stressed your body to the point where it generates too much Reverse T3. Consider backing off to gentle exercise like walking for a while.

finally, and one of my favorites - is to consider meditation. Much of what's going on with us is how our body reacts to stress.
Here's an example of my favorite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-JrhRCHP6o
Calm yourself, be kind to yourself.
Fire that doctor if you can and find someone that will treat your symptoms and give you a better quality of life.
Hold yourself accountable for what you eat - not just how much, but the quality of the nutrition you are giving your body.

Hope a little of this helps!
Terri

mon3011

Thanks Terri

lmelangley

I agree with Terri- you need more meds! 4.8 is the "old" range. Some people can function fine in the 2 - 3 range, but most need to be lower. I'm just over 1, myself. If your doctor won't treat you, find one who will.

Just remember that a good TSH still won't be a magic bullet. It may take some time to lose the weight you want. But, it is possible with patience - and a good TSH level.