underactive thyroid!!!!
sharonmac
Posts: 119
Just curious if anyone else is struggling to lose weight with an underactive thryoid. If so, other then taking medicine what have you done to help with the weight loss?
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Replies
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I'm not familiar with under active thyroid, as such but there are a number of things you can do to increase your metabolism.
You can weight train or eat smaller meals more often. I've heard that Bikram yoga helps stimulate the thyroid, too.0 -
Thanks for the advise. I have been wanting to try yoga. Maybe I will give it a try. Thanks again :flowerforyou:0
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I take Synthroid, but I was already losing very well with the Alternate Day diet before I was even diagnosed with Thyroid Disease. It's not for everyone, but I've lost over 100 pounds despite my hypothyroidism.0
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Wow! you have lost 100 lb on my fitness pal? I get discouraged fairly easy and just want results over night. UGGHHHH0
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I have been working to lose weight forever. I have hypothyroidism, and hishimotos. I have recently had a loss...finally!!!, and I lowered my cholesterol. I have been having a shake for breakfast every morning with 1/4 c blueberries, 1 c. fez. strawberries, 1 c. coconut milk, 2 tbsp. flax seed, 1 scoop soy protein powder. I had that everyday for 15 days for breakfast. I also loaded on on fruits, veggies, salads, and nuts. I have always ranged between 2.3-6.5 with my TSH. I just did my blood work last week...I go every 6 weeks b/c of hishimotos...and my TSH was .55. I am also measuring everything I eat and on week 3 of Insanity. So, my results, in the last 23 days I have lost 6 pounds! This is the most weight I have lost consecutively. I think the measuring, and daily exercising are the reasons why I am finallynsuccessul! Feel free tonfriend me and I'll do my best to support you and work with you! The hypothyroidism is very frustrating, but with a good support system it can happen. Last year on MFP I only lost 10 pounds, so I know the struggle of living with this and losing weight. The main thing is to keep the numbers going down...that's a good day!0
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I was finally diagnosed as uber hyperthyroid back in 2007 and in December of the next year had to have my thyroid gland removed because things just weren’t improving with medication alone. I have been on synthroid ever since and have been slowly gaining weight throughout the past several years.
I tried working out at Curves for a few years, but never really saw any results. Happily, with MFP and the caloric restriction it set for me (my current limit is 1420), I’m actually starting to lose weight. Haven’t added exercise into my routine yet but will, I promise! I figured I would do that once I plateau with just the dieting. *shrug*
It seems like most people on here that I’ve read who discuss thyroid problems are hypothyroid. Are there any other hyperthyroid folks out there?0 -
Spiffy I'm confused. If you had your thyroid removed and you're now on Synthroid, you should no longer be hyper, unless your dosage is not optimized. I'm pretty sure they only give Synthroid for hypo patients, which you would be since you don't have a thyroid to produce thyroid hormones anymore.
I'm fairly newly diagnosed, so I could be wrong. Just trying to figure it out.0 -
I thougt this said "unattractive thyroid." I thought this was a thread I could get behind....
As for you, OP, if you are taking meds to regulate your thyroid, you can lose weight just as well as anyone else.0 -
I been with an underactive thyroid (hypo-thyroid) for 40 years.. I was diagnosed at the age of 11//. I am on levothroxin regular blood test to be sure I ma regulated. I find that eating often helps alot. plus get moving anything will help.. the heart and body need the extra movement to help along the hormone in yout thyroid.. hope thi helps0
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in December of the next year had to have my thyroid gland removed
You should not have any issues other than your med not being at the correct amount. Anything other than this is a pure excuse.
As for HYPO, take the med or work harder. easy as that0 -
Get your medicine levels worked out, make sure you're not blocking the absorption of your meds with dietary mistakes (dairy, high fiber with meds, etc.). Make sure you're getting sufficient iodine (could be an issue if you've reduced salt in your diet), eat saturated fat, be reasonable about carbohydrates, minimize soy and other goitrogens, exercise everyday.0
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I thougt this said "unattractive thyroid." I thought this was a thread I could get behind....
As for you, OP, if you are taking meds to regulate your thyroid, you can lose weight just as well as anyone else.
How dare you, it's an organ shaped like a BUTTERFLY. Probably the most attractive organ...
That being said... OP, don't listen to the yoga comment. If you have been diagnosed with hypo or hyperthyroidism, unfortunately medical intervention is needed. You can read about goitrogens all day, but the condition is something that needs some form of medication or therapy to help.
That being said, ARE you on any medication? How underactive is your thyroid? As 1CG said, if you're being treated and regulated, you're as good to go as anyone. Granted, the norms have changed in the last several years, then changed back, so that can be confusing for you (and for endos, frankly). A good endo will help treat you by symptoms, as well, as once you have the condition, sometimes being in the "norm" isn't as good as being "optimum" in the norm, meaning you could need a change in either medication or dose.
I always recommend to "poopy thyroid" people: lift weights. There's significant research that shows that lifting weights helps stabilize hormones, T3 and calcitonin being two of them. Plus, lifting heightens the metabolism, helps facilitate body fat loss, strengthens your bones (many thyroid meds can contribute to bone thinning at high dosages), and helps with overall body recomposition, helping trim inches off faster than not lifting alone. I swear by lifting; it really changed my life.
"It sucks to have thyroid issues and lose weight" Club Member
Dealt with Hypothyroidism, Hypothyroidism with Hyper Manifestations, Thyroidtoxicosis, and Adrenal Fatigue (Possibly also with adrenal insufficiency)
Been without a thyroid for 10 years0 -
7/5/2005 - I had total thyroidectomy - 8 years later and I'm about 100lbs heavier than I ever was when I had a thyroid that was jacked up and not working right haha.
Unfortunately I've found - in the 2 weeks I've been on MFP showing serious dedication to counting cals and some LIGHT very light movement on occasion - that I have lost 5lbs...so....this means one thing for me:
NO MORE EXCUSES
dangit! haha.
When I 1st got on the highest dose of levothyroxin the weight was FALLING OFF I'm thinking man can't i stay at this level....sadly, no. When I'm at a "normal/good" hormone level - then the weight....stays. Again, sadly, putting the ball in my court. No magic pill lol.
So you can definately add me and I'll cuss and witch it out with ya (dang stupid lack of/not working thyroid lol) but far as I'm seeing 2 weeks in and steadily losing. (course - i may sing a different tune next month who knows lol)
I'm still eating cheetos, and doritos - BUT i'm eating smaller portions than before, and I'm balancing it out with AWESOME baby spinach on my sandwiches, more fruit, cleaner meats, etc. In other words "doing what I'm suppose to". It's hard but I find it can be done for me personally.
Have a great night!0 -
in December of the next year had to have my thyroid gland removed
You should not have any issues other than your med not being at the correct amount. Anything other than this is a pure excuse.
As for HYPO, take the med or work harder. easy as that
Oh, do you not have a thyroid?
When you get the organ removed, it's not as easy as it seems to just "take the med." Not all thyroid meds work with everyone, and without a thyroid, you don't have anything to rely on. Many people without thyroids have much better luck with Synthroid PLUS Cytomel, or Levothyroxine, or Armour, or even compounded T3T4. Without a thyroid, the rest of your endocrine system immediately starts working to compensate for too little or too much thyroid hormone; it's very possible cortisol's playing a role here without her knowing it. As always in thyroid threads, it'd be helpful to know bloodwork.
I get just as angry seeing people say, "I eat 3000 calories of Taco Bell everyday; I think I have underactive thyroid" or "I'm hypothyroid and feel so tired I can't exercise... now I can't lose weight." But thyroid IS a very complex issue and is not super easily fixed for everyone. We're in the "guinea pig" stage of thyroid medicine; we still don't even know WHAT T1 and T2 do, let alone how important RT3 REALLY is in optimum thyroid function.
It's not as black and white as you say; it'd make it much easier for most of us.0 -
Just curious if anyone else is struggling to lose weight with an underactive thryoid. If so, other then taking medicine what have you done to help with the weight loss?
I am taking two meds to regulate my hypothyroidism (one to regulate the TSH and the other to regulate T3). I didn't gain much weight when my thyroid started to give me problems because my doctor and I detected the problem very early, and she started me on medication right away; and I was lucky that my deficiency was not very big so my doctor put me in a very low dose. I had blood work done every three months at the beginning to find the optimal dose and treatment.
I didn't do anything different to lose weight but I admit I didn't have much to lose so it must be different for other people. I just followed a calorie deficient diet (MFP helped a lot), and I exercised and still do, 5 to 6 days a week. I have been on maintenance for almost 2 years.
Make sure that you take your meds early in the morning before breakfast and that you don’t eat anything for a minimum of half an hour to allow the proper absorption into your system. It is also recommended not have any calcium supplements or any antacids for 4 hours, at least, after taking thyroid meds. I take my calcium and vitamin D at night.
Be aware that changes in temperature (fall and winter); also affect the thyroid, so TSH and T3 values may be altered during the cold weather season. I am attaching a link that may help you to understand this problem better. (http://www.wellnessresources.com/weight_tips/articles/body_temperature_and_thyroid_problems/)
Let your medication work, exercise, and have a positive attitude. Don’t expect to lose weight overnight; after all, none of us put the extra lbs in few days. Above all, don’t let a sluggish, deficient or non existing thyroid be an excuse for the extra weight.
Be determined and consistent and the weight will come off. Don’t forget to exercise! :flowerforyou:0 -
I take synthroid (which I am told by my doctor is one of the most natural and healthiest things to take). I struggled for about a year and a half to lose weight, but with no luck. Now, I have cut back on my carbs (no bread, pasta, or potatoes; but I still eat crackers, tortillas, chips) and with the synthroid, I have lost 6 lbs in just 3 weeks. Hoping to keep it up!0
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First, join this group:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/770-hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism
They have some good information and some bad information but definitely a lot of support. I've been riding this Hypothyroid train for 9 years and it's no fun (without medications my levels are over 300). Like FirstSip said, it's not just about being in the "normal" range, it's about being in the "optimal" range for you. There's nothing worse than going to a doctor because your symptoms are so bad you can't handle it anymore, just to have them tell you that your blood work looks fine so it must just all be in your head.
My advice, take your medicines as prescribed but if you still feel like crap, go back to your doctor and fight for a change. I finally got my doctor to lower my Synthroid and add Cytomel and have lost 14 lbs since Thanksgiving after gaining weight no matter what I did for months. Remember, just because your levels get back to normal doesn't mean that everything is going to work normally. You'll have to work twice as hard as your not hypo friends to get the same results, but they're worth it!0 -
First, join this group:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/770-hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism
They have some good information and some bad information but definitely a lot of support. I've been riding this Hypothyroid train for 9 years and it's no fun (without medications my levels are over 300). Like FirstSip said, it's not just about being in the "normal" range, it's about being in the "optimal" range for you. There's nothing worse than going to a doctor because your symptoms are so bad you can't handle it anymore, just to have them tell you that your blood work looks fine so it must just all be in your head.
My advice, take your medicines as prescribed but if you still feel like crap, go back to your doctor and fight for a change. I finally got my doctor to lower my Synthroid and add Cytomel and have lost 14 lbs since Thanksgiving after gaining weight no matter what I did for months. Remember, just because your levels get back to normal doesn't mean that everything is going to work normally. You'll have to work twice as hard as your not hypo friends to get the same results, but they're worth it!
Yes, and thyroid medications have longer half-lifes (generally up to two weeks long), plus it takes long for the body to adjust to a new dose, and even longer for the brain to pick it up (clarity: Bloodwork can pick up normal results before your body actually follows suit), all resulting in a usually 3-6 month process before a new "level" is working for you. Patience.
I'd add, too, to prevent OP from getting discouraged: It's not twice as hard to get the same results... it just takes twice as long. You don't have to starve and bust your balls more, just learn to develop more patience
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My mom switched to the same combination, and she started losing weight. Sadly I've been doing the combination for over half a year, and I'm still struggling to lose weight. I'm still trying to find a good plan to lose 15lbs, but I exercise everyday and eat pretty healthy, plus take my meds which is all I can do for now.First, join this group:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/770-hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism
They have some good information and some bad information but definitely a lot of support. I've been riding this Hypothyroid train for 9 years and it's no fun (without medications my levels are over 300). Like FirstSip said, it's not just about being in the "normal" range, it's about being in the "optimal" range for you. There's nothing worse than going to a doctor because your symptoms are so bad you can't handle it anymore, just to have them tell you that your blood work looks fine so it must just all be in your head.
My advice, take your medicines as prescribed but if you still feel like crap, go back to your doctor and fight for a change. I finally got my doctor to lower my Synthroid and add Cytomel and have lost 14 lbs since Thanksgiving after gaining weight no matter what I did for months. Remember, just because your levels get back to normal doesn't mean that everything is going to work normally. You'll have to work twice as hard as your not hypo friends to get the same results, but they're worth it!0 -
Spiffy I'm confused. If you had your thyroid removed and you're now on Synthroid, you should no longer be hyper, unless your dosage is not optimized. I'm pretty sure they only give Synthroid for hypo patients, which you would be since you don't have a thyroid to produce thyroid hormones anymore.
I'm fairly newly diagnosed, so I could be wrong. Just trying to figure it out.
*shrug* None of my doctors (it was my OBGYN who discovered that I was most likely having thyroid problems, and I've had three Endocrinologists over the past 5 years) have used the word hypOthyroid to describe my situation ever, even after the surgery. I have never been told that I'll ever be able to stop the medication (which makes sense to me since I no longer have my thyroid gland), which has been adjusted a few times but not for a good long while. I don't know, what do you think?0 -
Spiffy I'm confused. If you had your thyroid removed and you're now on Synthroid, you should no longer be hyper, unless your dosage is not optimized. I'm pretty sure they only give Synthroid for hypo patients, which you would be since you don't have a thyroid to produce thyroid hormones anymore.
I'm fairly newly diagnosed, so I could be wrong. Just trying to figure it out.
*shrug* None of my doctors (it was my OBGYN who discovered that I was most likely having thyroid problems, and I've had three Endocrinologists over the past 5 years) have used the word hypOthyroid to describe my situation ever, even after the surgery. I have never been told that I'll ever be able to stop the medication (which makes sense to me since I no longer have my thyroid gland), which has been adjusted a few times but not for a good long while. I don't know, what do you think?
Without a thyroid, you will forever have hypothyroidism. That's just the current medical diagnosis of it; many endos may just be taking for granted that you know this. Speak up and ask questions!
However, without a thyroid, you CAN still "manifest" as hyperthyroid based on a variety of factors, which can include incorrect thyroid dosage, poor reaction to thyroid meds, extenuating issue with pituitary gland, etc. I actually went through thyroidtoxicosis about a year and a half ago as a result of "manifestation of hyper" symptoms; apparently I would have gone into a coma if I had the levels I did and still had a thyroid. All of this was after being put on too high of a dose for too long that we just didn't catch until it was too late (and I was in the ER with an irregular heart beat, TSH of 0, skyhigh cortisol, etc.).0 -
How dare you, it's an organ shaped like a BUTTERFLY. Probably the most attractive organ...
LOL, this cracked me up so much!
I'm still eating cheetos, and doritos - BUT i'm eating smaller portions than before, and I'm balancing it out with AWESOME baby spinach on my sandwiches, more fruit, cleaner meats, etc. In other words "doing what I'm suppose to". It's hard but I find it can be done for me personally.
I'm kind of the same way. I think MFP has really helped me to realize how much I used to snack, and I actually realize when I'm getting full and stop eating when I really need to. I'm definitely developing better eating habits.in December of the next year had to have my thyroid gland removed
You should not have any issues other than your med not being at the correct amount. Anything other than this is a pure excuse.
As for HYPO, take the med or work harder. easy as that
Well, maybe I should clarify. I wasn’t using my thyroidectomy as an “excuse.” I was just trying to provide a little background on my history, that’s all. 0 -
Spiffy I'm confused. If you had your thyroid removed and you're now on Synthroid, you should no longer be hyper, unless your dosage is not optimized. I'm pretty sure they only give Synthroid for hypo patients, which you would be since you don't have a thyroid to produce thyroid hormones anymore.
I'm fairly newly diagnosed, so I could be wrong. Just trying to figure it out.
*shrug* None of my doctors (it was my OBGYN who discovered that I was most likely having thyroid problems, and I've had three Endocrinologists over the past 5 years) have used the word hypOthyroid to describe my situation ever, even after the surgery. I have never been told that I'll ever be able to stop the medication (which makes sense to me since I no longer have my thyroid gland), which has been adjusted a few times but not for a good long while. I don't know, what do you think?
Without a thyroid, you will forever have hypothyroidism. That's just the current medical diagnosis of it; many endos may just be taking for granted that you know this. Speak up and ask questions!
However, without a thyroid, you CAN still "manifest" as hyperthyroid based on a variety of factors, which can include incorrect thyroid dosage, poor reaction to thyroid meds, extenuating issue with pituitary gland, etc. I actually went through thyroidtoxicosis about a year and a half ago as a result of "manifestation of hyper" symptoms; apparently I would have gone into a coma if I had the levels I did and still had a thyroid. All of this was after being put on too high of a dose for too long that we just didn't catch until it was too late (and I was in the ER with an irregular heart beat, TSH of 0, skyhigh cortisol, etc.).
Wow, sounds like you have been through the wringer! Things were worse for me before my diagnosis. I didn't even realize half of what was wrong with me until I got diagnosed. The only symptom I even noticed was that my period was starting to skip months, that alone had me scared. After I got diagnosed it turns out my eyes were bugging out, my heart rate was insanely high, I was totally sensitive to heat (I had noticed that before but never attributed it to my period problem), my skin was clammy, and I had a huge goiter. God knows how long all this was cooking up inside me--slowly enough for me to not notice most of the symptoms I was having!
I think part of my problem is that I've had so many doctors dealing with this with me. I love my OB and am still with her and she's really great with me. My first Endocrinologist was awful and actually lied to me about my options. After being miserable for a year just on medication, I finally got a referral to see another Endocrinologist who was like, "Um, if your goiter has shrunk since you first started medication and it's still this big now... I would have recommended surgery from the get-go." That guy was great! He was all about total well-being and was always on my case about getting enough vitamin D. Then my insurance changed. Now I'm back in the same office as the first Endocrinologist but with another doctor, who is the lease personable doc I've ever met in my life and makes me feel stupid when I try to ask for clarification. I think you're right about some docs assuming I/we *should* know or understand certain things about our condition, and this guy always seems annoyed at me if I don't. I definitely need to learn how to be a better advocate for myself.
Le sigh. /rant
I will definitely look into joining the group you recommended. For now, I'm going to Bedfordshire. Goodnight all!0 -
My first Endocrinologist was awful and actually lied to me about my options. After being miserable for a year just on medication, I finally got a referral to see another Endocrinologist who was like, "Um, if your goiter has shrunk since you first started medication and it's still this big now... I would have recommended surgery from the get-go." That guy was great! He was all about total well-being and was always on my case about getting enough vitamin D. Then my insurance changed. Now I'm back in the same office as the first Endocrinologist but with another doctor, who is the lease personable doc I've ever met in my life and makes me feel stupid when I try to ask for clarification. I think you're right about some docs assuming I/we *should* know or understand certain things about our condition, and this guy always seems annoyed at me if I don't. I definitely need to learn how to be a better advocate for myself.
I hate hearing things like this. Docs have a responsibility to make sure their patients feel listened to. Next time you see your endo let him know he is being an *kitten*, and that he works for you. Ask any questions you might have, and if he still is treating you poorly ask to speak to the hospital or group administrator. Your health is the most important thing, and if he can't be on your team you may need to find someone else.
Good luck!0 -
My first Endocrinologist was awful and actually lied to me about my options. After being miserable for a year just on medication, I finally got a referral to see another Endocrinologist who was like, "Um, if your goiter has shrunk since you first started medication and it's still this big now... I would have recommended surgery from the get-go." That guy was great! He was all about total well-being and was always on my case about getting enough vitamin D. Then my insurance changed. Now I'm back in the same office as the first Endocrinologist but with another doctor, who is the lease personable doc I've ever met in my life and makes me feel stupid when I try to ask for clarification. I think you're right about some docs assuming I/we *should* know or understand certain things about our condition, and this guy always seems annoyed at me if I don't. I definitely need to learn how to be a better advocate for myself.
I hate hearing things like this. Docs have a responsibility to make sure their patients feel listened to. Next time you see your endo let him know he is being an *kitten*, and that he works for you. Ask any questions you might have, and if he still is treating you poorly ask to speak to the hospital or group administrator. Your health is the most important thing, and if he can't be on your team you may need to find someone else.
Good luck!
It's also important to understand that Endos don't just focus on thyroid issues (hypo, hyper, etc.) they also tackle diabetes and other diseases of the endocrine system. Unfortunately, most Endos (at least in my experience) know little to nothing about thyroid specific diseases because they have spent their careers focused on diabetics.
When I discussed Cytomel with my Endo a month ago, he spent 20 minutes explaining to me how it wouldn't do me any good but if I was insistent on it then he would do it anyways. Also telling me that there is no generic for Cytomel and so I would have to pay more for the brand name. I was insisting on adding Cytomel because an Endo that I had when I lived in another part of the state 6 years ago put me on it and it worked wonders! They had the generic available 6 years ago.... this is how out of touch with my condition my "specialist" is.0 -
My first Endocrinologist was awful and actually lied to me about my options. After being miserable for a year just on medication, I finally got a referral to see another Endocrinologist who was like, "Um, if your goiter has shrunk since you first started medication and it's still this big now... I would have recommended surgery from the get-go." That guy was great! He was all about total well-being and was always on my case about getting enough vitamin D. Then my insurance changed. Now I'm back in the same office as the first Endocrinologist but with another doctor, who is the lease personable doc I've ever met in my life and makes me feel stupid when I try to ask for clarification. I think you're right about some docs assuming I/we *should* know or understand certain things about our condition, and this guy always seems annoyed at me if I don't. I definitely need to learn how to be a better advocate for myself.
I hate hearing things like this. Docs have a responsibility to make sure their patients feel listened to. Next time you see your endo let him know he is being an *kitten*, and that he works for you. Ask any questions you might have, and if he still is treating you poorly ask to speak to the hospital or group administrator. Your health is the most important thing, and if he can't be on your team you may need to find someone else.
Good luck!
It's also important to understand that Endos don't just focus on thyroid issues (hypo, hyper, etc.) they also tackle diabetes and other diseases of the endocrine system. Unfortunately, most Endos (at least in my experience) know little to nothing about thyroid specific diseases because they have spent their careers focused on diabetics.
When I discussed Cytomel with my Endo a month ago, he spent 20 minutes explaining to me how it wouldn't do me any good but if I was insistent on it then he would do it anyways. Also telling me that there is no generic for Cytomel and so I would have to pay more for the brand name. I was insisting on adding Cytomel because an Endo that I had when I lived in another part of the state 6 years ago put me on it and it worked wonders! They had the generic available 6 years ago.... this is how out of touch with my condition my "specialist" is.
Ah! You are hitting on everything I'm missing girl!
YES. Endocrinologists often have 'specialties'; you can go to get treated for any endocrine problem, BUT, many specialize in certain things. My sister sees an endocrinologist specializing in PCOS in the same office I see my endo who is incredibly well known for specializing in thyroid and adrenal issues. Diabetes is the most common issue endocrinologists treat, so if anyone ever has issues with your endo, it's definitely worth checking to see what their specialty is... and trying to find an endo who DOES specialize in thyroid.
The pediatric endo I saw who severely underdosed me resulting in adrenal fatigue (near adrenal failure) ended up going on to specialize specifically in pediatric diabetes and no longer even treats thyroid (lucky me, I had her in her residency, and her attending was incompetent/rarely there... long story). Just pointing out: not all endos are the same personality wise, let alone specialty wise.0 -
Wow thanks everyone!!! It gets so discouraging sometimes. The energy level is a huge problem for me. Plus I don't have that much will power to begin with but just trying to take one day at a time and push through this. I have an image in the back of my mind of what I want to look like. I know eventually I'll get there0
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Do you take levothyroxine or Synthroid?
I'm gonna send a FR. I don't have an underactive thyroid, just yet, but Mom developed one in her early 40s and my main goal was to put a metabolism in place in case that happened to me. I don't have a fast metabolism naturally. I've tricked it by eating several meals and snacks throughout the day and building lots of muscle.
I really hope it doesn't happen to me but if it does, I will be READY! lol0 -
Energy was a big thing for me too! Especially since my two favorite things to do are sleeping and playing video games. But once I got my diet worked out (proper nutrition) and started getting to the gym regularly, I started feeling naturally more energetic. Now, if I miss a day at the gym it sets the tone for a pretty lousy day. You'll find your stride. Just keep in mind, on those days when you're feeling discouraged because you're not seeing progress like you expect, that it's not necessarily that you're doing anything wrong. Your thyroid is working against you. Keep your head up, be proud of how far you've come and keep doing what you're doing. You got this!!0
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Hi - I have been on the hypothyroid roller coaster for 13 years now. I was under control for quite sometime but then decided I could magically "cure" myself and quit taking the medications. BAD IDEA! I am now trying to get control of the beast again and it sucks!
The few things I have learned - take your medication at the same time EVERY day, wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking, do not mix with multi-vitamins/calcuim or vitamin D (I take all my supplements before bed), LEARN as much as you can about your condition, be your OWN advocate, find a doctor who will work WITH you and if the doctor does NOT, move on. I advocate for an endocrinologist for you BUT with that said be sure that the doctor does specialize in thyroid conditions. Know your symptoms so that if they return you can discuss with the doctor. Now as for my diet, I eat healthy and clean. Some people feel better on a gluten free diet ... me personally I do not. This is where you are going pay attention to how certain foods make you feel. If you feel sluggish with gluten, try removing it see what happens. For me, I have to have carbohydrates in my diet. I am too lethargic without them.
Also know the medication options, I am currently on Synthroid and Cytomel. Original diagnosis, it was just whatever the pharmacy gave me. Then I found a great endocrinologist - he really LISTENED to me. I read Thyroid Power, went to his office and asked for Cytomel. He listened and put me on it. Amazingly all my results, came back better and I FELT better. I have researched a new medication, Nature-Throid, and I am going to ask my endocrinologist to put me on it. It is natural thyroid not a chemical based one.
As for finding the right doctor, I would say endocrinologist but just not any endocrinologist. Be sure the doctor works with hypothyroid regularly. But maybe your family doctor, is better because he/she may listen to your needs better. If the doctor does NOT listen, time to find a new one. I have been through quite a few doctors because they do not listen to me and how I feel. Each person is different on their thyroid. You could be fine at the "normal" range but my "optimal" range is slightly higher.
A few authors I follow on the condition is Mary Shomon - Thyroid Power and a few other books. She is also on FB and I do follow her and read her articles regularly. Also on FB, I follow Thyroid Sexy. They have great articles, resources as well as lists of doctors that followers have posted on FB.
www.facebook.com/notes/thyroid-sexy/thyroid-sexy-faqs/3102165689973050
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