Thyroid Issues

Back in 1999, approximately 6 mos after losing my mother, I went to the doctor complaining of fatigue, moodiness, cold fingertips, hair growth on my face, decreased libido, dry skin and difficulty losing weight. At that time, I was basically told that I was depressed! I insisted on lab work and to please include B12 and check my thyroid levels! Low and behold, my thryoid was way out of wack (hypothyroidism) and my B12 levels were low. I've since been taking Synthroid and B12 injections and all my symptoms have disappeared. Listen to your body and be persistent with your doctor! Good luck to you!

I have thyroid issues and it does not seem to matter what I do. I take meds and feel the same as when I don't take meds. Cant loose weight for nothing but can sneeze and gain 3 lbs. I have never understood what is going on with my body. I honestly don't like the meds do anything for me and recently stopped them.

I would suggest finding a Dr that will prescribe a T4/T3 blend, either natural or synthetic. Naturopaths are good at this. I felt a lot better once I started taking some T3 (the active form of the hormone) along with the T4. Some of us have problems converting the T4 to T3. Google the info. Also, as stated above, you need to take your medication on an empty stomach. I wait 2 hours to eat because I always eat something with calcium for breakfast and that will prevent absorption of the hormone. If you take supplements, you should wait to take them until the afternoon.

I still have a hard time losing weight, but can maintain much easier and my symptoms are much better. The fatigue is something I couldn't live with. The Thyroid Solution Diet (Arem, Ridha) was a great resource of information for me - not just for diet, but for his views on medication. It was in my local library.

I have no thyroid due to thyroid cancer. Getting your levels balanced with medication is a moving target. I think you have to have ideal body chemistry also in terms of what you eat. No processed foods, low sugar, lots of vegetables and fruits to balance your insulin levels, good sleep, exercise and things to manage stress. Hydration is important also. I have spent five years figuring this out and keeping my weight where I want it to be is more challenging than ever.

My worst and scariest symptom was brain fog. I locked my keys in my car several times. I had 3 small children at the time so being forgetful and in a fog was very bad. Also as others have pointed out just because you get medication doesn't mean you will automatically lose weight. It is still a struggle but can be done. I can tell when my levels are off because the brain fog comes back.

I've been on synthroid since November. Gained 30 pounds since on it, and was overweight before that. I've lost 15, but I've been working my butt off to do it. I was extremely tired, depressed, losing hair, nails cracking and peeling, severe night sweats, the list goes on. I have noticed a decrease in my symptoms, but it is very hard to lose weight. Go see an endo. Good luck!

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Levothyroxine (thyroid hormone replacement) is not usually associated with weight gain.

Hypothyroidism can cause high levels of LDL cholesterol- many doctors I've worked with fail to mention this.