Hi, I'm fighting hypothyrodism and obesity. Anyone with me?

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Hello,

I am Gaya from India, a 37 year old working mom settled in the Middle East.

I have always been a slightly overweight person but have been full of confidence and energy till about 6 years back when I started gradually gaining weight and losing a lot of hair. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and my TSH level was about 6. My doctor prescribed me 50 mg of thyroxine.

I have never been consistent with a good diet or exercise and my stress levels have also been very high as I battled some personal family problems have a hectic job. I started eating the wrong food at short intervals just to pacify myself. The weight kept creeping in and here I am from 68 kilos to 82 kilos now.

My hair started falling off and I was panicking as I couldn't face people or make new friends any more. I am no longer confident about myself!

Three months back I checked my TSH level and was shocked to see that from 6 it had gone up to 35! My doctor increased the dosage to 125 mg of thyroxine with some Biotin and Vitamin C supplements. I feel a little more energetic now and my hairfall problem has become a tad better. But, my weight has remained the same!

I'm so glad I found MFP as I think this is going to change my life and the way I think and feel. I feel so happy and motivated to read success stories here! Today is my second day of logging in my food and exercise and I cant believe that I feel much better already!

I would love to make new friends and hear advise and suggestions from people with similar health problems. I need your support and encouragement, guys!

Thanks and regards
Gayathri:smile:

Replies

  • samhradh
    samhradh Posts: 297 Member
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    Hi Gaya,

    There is a very supportive group for people who are Hypothyroid.
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/753-hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism

    You may also get excellent advice from these Facebook pages:

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/FTPOThyroid/

    https://www.facebook.com/thyroidsexy?fref=ts
  • FP4HSharon
    FP4HSharon Posts: 664 Member
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    Hi Gaya,

    I also have hypothyroidism, although never had the levels you're dealing with. I hope that they can get your levels stable & at a good level soon, & I'm sure that'll help you feel better. At the very least, if your levels are that far off, once they get it under control, you should start losing some weight easier. Be aware that many labs use outdated info for current recommendations by the American Society of Endocrinologists. A leading expert recommends trying to maintain between 0.5 and 2.5. He wrote the book, "Thyroid for Dummies," which I'd recommend getting, because it talks about foods & meds that could cause thyroid problems, as well as good management. This website also has a lot of good info...

    http://thyroid.about.com/

    Coconut is supposed to be very good for hypothyroid issues. When I started eating an Archway Coconut Macaroon a day (I wouldn't eat more than that or it can cause digestive issues), I was able to cut my thyroid med dose in half almost right away.

    On the hair loss, I lost so much hair that people thought I was on chemo. But a hair stylist recommended Nioxin products, I started using those & it stopped the excessive hair loss, & also made the hair I had look like more. You can only buy the products at hair salons or salon supply stores. Kind of pricey, but you only have to use a little bit of the product each time & well worth it. Would also recommend a shorter haircut, until the problem is resolved, because it'll make you look like you have more hair.

    www.nioxin.com