Hypothyroidism - Can't lose weight!!!

1802go

Abstract
BACKGROUND:
The treatment of hypothyroidism with levothyroxine is effective and simple; however, recommendations for the starting dose vary considerably. To our knowledge, the levothyroxine starting dose has never been studied prospectively. So you need to retest and retest over several month to determine the best dose. If your dr does not retest on a reg. intervals you should get another point of view........Yes I am have the same issue for 45 years and it took two Dr. to find one that tested and retested until I was regulated there are other problems with being hypo ...

hannah0912

Hey everyone

So pleased to have found this thread!

I was diagnosed with hashimotos aged 19 and have had it for almost 7 years now. It took a long time to diagnose and I'm on 125 mcg of levothyroxine.

I've always struggled more than others to keep weight off, despite a healthy diet and exercise regime. I'm actually writing this from Malaysia. I've been backpacking for 2 months and am concerned that my levels are off - the tell tale signs are back: tiredness, confusion, constipation, bloating, missed periods, including a massive amount of weight gain, which is very noticeable when you're 5 ft tall. Maybe my tablets are damaged from the heat (despite using an insulin cooling pack), or maybe I just need a higher dose.

I had a blood test yesterday and am waiting for the results. Does anyone have any advice on dealing with the Asian diet with underactive thyroid? Or even healthy options? Everything seems to be drenched in oil, soy and/salt. It's carb based too, so my options are limited! the trip of a lifetime has turned into an obsession over what I'm eating - its like being trapped.

I actually really hope my leveks are off as it would explain a lot, although this has happened before and blood tests have come back normal. Have you guys had that? It's like I'm out of touch with my own body if that makes sense!

Another thing: when I saw a doctor in KL yesterday, he checked my heart rate and said it was low. Never had that checked in the UK before. He also said blood tests should be done every 3 months. Mine have been once a year. Does anyone else using the nhs get this treatment?

Its so Inspiring to see everyone's success stories, or progress stories...thanks for giving hope that we can get control over the condition.

annemama

I'm guessing that a diet high in soy and carbs has wrecked your usual balance. If you can cut out the soy and cut back on carbs maybe that would help. Just a guess! Enjoy your trip....it sounds amazing!

Kymwho

BUMP for later

tiedyeluvr

I have been using a Fitbit One pedometer for a month now and have found it very encouraging. It counts my steps (daily goal 10,000 steps.) It cheers me on! It offers awards for stepping goals, weight loss and a few other creative encouraging items. I have lost 4 pounds so far while monitoring my calories and exercising. I was diagnosed after my second daughter was born, 11 years ago. I am encouraged by the others who are doing myfitnesspal to make a difference. Happy New Year and hoping this is an encouraging year for you all!

goldendarden

Ok so I am 26, a full time student and stay at home mom. I have hypothyroidism. However I also had 3 csections in 4 years at the same time hypothyroidism appeared so did chronic urticaria and angiodema. I read that thyroids can act up because immune issues. I been to many doctors, im tired all the time. I currently have a 5yo, 3yo, 1yo. I push all the time, im on levo 100mg daily, still feel bad all the time. However I lost 50lbs last year to gain it ALL back, and still gaining. Anyone else feel like its all stacked against them, but still want to fight, and can help with some advice and motivation.

susiesanchez32

I have had hypothyroid for 10 years with many ups and downs...was on levothyroxine for years and ended up losing my hair...ugh...switched 1 1/2 years ago to armour and at first I finally lost 10 pounds...now I weigh more than I ever have at 156...I exercise 5 days a week and eat SO WELL...no cheating and in the last 3 weeks I have gained 8 pounds...so frustrating and DEPRESSING. I am at a loss...

susiesanchez32

I understand your frustration as I have fought your same battle for so long...lose with work and then gain with the exact same diet and exercise...sometimes it is so discouraging...hypothyroid is so depressing...I wish how I saw myself didn't get spoiled by the scale and the mirror

iballin

why do people think if you have hypothyroidism you cant lose weight.. thats so far from the truth.. its only responsible for an extra maybe 300-500 cal difference a day.. your thyroid even untreated cannot change the laws of thermodynamics... you guys make it sound like your body can sit at a stand still, not use food for energy nor use bodyfat?? thats impossible you would be dead... study's are showing even untreated hypothyroidism is only responsible for a slower metabolism not an impossibility to lose weight... thats just non sense.

iballin

you relies thats an amazing amount of progress... not slow at all =/ ... just goes to show hypothyroidism is to an extent an excuse... its not possible to change the laws of thermodynamics..yes it slows metabolism.. but if your not losing weight at a calorie number,, you need to try dropping it ever so slightly, yes to lose weight youll have to eat abit less then the average.. but for ppl saying you cannot lose weight with hypothyroidism is non sense.. studys show its only a difference of 10 lbs on people , or a couple hundred calories a day difference that doesn't get burned..

Epolstyle80

I read thru all the replies. I know that everyone is different. I know that. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism Dec 2006. I jumped from an active size 12 to a size 18/20 in less then 2 months. I gave up that first year. Between 2006-2013 I maintained the weight 238lbs. It didnt matter how much I exercised or dieted. My numbers have been checked a million times I sweat and it stays the same. Discouraged. HELL YES. In June of 2013, I began religiously getting my big butt on the treadmill or on the bike trail for 60 minutes for 5 to 6 days a week, mild lifting and I cut back to a 12-1400 diet. NOTHING WORKED. NOTHING. I kicked up my excersize and managed to lost 16 pounds in a year and a half~! I am so frutrated. I have been on the same dose of levothyroxin for 5 years and nothing is "balancing out" and I am the most patient person I know! This morning I decided to keep exercizing, but instead of calorie counting I am cutting out all sugars and carbs to see if that works. I am also going to see a blood doctor. I really cant take much more of not being able to lose the weight I need. The only positive is, I am the healthiest fat girl you will ever meet!

Epolstyle80

why do people think if you have hypothyroidism you cant lose weight.. thats so far from the truth.. its only responsible for an extra maybe 300-500 cal difference a day.. your thyroid even untreated cannot change the laws of thermodynamics... you guys make it sound like your body can sit at a stand still, not use food for energy nor use bodyfat?? thats impossible you would be dead... study's are showing even untreated hypothyroidism is only responsible for a slower metabolism not an impossibility to lose weight... thats just non sense.

Unless you have an ongoing battle with it, you can NOT understand it. You can do everything right and have nothing work. It, however, takes the right combo to kick some results in.

yebonet

I too have an under active thyroid and have been struggling to loose weight, I have been on slimming world since October 13 and have managed to have lost 2 stone, the process is very slow but I believe I should loose my 5 st eventually.

yebonet

I think everyone is different, I have heard that many people with an under active thyroid struggle to loose weight, I for one are one of them however I have last 2st over 4 months but it is a very slow process.

SoDamnHungry

I agree with the poster who said go get your levels checked. Once your hormone levels are fine, you shouldn't have any problem losing weight. In fact, I'm hypothyroid and managed to lose weight even before I was diagnosed.

RozayJones

why do people think if you have hypothyroidism you cant lose weight.. thats so far from the truth.. its only responsible for an extra maybe 300-500 cal difference a day.. your thyroid even untreated cannot change the laws of thermodynamics... you guys make it sound like your body can sit at a stand still, not use food for energy nor use bodyfat?? thats impossible you would be dead... study's are showing even untreated hypothyroidism is only responsible for a slower metabolism not an impossibility to lose weight... thats just non sense.

Unless you have an ongoing battle with it, you can NOT understand it. You can do everything right and have nothing work. It, however, takes the right combo to kick some results in.

I FEEL DEAD! Enough said!

But, no, really I feel your pain. And I believe everyone feels a little different and has different issues with hypothyroidism. I had thyroid cancer 2 years ago and gained 30 pounds in 3 months after having my thyroid removed....I hate my body now, I hate how I feel but I have decided not to let that define who I am. I do feel better watching what I eat and working out even if it's just a little. And I am determind not to give up - sometimes I think that is all we can do.

I love hearing success stories on here from people that have done well. Though that is not to say I do not get more frustrated or maybe even a little jealous. It still helps knowning there is hope and people have done.
Long store short - Keep your head up

Margiewar

I know how you feel. I ,also take a low dose of meds. for this condition. I felt the same way you do. I asked my doc to recheck and they said the dose was fine. Then I read an article from an specialist and they said that they numbers might vary for different people. Research for articles and go to the specialist. There is a diet for thyroid conditions. Good Luck

PrairieRunner2015

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 6 years ago. It took about a year, year and a half, to get my levels in the acceptable range (I take Levothyroxine). Since my levels are stable and in a normal range, most symptoms have improved.

In regards to diet, I try to eat fewer carbs and more protein. When I do this, weight loss seems easier. Perhaps it's because I am eating fewer calories and more conscious of every little thing I eat, or it's due to how my body processes the different sources of nutrition. I don't know, but it seems to work for me. When I don't try to keep the carbs down, weight loss seems impossible.

editorgrrl

MFP has "Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism" group: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/770-hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism

ecotten

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 2 days ago. I am 28 years old and as of right now I weight 143 lbs at 5'4. For myself I do understand that the majority of my weight is muscle. About a year and half ago I started training for fitness competitions as I have always been a very atheletic individual. I have put on muslce mass but I noticed even when I switched my diet and exercise to start the "cutting" phase for competitions that I would not shed any excess weight and even gain a little. This is when I knew something was out of whack. Since college I have always been very sluggish and never thought that had anything to do with my thyroid. I was wrong! My TSH levels came back at an 11 even though my T3 and T4 where in the "normal" range or at least that is what the doctor said. My journey has just now begun. The doctor put me on levothyroxine and I go back in 6 weeks to check my levels. I would like to drop around 10 lbs for that would be a healthy range for my body type. We shall see how this goes!

cuilenya

Hi Ecotton, i was diagnosed over eight years ago with the same disease & have been on small dose of Levothyroxine since diagnosis. my weight went up rapidly including painful joints and muscles . But the thing i found the hardest to deal with ( & still do) is the debilitating fatigue. At that time i was working long nightshifts ( i'm now retired) and i put it down to shift work, how wrong was i !
i joined myfitnesspal in the summer of 2012 but to be honest i did not start using it properly until beginning of 2013, I joined my local fitness centre around this time too. i do some cardio workout plus light weights, i also swim 3 times a week, I can honestly say It has not been easy as my energy levels drop after workouts and it takes a full day to get them back. I log everything i eat plus my exercises into myfitnesspal, otherwise, i forget and snack !
This time last year i was 15st 2lbs and at end of this month i weigh 13st 2lbs .. yeeha ! it has been hard work for me but i feel good... So i wish you heartfelt good luck wishes on your journey to maintaining a good healthy lifestyle with Hypothyroid.

Jeanne143

I am having the same problem. I like to exercise so that is not the problem. I exersice alot. What do I do about my diet? I can't seem to lose weight unless I eat very little. Starving myself is not the answer. It is very hard to stay motivated when I don't see any results. My Doctor says it is very hard to lose weight even with the thyroid meds. He also says since I am getting older that my metobolism has slowed down. I am so self consious about my weight. Sometimes I don't want to go out or see anyone. It is very depressing.

editorgrrl

I can't seem to lose weight unless I eat very little. Starving myself is not the answer. It is very hard to stay motivated when I don't see any results. My Doctor says it is very hard to lose weight even with the thyroid meds.

I like your doctor! My endocrinologist says that b/c I'm taking Synthroid I can lose just like everyone else.

I lost way more slowly than most MFPers—but I did lose, so don't give up. You must be patient. I was gaining pretty quickly before I was diagnosed w/ Hashimoto's, so I was glad to be losing anything at all. Rather than "I only lost .5 lb. this month," I thought "I didn't gain 2 lb. this month, plus I lost .5 lb. Yay, me!"

scg17

We're in the process of setting me up for treatment of Hashimotos, but before we knew what was going on, I gained 8lbs in Nov/Dec. I lost 6 of them over the last month, eating a 1200 cal day (I eat back about 50% of my exercise cals). So, even unmedicated, you can lose I'd strongly recommend strength training, as that is what has helped me the most. I've lost several inches, and starting to feel defined.

The main thing for me is the fatigue, which I hope gets better on meds. I just plan my day around: must get 8hrs of sleep, must take a nap after work, then go to gym/yoga/ride horse, etc. I spend a lot of time sleeping! But whatever, you have to do what you have to do to be healthy, and I'm hoping after I start meds next week things will be better.

littleburgy

I just got my thyroid tested this morning. I get one every few months or so because I've been hypothyroid for most of my life.

If you're taking medication and your levels are testing OK, there's no reason why you can't lose or control your weight, so don't get discouraged if you've been diagnosed. My thyroid hasn't affected weight too much give or take a few pounds (aside from chubby, undiagnosed adolescence.)

There's a lot of annoying struggles when you're a hypo, especially when medication needs adjustment, but just be patient with it and don't let it get you down.

Graelwyn75

Having hypothyroidism, that is being treated by Levothyroxine, has not prevented me from controlling my weight. Prior to treatment, I put on a bit of weight, but that was it, and I am not a mild case, either. So there is something else at play here, causing your gain, most likely.

brentsbitch

A few things I learned from my biology teacher + others with Hypothyroidism:
1. Eating right after you take your medication can affect how your body absorbs it. After taking your pills wait 30 mins before eating breakfast. Wait 3 hours before eating calcium rich food/supplements.
2. Get a blood test regularly (I get one every 3 months)
3. Try eliminating gluten, soy, peanuts, aspartame, strawberries, peaches and grapefruit (my coworker's mom tried this and lost a ton of weight)
4. Always read the labels on medication before taking them. Cold and flu medications usually warn against taking them if you have a thyroid condition.
5. Because hypothyroidism affects your heart rate be sure to monitor it when you are doing cardio. Weights are a safer exercise.
6. Try to take your medication at the same time every day.
7. Don't starve yourself - your body will respond by going into "panic mode" and you will plateau or gain weight.
8. Eat 5 small meals a day instead of 3 large ones.
9. Breakfast should be your most calorie filled meal. Dinner should be the smallest and at least 4 hours before you go to bed.

editorgrrl

A few things I learned from my biology teacher + others with Hypothyroidism:
1. Eating right after you take your medication can affect how your body absorbs it. After taking your pills wait 30 mins before eating breakfast. Wait 3 hours before eating calcium rich food/supplements.

The manufacturer of Synthroid http://synthroid.com says to wait 30 minutes–1 hour before eating or drinking anything but water, and a total of 4 hours before taking any vitamin or mineral supplements. I read in the Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism group http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/770-hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism that one should wait a full hour and take Synthroid w/ a full glass of water. (I had been taking a few sips & waiting 35 mins.) Maybe it's a placebo effect, but I have way more energy now—and less brain fog.

3. Try eliminating gluten, soy, peanuts, aspartame, strawberries, peaches and grapefruit (my coworker's mom tried this and lost a ton of weight)

Everybody's different, and weight loss takes a whole lot of trial & error, but on the advice of my endocrinologist I haven't changed what I eat at all. I just eat less.

9. Breakfast should be your most calorie filled meal. Dinner should be the smallest and at least 4 hours before you go to bed.

When you eat makes no difference, except for taking Synthroid on an empty stomach. I take mine first thing in the morning, but I keep it & a glass of water on the bedside table just in case I wake up in the middle of the night. It's a real treat to get up later and eat or drink whatever I want without waiting an hour.

VeganHippieLady

First of all, holy bump!

We're in the process of setting me up for treatment of Hashimotos, but before we knew what was going on, I gained 8lbs in Nov/Dec. I lost 6 of them over the last month, eating a 1200 cal day (I eat back about 50% of my exercise cals). So, even unmedicated, you can lose I'd strongly recommend strength training, as that is what has helped me the most. I've lost several inches, and starting to feel defined.

The main thing for me is the fatigue, which I hope gets better on meds. I just plan my day around: must get 8hrs of sleep, must take a nap after work, then go to gym/yoga/ride horse, etc. I spend a lot of time sleeping! But whatever, you have to do what you have to do to be healthy, and I'm hoping after I start meds next week things will be better.

I have Hashimoto's, this site are helps me cope with things such as, which questions to ask? and which tests to request?
http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/

WeakCalves

Basic question: who should I go see in order to have my thyroid checked: Ob/Gyn?