Hypothyroid diagnosed

tashiaberman

After all this t ime 3+ years dieting, exercising, balancing hormones, counting calories, tracking calories and exercise and gaining weight no matter how much I exercised or how little I ate, I think -- once again -- I've found the problem. I was just diagnosed by my doctor as hypothyroid (underactive thyroid) and put on levothyroxine.

Reading about this has been an aha moment. It comes on so slowly and insidiously over many years that most people don't get properly diagnosed until they are experiencing some of the more severe symptoms. Many women are actually diagnosed with fibromyalgia or cronic fatigue syndrome, when it is actually a subclinical case of hypothyroidism. Some are also just shrugged off by their doctors as in the throws of menopause (translated men think you're crazy) and never properly diagnosed.

I actually had my Dr. check my thyroid levels a couple years ago and he said they were fine. It wasn't until I took him the results of a metabolic panel I had done in 2010 to add to my chart and pointed out the thyroid levels, in conjunction with a visit about my heart racing at night, that he retested me and made a proper diagnosis. Sometimes a Osteopath or Holistic medical doctor is better at diagnosing and treating these things, but tread carefully.

Now I am hopeful, with my metabolism getting back in good stead that my efforts to lose will begin to bear fruit. We'll see.

Sabine_Stroehm

Glad it was finally diagnosed, and hope you feel better soon!

lsskes1

What type of metabolic testing did you have done. I think that this might be my issue, every time my doctor checks my thyroid levels she says they are okay. I do recall hearing someplace that just b/c your numbers are "normal" doesn't mean you don't have an issue. I am 49, about 20 lbs overweight, eat decent balanced meals, exercise regularly - yoga, pilates, walking, spinning and NOTHING works. I am very frustrated b/c I feel like I am doing everything right and nothing works. Of course I never had this problem until I got into my mid 40's - before that I could eat basically whatever I wanted as long as I exercised...no more:( I would definitely be interested to hear about that metabolic testing if you don't mind. Thanks.

tashiaberman

I had a panel of metabolic tests ordered my my Osteopathic doctor (DO), who was helping me with bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. This particular doctor was through a nationwide chain called Body Logic. Problem was that coverage is minimal for this testing when done for the purpose of "hormone replacement therapy" and she didn't even file for you. Your regular doctor can order this same panel of tests that gives, not just the TSH, but also the T4 and T3 levels, as well as testing for Cardio Reactive Protein (CRP), Insulin/Glucose levels, vitamin D levels, Iron/hemaglobin levels and a host of other metabolic measures that can indicate the presence of a problem.

If your regular family doctor blows you off as the "hysterical female in menopause", bypass him all together and find a Doctor of Osteopathy, especially one willing to consider a holistic approach, which includes vitamins, dietary changes, even hormone balancing. I know you can get this through the chain mentioned above, but it's an expensive way to go, unless they'll bill your insurance.

lsskes1

Excellent - I actually have an appointment next week for the yearly woman check up and my doc is female so maybe she will be more open to this. I am going to ask - if she won't I will find someone who will. Thanks much.