thyroid issues, only gaining weight please help me
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i'm hypo, not hyper - but you shouldn't be putting on weight with hyper. I know with my hypo that I had to fiddle with my meds and now my doc listens to me about it because I asked if I could try a few things and they worked. The docs are educated and brilliant, but they don't feel what it's like inside your body. I'd be saying 'this is the only thing different with my life - I eat the same, excercise the same and theres no other reason for me to have put on weight. Is it medication-related or should I go to an endocrinologist;
Thyroid conditions are a *****, but once your meds are right you can operate 'normally' so keep pushing until you're happy.0 -
I would find a new doctor, if possible. Best of luck.0
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i'm hypo, not hyper - but you shouldn't be putting on weight with hyper.
The info out there on hypo vs. hyper thyroid tends to be black-and-white, but the truth is a mottled shade of grey.
Many people put on weight when hyperthyroid, for a variety of reasons. For me, it was that I was so hyperthyroid that I ingested sugar constantly in order for my body to have enough quick energy for fuel. That also resulted in me gaining about 20 lbs. (I actually lost that 20 lbs while hypothyroid from anti-thyroid meds)0 -
i'm hypo, not hyper - but you shouldn't be putting on weight with hyper.
The info out there on hypo vs. hyper thyroid tends to be black-and-white, but the truth is a mottled shade of grey.
Many people put on weight when hyperthyroid, for a variety of reasons. For me, it was that I was so hyperthyroid that I ingested sugar constantly in order for my body to have enough quick energy for fuel. That also resulted in me gaining about 20 lbs. (I actually lost that 20 lbs while hypothyroid from anti-thyroid meds)
interestingly it's always been explained to me as black and white with a grey area in the middle that covers both - i guess they still really don't know a lot obout these disorders as theyre quite unpredictable.
I've always been told that hyper = weight loss and potential heart complications, but they mainly focus on the hypo side of things as thats what i am.
Technically I'd say you didn't put on 20lb from being hyper, it was from trying to handle that by eating too much sugar - but I guess indirectly it did cause it. Just like my thyroid didn't cause me to gain weight, it caused me to lack energy and because I didn't handle that properly i put on weight and now that i'm handling it properly i'm losing weight.0 -
What is TSH then? You do realize that it stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone don't you?
Thyrotropin, or TSH, is a pituitary hormones that is indirectly elevated or reduced by levels of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream. When the hyopthalamus senses low blood levels of thyroid hormone, it puts out thyrotrpoin releasing hormone, which prompts the pituitary to put out more TSH in an effort to get the thyroid making more hormone. Higher levels of TSH generally indicate that the pituitary is getting more desperate in getting the thyroid to produce more hormone.
Previously the TSH test was the only reliable, readily available test for the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, and therefore thyroid hormones could only be tested indirectly in this fashion. Now there are readily available, direct, reliable tests for the thyroid hormones T3 and T4.
The TSH test is not sufficient as a stand-alone diagnostic or treatment and dosing tool, because thyroids are VERY individual, and a "normal" TSH for one person might not be "optimal" for someone else. The "normal range" for TSH is also something very hotly debated in the medical community, as the original standards set were based on thousands of people's test results, but none of those people were first tested to see if they were hypothyroid. Therefore the top range of "normal" is actually hypothyroid.
As well, a "normal" TSH is only the 2nd step in a large chain of events. The pituitary can put out a specific amount of TSH, but if the thyroid doesn't have enough available iodine molecules it can't make thyroid hormone, or if the individual consumes too many goitrogenic foods these may block the body's ability to utilize the iodine molecules. If there are antibodies attacking the thyroid it may put out too much or too little thyroid hormone. If you are deficient in Vit B12, iron, zinc, selenium, or copper then your body may not be able to convert T4 hormone into the more active T3 hormone (by dropping a single iodine molecule). If you don't have sufficient Vit D levels your body is unable to use T3 at the cellular level.
Note that deficiencies in vitamins and minerals required for T4->T3 conversion, and/or a deficiency in Vit D, would result in "normal" TSH levels but in hypothyroid symptoms for the patient.No one said it was produced by the thyroid but may be relevant as it stimulates it, as you say.
The commenter I was responding too implied that the TSH test was the definitive guide for whether the OP had a thyroid issue or not. I was pointing out that he lacked the knowledge to be making such a point.0 -
interestingly it's always been explained to me as black and white with a grey area in the middle that covers both - i guess they still really don't know a lot obout these disorders as theyre quite unpredictable.
I've always been told that hyper = weight loss and potential heart complications, but they mainly focus on the hypo side of things as thats what i am.
When I was first diagnosed as a teen I was rail-thin and scrawny. It wasn't until the issues resurfaced in later years that I had further complications around the weight gain (which I really do attribute primarily to the foods I consumed, and couldn't NOT consume). I remember finally getting back on anti-thyroid meds and being able to say no to a chocolate bar (and not even wanting it), and cried I was so happy.
Definitely potential heart issues with hyperthyroid, as well as bone density loss and potential early osteoporosis. Many people call hyperthyroid the "good" one to get because of the expected/usual weight loss, but it's really scary, terrible weight loss as it's generally loss of muscle mass (and your heart is a muscle).
I do think there's more focus on hypothyroid as that's more common than hyper. I'm now hypo after a total thyroidectomy (to treat the graves, and for thyroid cancer) and have certainly learned a lot - and I was pretty knowledgeable prior!0 -
No one said it was produced by the thyroid but may be relevant as it stimulates it, as you say.
The commenter I was responding too implied that the TSH test was the definitive guide for whether the OP had a thyroid issue or not. I was pointing out that he lacked the knowledge to be making such a point.
sometimes it is... my thyroid problem was only revealed when they did a TSH test0 -
No one said it was produced by the thyroid but may be relevant as it stimulates it, as you say.
The commenter I was responding too implied that the TSH test was the definitive guide for whether the OP had a thyroid issue or not. I was pointing out that he lacked the knowledge to be making such a point.
sometimes it is... my thyroid problem was only revealed when they did a TSH test
The problem I'm referring to is when people only get a TSH test, and their doctor says they have no thyroid problem when they actually do. So yes, your TSH was maybe "abnormal" enough for an initial diagnosis, but many, many people are told they are "fine" or "normal" when they are in fact hypothyroid.
It would also have been revealed by a direct test of your thyroid hormones. TSH testing does have a place (at least before you start taking thyroid meds), just not as a stand-alone tool because it doesn't provide a full picture of the system.
I didn't say it's not relevant - I said it shouldn't be the definitive guide.0 -
Because she couldn't possibly do both at the same time could she?
That's fair. I've seen his comments before and am not a fan of his approach, and allowed myself to get annoyed by a stranger on the internet. I felt his comment was dismissive of the medical concerns and responded with something equally dismissive, which isn't very mature of me.0 -
What is TSH then? You do realize that it stands for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone don't you?
Thyrotropin, or TSH, is a pituitary hormones that is indirectly elevated or reduced by levels of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream. When the hyopthalamus senses low blood levels of thyroid hormone, it puts out thyrotrpoin releasing hormone, which prompts the pituitary to put out more TSH in an effort to get the thyroid making more hormone. Higher levels of TSH generally indicate that the pituitary is getting more desperate in getting the thyroid to produce more hormone.
Previously the TSH test was the only reliable, readily available test for the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, and therefore thyroid hormones could only be tested indirectly in this fashion. Now there are readily available, direct, reliable tests for the thyroid hormones T3 and T4.
The TSH test is not sufficient as a stand-alone diagnostic or treatment and dosing tool, because thyroids are VERY individual, and a "normal" TSH for one person might not be "optimal" for someone else. The "normal range" for TSH is also something very hotly debated in the medical community, as the original standards set were based on thousands of people's test results, but none of those people were first tested to see if they were hypothyroid. Therefore the top range of "normal" is actually hypothyroid.
As well, a "normal" TSH is only the 2nd step in a large chain of events. The pituitary can put out a specific amount of TSH, but if the thyroid doesn't have enough available iodine molecules it can't make thyroid hormone, or if the individual consumes too many goitrogenic foods these may block the body's ability to utilize the iodine molecules. If there are antibodies attacking the thyroid it may put out too much or too little thyroid hormone. If you are deficient in Vit B12, iron, zinc, selenium, or copper then your body may not be able to convert T4 hormone into the more active T3 hormone (by dropping a single iodine molecule). If you don't have sufficient Vit D levels your body is unable to use T3 at the cellular level.
Note that deficiencies in vitamins and minerals required for T4->T3 conversion, and/or a deficiency in Vit D, would result in "normal" TSH levels but in hypothyroid symptoms for the patient.No one said it was produced by the thyroid but may be relevant as it stimulates it, as you say.
The commenter I was responding too implied that the TSH test was the definitive guide for whether the OP had a thyroid issue or not. I was pointing out that he lacked the knowledge to be making such a point.
Maybe you interpreted it that way because of your admitted dislike of his approach. I certainly did not read it that way. If you have thyroid issues, logging your food accurately is arguably more important than if you don't.0 -
Hi
Im turning here because not to sound dramatic,I think ive lost hope and really need advice. I gave birth in april 2011. In jan 2012 I was diagnosed hyperthyroid because of tremors and losing 20 pounds. I was quickly placed on methimazole and tossed to the wind. Fast forward 1 year to today, I have gained 46 pounds despite every effort of my being. I eat around 1500 calories a day, I do zumba,power walk and strength train 5 days a week for 45 minutes. No matter what I just keep getting fatter. Im depressed because of this. Ive never been this big and every 2 months I have to buy new jeans. I feel tired,cold and achy all over. My last labs were this past Monday
Tsh 0.67
Free t3 3.07
Free t4 1.07
My doctor says my levels are good and i shouldnt be gaining. Ive gained 3 more pounds since then? She did check my cortisol and its low. She says that it makes no sense. Im a medical mystery?
As someone else said, go to stopthethyroidmadness.com. Try to find a Doc. who will check your REVERSE t3. If it is too high, in relationship to your Free t3, you will be tired, cold and achy.0 -
Because she couldn't possibly do both at the same time could she?
That's fair. I've seen his comments before and am not a fan of his approach, and allowed myself to get annoyed by a stranger on the internet. I felt his comment was dismissive of the medical concerns and responded with something equally dismissive, which isn't very mature of me.
You seem to be making all kinds of inferences based on my intake questions. You then made claims about my knowledge on this topic when, if you'll scroll back and read, you'll see that I've never made any claims about her thyroid, or any statements about TSH being a thyroid hormone. But you decided to call my apparent lack of knowledge into question because you didn't like my questions.
I'm not sure why you feel the need to personally attack me as I've not done the same to you.
My questions still stand, and nowhere in my questioning did I ever suggest that the OP disregard her pursuit of further treatment or a second opinion.
Thermodynamics is still very, very relevant.0 -
Is this your primary physician or an endocrinologist? If it's the former, I highly recommend seeing an endocrinologist to have this sorted out. If it's an endocrinologist, I'd get a second opinion.0
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I have Hashimoto's (auto immune disorder that slowly kills your thyroid) and I had all the symptoms you describe for years before I got diagnosed (freezing, depression, weight gain etc) I have been on a correct dosage of meds since 2007 and all is better!
It sounds like you went from hyperthyroid to hypothyroid! Your levels must be whacked out because of your new meds!
Go see a specialist and get your medications right!
I hope you will feel better soon!!! I know it must feel horrible, doing all these things and not getting results, hang in there, it will get better!0 -
I was diagnosed with hyper thyroid about 2 years ago. I have to get blood work every 6 months due to a medication I'm on and my doctor just goes ahead and checks everything.
My thyroid levels came back showing I was hyper thyroid and I was dropping a lot of weight. I had an ultra sound on my thyroid as well as a radio active test.
I was referred to an endocrinologist who kept ordering more blood work and did not want to put me on medication for the hyper thyroid because she told me it basically kills the thyroid. What they discovered is that I have nodules on my thyroid that caused me to go hyper thyroid for a few months and after a few months of being miserable and getting rail thin, they evened out.0 -
I have a hypothyroid as well. I know the difficulties of gaining. I was eating 1200 calories and working out 2 hours a dayand still gaining. It was depressing. People would say I was closet eating or eating during the night unaware, but I knew better. As soon as I visited another doctor and got my meds at a right level FOR ME, I felt much better. I worked out 1 hour a day ate 1200 calories and the weight melted off. What some doctors consider a normal level, others do not. Some say a 4 is a fine level, where other think a 3 is better. Some women work better at a 2 range. Your doctor should work with you on this. She/ he should consider raising your dose for a while under medical supervision. If they will not consider it, I would consider another opinion. There is no need to feel the way you do. Good luck!0
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Do you see your regular physician, or an endocrinologist? My doctor reccomended I go to an endocrinologist because they're more educated about this issue. It's their job. I go to one, and ever since, I have not gained weight. Maybe you need a new medication?0
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I have Hashimoto's (auto immune disorder that slowly kills your thyroid) and I had all the symptoms you describe for years before I got diagnosed (freezing, depression, weight gain etc) I have been on a correct dosage of meds since 2007 and all is better!
It sounds like you went from hyperthyroid to hypothyroid! Your levels must be whacked out because of your new meds!
Go see a specialist and get your medications right!
I hope you will feel better soon!!! I know it must feel horrible, doing all these things and not getting results, hang in there, it will get better!
Thank you . I think you are right and I am so surprised at the number of replies I have recieved and I am so touched at the kind words. Thank you everyone,im going to really make my endo listen to me or its going to be on to the next doc!!0
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