Thyroid?

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Lizshouse88
Lizshouse88 Posts: 81
in Food and Nutrition
After posting another topic, the idea was brought up that I COULD (not necessarily do) have thyroid problems because I weigh 354lbs and in order to lose weight I have to eat 1200-1800 calories a day (less than that if you include exercise). If I eat what MFP recommends (2,500) I gain weight.

Well, I guess now my mind is trying to work and it's making me wonder if they may be right. I have a doctor apt tomorrow and I know my doctor well enough that he probably won't just take my word for it so I need to learn a little about this so I can convince him to do some bloodwork to be sure this isn't a problem with me :)

After looking up hypothyroidism, I saw that fatigue is a symptom. I NEED 10-12hours of sleep a night or I am a zombie during the day. I could sleep 12-14 hours a night if I could ever get to bed early enough. I guess needing so few calories to lose weight could also be a symptom. What do you guys think? Anyone have thyroid problems? Can you help me out here :)

Replies

  • BJC78
    BJC78 Posts: 324 Member
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    I have hypothyroidism (underactive) . Your dr shouldn't complain or resist in your request to have a blood panel drawn to test thyroid... does any one else in your family have it? I've been back on my meds and stable for 4 months and my energy level is wayyy up. Good luck at the dr tomorrow :)
  • tameko2
    tameko2 Posts: 31,634 Member
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    fatigue is a symptom of a MILLION things unfortunately, including just being very overweight. I have a friend that's around 300 and he finds that doctors tend to blow ALL his symptoms off as "you're fat, lose weight".

    and hey, maybe that's all it is but maybe not.

    Have you ruled out food allergies/intolerances like gluten intolerance?

    I don't know what kind of food you are eating, but are you eating enough good fats and fiber?
  • eggplantlover
    eggplantlover Posts: 8
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    I too have an underactive thyroid, found out last June. Other signs are brittle nails, hair following out, tired, depression, the list is pretty long, which is a bummer, but once you get on the meds and they find your right level, you should be good to go!! I have to tell you it has taken me a while to find out the right level and my weight loss is still slow. One more thing you can ask to have checked is vitamin B, this will help with energy levels. GOOD LUCK!!
  • NikkisNewStart
    NikkisNewStart Posts: 1,100 Member
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    I have hypothyroidism also (diagnosed since 2002)... last time I checked YOU were the patient who was paying for a service from the doctor and if he doesn't listen to your concerns... find a new doctor. Have him do a full panel and if anything is awry... make an appointment with an endocrinologist so you can make sure your treatment is fully taken care of. No offense to general doctors or whatever... but a specialist is who you should see if your panel comes back as being hypo!

    PS- I also have B12 anemia (diagnosed by my endo) so even though my thyroid levels are now regulated- I'm still tired constantly and am about to start on B12 shots.
  • LaylaClapton
    LaylaClapton Posts: 29
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    Request a complete set of tests: blood, metabolic, glucose, lipids.....all of them.

    Make sure he goes over the results with you until you understand what they mean.

    You're on the right track, good luck!
  • Shanzstar
    Shanzstar Posts: 197
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    This is just me, I have hypothyroid also. I have been theraputic for a few years now! thank the lord! It was a mess when i was having babies and gained ALOt. i have found that watching added sugars and the bad carbs have helped me a ton. I dont have problems losing weight eating the calories it tells me to eat. once you are theraputic dont worry about it. you'll get there! I should add that hypothyroidism is fairly common so I'm surprised your doctor hasnt checked it. Also, i had to be switched to regular synthroid and not the generic. Sometimes the generic drugs are full of "fillers". I felt a world of difference once that happened and stayed theraputic after.
  • 2coolboyz
    2coolboyz Posts: 7
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    I also have hypothyroidism, and there are many symptoms including fatigue! Most docs won't test for it normally, but don't resist if you ask for it either. Dry skin, hair loss, constipation, and fatigue are just a few symptoms. If you end up on meds I'm sure you'll feel a lot better! I've been on them for over 10 years, and can tell when my levels are off. I was the first in my family to have it that I know of. I would definately talk to your doc about your nutrition and calorie goals as well. Good luck!!
  • Lizshouse88
    Lizshouse88 Posts: 81
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    I too have an underactive thyroid, found out last June. Other signs are brittle nails, hair following out, tired, depression, the list is pretty long, which is a bummer, but once you get on the meds and they find your right level, you should be good to go!! I have to tell you it has taken me a while to find out the right level and my weight loss is still slow. One more thing you can ask to have checked is vitamin B, this will help with energy levels. GOOD LUCK!!

    WOW, my nails break off like they are paper, my hair comes out in clumps every morning, i've been depressed since I was like 13.... haha you couldn't have come any closer to describing me. I guess those could be symptoms of other things too, but wow! lol

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