Thyroid issues

kgibbz · February 2014

Hello, anyone who has thyroid issues hypo or hyper please weigh in. Tell me: whether you are hyper or hypo, if you're medicated, what meds you're on, If you know what your TSH was, and what symptoms led you to be tested.

It runs in my family and last time I was tested my TSH was 3.04 which my doc said was normal. I have been reading reports that .3-3.0 is normal which would make me above normal. I have a myriad of symptoms obviously including weight gain and I'd like to get others' point of view.

THANKS!

ginger_gnome · February 2014

Hi, I've got hypothryroidism. I'm pretty settled now on medication (I take thyroxine) and have been so for the past seven or eight years.

My hypothyroidism was picked up when I had a miscarriage ... the doctor tested and my levels were too low. I don't know if it's medically correct or not but I had glandular fever 18 months before and had felt ill and weak ever since then ... the symptoms I experienced were the same as when I had glandular fever. Ironically I didn't experience any weight gain before I started medication ... but I've made up for it since having my children.

Hope that helps :-)

kgibbz · February 2014

Thanks Ginger I appreciate it!

cari4jc1 · February 2014

I'm also hypothyroid. I'm on 60mg of Armour, just started that about 6 months ago I think. Before that a different doctor had me on 25 mg of levothyroxine. I can't remember for sure what my TSH level was at 1st...I think it was 1. something, but my T3 and T4 levels were pretty low. My TSH level is now around .1-.3...can't remember for sure, but my T3 and T4 levels are good.

My main symptoms were hair loss & extreme fatigue...the fatigue was absolutely debilitating. It took several months, but I finally am feeling better and almost like "normal".

If you do a search in the groups, there's a group for hypothyroid & hyperthyroid that's a great source of support and information.

MostlyWater · February 2014

There are tons of us on the Board with thyroid issues. Do a search.

I have an underactive thyroid. With Synthroid and regular workouts, I managed to lose 25 lbs in middle age and keep them off.

kgibbz · February 2014

Thank you both so much! Ill be joining your group today

jenbk2 · February 2014

I was just diagnosed with hypothyroid. My levels were 4.09. I am on 25 mg of levothyroxine.

Booksandbeaches · February 2014

Hello, anyone who has thyroid issues hypo or hyper please weigh in. Tell me: whether you are hyper or hypo, if you're medicated, what meds you're on, If you know what your TSH was, and what symptoms led you to be tested.

It runs in my family and last time I was tested my TSH was 3.04 which my doc said was normal. I have been reading reports that .3-3.0 is normal which would make me above normal. I have a myriad of symptoms obviously including weight gain and I'd like to get others' point of view.

THANKS!

My husband has a hyperactive thyroid. He's not on anything for it right now. He can go months and months without any thyroid problems at all. When he can sense a flare up, his doctor tests him and gives him the medication for it whose name escapes me now. The first sign of something was was dramatic weight loss without any effort on his part. He didn't need to lose weight either. He had a racing heartbeat and felt hot all the time.

sjp_511 · February 2014

For a long time TSH levels below 5.0 were considered "normal" and not needing medication. Before then, the standards were even higher. As recently as 2008, I had a doctor say my medication level was just fine because my TSH of 9 was in the normal range. I was very tired and gaining weight even while dieting and exercising. Doctor said she didn't believe me when I described my diet and exercise and told me to eat 1200 calories. I think she also thought I had depression contributing to the weight gain - she told me to go to church and find a husband. She even wrote down a checklist for me the included my calorie limit, a list of churches I might like, and traits to look for in a husband. I have not been to that doctor since.

I then struggled for a while to find a doctor that would properly treat my thyroid. My current doctor was increasing my dose very slowly, targeting a TSH of 2.0. She was also checking my T4. When my sybthroid dose got up to 200mcg, she sent me to an endocrinologist. He agrees with the 2.0 target, but now wants to get me down to 1.0 since my husband and I have started to TTC.

So what I am saying is, the "normal range" for TSH has changed a lot over the last few years. And even though the current range with the 3.0 max is several years old, many doctors and labs are very slow to adopt.

Has you T3 and/or T4 also been checked? If they are alright, maybe your doc doesn't want to medicate you slightly high TSH?

Edited since I suck at typing on my phone

lunapetu0311 · February 2014

I was diagnosed 11 years ago with Hypothyroidism. I take 75 mcg of Synthroid daily. I don't know what my levels are -- I should ask but my doctor just tells me if it's okay or not

I was experiencing frequent heart palpitations and extreme fatigue and that is when my doctor tested me and I was low. It's amazing that the symptoms almost immediately disappeared once I started taking the medication. I've never had an issue losing weight though.

Definitely go see a doctor and specifically ask to be retested. If they tell you are normal then maybe get a second opinion. Only because it runs in your family and you are experiencing symptoms. Good luck to you!

msthang444 · February 2014

I am hypothyroid. Just got diagnosed about 3 weeks ago. Tired. Weight gain. borderline depression. can't remember what's what, but one of my numbers was 5.3....

Taking levothyroxine.

Go back for followup tests in about 4 weeks.

mamato3inca · February 2014

Are you seeing and Endocrinologist? The "normal" TSH levels have changed over the years and my Dr treated me when my TSH reached 3.0. My symptoms were fatigue and a little weight gain. I eventually had my thyroid removed because of nodules and my TSH went up to 18.0. Now that was horrible. I could hardly move I was so tired, brain fog, confusion and I gained like 10 pounds pretty quick. I would see an endo who will go off of your symptoms not just "numbers".

CarrieMac28 · February 2014

I have recently diagnosed hypothyroidism. I go to a holistic doctor, and he did extensive blood tests on me, and even though some of the levels he tested for came back in the "normal" range, he told me that our idea of normal is skewed because normal isn't synonymous with healthy, and he said he wants to look at what is optimal rather than what is considered normal. So he's treating me with Armour bioidentical thyroid med, as well as some hormone creams to help regulate various things to get me to optimal health.

Since I started my thyroid meds and hormone creams, I feel a LOT better and no longer need a 3 hour nap in the afternoon. I even have less trouble getting out of bed at a normal time in the morning. I even think my hair is getting thicker! Hard to believe I have put up with these symptoms for 20+ years.

I'm taking new steps with diet and exercise, and hoping that losing weight will finally stick this time.

editorgrrl · February 2014

If you do a search in the groups, there's a group for hypothyroid & hyperthyroid that's a great source of support and information.

Here's a link to the Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism group: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/770-hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism

PinkyFett · February 2014

I have Hashimoto's, I'm hypo, I have no idea what my TSH is because I haven't been tested in over a year, but tsh isn't the only one that matters.

I just started Armour 30 mg 2 months ago. I was on levo for about 2 years. This one is much better, but I'm still not where I should be.

RideRunRepeat · February 2014

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease three years ago. I was mostly hypo...but with this disease it can flip back and forth. I'd strongly recommend you get the opinion of either a specialist or someone who really *understands* hormone problems...I went undiagnosed for years because all the GP's in my area (I tried many when no one could give me answers for my absolutely debilitating symptoms) until finally I went to a specialist and got correctly tested (NOT just TSH - that's not always the most accurate indicator) and my antibody count was literally off the charts. I had depression, severe fatigue and mental fogginess, couldn't remember more than 3 words at a time, was sleeping almost 12 hours a night and started having black outs. Of course the weight gain was there - 65 pounds overweight.

Now I'm on Nature Thyroid and I had to COMPLETELY change my life around...from what I ate, how I excised, and even my sleep patterns...I feel SOOOO much 100% better!! But in order for my body to heal I had to be willing to really change how not only I viewed myself but also how I treated my body.

kgibbz · February 2014

Hi guys! I really appreciate everyone "weighing in" (no pun intended). I went to my OBGYN this morning for a second opinion since my PCP was "skeptical" that anything is really wrong with me. SO... she tested my TSH again. Im waiting for results,but she referred me to an endo anyway because of my symptoms. I'm going to make an appt with them soon.

SunShineBeastess · February 2014

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease three years ago. I was mostly hypo...but with this disease it can flip back and forth. I'd strongly recommend you get the opinion of either a specialist or someone who really *understands* hormone problems...I went undiagnosed for years because all the GP's in my area (I tried many when no one could give me answers for my absolutely debilitating symptoms) until finally I went to a specialist and got correctly tested (NOT just TSH - that's not always the most accurate indicator) and my antibody count was literally off the charts. I had depression, severe fatigue and mental fogginess, couldn't remember more than 3 words at a time, was sleeping almost 12 hours a night and started having black outs. Of course the weight gain was there - 65 pounds overweight.

Now I'm on Nature Thyroid and I had to COMPLETELY change my life around...from what I ate, how I excised, and even my sleep patterns...I feel SOOOO much 100% better!! But in order for my body to heal I had to be willing to really change how not only I viewed myself but also how I treated my body.

I suffered for 2 years with this terrible life - NO ONE would look past the TSH "Normal" reading! Finally I changed GP and then was referred to Endo - I on my own researched and requested the "Anti-body bllod test" that is critical..it can cause you to go untreated because there are times your TSH is normal, but timing would have to be perfrect to catch it with just that test....YOU KNOW YOUR BODY!!! I knew laying on the floor - with a desk job - was not "NORMAL" regardless of blood test. Demand better care for yourself - it is amazing the different life I lead today vs 18 months ago.

Espressocycle · February 2014

I'm hypo and for years I was under-medicated. The docs would always just tell me my labs were "normal" but they were keeping my TSK at 3.9 when 4 is "abnormal." I convinced my doc to add Cytomel to Synthroid because I thought I could benefit from combined T3/T4 therapy. That brought my TSH down around 2.5 and I feel much better. Not sure if the combined therapy makes a difference or if it's just the higher overall hormone dose, but I've been happy with this regimen for a couple years now.

I will point out, however, that I actually got fatter on the higher dosage, possibly because I'm awake a lot more hours which means more snacking.

QuietBloom · February 2014

Hello, anyone who has thyroid issues hypo or hyper please weigh in. Tell me: whether you are hyper or hypo, if you're medicated, what meds you're on, If you know what your TSH was, and what symptoms led you to be tested.

It runs in my family and last time I was tested my TSH was 3.04 which my doc said was normal. I have been reading reports that .3-3.0 is normal which would make me above normal. I have a myriad of symptoms obviously including weight gain and I'd like to get others' point of view.

THANKS!

3.04 is only a tiny tiny bit over normal if you are going with a 0.3 to 3.0 spread.

Be sure you keep getting it checked. I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and have takimg synthetic thyroid for years.

WarriorCupcakeBlydnsr · February 2014

Definintely go to the endo, my tsh was coming up normal and they thought nothing was wrong with me even though I was tired all the time, couldn't lose weight (actually gained 40lbs in a year in spite of eating right and exercising like crazy). Went to the endo and, of course she did a tsh, amongst a whole battery of tests and lo and behold, my tsh was at a 3.49 this time, she said I was in the early phase of a thyroid problem and by having the results from my PCP and then my allergist a few months later normal (my tsh was tested three times in 6 months all total) then hers that was out, she was able to tell what was going on. The other thing she discovered, which is also part of my problem is that I am insulin resistant (ie I am making more and more insulin to keep my blood sugar normal). so there may be more than just a thyroid problem going on, there may be something else too. I just got my meds stabilized for both (I'm on levothyroxine for the thyroid and metformin for the insulin) and I'm just now starting to lose weight.

Stripeness · February 2014

For a long time TSH levels below 5.0 were considered "normal" and not needing medication. Before then, the standards were even higher. As recently as 2008, I had a doctor say my medication level was just fine because my TSH of 9 was in the normal range.

My current doctor was increasing my dose very slowly, targeting a TSH of 2.0. She was also checking my T4. When my sybthroid dose got up to 200mcg, she sent me to an endocrinologist. He agrees with the 2.0 target, but now wants to get me down to 1.0 since my husband and I have started to TTC.

So what I am saying is, the "normal range" for TSH has changed a lot over the last few years. And even though the current range with the 3.0 max is several years old, many doctors and labs are very slow to adopt.

This exactly - and while the normal range is several units wide, an *individual*'s functioning range is frequently much narrower. As this commenter describes (and you'll find on the thyroid board), it's all about finding a good doc who will help YOU. Not make you match someone else's numbers or pretend you're just fine b/c you're somewhere in "normal" range.

Lastly? Whatever you do, get your doc to TEST your resting metabolism rate (RMR). Being on thyroid meds, even with completely "fixed" TSH levels (& correct T3/T4) does NOT guarantee a normal metabolism. At least not immediately. So have it checked - simple & non-invasive. That way your weight loss efforts can be based on your individual FACTS. Not the guesses.

QuietBloom · February 2014

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease three years ago. I was mostly hypo...but with this disease it can flip back and forth. I'd strongly recommend you get the opinion of either a specialist or someone who really *understands* hormone problems...I went undiagnosed for years because all the GP's in my area (I tried many when no one could give me answers for my absolutely debilitating symptoms) until finally I went to a specialist and got correctly tested (NOT just TSH - that's not always the most accurate indicator) and my antibody count was literally off the charts. I had depression, severe fatigue and mental fogginess, couldn't remember more than 3 words at a time, was sleeping almost 12 hours a night and started having black outs. Of course the weight gain was there - 65 pounds overweight.

Now I'm on Nature Thyroid and I had to COMPLETELY change my life around...from what I ate, how I excised, and even my sleep patterns...I feel SOOOO much 100% better!! But in order for my body to heal I had to be willing to really change how not only I viewed myself but also how I treated my body.

Hashimoto's is caused by your immune system attacking your thyroid, killing it off slowly. So it itself does not cause your thyroid levels to fip flop. It's if you have it in conjunction with something else like Grave's Disease.

getdancing2013 · February 2014

I'm hypothyroid but my numbers are usually "normal". So they took me off the medications because I'd lost weight and was "fine." Fast forward after a hard pregnancy, and yep, it came back. But since my numbers were normal they refused to treat it. Went for a second opinion, and the guy just told me to exercise, lose weight, and that I was depressed and needed to just eat better and move more. So I gave up.

I've tried the whole coconut oil thing but not much help. Almost ordered my old prescription but found out ordering stuff without prescriptions but couldn't really find a way to.

Good luck finding a doctor that listens to you...I frankly have given up going to any doctors until I lose at least 50 pounds. Maybe then they'll take me seriously versus just saying to lose weight.

As for losing with hypothyroidism, being on the levothyroxine/other medications is a big health but the key is getting your dose balanced. Once that's done it's a huge help. Good luck to you :flowerforyou:

kgibbz · March 2014

Well the results are in! TSH was 3.31. She sent a referral to an endo near my house... theyre supposed to call me.

RideRunRepeat · March 2014

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease three years ago. I was mostly hypo...but with this disease it can flip back and forth. I'd strongly recommend you get the opinion of either a specialist or someone who really *understands* hormone problems...I went undiagnosed for years because all the GP's in my area (I tried many when no one could give me answers for my absolutely debilitating symptoms) until finally I went to a specialist and got correctly tested (NOT just TSH - that's not always the most accurate indicator) and my antibody count was literally off the charts. I had depression, severe fatigue and mental fogginess, couldn't remember more than 3 words at a time, was sleeping almost 12 hours a night and started having black outs. Of course the weight gain was there - 65 pounds overweight.

Now I'm on Nature Thyroid and I had to COMPLETELY change my life around...from what I ate, how I excised, and even my sleep patterns...I feel SOOOO much 100% better!! But in order for my body to heal I had to be willing to really change how not only I viewed myself but also how I treated my body.

Hashimoto's is caused by your immune system attacking your thyroid, killing it off slowly. So it itself does not cause your thyroid levels to fip flop. It's if you have it in conjunction with something else like Grave's Disease.

I know, you're right, I guess I should have phrased that differently...however I will say that with Hashimoto's many times you can be sensitive to things such as iodine that are normally suggested for supporting the thyroid. And as far as symptoms go, many times when I was still experiencing hyper symptoms such as heart palpitations, anxiety, restless leg, etc.

twinmommy87 · March 2014

I am also hypo. I just got my TSH level checked in February and it is down to a 3.2! So my doctor upped my dosage to 88mcg of Levothyroxine (synthroid). I'm finally starting to feel better not as tired as i used to be thank god! Now if i could just lose a little bit of the weight.... Im working out and eating healthy and nothing! Just have to stick it out and keep up the work I'm putting in im sure ill see results sooner or later!

editorgrrl · March 2014

Now if i could just lose a little bit of the weight.... Im working out and eating healthy and nothing! Just have to stick it out and keep up the work I'm putting in im sure ill see results sooner or later!

I have Hashimoto's and lost way more slowly than most MFPers. Be patient!

playfultippy · March 2014

I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism. My TSH was 43. I was put on 100mcg of Lexothyroxine and was re-tested after 6 weeks. My TSH was down to 6.6, so my dosage of Levo was increased to 150mcg last week. So far, my dry skin has improved dramatically, and I can actually wake up in the morning. Also, I am down 11 pounds since about 2 weeks after I initially started the thyroid meds. I now eat a completely gluten free, low carb diet, and take a lot of vitamins. I take thyroid energy, vitamin d, a multi without iron, vitamin e, milk thistle, a probiotic, and MCT oil.

I do feel better, and expect to continue feeling even better as my hormones start to level out and more weight comes off. Good luck to you!!!

lindsey1979 · March 2014

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease three years ago. I was mostly hypo...but with this disease it can flip back and forth. I'd strongly recommend you get the opinion of either a specialist or someone who really *understands* hormone problems...I went undiagnosed for years because all the GP's in my area (I tried many when no one could give me answers for my absolutely debilitating symptoms) until finally I went to a specialist and got correctly tested (NOT just TSH - that's not always the most accurate indicator) and my antibody count was literally off the charts. I had depression, severe fatigue and mental fogginess, couldn't remember more than 3 words at a time, was sleeping almost 12 hours a night and started having black outs. Of course the weight gain was there - 65 pounds overweight.

Now I'm on Nature Thyroid and I had to COMPLETELY change my life around...from what I ate, how I excised, and even my sleep patterns...I feel SOOOO much 100% better!! But in order for my body to heal I had to be willing to really change how not only I viewed myself but also how I treated my body.

Hashimoto's is caused by your immune system attacking your thyroid, killing it off slowly. So it itself does not cause your thyroid levels to fip flop. It's if you have it in conjunction with something else like Grave's Disease.

Hashimoto's totally can cause you to flip flop, if you still have enough of your thyroid. Basically, when you have an "attack", you go hypo, your body creates more hormones to compensate, the "attack" stops and now you have too much thyroid and are hyper. As more and more of the thyroid is killed off, this happens less and less often because you no longer have the ability to overcompensate and go hyper due to the lack of thyroid functionality so you see people going hypo-normal, more hypo-less hypo and eventually fully overt hypo because their thyroid is essentially gone.

lindsey1979 · March 2014

OP -- I have Hashimoto's but it took a long time to get the correct diagnosis. I saw 4 docs over a period of 10+ years before I finally go the correct diagnosis. Before I finally got to my current specialist, everyone just checked TSH and mine was all over the map and I was told everything was "fine" or "within range", despite having debilitating symptoms from time to time. But since I had it "checked" I just accepted that this was "normal" for me. I didn't really do much independent investigation of what should have been checked -- just relied on the docs. Symptoms got worse and worse as I got older (now 35) and in the last year or so, I investigated more rigorously when I knew something definitely wasn't right. I trained for and ran a half marathon and didn't lose a single pound, and then afterwards meticulously tracked calories and was at a 700+ daily caloric deficit and lost 2.2 lbs over 3 months (I had a good 30 lbs or so to lose, maybe more). So although the docs told me everything was "fine" and "within range", it certainly wasn't.

So, that's when I really started looking into and challenging my doctors on tests and what not. I finally had my T3, T4 and antibodies checked (before that, none of my other 4 docs -- two PCPs and two endos -- had checked any of these! despite having a family history of Hashi's). My doc also checked a bunch of other stuff that can contribute to a lot of the symptoms I was suffering -- fatigue probably being the worst, but also difficulty losing weight, unexplained weight gain, dry hair, brittle nails, constipation, being cold ALL the time, etc. In addition to the Hashi's, he also found insulin resistance and severe deficiencies in Vitamin D and magnesium.

I take Nature-throid at 120 for the thyroid, 2000 of metformin for the insulin resistance and both supplements for magnesium and Vitamin D-3 (as well as a general multi-vitamin). My doc is hopeful that the metformin will be temporary and that I'll be able to reverse the insulin resistance once I take the weight off -- it's not a guarantee, but a possibility (I also eat low carb for the insulin resistance). I feel awesome. Finally all my hard work in diet and exercise is paying off and I'm finally starting to lose like a "normal" person. It's so great to not feel cold all the time, no more constipation, sleeping all through the night most nights (before this, I don't think I ever slept completely through the night in my entire life), no more bouts of fatigue (yet). Plus, it's awesome to see the weight finally coming off, not to feel super crazy about it and to have the validation that I'm not in denial, unable to count calories, etc.

Thyroid issues

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